Portable Patents (Class 362/486)
  • Publication number: 20040252495
    Abstract: A wind power driving auxiliary lamp comprises a seat, a generator, a transparent cover and a circuit device. The seat has two supporting frames. The generator has a blade set and a small power generator firmly secured to a blade groove of the blade set. The blade set and the small power generator are positioned between the two supporting frames. The blade set and the small power generator rotate synchronously. A circuit device includes a circuit board in the transparent cover and a light emitting body set on the circuit board. In moving, air will push the blade set so that the small power generator and the blade set rotate synchronously, the small power generator will rotate with the central pivotal shaft so as to generate direct current power to be supplied to the light emitting body set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Eddy Tseng
  • Patent number: 6824290
    Abstract: An illumination device is composed by arranging a shutter member on a light emitting side of an LED light source, capable of changing a condition of light illuminating the outside when a position or the shutter member is changed by slide or rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazushi Noda, Hiroshi Ito
  • Patent number: 6811288
    Abstract: An exterior sideview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing or casing and a reflective element, which is supported in the casing. The casing includes a storage space, which provides storage for at least one accessory. The accessory is retrievable from the storage space and useable exteriorly of the mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Barry W. Hutzel
  • Patent number: 6802636
    Abstract: An illuminated recreational board including a board including a top side, bottom side and peripheral side extending between said top and bottom sides. A plurality of recesses extend into the peripheral side of the board and a plurality of removable LED's positioned within respective ones of the plurality of recesses. A transparent cover is positioned on the peripheral side for protecting and covering the LED's. The LED's are connected to a device for illuminating the plurality of LED's in any of a number of different illumination sequences. The predetermined sequences include a flashing sequence, a strobing sequence, a twinkling sequence and a constant and continuous sequence. The recreational board may be formed as either a skateboard or a snowboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Richard B Bailey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6761474
    Abstract: A portable shop light with extended handle is a utility light assembly having an extended handle mounted thereto. The utility light assembly has a pivotally mounted utility light, along with a pair of caster wheels. A support member is affixed to the extended handle to provide an additional point of support so the portable shop light with extended handle may be positioned in a self-stabilized and freestanding manner. An up-turned handgrip end of the extended handle facilitates placement and positioning of the portable shop light with extended handle underneath an automobile or in another low or restricted area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Donald E. Race
  • Patent number: 6758576
    Abstract: A portable stack lamp includes a base supported by a supporting device, such as an extensible tripod and a plurality of rolling wheels, two or more lamp units stacked up to form a stack-up lamp body mounted on said base, and a cover which is adapted to cover a top opening of the housing of the lamp unit having a handle affixed thereon. The portable stack lamp is arranged to provide 360 degrees illumination so as to produce luminous beams in all directions while the user is able to selectively increase or decrease its luminous intensity by simply stacking up more or less lamp unit easily anytime. Therefore, the portable stack lamp can illuminate the surrounding that not only minimizes the number of work lamps to be used but also saves both the electrical energy and illumination cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Frank Tsao
  • Publication number: 20040125609
    Abstract: A kit for changing a tire having a portable carrying case with a first compartment and a second compartment which are movable between an open position and a closed position. The first compartment is used for housing an air compressor motor and a tank for holding compressed air and the second compartment includes a plurality of preformed depressions for containing an impact wrench, a tire jack and a plurality of hoses therein. The compressed air holding tank includes a plurality of air connector ports for attaching the hoses to the air connector ports and to the impact wrench and to the tire jack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: James Gilligan, Denim Dycsok
  • Publication number: 20040114376
    Abstract: An electric light for work comprises a support stand, capable of absorbing and fixing to a metal surface magnetically; a reflector, formed in the shape of a semicircle arc, attached rotatably to the support stand in the vertical direction at a predetermined range; and a lighting device attached so that a luminous body is arranged into the reflector, illumined the luminous body by a battery attached to the reflector so that the electric light can be illuminated in the place that it is narrow and entered spaces and can absorb and fix anywhere when it is metal material, and can be performed to repair with both hands illuminating a work place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Toshiaki Endo
  • Patent number: 6746140
    Abstract: A rear-view mirror for a vehicle. The rear-view mirror has a mirrow body at which is formed an accommodating member. A lamp house containing a lamp bulb and a secondary battery is accommodated in the accommodating member by holders for holding the lamp house from below. The lamp house is pulled out from the accommodating member to illuminate a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takashi Ichikawa, Masakazu Aoki, Tadashi Ejiri, Masami Hosono, Hiroyuki Kato, Kenichi Jinushi
  • Publication number: 20040100792
    Abstract: More and more people are taking the plunge to participate in outdoor sports such as inline skating, ice skating, running and biking. Unfortunately, sometimes these activities may take place at night, where the pathway may not be very visible nor the person participating in the outdoor sport. Thus, a novel lighting apparatus is proposed that facilitates easy installation and removal from various types of footwear articles. The novel lighting apparatus provides an illuminated spot in front of an individual as well as provides for visibility of the individual to others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Alexander Trzecieski
  • Patent number: 6676275
    Abstract: A portable, adaptable, modular lighting system for use in television and movie sets and locations, and other similar applications is described. The system comprises a horizontal framework that is disposed on a plurality of vertical members in such a way as to allow the framework to move up and down relative to the vertical members. Lights, lighting fixtures, and other similar fixtures are attached to the framework in such a way as to enable the system to be remotely controlled. Specifically, in an embodiment of the invention, the lights, fixtures, and/or framework are computer controlled. As such, the operation, intensity, angle, height, and other similar specifications of the system can be pre-programmed, and the rig remotely operated, as needed. The system is portable, as the vertical members are equipped with moving means, such as rollers, that allow the entire rig to be moved from one set to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Farsight LLC
    Inventor: Michael Westhofen
  • Patent number: 6637916
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lamp for vehicles which is integrated in the surface of a vehicle part and which is removable. The lamp is switched on and off via a radio signal and/or a light beam of an infrared diode received by a sensor. The fluorescent plastic material of the lamp body, the solar cell, the sensor, the storage elements and the LED (OLED and/or PLED) form a unit of the lamp and this unit can be mounted and removed a such.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Hermann-Frank Müllner
  • Patent number: 6540384
    Abstract: Snowboard Light with a centrally located hollow housing containing a light source, a reflector, a clear lens, a battery supply, an attachment means, an on off switch, and a battery door. A pair of semi rigid mirror image side members are hingably connected to either side of the central chamber. The side members have a recessed groove capable of accepting the edge of a snowboard. Said side members have inwardly facing straps and corresponding attachment means to secure said snowboard light to said snowboard. A preferred embodiment includes wherein said lens is a fresnel lens capable of collumnating a light beam. Said light beam being vertically adjustable by means an adjustment knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey Rosevear
  • Publication number: 20030031023
    Abstract: An exterior sideview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing or casing and a reflective element, which is supported in the casing. The casing includes a storage space, which provides storage for at least one accessory. The accessory is retrievable from the storage space and useable exteriorly of the mirror assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Barry W. Hutzel
  • Publication number: 20030026103
    Abstract: A vehicle-mountable light assembly comprises a body, a power source, a light source, and an auxiliary functional unit. The body is configured to be mounted to a vehicle interior. The light source is coupled to the power source and the body and is configured to provide sustained light. The auxiliary functional unit is a non-light source unit which is coupled to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Dian H. Reese, Rick A. Anderson, Brant J. Potter, Scott A. Hansen, Jason M. Denbow
  • Patent number: 6508580
    Abstract: A personal security assembly for use in association with a mobility aide. The personal security assembly includes a housing, an audio alarm, an alert light for drawing attention. In an embodiment, a secondary light is provided for lighting an area proximate the mobility aide to enhance visual perception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Cynthia J. Collins
  • Patent number: 6504471
    Abstract: Transducer apparatus (10) responsive to external perturbations is disclosed having an electrically responsive transducer circuit (12) energized when a display member (18) and an elongate member (20) move from a gravity determined quiescent orientation (20A) therebetween to an external perturbation driven active orientation (20B) therebetween. In various embodiments, the members are respectively responsive to air movement and acceleration. In one embodiment, the elongate member carries a first electrical contact (21) to abut a second electrical contact (22) carried by the display member. When the apparatus is to be in use with a motor vehicle, the apparatus is desirable to be powered by the cigarette lighter of the vehicle and a light sensor is added to switch on the apparatus during night time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Ar-Fu Lam
  • Patent number: 6449889
    Abstract: A lighted display device for use with a vehicle includes a pair of transparent spaced apart panes held by a frame member having opposed side walls and a bottom wall. The upper edges of the panes define an opening for the insertion or removal of a sign member having indicia indicative of the experience level or age of a driver or other message. The display device further includes a plurality of light assemblies having a light bulb in a front portion and a magnet in a rear portion for removably attaching the device to the metallic surface of a vehicle. A spring loaded button member protrudes from each rear portion and includes a battery that energizes a respective light bulb when the button member is depressed as the rear portion is magnetically coupled to a metallic surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas G. Hottenstein
  • Patent number: 6431733
    Abstract: An illuminated sports board has a riding platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, a microcontroller mounted on the top surface, a power source operably connected to the microcontroller, an electro-luminescent sheet positioned on the riding platform, an electrical circuit electrically connecting the microcontroller to the electro-luminescent sheet, and a translucent resin layer covering both the riding platform and the electro-luminescent sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventors: Branden W. Seifert, Kenneth Nevarez
  • Patent number: 6428172
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a reflective element, a housing or casing supporting the reflective element, and the casing including a storage space. The storage space provides storage for at least one accessory and for storing the accessory in the location easily accessible by an occupant of the vehicle whereby the accessory can be inserted into and removed from the storage space for use by an occupant of the vehicle. The storage space may take the form of a recess provided in a top wall of the casing, a recessed portion provided in a front wall, back wall, or end wall of the casing. In one form, the recessed portion houses a pendent accessory which is movable between a retracted position within the recess to an extended position for viewing by an occupant of the vehicle. For example, the pendent accessory may include a reflective element or a display element, for displaying information to an occupant of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Barry W. Hutzel, Niall R. Lynam, Darryl P. DeWind, John O. Lindahl
  • Patent number: 6422724
    Abstract: A portable light device for vehicles for providing useful and needed light when working with or about a vehicle. The portable light device for vehicles includes includes a magnetic base member; and also includes an elongate contortable member having a first end and a second end with the first end being securely fastened to the magnetic base member; and further includes a support member being securely and pivotally attached to the second end of the elongate contortable member and having a first portion and a second portion which is rotatably mounted upon the first portion with the second portion also including a top wall and a recessed portion in the top wall; and also includes light-emitting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Robert A. Monteiro
  • Patent number: 6406164
    Abstract: A safety light kit is described that includes a plurality of battery-powered safety lights and an plurality of safety light stands, each of the stands including a ferrous mounting plate, and a support member adapted to support the ferrous mounting plate in a generally upright orientation on a horizontal surface. The kit can also include additional mounting mechanisms such as a rectangular plate having a front face for attachment of a light, and a rear surface for use in attaching said mounting mechanism to a generally vertical surface and/or a flexible pouch having a safety light-receiving cavity with a transparent front face. The lights can also be used in combination with a stand or other mounting mechanism independent of the kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Marpac Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Small, Terrence P. McCoy, David A. Theisen
  • Publication number: 20020067615
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lamp for vehicles which is integrated in the surface of a vehicle part and which is removable. The lamp is switched on and off via a radio signal and/or a light beam of an infrared diode received by a sensor. The fluorescent plastic material of the lamp body, the solar cell, the sensor, the storage elements and the LED (OLED and/or PLED) form a unit of the lamp and this unit can be mounted and removed a such.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Hermann-Frank Muller
  • Patent number: 6398394
    Abstract: A vehicle dome light and flashlight for providing a readily available and charged flashlight for use in and out of a vehicle. The vehicle dome light and flashlight includes a dome light assembly being adapted to be securely mounted to a top of a vehicle inside a passenger compartment thereof and having a first housing including a flashlight charging compartment disposed therein and an opening into the flashlight charging compartment; and also includes a second housing having side walls, a front wall, and a window disposed in the front wall with the housing being securely and removably attached to the first housing; and further includes at least one light-emitting member disposed in the second housing; and also includes an energizing assembly for energizing the at least one light-emitting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Jack K. Winnik
  • Patent number: 6386740
    Abstract: A safety light assembly is designed for use with an outboard, motor or the outdrive unit of a motor mounted on a boat which is carried on a trailer being towed by a towing vehicle. The safety light assembly is removably secured to the anti-cavitation plate of the drive housing of the motor or outdrive unit by means of clamps. The assembly includes a housing with a central light-supporting portion between first and second flanges located on opposite sides of the central light-supporting portion. A light is attached to the central light-supporting portion of the housing; and the flanges are removably secured by means of clamps to the anti-cavitation plate on the drive housing of an outboard motor, or outdrive unit. Electrical connectors interconnect the light with a source of electrical energy, which ideally is the lighting system of the taillights of a boat trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: James M. Grissom
  • Patent number: 6379023
    Abstract: A light assembly is adapted for use with an electrically insulated bucket disposed on the boom of an aerial lift truck having a pressurized hydraulic fluid supply positioned proximate to the bucket. The light assembly includes a power supply which converts energy from a fluid flow from the pressurized hydraulic fluid supply to electrical energy and a lamp that is electrically connected to the power supply and receives electrical energy therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Edward Passno
  • Patent number: 6332700
    Abstract: A lighting assembly is detachably mounted in an opening in the wheel well panel of an vehicle. The lighting assembly has a base member with flexible sidewalls and end walls. The base member defines an opening near the first end wall forming a finger pull. A lamp holder is mounted on the base member near the second end wall. A clear lens covers a lamp in the lamp. An extensible power cable is attached to the lamp holder. The lighting assembly detaches from the wheel well to illuminate the wheel when changing a tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Albert L. Baines
  • Patent number: 6322230
    Abstract: The invention is a temporary or emergency lighting system constituted by a bearing structure (2) made of flexible plastic material and having one or more light sources (4) at its top and a support base (1) at its bottom. The structure, which is kept constantly inflated by means of a fan (6), is constituted by one or more superimposed cylinders or cones that are internally divided in sections (2, 1) in order to ensure the progressive and vertical inflation of the structure. The structure can be folded in order to reduce the dimensions of the system as much as possible when it is closed and to make it possible to carry it on the shoulders. The light source is fixed or provided with a rotary mirror (8), in such a way as to direct or rotate the light beam. Some cords or tensioning elements (3) are provided on the structure to limit the height of the bearing structure. The power supply to fans, various functions and/or light source can be guaranteed through a current generator, the power mains or batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Guido Medici
  • Patent number: 6302567
    Abstract: A vehicle warning lamp is provided for removable attachment to a vehicle through use of a standard trailer hitch coupling. The warning lamp is mounted at the distal end of a vertical post which telescopes between an extended position wherein the lamp is elevated, to provide enhanced visibility in all directions, and a lowered or storage position. The lowered position enables the lamp to remain on the vehicle in the lowered position so that the vehicle can be moved into areas of restricted height, such as a parking garage, and under other obstructions which the lamp might otherwise come into contact with when extended to its uppermost position. The base of the vertical post is equipped with a hook or retainer which is engageable by a chain, cable or other such force-exerting device so that an extricating force can be applied to the vehicle through the auxiliary lamp in the event it becomes necessary to assist the attached vehicle in being extricated from such things as mud, sand or snowbanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald P. Gamble, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20010002169
    Abstract: Lighting is provided for the entry area on the outer side of a seat part in the backrest of a car seat, which is provided with a seat part. The lighting can be switched on by opening the car door next to it. Current supplying lines are deployed through a line feeder leading to the car seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 31, 2001
    Inventors: Achim Reitze, Olaf Sackers
  • Patent number: 6238069
    Abstract: A light bracket assembly for connection to a mechanics creeper having opposing side members between which is positioned a bed and a headrest, the light bracket assembly including at least one light bracket with an attachment portion for attachment to the creeper and a cradle portion for cradling a mechanic's light, whereby a mechanic's light may be cradled within the cradle portion of the light bracket for illuminating a work area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: United Auto Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Miles
  • Patent number: 6231219
    Abstract: A cradle for holding a flashlight in a glovebox of an automobile and for facilitating the use of the flashlight as a light for the glovebox. The cradle has an opening to allow the flashlight to slide in and out of the cradle and a light opening to allow light from the flashlight to shine through the cradle. The cradle includes a reflector to cause light from the flashlight to be reflected in a different direction. The cradle can have a tapered inner surface on a side adjacent the insertion opening. The tapered inner surface is to increase the snugness of the fit of the flashlight and, when the flashlight has a push button switch, the tapered inner surface can serve to deactivate the flashlight when the flashlight is inserted into the cradle. A light assembly includes a flashlight and a cradle for holding the flashlight and for mounting the light assembly in a glovebox of an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventors: Kurt L. Lohss, Ronald L. Clairmont, II
  • Patent number: 6203181
    Abstract: A car locator comprising a base for attaching the locator to a car. A cantilevered support bar is pivotally connected with the base to permit pivotal movement and positioning of the bar relative to the base. The support bar is illuminated by a series of LEDS mounted on the support bar and connected to a power source and an optional switch via electrical conductors. The power source may include batteries mounted to or contained within the base. In addition, the switch may be mounted directly on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Leon S. Gross
  • Patent number: 6079858
    Abstract: A removable light is mounted into an exterior mirror on a vehicle. The light selectively provides illumination when mounted in the mirror. When removed from the mirror, the light provides an optional flashlight accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas S. Hicks
  • Patent number: 6030104
    Abstract: A soft shelled lamp shade comprising: a shade body formed of soft plastics having good light transmission and heat resistance, the shade body having a bottom surface with a hollow cylindrical body projected therefrom, a recess being formed on the bottom surface around the cylindrical body, a receiving chamber being further formed within the shade body, the receiving chamber being opened at a hollow end of the cylindrical body, and a double-sided adhesive tape being in the shape of a sheet and having an upper and a lower surfaces, the upper surface being at least partially adhered into the recess on the bottom surface of the shade body. Since the shade body is formed of soft light conducting and heat resistant plastics, the shade body can be made into any desired shape. When the soft shelled lamp shade and a set of bulbs are secured to an automobile or a motorcycle, light can be emitted through the shade body from the bulbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Cheng Cheng Shu
  • Patent number: 5984495
    Abstract: A dome light assembly is provided including a first pair of contacts mounted on an interior surface of a vehicle and connected to a power source. Also included is a flashlight with a second pair of contacts releasably connectable to the first pair of contacts. A rechargeable battery is connected to the second pair of contacts. A switch is connected between the battery and a lamp situated within the flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventors: Steve Roberts, David K. House, II
  • Patent number: 5908233
    Abstract: A AUTO RECHARGEABLE FLASHLIGHT is provided with a base having a weight coupled to a bottom face thereof. At least one recess is formed in a top face of the base with such recess having a pair of contacts situated on an inner side wall thereof. Further provided is a power cord having a first end coupled to the periphery of the base and a second end having a vehicle cigarette lighter adapter designed to be releasably plugged within a vehicle cigarette lighter socket for receiving power therefrom. The first end of the cord is connected to the contacts for supplying power to appliances to be recharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventors: Bryon Kenneth Heskett, deceased, Nazare Lopes Heskett, executor, Tony Rodrigues, executor