Patents by Inventor John E. Nace

John E. Nace has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6120167
    Abstract: The present invention is a motorcycle tail light comprising a housing, a lens and a light source assembly. The light source assembly includes a resilient base and a light source detachably mounted to the base. The resilient base dampens vibrations which are transferred to the light source through the housing of the tail light. The resilient base of the present invention may also have an asymmetrical shape to ensure that the light source is properly aligned within the tail light. In addition, the base may also include one or more resilient ribs adapted to compress when the base is mounted within the housing of the tail light. The rib configuration permits easy insertion of the base into the housing while making withdrawal of the base from the housing more difficult. The light source assembly also includes an elastomer member positioned between the base and the light source to further dampen the vibrations that reach the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company
    Inventor: John E. Nace
  • Patent number: 6109773
    Abstract: A motorcycle forward lamp comprising a housing having an optically transmissive lens and an opening, an elastomer member mounted to the housing, and a light source assembly mounted (e.g., detachably) to the elastomer member and positioned within the opening. The light source assembly is isolated from the housing by the elastomer member. A shield is detachably mounted and positioned within the housing between the light source and the lens. A fastener and a washer are secured to the housing and positioned to maintain the light source assembly in the opening, and a dust cap is detachably mounted over the opening. The dust cap includes a notch in which the washer is positioned to thereby maintain the dust cap in position over the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company
    Inventor: John E. Nace