Hood, Grill, Or Trunk Patents (Class 362/496)
  • Publication number: 20130182450
    Abstract: An optical device is incorporated into an external part of a motor vehicle and comprises at least one sub-assembly including a light curtain or light curtain plus light guide and, on either side thereof, transparent plates each of which has at least one part being transparent and at least one other part being semi-transparent. At least one light source is connected to an electric source and emits rays of light that spread in a thickness of the light curtain or light curtain plus light guide. The sub-assembly and light source are incorporated into a housing, and the optical device collaborates with at least one lamp incorporated into a body-shell of the vehicle or LED on a suitable plate included in a sub-housing incorporated into the housing and emits rays of light through at least a portion of the light curtain or light curtain plus light guide that is transparent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING REAR LAMPS FRANCE S.A.S.
    Inventor: Alain Buisson
  • Publication number: 20130155709
    Abstract: Herein, there is disclosed an LED illuminator installed to illuminate an inner space of a hood of a vehicle when the hood is open. The LED illuminator comprises a protection frame positioned in an inner space of the hood; and an LED module having a light emitting portion, wherein the light emitting portion is installed to be concealed into and exposed to the outside of the protection frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: SEOUL SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young Pil Kim, Byeong Gil An
  • Patent number: 8430195
    Abstract: A tractor comprising a hood having a radiator grille, at least one front light assembly and a support designed to keep the front light assembly detached from the grille.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventors: Peter Theo Ernest Jansen, Guido Bianco
  • Patent number: 8425095
    Abstract: A mirror assembly for illuminating an underhood area of a vehicle having an electrical system includes a mirror head outer shell defining a light reception opening. At least one work light is mounted to the mirror head outer shell within the light reception opening. The work light is constructed and positioned such that the light emitted from the work light is directed at the underhood area of the vehicle to illuminate the underhood area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Harting
  • Patent number: 8408766
    Abstract: The present invention relates to surfacing material which may emit radiation in response to exposure to a given light source. Such surfacing material may be polymeric based, and e.g., fiber based, and may be used in relatively low-light areas, including low-light areas as applied to vehicular applications. The fiber-based or molded materials may emit radiation in response to exposure to a selected light source and may be used in relatively dimly lit areas. The materials may also provide a visible contrast to other objects located adjacent their surface which do not emit radiation. Optical brighteners and luminous particles may be included in the materials to make them luminous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc
    Inventors: Ernie Wilson, Mitchell Whitesell, Sean Simmons
  • Patent number: 8378575
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided that has a passenger compartment, a hatchback, which is mounted so it is pivotable on the passenger compartment, external lighting having taillights, which are fastened on the hatchback, and additional taillights, which are concealed when the hatchback is closed and are visible from outside the motor vehicle when the hatchback is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Justus Illium, Torsten Kanning
  • Patent number: 8371732
    Abstract: A body panel for a vehicle includes an outer lens and a light engine projecting a light into the outer lens. The body panel includes a duct, which is disposed at a substantially equal vertical elevation as the outer lens. The light engine is positioned relative to the outer lens to allow the duct to pass directly behind the outer lens, at approximately the same vertical elevation, to improve air flow through the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott P. Charnesky, Jason W. Guenzel, Mark R. Gordon
  • Publication number: 20130021814
    Abstract: In a vehicle body front structure, a positioning bracket including a hood-mounting reference, a headlight-mounting reference, and a front-bumper-mounting reference are fixed to a front bulkhead. A hood, a headlight, and an upper beam of a front bumper grille are positioned with respect to the hood-mounting reference, the headlight-mounting reference, and the front-bumper-mounting reference, respectively, of the positioning bracket and are fixed to a body of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventor: Hirofumi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8303029
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, a cabin frame coupled to an upper portion of the vehicle body frame, a cover coupled to the vehicle body frame so as to cover an instrument panel in front of a driver seat, and a hood. The hood is configured to cover a space between a pair of right and left front wheels from above in front of the cover and is pivotable around a front end portion thereof so as to open and close. A rear end portion of the hood is fitted to a front end portion of the cover and a rear end of the hood is located in front of a front end of the cabin frame, in a state where the hood is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Fumio Mizuta
  • Publication number: 20120262933
    Abstract: A convenience light for the rear storage area of a motor vehicle also serves as a breakdown warning light. A light source on an underside of the storage compartment lid is a warning light visible from behind the when the compartment lid is open. A reflective panel is disposed on a lid-receiving portion of the vehicle body to reflect light from the light source toward the lid when the lid is open, so that the light and reflective panel combine to serve as a convenience light for the storage area. The light is detachably attached to the compartment lid and has a battery to power the light when detached from the compartment lid. The light source has three lighted segments foldable relative to one another when detached from the compartment lid to form a triangle. The light is thus usable as a warning triangle for a disable vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Annika Larsson
  • Patent number: 8282254
    Abstract: An aerodynamic cargo box configuration includes a bottom portion hinged to a lid. The lid has a receptacle for receiving a photovoltaic light device substantially flush with, and below, the outer surface of the lid. A photovoltaic light assembly may include a cup portion and a top portion, the top portion containing a photovoltaic cell and the bottom portion containing electronics and an array of one or more light elements configured to provide optimal illumination to an interior space of an elongate rectangular cargo box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Sautter, John Mark Elliott, James Owen
  • Patent number: 8262269
    Abstract: A license plate lamp for radiating light to a surface of a license plate attached to a rear end of a vehicle body includes: a lamp body disposed above the license plate; a light emitting diode disposed within the lamp body, the light emitting diode having an optical axis extending in a vertical direction for emitting light toward a license plate located under the light emitting diode; and a control lens provided between the light emitting diode and the license plate for controlling the light emitted by the light emitting diode so that the light is radiated toward a surface of the license plate. The control lens includes a first control portion for radiating the light emitted by the light emitting diode toward an upper end part of the surface of the license plate, and a second control portion located rearward of the first control portion for radiating the light emitted by the light emitting diode toward substantially a whole region of the surface of the license plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroya Koizumi
  • Patent number: 8246226
    Abstract: A back-lit vehicle emblem is disclosed, that provides an emblem body having a front side facing away from the vehicle and exhibiting the emblem and having a rear side facing toward the vehicle. The body is shaped to provide at least a partial housing for mounting at least one LED. A space between the body and the vehicle when the body is mounted upon the vehicle is provided. At least one LED is mounted in the at least partial housing and oriented to transmit light through the space between the body and the vehicle so that light illuminates one or more contours of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Stephan M. Stempinski
  • Patent number: 8237557
    Abstract: A safety light system is incorporated into the tailgate of a pickup truck. The safety light is incorporated into the tailgate and is illuminated when the tailgate is in a lowered or horizontal position and when either the ignition switch is in the on position, the parking lights are turned on, or both. The safety light can be positioned either on the top edge-rail of the tailgate, as a slide-out unit placed in a pocket with the top edge-rail of the tailgate, or as a rotating assembly incorporated into the outer sheet metal of the tailgate. Additional safety lights can be incorporated into the sides of the tailgate assembly. An optional feature includes the ability to pull the safety light out from the tailgate and secure the safety light to an object that extends beyond the length of the pickup bed. Alternatively, the safety lights can be installed in or on a bed extension apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventors: Allen D Hertz, Eric L Hertz
  • Patent number: 8210725
    Abstract: A light bar has several modular light source heads which may contain different types of light sources as well as different technologies mounted in cages by shock absorbing grommets. The cages are mounted on a bottom member so that the heads can be arranged along opposite sides and the ends of the bottom members. The heads are captured, and assembled with the bottom member, by a top member which also captures translucent or transparent members or lenses along the sides of the light bar and, transparent or translucent end caps which may also provide lenses for the light source heads at the ends of the bar. The end caps are removably connected to the top and bottom members at the ends of the bar by screws extending through the end caps. The light source modules have the same wiring connected thereto by connectors from a connector board to connectors along the back ends of the light source heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Start Headlight & Lantern Co., Inc.
    Inventors: R. Michael Datz, Robert J. Gross, Steven W. Neufeglise, Stephen T. Vukosic, J. Douglas Richardson, Michael F. Mastin
  • Patent number: 8188850
    Abstract: A system is provided for causing audible sounds, and/or visible actions, and/or motion to occur by a vehicle's mark emblem. The system may cause such actions to be initiated manually or automatically as a result of vehicle operation or operator action. Controls are provided to prevent the audible sound, visible action, or motion to occur if the vehicle speed is above a legal speed limit. Such may be controls set by the vehicle operator. In addition, when operated from a position remote from the vehicle, the audible sound associated with the mark emblem will be limited to a volume that will prevent persons from becoming startled when they are in proximity to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Jepp Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jefferson Smith
  • Patent number: 8177387
    Abstract: An illumination device is installed in a box body of a toolbox of a construction machine, and is protected by a protective cover. Water that flows into the box body through a weep hole formed in a lid is received by the protective cover and is guided to a water drain hole formed in a bottom plate of the box body. Then, the water is drained to the outside of the box body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Konelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Noda, Hiroshi Kanamaru
  • Patent number: 8172440
    Abstract: A vehicle including a center high mount stop lamp (CHMSL). The vehicle includes a vehicle body panel formed of a light emitting material of a predetermined color, including a first surface area, and coated with a paint of a predetermined color. A CHMSL housing may be mounted on one side of the vehicle body panel, and one or more light sources may be disposable adjacent or within the CHMSL housing for emitting light through a second surface area of the vehicle body panel when the light source is turned on, with the second surface area being smaller than the first surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gurpreet Aulakh, Ronald H. Miller, Aric D. Shaffer, Dumitru Raceu
  • Patent number: 8147103
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a flasher 101 to be mounted on a rear portion of a straddle type vehicle includes a lens 120, a cover 160 mated with the lens 120, and a leg 180 connecting the cover 160 with a vehicle body. A mating face of the cover 160 and the lens 120 is slanted with respect to a direction in which the leg 180 extends. The lens 120 is shorter in a vehicle widthwise direction than in a vehicle lengthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kouji Kageyama
  • Patent number: 8083387
    Abstract: A deformable subassembly (1) for mounting of headlight in the region of a recess (5) in a wing (4) of a motor vehicle has a sealing channel body (6) connected to the wing (4) in the region of a joint with a motor vehicle bonnet. A headlight cup (3) for mounting the headlight is connected on one side to the sealing channel body (6) spaced from the wing (4). A lower side of the headlight cup (3) is connected to a bracket body (7) that is connected to a supporting structure (8) of the motor vehicle. The sealing channel body (6), headlight cup (3) and/or the bracket body (7) are configured to deform in the event of an impact with a pedestrian so that the risk of injury to the pedestrian is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Soellner, Jorg Kusche, Reza Shakory-Tabrizi
  • Patent number: 8047691
    Abstract: A cargo lamp assembly includes a lamp housing with first and second ends having first and second adjacent cavities. A first incandescent light source is disposed in the first cavity and a second incandescent light source is disposed in the second cavity. A first outboard light-emitting diode is disposed proximate the first end of the lamp housing and a second outboard light-emitting diode is disposed proximate the second end of the lamp housing. An intermediate identification light source is disposed between the first and second cavities of the lamp housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael V. Leese, Scott Tate, Dennis Salciccioli, Paul Wrona, Kelley Maria Adams-Campos
  • Patent number: 7946745
    Abstract: A system for mounting a headlight on a motor vehicle comprising a rigid housing closed by a protective glass. The system comprising: a first connecting element fixed to the headlight, a second connecting element fixed to the motor vehicle, the first and second connecting elements being assembled so as to slide one in the other. The first and second connecting elements are curved and mounted at least partially about a center of rotation of the headlight providing rotational movement of the headlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Christophe Baert, Malik Bakacha
  • Patent number: 7931393
    Abstract: A back-lit vehicle emblem (1) having a body (2) with a front surface (3) and a rear surface (4). The body may be in the shape of a logo, lettering showing the make and model of a vehicle or any other design, such as a sports team's logo, a religious symbol, etc. At least one light emitting diode (“LED”) (5), is located in a hollow portion (6) of the body. The rear surface has at least one edge (7) with at least one partially raised edge (8) so that when the at least one LED is activated, light emitted from the at least one LED shines under the raised edge of the back-lit emblem, thereby illuminating the emblem. The back-lit vehicle emblem may have at least one spacer (10) located on the rear surface that creates a space between the rear surface of the back-lit vehicle emblem and a vehicle (14). In addition, predetermined areas of the front surface of the back-lit vehicle emblem may be translucent areas (9) to allow even surfaced emblems to be illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventor: Stephan M. Stempinski
  • Patent number: 7834750
    Abstract: A safety light system is incorporated into the tailgate of a pickup truck. The safety light is incorporated into the tailgate and is illuminated when the tailgate is in a lowered or horizontal position and when either the ignition switch is in the on position, the parking lights are turned on, or both. The safety light can be positioned either on the top edge-rail of the tailgate, as a slide-out unit placed in a pocket with the top edge-rail of the tailgate, or as a rotating assembly incorporated into the outer sheet metal of the tailgate. Additional safety lights can be incorporated into the sides of the tailgate assembly. An optional feature includes the ability to pull the safety light out from the tailgate and secure the safety light to an object that extends beyond the length of the pickup bed. Alternatively, the safety lights can be installed in or on a bed extension apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventors: Allen D. Hertz, Eric L. Hertz
  • Patent number: 7789544
    Abstract: A modular light rack assembly for off-road vehicles having a plurality of individual pieces that can be selectively connected to form a substantially linear assembly for attaching a variety of headlight subassemblies. In each embodiment, there is a common left hand mounting configuration and common right hand mounting configuration, so that each piece of the modular light rack assembly having one or both of these configurations on its end or ends is selectively connectable to any other piece to form a substantially linear assembly of any desired configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Baja Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan R. Roach, Stephen J. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7712933
    Abstract: A light for motor vehicles and the like includes one or more LEDs that are embedded in a polymer material. The light may be positioned on an exposed surface of the vehicle, and the encapsulation of the LEDs and other electrical components provides a waterproof assembly that is substantially impervious to ambient conditions. The light may include a light source and a light guide that are disposed in a watertight housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: InterLum, LLC
    Inventors: Eric L. Fleischmann, Nick J. DeVries, Thomas J. Veenstra, Michael K. Judge
  • Patent number: 7705720
    Abstract: A self leveling warning light for vehicles employing a light assembly that is pivotedly secured to an inner surface of a vehicle window by a mounting base suction cup. The light assembly has a plurality of LEDs whose intensity is amplified by a reflector and focused by an optical lens providing light emission in distances exceeding one mile with minimal battery drain. A control circuit having a power source is mounted within said light assembly and electrically coupled to the LEDs, the control circuit controlling four red LEDs separated by a centrally located yellow LED, the four red LEDs alternate on and off at sync rate of approximately 500 ms and the yellow LED turns on for about 750 ms and off for about 1 second. The light assembly maintaining directional pointing of the LEDs in a horizontal plane when the mounting base is moved between vertical and horizontal orientations by gravity weighting of the light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Cyalume Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Emil F. Jachmann
  • Patent number: 7695041
    Abstract: A grommet is inserted into a notch in a channel and partially supports a seal strip attached to the channel. The grommet includes a main segment and first and second end segments. The main segment extends from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis and has a first side surface and a second side surface. The first end segment is attached to the main segment adjacent to the first end of the main segment. The second end segment is attached to the main segment adjacent to the second end of the main segment. The main segment, the first end segment, and the second end segment together define a passageway extending through the grommet parallel to the longitudinal axis. A cable harness including a grommet and a vehicle including a grommet are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Camas Reed, Darin King, Mark Hegemann
  • Patent number: 7641371
    Abstract: A motor vehicle light including a plastic cover disc and a light unit that is mounted behind the surface of the cover disc is provided. The light unit is at least partially encased by the plastic of the cover disc and is fixed in position against the cover disc by the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Torben Effner, Florian Geltinger
  • Publication number: 20090303739
    Abstract: An adjustable light, comprising, a power track, two clips, a battery cable, a repositionable semi-rigid corrugated tube and a plurality of line voltage pendant lights. The two clips slidably insert into track upper channel, wherein the clips clamp the track to the lateral edges of the underside of any size automobile hood. The battery cables supply low voltage power to the track. The tubes connect the lights to the track lower channel. An auto mechanic working under an auto hood can reposition the lights by bending the tubes, which remain in bent position until repositioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Garcia
  • Patent number: 7621662
    Abstract: The present invention is a system of emergency vehicle lighting that uses a low profile hood/trunk mounted LED plate unit and a door mounted LED strip unit. It is designed for both stand alone operation or for integration into an emergency vehicle's electronic alarm notification sequencing unit. The hood/trunk LED plate unit has a thin, enhanced geometrical configuration and an LED lens design that allows the light emitted from the superbright LEDs to be seen to a much higher degree to vehicles approaching from direction normal to the longitudinal centerline of the emergency vehicle. Mounting of the LED plate unit and LED strip unit can be permanent or temporary and because of the light weight, numerous chemical, magnetic and mechanical methods of affixation may be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Terry Thomas Colbert
  • Publication number: 20090225561
    Abstract: An illuminated panel portion for vehicles or vehicle accessories is provided having a generally translucent panel defining a selected design. The translucent panel is disposed in an aperture of an adjacent panel of the vehicle or vehicle accessory such that the outer surfaces of the translucent panel and adjacent panel are substantially flush. A light source is disposed in relation to the panel for illuminating the translucent panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Ron W. Kleber, George G. Kleber, Randy G. Kleber
  • Publication number: 20090213602
    Abstract: An illuminating apparatus shows music effects with light sequences in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a support structure that is installable on an electrical socket. A switch on the base structure activates the apparatus. A transparent container with cut-outs surrounds the base structure and includes a white light activated by the switch. A direct current motor has an axle configured to rotate the base structure within the container. A circuit board is attached to the axle enables rotation of the circuit board within the container. The circuit board can activate sequences of light upon detection of a music signal and can detect a signal from a remote control. Light emitting sources are operably connected to the circuit board to rotate with the circuit board and to project light through the container. A remote control comprises buttons for controlling apparatus operational functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Juan M. Gallegos
  • Patent number: 7517121
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle headlight, which comprises a casing enclosing a light source and fixed on a chassis, as well as frangible means of linking the casing to the chassis, which are able to absorb in the course of their rupture at least part of the energy of an impact suffered by the headlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Philippe Arlon, Laurence Marechal, Pascal Harand, Jean-Paul Ravier
  • Patent number: 7497604
    Abstract: An illuminated panel portion for vehicles or vehicle accessories is provided having a generally translucent panel defining a selected design. The translucent panel is disposed in an aperture of an adjacent panel of the vehicle or vehicle accessory such that the outer surfaces of the translucent panel and adjacent panel are substantially flush. A light source is disposed in relation to the panel for illuminating the translucent panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Gator Customs, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron W. Kleber, George G. Kleber, Randy G. Kleber
  • Patent number: 7467884
    Abstract: A hood assembly (100) adapted to be coupled to a vehicle having a hood (102) moveable between an open position and a closed position. The hood assembly includes a hood sub-frame (104) which includes a headlight mounting assembly (108) for permitting a left and right headlight (112 and 114) to be mounted to a left and right side of the hood sub-frame. The hood sub-frame also includes a hood mounting assembly (140 and 142) for coupling the hood sub-frame to the hood such that the hood sub-frame moves with the hood when the hood is coupled to the hood mounting assembly and moved between the open and closed positions. The hood sub-frame also has a cross brace assembly (144) passing between and coupled to the left side of the hood sub-frame and the right side of the hood sub-frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Gregory S Hall, Toby Steere
  • Patent number: 7434971
    Abstract: A flagpole lamp of a vehicle head includes a pole, a lower connecting member, a lower bar, a lucent bar, an upper circuit board, a lower circuit board, an upper bar, a positioning base, an upper connecting member and a pole head. The components are correspondingly assembled together. The lucent bar and the pole head are formed as light-transmitting objects. The upper circuit board, the lower circuit board and the positioning base are each provided with at least one luminous body. With the lights lighted up to keep the lucent bar and the pole head colorfully brightened, a driver can clearly see the corners and the position of an vehicle head while turning on headlights, and apparently drivers of other cars running beside and behind the vehicle can be warned so as to advance traffic security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Ming-Cheng Wang
  • Patent number: 7431485
    Abstract: A lighting assembly for a vehicle includes an elongated base plate having an inner surface and an outer surface. The base plate includes at least one opening. The lighting assembly further includes at least one light source adapted to be mounted to the base plate at the opening. The base plate is configured to be mounted and to conform aerodynamically to an exterior surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: SportRack LLC
    Inventors: Ronald G. Saward, William R. Henderson, John H. Harberts
  • Patent number: 7401940
    Abstract: A underhood work light has a light tube and a pole-type base, the light tube is installed on the said base, the base is a hollow tube; a claw is installed at each end of the base by holding the stem of the said claw into the base tube, the claw stem which can slide in the base is connected with the base through a spring, the range between the claws is matched with the width of the hood; The benefits of the present invention are as follows: by pulling outward the both claws, the work light is fixed onto or taken off from the hood conveniently, and the storage battery makes the work light independent on the out power source, so the invention is convenient and easy to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Li Min
  • Patent number: 7401956
    Abstract: A motor vehicle, in particular an automobile, has a trim that constitutes an end section of the motor vehicle on which at least one cooling air opening and one lamp or one lamp cluster are provided. At least one elongated fin is arranged on the at least one cooling air opening. In order to omit additional valves in a kit for installation of the lamp or lamp cluster, the lamp or lamp cluster is arranged within the at least one cooling air opening and is mounted on a fin that extends within the cooling air opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Grant Larson, Manfred Wuerfel, Stefan Eberhardt, Oliver Peters, Stef Scheepers
  • Publication number: 20080117644
    Abstract: A underhood work light has a light tube and a pole-type base, the light tube is installed on the said base, the base is a hollow tube; a claw is installed at each end of the base by holding the stem of the said claw into the base tube, the claw stem which can slide in the base is connected with the base through a spring, the range between the claws is matched with the width of the hood; The benefits of the present invention are as follows: by pulling outward the both claws, the work light is fixed onto or taken off from the hood conveniently, and the storage battery makes the work light independent on the out power source, so the invention is convenient and easy to use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: HANGZHOU GUANYONG MACHINERY & ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Min Li
  • Patent number: 7364330
    Abstract: A spoiler for a vehicle has an integral stop lamp cover. The stop lamp cover comprises a cover body configured to be open at an upper end thereof, and having a stop lamp insertion opening, a stop lamp receiving space, and a flange part formed on an upper end of the cover body; and an upper plate coupled to the cover body, having a size capable of covering the stop lamp receiving space, and defining the stop lamp receiving space and a parison fusing section to which a parison for forming a spoiler body is fused. The stop lamp cover is inserted into a mold when implementing the blow molding process, the flange part is fused to the outer surface of the spoiler body to be integrated with the material of the spoiler without requiring the use of a separate coupling means, and the parison is fused to the parison fusing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Moya International Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Alexander Hong Nahm, O Yeol Kwon
  • Patent number: 7330106
    Abstract: An inertia controlled deceleration signal apparatus for use in a leading automobile vehicle, which apparatus is in addition to the standard brake signal light and transmits a warning light to a following automobile vehicle upon braking, and operates to initiate a warning light, which warning light is either on or off wherein to indicate a severe or panic braking operation or of increasing light intensity wherein to indicate a controlled braking operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventors: Cindy L. Paulson, Carl D. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7287890
    Abstract: A lamp unit mounting structure includes a mounting panel having a mounting portion, a lamp unit, an elastic fixing member and a restricting member. The elastic fixing member is provided on the lamp unit, and includes a first portion which is extended from the lamp unit, a second portion which has a substantially U-shape, and has a first end being integrally connected to the first portion, a third portion which is extended from a second end of the second portion toward the lamp unit. The engagement portion engages the mounting portion of the mounting panel. The restricting member is provided on the lamp unit, and restricts a movement of the elastic fixing member in a mounting and dismounting direction of the engagement portion relative to the mounting panel. The restricting member has an escape portion which allows a movement of the elastic fixing member toward the lamp unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Okabe, Yasunobu Goto, Kentaro Nagai
  • Patent number: 7275839
    Abstract: The multi-color light lamp has a base divided into a plurality of segments. The three segments are spaced at 120 degrees. More or less segments can be used. An LED is positioned in each segment, the LED in each segment emits a color distinct from the light emitted by the LEDs in the other segments. If the lamp is to be used for automotive purposes, the LED in a first segment emits red light as a taillight and a stop light, the LED in a second segment emits yellow light a turn signal lamp, and the LED in the third segment emits white light as a backup light. A light pipe is operatively associated with the LEDs in each segment for directing emitted light away from the base. The LEDs (preferably two per segment) are mounted upon a thermally efficient printed circuit board such as a flex-on aluminum board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Coushaine, Michael Tucker, Thomas Tessnow
  • Patent number: 7273304
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a vehicle end region having lights and having a pivotable lid for closing a vehicle interior space. The pivotable lid has given regions which cover at least some of the lights when the pivotable lid is in a closed position and the pivotable lid is pivoted away from the lights when it is in an open position. The given regions of the pivotable lid have an interior side and an exterior side and are at least semi-transparent such that the given regions are configured to transmit light from the interior side to the exterior side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Bischoff, Odysseus Andronis
  • Patent number: 7261446
    Abstract: A light fixture assembly for the interior of a vehicle comprises a mounting member having a tab and a recessed cavity disposed on generally opposed end portions, and at least two spaced apart openings adapted to receive fasteners for securing the mounting member to the interior of a vehicle. The light fixture further comprises a light assembly housing having a recessed area in the back of the housing for receiving the mounting member, a retaining rib defining a space for receiving and retaining the tab of the mounting member, and an opening adapted to receive a fastener for engaging the recessed cavity of the mounting member to secure the light assembly housing to the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Bud Thomas
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20070153537
    Abstract: The invention is a system that provides a means to using passing air to turn on an electronically powered device that is removably attached to an exterior portion of a vehicle as the vehicle travels betweens two locations. The invention is also embodied as a device that provides a means to turn on an incandescent light bulb that illuminates an ornament that is attached to an automobile window using passing air caused a moving automobile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: Bryan Allan Scott, Denny Pak-kei Wong
  • Patent number: 7232252
    Abstract: A light holder for motor vehicles includes a transparent lighting housing and a snapping member. The transparent lighting housing includes an internal space and an opening at one end of terminating the internal space and terminating in a bottom inner surface. The a snapping member includes a snapping section atone end, a plurality of latches extending from the snapping section, and a threaded shank at the other end. The snapping section is inserted into the opening, and the threaded shank is adapted to be secured to a motor vehicle so as to provide an easily detachable light holder for a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Yu Min Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Chang Shih