Bedroom Lighting (e.g., Modular Combinations) Patents (Class 362/801)
  • Patent number: 8729826
    Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for controlling brightness of a light emitting apparatus include controlling a brightness of a light emitting device based on a brightness value, receiving a message over a network, and detecting a modulation of a power input of the light emitting apparatus. The brightness value is changed based on both the message and the modulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Greenwave Reality, PTE, Ltd.
    Inventor: Karl Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8579795
    Abstract: Light modulation devices are provided. At least one Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) is used to create an oscillating signal used to drive an intensity parameter, a color parameter or both in a light modulator. The oscillating signal may be mixed with a base signal. The modulated signal driving either of the intensity or color parameters may be simple or complex. Systems having a plurality of light projection devices, each associated with a corresponding light modulation device, are also provided. Such Light modulation systems may be used for a variety of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Alain Anadi Martel
  • Patent number: 8531137
    Abstract: A modular light emitting apparatus includes a light emitting device, a connector to couple to an AC power source, circuitry on a first electronics module to drive the light emitting device, and a support structure arranged to position and hold a second electronics module that conforms to a predetermined form factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Greenwave Reality, PTE, Ltd.
    Inventor: Karl Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8485701
    Abstract: An embedded lamp and a replaceable illumination module are disclosed. The embedded lamp includes a lamp cover having a hollow housing, and a top frame fixed on the hollow housing. The replaceable illumination module is received in the hollow housing, and includes a connection base for connecting a lamp set, a middle sleeve received in the connection base, a rotation sleeve received in the middle sleeve and protruding outside the middle sleeve, a stop ring fastened at the top side of the middle sleeve, a rotation locking flake fastened at the top side of the rotation sleeve, and a elastic element for pushing the rotation sleeve. When the replaceable illumination module is pushed, the rotation sleeve is rotated in the middle sleeve and fixed at different locations. The rotation locking flake and an opening of the top frame are unlocked when both are parallel or locked when both are vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: DaVinci Industrial Inc.
    Inventor: Hua-Jung Chiu
  • Patent number: 8434896
    Abstract: An under-bed mounted accent lighting apparatus comprises a series of lamps which automatically illuminate to cast a soft glow from underneath the bed is herein disclosed. The lamps are electrically interconnected via standard wiring and adhesively affixed along the bed frame. The lamps are powered by a common user configurable timer module which plugs into a standard wall outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: David R. Embry
  • Patent number: 8421376
    Abstract: A modular light emitting apparatus includes a light emitting device, a connector to couple to an AC power source, an AC to DC converter, circuitry, on a first electronics module, to drive the light emitting device, and a support structure arranged to position and hold a second electronics module that conforms to a predetermined form factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Greenwave Reality PTE Ltd.
    Inventor: Karl Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8013545
    Abstract: Various methods of manufacturing a lighting apparatus and embodiments of a modular networked lighting apparatus are disclosed. One method defines a mechanical form factor with a minimum set of electrical connections for a networking module, builds a subassembly of the networked lighting apparatus, the subassembly comprising attachment points compatible with the mechanical form factor for the networking module and contacts for the minimum set of electrical connections for the networking module, installs a networking module into the subassembly of the networked lighting apparatus, the networking module compatible with a selected networking protocol for the networked lighting apparatus, completes the final assembly of the networked lighting module, and marks the networked lighting apparatus to indicate the selected networking protocol for the networked lighting apparatus. In some embodiments, the lighting apparatus may function without the networking module installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Greenwave Reality, PTE, Ltd.
    Inventor: Karl Jonsson
  • Patent number: 7081722
    Abstract: A method and a circuit for driving light emitting diodes (LEDs) in multiphase are provided. A string of LEDs divided into groups connected to each other in series is provided. Each group is coupled to ground through separate conductive paths. A phase switch is provided in each conductive path. Increasing the input voltage turn on the string of LEDs, group by group in the sequence downstream the string. To reduce power dissipation, the phase switch of an upstream group is turned off when next downstream group is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventors: Kimlong Huynh, Vinhphu Quoc Tran
  • Patent number: 6989635
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp used in a vehicle, includes: a light source for emitting light in accordance with power given thereto; a lamp body for accommodating the light source and protecting the light source from water; a first resistor provided in the outside of the lamp body and connected in series with the light source; and a current limiting circuit, provided in the inside of the lamp body, for preventing an excess current supplied to the light source in a case where dump surge occurs in a supplied voltage or current to be supplied to the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhito Iwaki, Hitoshi Takeda, Masayasu Ito
  • Patent number: 6894434
    Abstract: A nightlight and control unit comprises a nightlight housing including an illumination member and a control unit associated with the nightlight housing for regulating light in a light device connectable to the control unit. An input mechanism is provided for programming the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Richard S. Kosoff
  • Patent number: 6870673
    Abstract: A system and method for providing biosynchronized therapy to a patient that creates a therapeutic environment and therapeutic stimulations that are sensitive to psychological and sensory human issues, including those particular to the patient, and that reduce psychological stress experienced by the patient so that other forms of treatment provided to the patient are enhanced and benefited. In one embodiment, the environment and stimulations can be predetermined. The therapy is applied using an overhead system that includes a suspended, multi-function that performs predetermined tasks and a lighting system, both of which provide the room with natural ambient light, artificial ambient light and predetermined task lighting. An image display system is also included for applying preselected images to the canopy over a bed of the patient. The overhead system can be used in a variety of circumstances such as a home, commercial facilities and health care facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Archie E. Cromer, Bonnie K. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030231495
    Abstract: A nightlight is provided for providing therapeutic effects on the human body and mind including promoting relaxation, sleep and wakefulness. The nightlight includes a housing, a light source, a central processor, one or more controls, and a power supply. The light source produces at least three modes having various light properties. The light modes include a sleep readiness mode, a sleep help mode and a wake-up mode. The sleep readiness mode produces light at about 40 lumens and preferably includes only light from the blue and yellow portions of the visible light spectrum. The sleep help mode produces monochromatic light in the blue or green spectrum. Preferably, the light undulates at a frequency of one cycle per second to one cycle per minute at a luminosity of between 5 lumens and 25 lumens. Meanwhile, the wake-up mode produces substantially full spectrum light at approximately 1,600 lumens. The processor and controls allow a person to select and control the various light modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Lee Searfoss
  • Patent number: 6631999
    Abstract: A wall lamp with a rotating inner shade includes a lamp body having a housing and a shade attached to the housing. A stand is attached to the housing within and by means of the shade. An inner shade in balanced on a free end of the stand. The inner shade has a closed upper end and multiple blades formed on the upper end. A passage is defined adjacent blades. Hot air is generated by the burning light bulb and rises in the inner shade. The inner shade rotates when the hot air impinges the blades and passes through the passages. Consequently, the light radiated from the wall lamp is vivid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Taitech International Corporation
    Inventor: Tony Chang
  • Patent number: 6476565
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a remote powered electrodeless light bulb 12 and an RF transmitter 14. The bulb 12 requires no electrical connection and will not burn out, can be submerged into water without causing electrocution, is safe and non toxic and has many uses. The bulb 12 may be of any size or shape, and is filled with inert argon gas and or other inert gases under vacuum. The transmitter 12 emits an RF field from a distance of 1 to 25 feet and comprises a variable frequency adjustment knob 16, an output power field adjustment knob 18 and a special effects transmitter knob 20 for changing the pulse/strobe rate. Also shown is a power source 22, a base 24, which may be made of metal, a chassis ground wire 26, an antenna 28, and a transmitter housing 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Charles Kaminski
  • Publication number: 20020126475
    Abstract: The invention concerns a lighting system for furniture, in this case a bed fabricated of PVC pipe, which combines bedpost-mounted halogen illumination and under-bed electroluminescent illumination. The arrangement of the low-voltage lamps within the bed frame itself provides sufficient ambient lighting for the whole bedroom. This eliminates the need for other bedroom lighting such as table lamps or floor lamps, therefore conserving space. The touch switch feature makes turning on the lights extraordinarily convenient by allowing for operation while still in bed, by locating the touch pads on or near the headboard within easy reach. The dimmer feature adjusts the intensity of the lights for appropriate atmosphere and easy wake up lighting as opposed to typical harsh lighting first thing in the morning. Under lighting provides sufficient non-intrusive late-night visibility without interrupting sleep, in addition to the aesthetically pleasing “floating” appearance of the bed itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Patrick Lem Washburn
  • Patent number: 6443591
    Abstract: A canopy assembly is provided for use over a hospital bed in a health care environment. The canopy assembly includes an elongated housing which is preferably a unitary molded plastic shell. The housing has a straight first end for abutting a wall adjacent a head of the bed and has a rounded second end over the foot of the bed. The housing has a rectangular shaped interior opening disposed therein within which is received a rectangular shaped light box having a backlit translucent scenic panel thereon. The housing includes a semi-circular shaped opening within which is received an air diffuser which is connected to an HVAC system in the ceiling of the room. The housing includes a horseshoe shaped interior panel having a plurality of circular openings defined therein within which are received a plurality of task lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Wellness, LLC
    Inventors: Earl S. Swensson, David S. Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20020085373
    Abstract: A modular furniture system is provided having vertical members with internal conductors. The conductors are coupled to a source of low voltage electrical power such that adjacent vertical members are of differing electrical polarity. Support members for use in the modular furniture system are designed to make electrical contact with the internal conductors when engaged in a vertical member. An electrical device, such as a light fixture, may be coupled between a pair of brackets engaged in vertical members of opposite polarity, energizing the electrical device. Embodiments are provided for use in merchandising displays and office partition systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: Powerwall, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Slesinger, Thomas L. Collom, Frank Neidhardt
  • Patent number: 6279753
    Abstract: A combination desk lamp, compact disc holder, beverage cup holder and desk organizer set includes a hollow base for supporting a desk lighting fixture mounted to the top of the base, an upright compact disc (CD) holder which is glued to the top of the base, a desk organizer and/or a beverage cup holder. The desk organizer includes a pencil holder removably disposed inside a tray which is glued to the top of the base and provided on the inside with a plurality of cone-shaped protuberances for frictional support. The tray may serve also as a beverage cup holder. The CD holder can also be provided with a beverage cup holder which attaches to the top of the CD holder via glue and a leg/aperture coupling. The top of the CD holder beverage cup holder includes a plurality of concentric interspaced raised surfaces to provide frictional support for a beverage cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Lamps Plus, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik A. Swanson
  • Patent number: 6256811
    Abstract: A fiber optic illuminated starlight scene on a headboard. By using a plurality of optical fibers (22) lighted by an illuminator (20) and the optical fiber/visible end (16) are positioned flush with front panel (12) decorative scene (14) a realistic rendition of a starlight scene is created. The optical fibers/visible ends (16) placement and dispersion in the decorative scene (14) along with the distance and angle of the optical fibers (22) to the illuminator makes each individual optical fiber/visible end (16) appear as starlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Eric S. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6050708
    Abstract: A light fixture comprising a metal housing and at least one lamp assembly mounted inside the housing. The housing, includes a metal backing plate and a metal cover secured to the backing plate. The lamp assembly is mounted in an interior of the housing providing light through an aperture in the metal cover. The backing plate is formed with at least one projecting tongue that can be inserted between the base and cover section of a metal raceway. Electrical conductors may be pulled through the raceway for connection to the lamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Westek Associates
    Inventor: John W. Roorda
  • Patent number: 6019481
    Abstract: A light fixture apparatus including a support frame, a light box coupled to the support frame and a hollow housing portion coupled to the support frame alongside the light box. An opening is provided in the housing and a horizontal electrical outlet is in the housing portion opposite the opening. The housing portion includes the first cover pivotally coupled to the support frame at a first end and spaced from the support frame at a second end to form the opening. A second cover is secured in the housing to enclose the wiring of the electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Ambach, Dale A. Nobbe
  • Patent number: 5986727
    Abstract: A back light illuminator for liquid crystal display apparatus comprises a fluorescent lamp, a light guide member, and a reflection plate enclosing the fluorescent lamp and an incident portion of the light guide member so as to reflect light rays toward the incident portion of the light guide member. The reflection plate has at least a curved portion having a parabolic cross-section or a elliptical cross-section so as not to reflect the light rays in a direction to the fluorescent lamp. Thus, absorption of reflected light by the fluorophor of the fluorescent lamp is minimized, and the luminance of the back light illuminator is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Fukui, Kanji Nishii, Kenji Takamoto, Masami Ito, Kazumasa Takata
  • Patent number: 5839231
    Abstract: A modular window assembly constructed as a pre-assembled unit for closing an opening in a motor vehicle body is provided with a light assembly mounted in a frame assembly. In those preferred embodiments used as a backlight to close an opening in the sheet metal of a pickup truck, the light assembly may optionally be a high mount stop lamp or brakelight and/or a cargo light. The light assembly may have a housing and structure for connecting the light assembly to a power source. Numerous configurations and kinds of light assemblies may be used. The light assembly may optionally be mounted flush with an exterior surface of the frame. In certain preferred embodiments the frame assembly can have a circumferential main body segment and a halo segment unitary with the main body segment. The light assembly optionally can be mounted in the unitary halo segment. A light assembly, for example, can be used with fixed pane modular windows, single sliding pane modular windows and dual pane sliding modular windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Gebhart, Ronnie G. Gipson, James C. Capiak
  • Patent number: 5820244
    Abstract: A synthetic resin part integrally formed with metal members manufactured by the steps of integrally forming a plurality of metal member sets through coupling portions, each of the metal member sets comprising a plurality of kinds of metal members, inserting the metal member sets into the molding dyes of a forming machine, injecting synthetic resin for molding into the molding dye, forming a synthetic resin part integrally formed with metal members in sequence to form a synthetic resin part continuum where a plurality of synthetic resin parts are connected, and cutting off the coupling portions to complete the manufacture of the plurality of synthetic resin parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Yamada, Tadayuki Okuda, Masaki Hagiwara, Yoshihide Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5818331
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an automotive light signal which comprise a housing with at least one electric bulb inside. According to the invention, a portion of light emission from the signal is diverted in such a way that the driver can see the same light that is directed outside the vehicle. Thus, a failure-proof end-to-end check of the operability of the signal is accomplished by the driver without resorting to help of another person. The invention is especially important for brake and backing signals, which currently require the driver to request outside help to perform end-to-end checking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventors: Semyon Rabinovich, Michael Rabinovich
  • Patent number: 5813745
    Abstract: A rearview mirror with lighting assembly for use in a vehicle, has a molded case adapted to support lights for illuminating portions of the vehicle interior, to support electrical switches, wiring, and electrical connectors, to support optical lenses for directing light, and to support a mirror element. The case includes ventilation around the lenses, past the lights, and out of the case for dissipating heat from the lighting. The electrical switches and connectors are mounted into the case. A preferred light arrangement provides illumination of areas below and outwardly of the case ends with targeted lighting areas in the lap areas of persons seated in the front seats of the vehicle, without allowing light to be directed toward the vehicle windshield or instrument panel to cause glare. A resilient sealing material is adhered to the back of the lens element for sealing with the case to prevent or minimize the emission of uncontrolled, stray light from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Howard W. Fant, Jr., Troy I. Vanderhoof, Craig M. Miller, Barry W. Hutzel
  • Patent number: 5806967
    Abstract: A light fixture having a uplight shade with an elongate downlight aperture includes a removable baffle configured to cover the elongate downlight aperture to control the amount of downwardly directed light. The light fixture includes an elongate ballast/electronic housing having opposing ends, and elongate side panel having opposing ends, and a pair of end pieces supportingly engaging the opposing ends of the ballast/electronic housing and the opposing ends of the side panels. The housing and side panel are laterally spaced apart, and together with the end pieces define an elongate downlight aperture. The side panel is positioned and orientated with respect to a light source mounted between the end pieces to act as a shade which reflects light upwardly from the light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Armas D. Soorus, David C. Eberlein
  • Patent number: 5800040
    Abstract: The internal rearview mirror with courtesy lights includes a mirror device (1) and an antiglare device (2) acting on the mirror device (1) in a housing (3); a courtesy light system (4) for the rearview mirror; an electronic control module (5) including a printed circuit board (70) and having a timing device (6) which controls a ceiling lamp (200), trunk lamp (202) and door courtesy lights (201); and a detachable support (7) including a spring loaded neck (8) and a base (9) mounted centrally to the ceiling or windshield. The printed circuit board (70) has holes (72) and the housing (3) has fixing columns (71) aligned with the holes (72) for mounting the printed circuit board securely in the housing with screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Metagal Insdustria e Comercio Ltda.
    Inventor: Antonio Ferreira do Espirito Santo
  • Patent number: 5788358
    Abstract: A brake light for an automobile having a windshield, a rear view mirror and a brake light circuit. The light is supported on the mirror by a support and keeper pivoted to the support for gripping the mirror holder. Second, third and fourth embodiment each having a support means and a keeper having a projection on the support means and spaced legs on the keeper that are received on each side of the projection. A second embodiment has external teeth on the projection that receive internal teeth on the keeper for holding the keeper in clamped relation with the projection to clamp a support member between them. A third embodiment has a projection and spaced legs on the support spaced outwardly from the projection. The legs on the keeper are received between the legs of the support means and the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Richard E. Davis
  • Patent number: 5774241
    Abstract: A holographic stoplight system that includes a stoplight hologram (21, 21') supported adjacent the inside surface of a rear window (211) of a vehicle, and a light source (29, 31) for providing a converging beam that is vertically converging and predominantly horizontally colimated. The stoplight hologram is illuminated with the vertically converging beam, or with a predominantly collimated beam provided by a collimating lens (27) that collimates the vertically converging beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: Ronald T. Smith
  • Patent number: 5772304
    Abstract: A rear exterior lamp for a vehicle including an optical fiber (61) for providing an optical fiber light output, an optical coupler (50) responsive to the optical fiber light output for providing an optical coupler light output, and a light panel (11, 13, 15, 100) responsive to the optical coupler light output for providing an exterior lamp output. The optical coupler more particularly includes a transparent substrate having an input side (53) for receiving the optical fiber light output, an output surface (51), and a plurality of internally reflecting surfaces (55a) opposite the output surface for internally reflecting light that enters the input surface toward the output surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Ronald T. Smith
  • Patent number: 5746498
    Abstract: This invention concerns an auxiliary brake light mountable in a cab of a vehicle which includes a housing on which a light-transmissive pane is snapped. According to the invention, a covering cap placed over the housing has an outer surface which forms the outer surface of the brake lamp that is seen from the interior of the cab. On side portions of the housing there ar two snapping tongues which are provided with protruding catch noses behind which snapping engaging elements formed on the interior of the covering cap engaged.The covering cap is provided with detaching lashings for removal of the covering cap, which are formed by two curved slits. By applying exterior pressure to the detaching lashings the snapping tongues are pressed inwardly whereby the snapping engagement is released. The covering cap can have a color to match the cab interior while the housing can be manufacture in a single color for use with all color schemes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Hella KG Hueck & Co.
    Inventor: Ingo Rogge
  • Patent number: 5735593
    Abstract: A light fixture apparatus is configured to be mounted to a wall. The apparatus includes support frame configured to be mounted to the wall. The support frame is formed to include a track. The support frame also includes first and second support walls which are configured to be mounted generally parallel to the wall of the room and a web interconnecting the first and second support walls. A light box is coupled to the support frame. The light box includes a light source. The apparatus further includes a mounting block configured to be coupled to the track of the support. The mounting block is adapted to receive an accessory item to couple the accessory item to the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Gallant, Dale A. Nobbe, John D. Vogel, Edward W. Catton
  • Patent number: 5735595
    Abstract: The signaling system contains a low-pressure rare gas discharge lamp having a tubular lamp vessel provided with electrodes. The lamp is accommodated in a housing having a light-emission window and light-reflecting means. The housing has a light-reflecting inner surface reflect light and an elongate converging lens, closing the light-emission window. The housing may have a niche in which the lamp is partially recessed countersunk and in which the lamp may be secured by an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Paulus Q. J. Nederpel, Antonius J. M. Van Hees
  • Patent number: 5713657
    Abstract: A system for providing indirect lighting. The system has a U-shaped support that has an inner side with a mounting feature for readily mounting the U-shaped bracket to a surface such as a wall on hanging brackets. The bottom of the U-shaped support has a mounting feature for the mounting of a secondary bracket to support ancillary equipment such as drapery hardware, direct lighting systems and the like. A light source is mounted in the cavity of the U-shaped support to provide indirect lighting. The inner side and outer side of the U-shaped support are arranged to support a lens and a louver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas L. Dearborn
  • Patent number: 5708519
    Abstract: A hologram fitted to a rear window glass is irradiated with light from a regenerative light source to produce a holographic image to ensure the effective operation of a high mount stop lamp and to simultaneously prevent light from dazzling the driver of a following vehicle. The high mount stop lamp is provided with a hologram disposed on the inside surface of a rear automotive window glass, and a regenerative light source for regenerating the holographic image by irradiating the hologram. Part of the regenerative light source is buried in a recess in a rear parcel shelf of the automobile. A shielding wall is fitted to a part of the periphery of the regenerative light source so as, together with the rear window glass, to surround the regenerative light source to shield the light directed to the front of the automobile. The shielding wall is formed, for example, by folding up part of the decorative panel of the rear parcel shelf in the form of a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norimasa Yamamoto, Hideaki Satsukawa, Koichi Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 5683162
    Abstract: A device and method for automatically rotating a stop lamp in a vehicle are disclosed. The device includes a rotatable member having at least first, second and third end portions, a weight mounted on the first end portion of the rotatable member, a rotatable stop lamp connected to the third end portion of the rotatable member, and a movable member connected to the second end portion of the rotatable member, whereby a turn of the vehicle automatically rotates the stop lamp in a substantially opposite direction of the turn so that the driver of a rear vehicle can see the stop lamp at all times and avoid accidents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-Sup Oh
  • Patent number: 5683169
    Abstract: An improved bed-lighting mechanism having a headboard (10) and footboard (11) attached perpendicular to left (12) and right (13) side rails which have left (20) and right (21) cable guards attached beneath and parallel to them, respectively. Four-foot (14A and 14B) and six-foot (17A and 17B) bedposts sandwich four-foot (15) and six-foot (18) fluorescent-light tubes and are attached perpendicular to the corner joint formed by the headboard (10) and footboard (11) to the left (12) and right (13) side rails. End caps (16 and 19) sit atop and below the bedposts (14A, 14B, 17A, and 17B). The fluorescent-light tubes (15 and 18) are encased by protective plastic sheaths (54). A ballast and switch box (55) houses a ballast (25) that powers the two, four-foot fluorescent-light tubes (15) and a ballast (26) that powers the two, six-foot fluorescent-light tubes (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventors: Donald R. Lucas, Ronald W. Allen
  • Patent number: 5673994
    Abstract: A rearview mirror with lighting assembly for use in a vehicle, has a molded case adapted to support lights for illuminating portions of the vehicle interior, to support electrical switches, wiring, and electrical connectors, to support optical lenses for directing light, and to support a mirror element. The case includes ventilation around the lenses, past the lights, and out of the case for dissipating heat from the lighting. The electrical switches and connectors are mounted into the case. A preferred light arrangement provides illumination of areas below and outwardly of the case ends with targeted lighting areas in the lap areas of persons seated in the front seats of the vehicle, without allowing light to be directed toward the vehicle windshield or instrument panel to cause glare. A resilient sealing material is adhered to the back of the lens element for sealing with the case to prevent or minimize the emission of uncontrolled, stray light from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Howard W. Fant, Jr., Barry W. Hutzel, Craig M. Miller, Troy I. VanderHoof
  • Patent number: 5669697
    Abstract: A sun visor for mounting upon a vehicle without drilling special holes or providing added mounting brackets. The visor includes a visor body configured for mounting adjacent the vehicle's front windshield. Light apertures are preferably included in the visor body. At least one mounting extension extends rearwardly from the visor body to form a mount. The mounting extension also forms a portion of an enclosure. Light is conveyed to the light apertures such as through the enclosures. A mounting connection is used to provide a mechanical connection between the mounting extension and a clearance light fixture or feature formed on the vehicle cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald J. Angelo, Alex G. Bernasconi, Daniel P. Dunne
  • Patent number: 5664871
    Abstract: A windshield visor for mounting to the front portion of a vehicle cab, the visor having an integrally formed visor body with a plurality of recessed portions in its top surface. A plurality of caps are provided to substantially cover each of the recessed portions and form a cavity therebetween for housing a light fixture. The visor body attaches to the vehicle cab about the recessed portions, thereby allowing the caps to seal and protect both the mounting mechanism and optional light fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: DFM Corporation
    Inventor: Scott P. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5634709
    Abstract: An inner mirror of a vehicle having a display device includes a mirror body, a rear view mirror provided in a front opening of the mirror body for reflecting an image in the rear of a vehicle back to a driver's visual point, an information display section provided within an area of the rear view mirror in the front opening of the mirror body or within an area adjacent to the area of the rear view mirror, a light emitting display section provided in the mirror body for displaying visual information by emission of light, and an information display mirror provided in the mirror body for reflecting the visual information displayed by the light emitting display section back to the driver's visual point through the information display section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Murakami Corporation
    Inventor: Tokumitsu Iwama
  • Patent number: 5634708
    Abstract: A rear indicator device for an automobile arranged inwardly of and adjacent to a rear window. The device includes a light guide plate 2, a hologram 2 arranged in the light guide plate 2 and an irregular shaped prism having a first section having an apex angle .phi.1 at which the light beam from a light source 5 is subjected to a refraction so that the light beam is flattened. The flattened beam is again introduced into the prism at a second section which is in face to face contact with the light guide plate 2, so that the light beam is transmitted inside the light guide plate 2 toward the hologram 3, whereat the light beam is introduced into the hologram at a predetermined angle of incidence, so that a horizontal light beam of a predetermined wave length is obtained in a rear direction of the automobile to indicate the braking of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Koie, Naoki Fukaya, Yasunori Kanno, Shinji Namba
  • Patent number: 5621942
    Abstract: The rear part of a motor vehicle includes a rear window and a screen wiping apparatus for the rear window, comprising an electrical drive motor unit arranged inside the vehicle and having a drive shaft which projects out of the vehicle. The drive shaft extends through a bearing bush which is fitted in a hole formed through either the rear window or an adjacent portion of the vehicle body-work. A shouldered mounting bush is also fitted in this hole, around the bearing bush. The bearing bush has a threaded portion projecting externally, and the drive motor unit is secured to the vehicle by means of a nut which is tightened on this threaded portion. A rear light, typically a stop light arranged inside the vehicle so as to shine through the rear window, is secured on the screen wiping apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes D'Essuyage
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Eustache, Jack Schitter
  • Patent number: 5613757
    Abstract: Canopy apparatus for use with a bed, for creating the visual impression of a star-lit sky. In a preferred embodiment, the canopy comprises a frame suspendable above a bed, at least one light fixture disposed within the frame for generating light, and a screen having a plurality of openings formed therein suspended by the frame beneath the light fixture. Light passing from the fixture through the openings creates the appearance of a plurality of stars and a moon for the user reclining on a bed beneath the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Bryan T. Polk
  • Patent number: 5595433
    Abstract: A back light assembly for an automotive vehicle comprising a housing having separable housing parts forming a chamber for a light bulb. The housing parts are releasably secured together by at least one and preferably two elongated, flexible, compressible, stretchable fasteners. Each fastener extends through aligned passages in the respective housing parts. Each fastener has two enlargements, one engageable with an abutment in the passage of one housing part and the other engageable with an abutment in the passage of the other housing part to hold the housing parts together. The distance between the enlargements in the unstretched, free state condition of the fasteners, before installation, is less than the distance between the abutments, so that when installed, the fasteners are stretched and in tension. One of the enlargements of each fastener is adapted to engage the rear window of the vehicle when the back light assembly is properly mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald P. Pokriefka, Paul E. Cole
  • Patent number: 5590947
    Abstract: A windscreen for use with a motorcycle hiring. This windscreen incorporates a plurality of light bulbs adjacent a lower edge portion of the windscreen, which portion is attached to the motorcycle fairing, in order to illuminate the windscreen, making it glow with light conducted through windscreen material. The light bulbs are securely positioned in slots formed in the windscreen by clips which clip onto the windscreen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Larry W. Kidd, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5580153
    Abstract: A combination brake light and trunk storage region illumination lamp is provided for use in an automobile as (20) a center high mount lamp (10) or a trunk mounted lamp (310). The lamp comprises a housing (30) having a first wall (32) having a first lens (50) mounted in an opening (52) and a second wall (34) having a second lens (60) mounted in an opening (62). The housing (30) is mounted to the automobile (20) on a support member, such as the package shelf (40) or the trunk lid (240), whereby the first lens (50), which is a red lens, is disposed so as to be visible from behind the vehicle and the second lens (60), which is a clear or neutral color lens, is disposed so as to face into the trunk storage region. Disposed within the housing (30) is a lighting element (35) which is selectively energized either when a brake pedal of the automobile (20) is depressed or when the trunk lid is in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony P. Motz
  • Patent number: 5566485
    Abstract: A car-used distress sign which is normally in a horizontally linear pattern and can be immediately changed into a triangular pattern by the driver in case the car breaks down without getting out of the car. The distress sign includes a base, a left warning member, a central warning member and a right warning member. The base is disposed with two pivot seats at two ends. A latch hook and a first resilient member are pivotally connected with each pivot seat. Two electromagnetic pulling members are disposed on the base. The latch hooks are connected with the pulling members by driving strings. The left and right warning members are disposed with latch pins for engaging with the latch hooks. A second resilient member is disposed on the central warning member and two pairs of third resilient members are disposed at two ends of the base. Two pushing blocks are disposed at two ends of the second resilient member to pivotally connect with the left and right warning members respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Shin-Shui Chang
  • Patent number: 5558427
    Abstract: This invention relates to a base structure for a three-section type third braking light which can be converted into a triangular failure warning light. The base structure having a base seat and a supporting seat can be mounted inside the rear windscreen glass of an automobile, and the base seat is provided with pivot axes for the adjustment of the mounting angle of the third braking light supported by the supporting seat. The supporting seat is provided with several engaging projections or Velcro tapes for being conveniently positioning the third braking light which can be converted into a triangular failure warning light when needed if an automobile is in failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Chang A. Yang