Headlight Support Patents (Class 362/476)
  • Patent number: 7604382
    Abstract: A vehicle component assembly for a straddle type vehicle (e.g., a motor scooter) is provided that can increase the space for internal components in the front portion of the vehicle. The assembly comprises a front portion of a vehicle body cover located at a front portion of the straddle type vehicle. A vehicle component and a vehicle component holder are disposed within the front portion of the vehicle body cover between a head pipe and a headlight of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle component comprises a battery. Preferably, the vehicle component assembly is configured such that a lower portion of the vehicle component is located below an upper portion of the headlight of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaru Ohira, Torao Matsuzawa
  • Patent number: 7585095
    Abstract: The technology described herein provides an illuminated motorcycle safety and vanity light bar for conveying an illuminated identification or vanity message. The safety and vanity light bar for a motorcycle includes a light bar having an outwardly facing message surface area for illumination from an internal light source and a plurality of transparent optical apertures disposed upon the outwardly facing message surface area of the light bar. A message is displayed upon the message surface area and illuminated with illumination from the internal light source through the plurality of transparent optical apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Sheriff
  • Patent number: 7578608
    Abstract: A compact headlight for a motor vehicle having a light source with a substantially horizontal axis extending substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the headlight. The headlight does not have a reflector and includes a lens which receives the light rays emitted from the light source and produces a light beam with cut-off. According to one embodiment, the light source and the lens are formed in a single unit wherein the light source is formed from one or more light emitting diodes and the lens is formed from a heat-resistant synthetic material which is molded onto at least one luminous surface of the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Pierre Albou
  • Patent number: 7556410
    Abstract: A headlight device (27) for motor vehicle includes a plurality of headlight units (29 and 30). At least one of those headlight units is a movable headlight unit (30) having a light distribution adjusting mechanism (83) for changing a range of illumination during a cornering of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignees: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Nakano, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Mikio Domoto, Tadashi Nomura, Shoichi Bamba
  • Patent number: 7549676
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle is constructed to allow the positions at which the headlights are attached to be designed freely, and allows a large amount of design freedom in the vicinity of each headlight. Left and right brackets are detachably mounted to the body frame so as to be below the left and right front fenders, respectively, and the left and right headlights are mounted to the left and right brackets, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayuki Uchiyama
  • Publication number: 20090141510
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus is mounted to a lower end of a front fork that supports a front wheel via a bearing portion. The lighting apparatus has a housing, an upper surface of which includes a bottom case receiving surface formed thereon. The bottom case receiving surface is shaped so that an outer periphery of a bottom case can fit therein. A rubber sheet is placed between the bottom case and the bottom case receiving surface to offer vibration isolation property. A bolt is screwed into a threaded hole in the bottom case so as to penetrate through a mounting portion having the bottom case receiving surface, so that the lighting apparatus is secured to the bottom case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Koshi HAYAKAWA
  • Patent number: 7537362
    Abstract: A vehicular lighting system that enhances motorcycle visibility is provided. Vehicle front headlights, arranged so as to be laterally symmetrical, are formed in a shape of eyes capable of evoking a face. A headlight includes a circular main light forming a pupil portion, an annular ring forming an iris portion, plates each forming a sclera portion (white of eye), an upper frame forming the contour of an upper eyelid portion, and a lower frame forming the contour of a lower eyelid portion. When the main light and the plates are made to emit light, and the ring is non-light emitting, the pupil portion and the sclera portion are clearly discriminated from each other, thus enabling recognition as “eyes” not only in the daytime but also in the nighttime. The light emitting portions may be set as the main light, the upper frame and the lower frame, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumitsu Kushida, Yoshiyuki Matsumoto, Yutaka Murata
  • Patent number: 7507007
    Abstract: A power-generating illumination device for the bicycle comprises comprising at least one permanent magnet disposed onto wheel spokes so as to form a rotor, an induction coil assembly mounted onto a fork for forming a stator, such that during the rotation of the rotor, the induction coil assembly may be cut by magnetic lines of force to generate electrical energy for being outputted to a light-emitting unit, characterized in between the induction coil assembly and the light-emitting unit is provided with a control unit at least including a wave detector, a wave filter, and a current limiting resistor so that the wave detector, the wave filter, and the current limiting resistor are connected together to form a loop, thereby detecting and filtering polarity of voltage of the generated electrical energy and lowering the resonating frequency to maintain the service life and illuminative brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Yin Jhong Jhao
  • Patent number: 7500770
    Abstract: A tail light assembly for a motorcycle includes a first array of at least one LED in illuminated in at least a first color. The first group of LEDs operates in a non-operating condition, a running condition where each LED of the first array is illuminated at first intensity, and a braking condition where each LED is illuminated at a second, brighter intensity. A second array of at least one LED is illuminated in at least a second color. The second array operates in a non-operating condition, and a flashing condition where each LED of the second array alternates between being illuminated and not illuminated. Each LED of the first array is illuminated at the first or the second intensity while each LED of the second array alternates between being illuminated and not illuminated in the flashing condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Medina
  • Patent number: 7401953
    Abstract: A motorcycle wherein it is possible to easily identify the state of a headlight and flasher lamps covered with a common outer lens. A a headlight is disposed in a central portion of a light unit in a transverse direction of the motorcycle. A pair of left and right flasher lamps is disposed on left and right sides of the headlight. A common outer lens covers the left and right flasher lamps and the headlight. An upper edge of a light opening in a handlebar cover has left and right interposed parts extending downward to be interposed between the headlight and the left and right flasher lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Isayama
  • Patent number: 7367701
    Abstract: A motorcycle headlight assembly that has simplified structure that cost less to manufacture and assemble than a conventional headlight. The headlight assembly may enhance the rigidity of the headlight assembly and decrease the number of components. The headlight assembly can include a headlight, a right indicator, left indicator and a bodywork cover. The bodywork cover is connected to the headlight cap and configured to overlay the front part of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Hsien Lee
  • Publication number: 20070285935
    Abstract: A passing lamp assembly for a motorcycle. A mount arm extends between opposite end portions and is mounted below the headlight of a motorcycle. A spherical element having a through-hole passing therethrough is formed at the mount arm end portions. Passing lamps are pivotally mounted above the spherical elements by stems attached to the lamps and passing through the spherical elements. Spherical washers are mounted around the stem between the passing lamp and the spherical element, and between the underside of the spherical element and a fastener. First and second turn signals are mounted below the spherical elements by turn signal mounts and are not pivotally movable relative to the mount arm. The turn signal mounts conceal mounting hardware for the passing lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Thiers, Mark Blankers
  • Patent number: 7293900
    Abstract: A light attaching device includes a base member having a bottom portion for attaching onto a bicycle portion, a housing pivotally attached to the base member and having a lock member for engaging with a spring latch of the base member and having an internal gear. A coupling strap may detachably attach the base member to the bicycle portion. A shaft is slidably engaged in the housing and has a gear for meshing with the internal gear of the housing and for adjustably positioning the shaft to the housing at selected angular position. A light device may be attached to the shaft and adjusted relative to the housing at the selected angular position together with the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Wen Sung Lee
  • Publication number: 20070236949
    Abstract: A position guide is disposed adjacent a main reflector (head reflector) and formed such that a position width dimension w1 of the position guide is less than a main width dimension of the main reflector. A position bulb is disposed in the position guide. In another embodiment, the position guide is generally tubular and has a front opening disposed generally forwardly of the main reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Kouji Kurihara
  • Patent number: 7249875
    Abstract: A light rack assembly for off-road vehicles capable of surviving high vibration loads generated in off-road racing. Each assembly comprises at least one headlight sub-assembly having a center of gravity that, when mounted to the frame of the light rack assembly, resides in a spherical zone defined by the effective radius of the light and the mounting points of the light housing. Each light is isolated from vibration of the vehicle and can be individually adjusted to the preference of the driver without tools. The light rack assembly can be quickly removed from the vehicle, or be mounted such that the assembly can be rotated to adjust the light beams while the vehicle is in motion and rotated to retract the assembly to protect the lights when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Baja Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan R. Roach, Stephen J. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7244055
    Abstract: An illumination device for single-track motor vehicles that emits bundled light in the form of a light beam bundle, that in a first propagation direction (A) is aimed at the roadway area located in front of the motor vehicle. The illumination device (SCH) comprises a light module (LIM) that emits light in a second propagation direction (B) and where at least one optical reflection device (SPI) is arranged in the beam path of the light. Light emitted by the light module (LIM), first of all, will hit the optical reflection device (SPI) and then will be deflected by the latter into the first propagation direction (A). At least one optical reflection device (SPI) can be swung around at least one swing axis. According to the invention, at least one swing axis (SA1) lies essentially in a plane that extends parallel to the longitudinal vehicle midplane (FLE) or that is the longitudinal vehicle midplane (FLE).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Zizala Lichtsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Kanzler, Alfred Scheichelbauer
  • Patent number: 7188980
    Abstract: To provide a head light system comprising first and second bulbs, wherein a coupler can be attached and detached smoothly and the appearance can be made favorable. A first movable-side coupler and a second movable-side coupler are attached to and detached from a first fixed-side coupler for a first bulb and a second fixed-side coupler for a second bulb, respectively. The first fixed-side coupler and the second fixed-side coupler are disposed substantially in the same plane. The attaching and detaching directions of the first and second movable-side couplers are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal directions of the first bulb and the second bulb. The first fixed-side coupler is so disposed that the second fixed-side coupler is not located in the attaching and detaching direction of the first movable-side coupler attached to and detached from the first fixed-side coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukimi Ase, Shigeru Kodaira, Tetsuya Kondo
  • Patent number: 7066293
    Abstract: In a front structure of a motorcycle body, a meter unit is installed in such a manner that it can be shifted between a normal position and a bulb replacing position. The position of the meter unit is set such that, at the normal position, the lower end of the meter unit is lower than the upper end line of a bulb mounting and removing portion disposed in the rear surface of a head lamp unit and, at the bulb replacing position, the meter unit lower rear portion is higher than the upper end line H1 of the bulb mounting and removing portion. The meter unit is mounted directly on the head lamp unit and, when viewed from the side surface of the motorcycle body, the meter unit is superimposed on top of a cowling brace which is used to fix a front cowling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Takashige Kakizoe
  • Patent number: 7048083
    Abstract: A motorcycle including a frame having a backbone and engine carrier prevents the need for front support bars. The power plant is secured to the backbone and engine carrier and may be quickly removed. The power plant turns a hydraulic pump that transfers power to a hydraulic motor via hydraulic fluid. A reservoir of hydraulic fluid is preferably contained in the backbone. The hydraulic motor is contained in a swing arm and connects to one side of the rear wheel. The hydraulic motor acts as both a drive unit and a braking unit. Lights may be secured to the engine carrier to provide a better view of the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Paradigm Technologies, L.L.P.
    Inventors: Mark R. Carpenter, Jess D. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 6883949
    Abstract: A light pipe having one or more exterior protrusions that function as a secondary light source and an alignment component. The one or more exterior protrusions may provide a secondary light source by reflecting light from a primary light source. The one or more exterior protrusions also may function to align the light pipe with a lamp assembly or an object on which the light pipe is mounted. Further, a lamp assembly having a light pipe receiving portion, with one or more slits to allow an opening to expand upon insertion of the light pipe, and to provide a retention force upon contraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Goto, Andras Gyimes, Ronald Charles Du Pont, Dragos Luca
  • Publication number: 20040246733
    Abstract: A warning light of bicycle comprises a flashlight comprising a battery compartment including spaced, arcuate projections around a forward extension, a rear holed tab for connection to a lanyard, and a bottom slot; a cylindrical LED carrier assembly including rear contacts electrically interconnecting cells and LEDs; and a cylindrical head assembly including inner recesses engaged with $ projections by turning the head assembly a small angle about the battery compartment; and a clip assembly releasably secured around a tube component of the bicycle, an upper seat having two arcuate wings for clamping the battery compartment, a latch member inserted into the slot for fastening the flashlight, and a flexible tab adapted to press down to clear the latch member from the slot for disengaging the flashlight from the clip assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Suh Jang Liaw, Dih Shuen Liaw
  • Publication number: 20040246732
    Abstract: A self-adjusting motorcycle headlight has a housing surrounding a light element and a lean-sensing device. In one embodiment, the lean-sensing is gyroscope, which adjusts a reflector of the light element to maintain a generally planer direction of the light beam emitted by the light element. In an alternative embodiment, an array of lights may be used for the light element, and the lean-sensing element may be used to determine which lights of the array are powered to produce a predetermined beam pattern, which may be generally planer or provide cornering or peripheral lighting. The self-adjusting motorcycle headlight has particular utility in connection with automatically directing light into the direction of travel of a motorcycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Chad J. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20040170024
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a tail light structure of a motorcycle/scooter and a motorcycle/scooter equipped with the tail light structure, which can provide a better indication of the rear indicators for safe driving. The tail light structure includes a base and a tail light, and the base can be connected to the rear cover and the fender of the motorcycle as an integrated module to improve rigidity. The base includes a first securing plate, a second securing plate and an extending plate, the extending plate including a first extending portion and a second extending portion, the front of the second securing plate being connected approximately perpendicular to the bottom of the first securing plate, and the first extending portion being perpendicularly disposed below the rear of the second securing plate. The top of the second extending portion is connected to the bottom of the first extending portion, and the second extending portion backwardly tilts at an angle to the first extending portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: YAMAHA MOTOR R&D TAIWAN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wen-Ching Sheu, Chia-Hsien Lee
  • Publication number: 20040145898
    Abstract: To provide a head light system comprising first and second bulbs, wherein a coupler can be attached and detached smoothly and the appearance can be made favorable. A first movable-side coupler and a second movable-side coupler are attached to and detached from a first fixed-side coupler for a first bulb and a second fixed-side coupler for a second bulb, respectively. The first fixed-side coupler and the second fixed-side coupler are disposed substantially in the same plane. The attaching and detaching directions of the first and second movable-side couplers are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal directions of the first bulb and the second bulb. The first fixed-side coupler is so disposed that the second fixed-side coupler is not located in the attaching and detaching direction of the first movable-side coupler attached to and detached from the first fixed-side coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Yukimi Ase, Shigeru Kodaira, Tetsuya Kondo
  • Patent number: 6764206
    Abstract: A Single-bolt Auxiliary Light Bracket is disclosed. The device provides a clean, sleek mounting apparatus for motorcycle auxiliary light fixtures. The device may further be provided in a variety of configurations to accomodate a variety of handlebar designs; in all embodiments, the bracket will attach to the existing motorcycle structure with a single bolt. The device is still further provided with recessed grooves formed in its surface for retaining headlamp wiring and other non-aesthetically-pleasing appurtances therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Joel R. Felty
  • Patent number: 6565241
    Abstract: The present invention is an improvement to any motorized vehicle for human transport having an electrical system with at least one headlight. The improvement includes a flashlight base to which a headlight is connected, referred to herein as the flash-headlight. The base and flash-headlight are removably mounted on the vehicle, and the base has a rechargeable energy pack, e.g., a cell or battery pack for powering the flash-headlight when removed from the vehicle. The base has an on/off switch operable when the base and flash-headlight are removed from the vehicle. There is a disconnectable powering electrical contact connected from the vehicle electrical system to the flash-headlight for powering and operation thereof when the flash-headlight is not removed from the vehicle, and adapted for disconnection from the flash-headlight for removal of base and flash-headlight from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Alex P. Glynn
  • Publication number: 20030067781
    Abstract: To reduce the exposed length of a winker cord, making the winker cord have a better appearance and also to provide better protection of the winker cord. A front winker (winker device) has a winker holder mounted on a front fork member of a motorcycle with a winker supported on an outer side of the winker holder by a winker support base, and a winker cord extending from the winker holder. The winker holder includes a pair of front and rear holder members, and is mounted on the front fork member in sandwiching relation thereto. The winker cord is inserted though a cord insertion hole defined in the holder members and is exposed out of the winker holder inwardly of the front fork member. A vehicular light-emitting device is capable of emitting light sideways for preventing emitted light from being applied to the driver and also for preventing rainwater from entering the light-emitting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Kyotaro Kajitori, Masamoto Ito, Seiji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6497506
    Abstract: A head lamp apparatus for a vehicle comprises a lamp housing mounted to a front portion of a vehicle body, a head lamp bulb disposed inside the lamp housing and adapted to radiate a light, a reflector for reflecting an irradiation light from the head lamp bulb in a direction forward of the vehicle body, and a position bulb disposed in front of the head lamp bulb inside the lamp housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Suzuki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashige Kakizoe
  • Patent number: 6439753
    Abstract: A pair of right and left headlights are fitted with a front cowl. Each headlight has two lamps laterally arranged. A laterally inner one of the two lamps is a discharge lamp functioning as a low-beam emitting lamp, and a laterally outer one of the two lamps is a halogen lamp functioning as a high-beam emitting lamp. The halogen lamp is higher in position than the discharge lamp. Each headlight further has a reflector surface for the low beam and a reflector surface for the high beam. The reflector surface is larger in size than the reflector surface. A lens is provided on the front side of the reflector surfaces, and the width of a laterally inner portion of the lens is larger than the width of a laterally outer portion of the lens. The low beam emitted from the discharge lamp is reflected on the larger reflector surface to illuminate a wide area, and the high beam emitted from the halogen lamp is reflected on the smaller reflector surface to illuminate a spot area at a distant point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Sumada, Koji Kano, Shigeru Kodaira, Koichi Shimamura
  • Patent number: 6428192
    Abstract: An adjustable front lamp assembled between a tube and a handlebar of a bicycle. The lamp has a stem having a chamber defined therein, and a battery seat received in the chamber. A cover is provided on a top of the stem and has a bar laterally formed on an inner face of a front end thereof. A lamp seat is movably assembled on the front end of the stem. The lamp seat includes an upper housing and a lower housing, and has a lamp switch provided therein and electrically connected with the battery seat. The upper housing has a tongue extending between the cover and the stem, and a lamp button provided at a top face thereof and engaged with the lamp switch. An illuminating member is assembled in the lamp seat and electrically connected with the lamp switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Pao-Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 6345906
    Abstract: The invention is a lamp (1) for motor vehicles, especially a rear lamp. The lamp includes a plurality of chambers each having a light source. The chambers are arranged adjacent to one another and each represents an illumination unit (3). Each illumination unit has a pot-shaped housing (6) with a light source. An opening of each housing is closed by a covering pane (7). The lamp is also provided with a locking device (13) with elements for fixing the illumination units to a common support (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hella KG Hueck & Co.
    Inventors: Johannes J. Bahne, Susanne Pfarr, Reiner Pohl
  • Publication number: 20010053081
    Abstract: The rotatable and mountable light assembly of the present invention includes a base member, the base member pivotally connected to a clamping member, the clamping member comprising a means to removably secure the base member to a bar; a lamp holding member releasably secured to the base member, the lamp holding member comprising a lamp receiving space, the lamp receiving space being of sufficient space to receive at least one individual lamp. The lamp holding member is capable of altering its orientation with regard to the base member such that the orientation of the lamp holding member vis-à-vis the clamping member may be altered; the single lamp residing in a portion of the receiving space, the lamp comprising a tens and a means to illuminate; and a means to provide power to the lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Harry B. Taylor, Paul Klinger
  • Patent number: 6315435
    Abstract: An electronically controlled, programmable searchlight (1), particularly useful for mounting on helicopters. The searchlight (1) uses a digital electronic control circuit (30) in conjunction with rotary potentiometers (32), (34) to control movement of the searchlight (1). Adjustable trimpots (22) are employed to provide the searchlight (1) with preset positions, each preset position having an easily alterable operating envelope. The searchlight (1) may have light sources (50, 52) of varying type, which may also be controlled by the electronic control circuit (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Hamilton, Brian J. Barnhart, Nicolo F. Machi
  • Patent number: 6302553
    Abstract: A radiating direction control unit 1 of a lighting device for a vehicle for controlling a radiating direction of the lighting device 6 in accordance with the pitch angle of the vehicle. The radiation direction control unit includes an axle level detector 2 which detects a change in the level of a front or a rear axle of the vehicle, and a vehicle inclination detector 3 for detecting an inclination of the vehicle in the transverse direction. A pitch angle of the vehicle is determined based on respective signals emitted by the axle level detector and the vehicle inclination detector. A radiation direction controller corrects a radiating direction of the lighting device only when a change in the inclination of the vehicle in the transverse direction is not detected by the inclined attitude detection means 3. Accordingly, the radiating direction of the lighting device 6 is not changed due to a change in the vehicle attitude which does not affect the pitch angle of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Izawa
  • Patent number: 6283620
    Abstract: A modular light arrangement is described which is useful for an individual engaged in a sport activity. It easily can be converted from a single to a dual light bulb housing arrangement while maintaining stability and rigidity. It includes a clamp positioned to grip one or more light housings between a pair of opposed jaws. A pair of spaced indexing pins is provided on one of the jaws and a corresponding pair of spaced indexing posts are provided on the other jaw. These pins and posts collectively engage complementary sockets in the housing(s) to facilitate the gripping. One of the jaws is movable toward and away from the other to facilitate changing the number of light housings that are gripped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventors: James F. Taylor, Cary R. Croopnick
  • Patent number: 6227688
    Abstract: The rotatable and mountable light assembly of the present invention includes a base member, the base member pivotally connected to a clamping member, the clamping member comprising a means to removably secure the base member to a bar; a lamp holding member releasably secured to the base member, the lamp holding member comprising a lamp receiving space, the lamp receiving space being of sufficient space to receive at least one individual lamp. The lamp holding member is capable of altering its orientation with regard to the base member such that the orientation of the lamp holding member vis-à-vis the clamping member may be altered; the single lamp residing in a portion of the receiving space, the lamp comprising a lens and a means to illuminate; and a means to provide power to the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Schwinn Cycling & Fitness Inc.
    Inventors: Harry B. Taylor, Paul Klinger
  • Patent number: 6158279
    Abstract: In a headlight integral with a speedometer the rigidity of the headlight case is ensured while making the headlight water and dust-proof. A meter hole is formed in the upper surface of a headlight case which constitutes a headlight, a speedometer is inserted into the meter hole from above and is secured to the headlight case through a meter stay in the interior of the headlight case. In addition, a meter cord and bulb cord are put together and extend between the exterior and the interior through a wiring hole formed in the rear portion of the headlight case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Terunari Saiki
  • Patent number: 6135625
    Abstract: To shorten a high voltage line connecting a lighting circuit and an electric discharge lamp, and to achieve weight reduction of a stay, in a head lamp of a motorcycle. A stay 26L is attached to a flange 24L, a head lamp 27 is attached to a front end of the stay 26L, and a lighting circuit box 30 is arranged substantially between the head lamp 27 and the flange 24L. The lighting circuit box is arranged on the front side of the head pipe of the motorcycle. Therefore, the lighting circuit box can be located near the head lamp. As a result, the lighting circuit is arranged at a position as near as possible to both the body of the motorcycle and the lamp body, the high voltage line is shortened, and countermeasures against insulation or high frequency hazards can be taken easily and inexpensively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeru Kodaira, Kenichi Takeda, Mutsumi Katayama
  • Patent number: 6126304
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp capable of ensuring adequate adhesiveness between the lamp body and the lens and airtightness in a lamp space as well as attractive appearance when a lamp is turned on, and reducing the non-radiating portion of the lens as much as possible. The vehicular lamp comprises a mounting means 17 provided on the extended section 15 of the lens 3 formed along the peripheral edge of the lens such that the projection 18 extending toward the center of the lens and an insert 19 contiguous to the projection are substantially L-shaped in cross section, and the mounting means 10 of the lamp body 2 corresponding to the extended section of the lens comprises the mounting groove 11, which is substantially C-shaped in cross section and into which the insert on the lens is adapted to be inserted, and a portion 12 contiguous to an open edge of the mounting groove and facing the projection on the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Gotoh, Tamaaki Sugiura
  • Patent number: 6120167
    Abstract: The present invention is a motorcycle tail light comprising a housing, a lens and a light source assembly. The light source assembly includes a resilient base and a light source detachably mounted to the base. The resilient base dampens vibrations which are transferred to the light source through the housing of the tail light. The resilient base of the present invention may also have an asymmetrical shape to ensure that the light source is properly aligned within the tail light. In addition, the base may also include one or more resilient ribs adapted to compress when the base is mounted within the housing of the tail light. The rib configuration permits easy insertion of the base into the housing while making withdrawal of the base from the housing more difficult. The light source assembly also includes an elastomer member positioned between the base and the light source to further dampen the vibrations that reach the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company
    Inventor: John E. Nace
  • Patent number: 6036339
    Abstract: Motorcycle headlight assemblies are positioned in front of the motorcycle front fork. In one embodiment of the invention, the headlight assembly is positioned in front of the front fork as a consequence of being mounted on one or more projections emanating from the front fork. In alternative embodiments, the headlight assembly is positioned in front of the front fork on the front fender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Gaizka Idoeta
  • Patent number: 5921669
    Abstract: The rotatable and mountable light assembly of the present invention includes a base member, the base member pivotally connected to a clamping member, the clamping member comprising a means to removably secure the base member to a bar; a lamp holding member releasably secured to the base member, the lamp holding member comprising a lamp receiving space, the lamp receiving space being of sufficient space to receive at least one individual lamp. The lamp holding member is capable of altering its orientation with regard to the base member such that the orientation of the lamp holding member vis-a-vis the clamping member may be altered; the single lamp residing in a portion of the receiving space, the lamp comprising a lens and a means to illuminate; and a means to provide power to the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Schwinn Cycling & Fitness Inc.
    Inventors: Harry B. Taylor, Paul Klinger