Abstract: A recessible task lighting device comprises lighting source (207), retracting box (203), and vertically polarized gooseneck (209) connected between (207) and (203). Lighting source (207) is disposed inside a recessed location when not in use. The recessed location can be the tableside under a work table, an adjacent wall, or a pole stand or floor stand. Lighting source (207) can be pulled out from the recessed location to a task lighting position over a tabletop or over the lap area of the user and directed selectively to the viewing spot. Due to the special mechanical properties of the vertically polarized gooseneck, the lighting source can be supported up to about three or four feet horizontally from the recessed location. With pushbutton (55) pressed, lighting source (207) will move out of the way towards retracting box (203).

Abstract: Pull-down self-supportive lighting device mounted on hand-reachable ceilings, the lighting device comprising retracting unit (25), illuminating unit (23), and gooseneck (41) connected between units (25) and (23). Retracting unit (25) is mounted above an opening on the ceiling. Illuminating unit (23) has a retracted position adjacent to retracting unit (25). Gooseneck (41) has a predetermined internal structure and a bendability and rigidity balance that allows its winding inside retracting unit (25) while being able to hold illuminating unit (23) fixed in place. As a user pulls down finger-handle (31), gooseneck (41) unwinds allowing illuminating unit (23) to take a multitude of pull-down lighting position targeting the viewing area. With a press of pushbutton (29), retracting unit (25) pulls up illuminating unit (23) towards the retracted position wherein the user snaps it in with one hand.

Abstract: A recessible task lighting device comprises lighting source (207), retracting box (203), and vertically polarized gooseneck (209) connected between (207) and (203). Lighting source (207) is disposed inside a recessed location when not in use. The recessed location can be the tableside under a work table, an adjacent wall, or a pole stand or floor stand. Lighting source (207) can be pulled out from the recessed location to a task lighting position over a tabletop or over the lap area of the user and directed selectively to the viewing spot. Due to the special mechanical properties of the vertically polarized gooseneck, the lighting source can be supported up to about three or four feet horizontally from the recessed location. With pushbutton (55) pressed, lighting source (207) will move out of the way towards retracting box (203).

Abstract: Palm-like sun visor principally working like the upright-extended palm of the hand to protect the eyes from sun glare. It comprises sun visor body (24), retracting unit (40), and bendable arm (36) connecting the sun visor body and the retracting unit mounted on a vehicle's ceiling. Sun visor body (24) is disposed in a recessed location adjacent to the retracting unit and substantially flush with the vehicle's headliner. Bendable arm (36) has a predetermined structure that makes it bendable for winding in the retracting unit and rigid enough for holding sun visor (24) fixed in place. The user pulls the sun visor using two-finger handle (28) and adjusts sun visor body (24) near the windshield or side window for the best sun glare protection. The user activates retracting unit (40) that pulls up the sun visor body. The palm-like sun visor incorporates vanity mirrors.

Abstract: Flexible arms with structural features revealed by embodiments (22), (26), (30), (34), (38), (50), and (52). Flexible arms have cross sections perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that are elongated in the vertical direction, cross sections being longer in size vertically than horizontally. The above flexible arms are referred generically as novel arms (38). Structures of novel arms (38) derive from the detailed analysis of forces and torques exerted on loaded arms at work. To provide full adjustments of the arms in three dimensions, novel arms (38) are joined linearly with circular arms (46) into combined arms (54) as shown in several exemplifying applications. Other specific applications may employ arms (38) alone. Novel arms (38) and (54) have increased weight-bearing and reduced footprints compared to the prior art.

Abstract: Pull-down self-supportive lighting device mounted on hand-reachable ceilings, the lighting device comprising retracting unit (25), illuminating unit (23), and gooseneck (41) connected between units (25) and (23). Retracting unit (25) is mounted above an opening on the ceiling. Illuminating unit (23) has a retracted position adjacent to retracting unit (25). Gooseneck (41) has a predetermined internal structure and a bendability and rigidity balance that allows its winding inside retracting unit (25) while being able to hold illuminating unit (23) fixed in place. As a user pulls down finger-handle (31), gooseneck (41) unwinds allowing illuminating unit (23) to take a multitude of pull-down lighting position targeting the viewing area. With a press of pushbutton (29), retracting unit (25) pulls up illuminating unit (23) towards the retracted position wherein the user snaps it in with one hand.