Flexible Modifier Patents (Class 362/278)
  • Patent number: 4597033
    Abstract: A lightweight emergency lighting system capable of arrangement into various subjective configurations is provided. A housing member supports a plurality of individual lighting elements mounted on a common semi-rigid bus bar. The upper configuration of the housing members is capable of a directional transmission of light towards a predetermined field angle, while the lower configuration is adaptable for mounting the lighting elements. The upper housing member can have an interior surface of a prismatic configuration to provide a refraction and reflection of light in combination with the exterior surface. The lighting elements, such as L.E.D.'s, can be excited through a pulsing circuit to maximize the light output while conserving power from an auxiliary battery source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1986
    Assignee: Gulf & Western Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Daniel H. Meggs, Herbert G. Gross, John T. Greenslade
  • Patent number: 4594645
    Abstract: An illuminating reflector is composed of a stick which is adapted to be detachably inserted into a stick holding aperture formed in an illuminator, an actuating runner which pivotally connects a plurality of dome ribs and is slidably inserted onto the stick, a reflection sheet which is put on the ribs and cause diffusingly reflection of light, a fixed collar secured at the top portion of the stick, and struts which are pivoted at their opposite ends respectively to the fixed collar and to the midway of the ribs. Therefore, the reflector can be opened by displacing the runner toward the fixed collar to flare the reflection sheet in a shape of a box, while when removing the runner counterwardly, the reflector can be folded into a compact form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1986
    Inventor: Yutake Terashita
  • Patent number: 4581687
    Abstract: The modular lighting tube according to the present invention comprises a transparent or translucent and flexible tubular member, a pair of circuit wires provided within said tubular member, across which a plurality of light emitting means are connected, electric terminals for said pair of circuit wires and mechanical connector members provided on opposite ends of said tubular member, wherein the last-mentioned two components are directly connectable to the ends of the adjacent modular lighting tubes in electro-mechanical manner. The circuit wires are connected to the terminals therefor by spring structures to maintain tension in the wires. The springs may form portions of the respective circuit wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Assignee: ABC Trading Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirobumi Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 4574338
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is an inexpensive light assembly which is easy to be produced and has aesthetic appearance. The assembly comprises a housing of thermoplastic resin having a convexly curved mouth, an electric bulb disposed in the housing, a lens of thermoplastic resin assuming a flat shape when no external stress is applied thereto, the lens being so constructed as to exhibit its desired optical performance when flexed by a given degree, and means for securing the lens to the mouth of the housing while flexing the same by the given degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Takasaki, Masutoshi Aoyama
  • Patent number: 4573106
    Abstract: A slide rheostat having a light-emitting device for permitting a person to check the position of the knob of the rheostat in the nighttime or in the dark. The rheostat includes a transparent upper baseplate, a transparent lower baseplate, a laminated sheet including a pressure-sensitive contact member, a transparent sliding body that reciprocates, the knob being formed on the sliding body, an indicator portion having a transparent region, and a pressure-applying member. The light-emitting device is disposed below the lower baseplate rather than on the knob carried by the sliding body. When the light-emitting device is lit, the emitted light is transmitted through the lower baseplate, the laminated sheet, the upper baseplate, and the transparent region of the indicator portion that has a scale thereon. Part of the light directly reaches the outside through this transparent region, while the other part arrives at the outside after passing through the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Kuratani
  • Patent number: 4535390
    Abstract: A folding reflector for a lantern is formed from a pair of reflecting panels which are pivotally secured for pivotal movement between a folded position in which the panels are superposed and an extended position in which the panels extend in opposite directions from the pivot. When the panels are extended, the reflector can be inserted around the globe of the lantern. When the panels are folded, the reflector can be stored in the bottom of the fount of the lantern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Curtis, James R. Conley
  • Patent number: 4524405
    Abstract: A fan-shape foldable reflector apparatus for use with known flashing or constant beam light-source types, such are generally used by photographers for producing indirect-lighting effects by directing the emitting beam from such a light-source type to impact a reflective surface which faces an area to be so illuminated. The said fan-shape reflector produces similar indirect-lighting effects by causing the beam emitted from such a light-source type to impact this forward-curved reflective means at an upward oblique angle, thereby the beam is refracted, broadened and richochetted as diffused rays onto a subject area to which said reflector is principally faced. This improved reflector additionally comprises all necessary means for attaching and positioning various type light-sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Inventor: Charles M. Heard
  • Patent number: 4471412
    Abstract: An illumination element having a transparent flexible tube and a fine flexible light conducting member accommodated in the tube. The light conducting member is provided with a number of light outlet sections at spaced locations along its length. Light is incident on at least one end of the light conducting member and caused to break through the light outlet sections while propagating through the light conducting member. The light is available for ornamental lighting or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Inventor: Kei Mori
  • Patent number: 4460942
    Abstract: An electronic flashtube is fixedly mounted to a reflector housing by an elongated elastomeric strap having openings therethrough at opposite ends thereof for engaging respectively the opposite end portions of the flashtube which extend from the reflector housing. The elongated strap extends across the exterior of the reflector housing so as to yieldably bias the flashtube toward that portion of the reflector housing across which the strap extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Donato F. Pizzuti, Narvous Stamps, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4460943
    Abstract: A light projector suitable for performance lighting and provided with a means capable of adjusting beam azimuth and elevation from a remote location is provided with an input device locating the operator's finger, hand, or a stylus in two dimensions by non-mechanical means. The azimuth and elevation control means is capable of operation in either an incremental or rate of displacement mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Inventor: Michael Callahan
  • Patent number: 4446506
    Abstract: A uniquely configured, constructed photographic light diffuser device for association with a photographic light source, which is versatile in that it is easily and releasably associated with variously configured light sources used in the photographic field, wherein the device is made up of articulated panel segments, the segments having different light reflecting, or diffusing qualities, wherein the diffusing member is easily and releasably associated with the light directing device so as to be able to make up a myriad of difference selected, polygonal configurations to vary lighting patterns and light intensity on photographic objects. The device is light weight and collapsible for ease of carrying and is particularly applicable to the photography field wherein it is desired to achieve and attain various lighting affects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Assignee: Larson Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond G. Larson
  • Patent number: 4443837
    Abstract: A mounting fixture for supporting up to two electronic flash lamps and a reflective light umbrella on a photographic light stand is disclosed. The fixture includes two orthogonal flash lamp shoe brackets and an integral deflectable locking arm for securing the fixture body to a vertical post of a light stand. A locking bolt passes through coaxial bores in the arm and the fixture body. The locking bolt includes a cylindrical head having a transverse bore for receiving a shaft of a reflective umbrella. A tubular locking collar is interposed on the shaft of the bolt between the fixture body and the head of the locking bolt. The locking collar includes a pair of diametrically opposed semicircular recess cut into its tubular end edge which are alignable with the openings of the bore in the head of the bolt. The locking collar, together with the bolt head, operates to secure an umbrella shaft in place when the bolt is tightened to secure the mounting fixture on a light stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignees: Philip M. Casady, Melvin A. Pfaelzer
    Inventors: Albert Migliori, Stephen D. Northup
  • Patent number: 4439817
    Abstract: A stick-on fog light lens, comprising a flexible sheet of amber colored transparent vinyl having a peripheral configuration cut to match that of the headlight of an automobile on which it is to be used, and a method of affixing to the headlight by moistening one side of the flexible vinyl sheet with water, placing the moistened side against the glass lens of the headlight, and pressing out excess moisture and air thereby leaving the flexible sheet fog light lens operably affixed to the headlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Inventor: Ronald L. Aton
  • Patent number: 4412276
    Abstract: A strobe lighting unit--and a reflector assembly forming part thereof--include a concave reflector having a predetermined shape, typically including a parabolic cross-section. The reflector is formed in situ as part of an assembly process by pressing a thin precut planar blank of reflective material, preferably an aluminum alloy foil having selected mechanical properties, into a die cavity in the reflector housing with a conforming die plunger to bend the blank into the predetermined shape. During the bending process residual tension forces are induced intentionally into the blank and these forces urge the foil into contact with surfaces defining the die cavity to supportively maintain the reflector in the predetermined shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1983
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: Igor Blinow
  • Patent number: 4394718
    Abstract: A light emitting mounting bracket is provided for a handrail arrangement. The bracket comprises a body portion which supports the handrail on an associated wall and which has a cavity therein which contains a light emitting source and provides access to associated wall fasteners. A translucent lens is wedgedly and flushly mounted on the bracket so as to give the appearance of being molded therewith, thereby presenting a clean profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Assignee: Balco, Inc.
    Inventor: Claude P. Balzer
  • Patent number: 4347553
    Abstract: A reusable light comprising a housing configured to operatively retain a voltage source therein having an extended bulb assembly mounted on one end thereof and a switch pivotally mounted on the opposite end thereof, the extended bulb assembly comprises an enlongated hollow sleeve having a mounting member attached on one end thereof to attach the extended bulb assembly to the housing and a bulb housing having a light source disposed therein attached to the opposite end thereof, a first conductor including a first and second conductor element extending substantially the length of the flexible light coupled to the light source, a second conductor disposed within the hollow sleeve being coupled to another portion of the light source and a removable cap to selectively house the extended bulb assembly, the switch movable to operatively engage the first conductor means to selectively close the circuit and activate the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Inventor: John R. Saron
  • Patent number: 4323955
    Abstract: A lighting facility which includes spaced parallel end plates having a light assembly extending therebetween. A flexible cover extends between and is supported by the end plates so as to be rotatable entirely about the light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1982
    Inventor: Edward H. Mark
  • Patent number: 4212051
    Abstract: An anti-rotational lamp assembly for a vehicle including a grommet and cooperating lamp housing. The assembly includes an elastomeric grommet formed with radial ribs for compressive mounting in a wall opening and a lamp housing formed with a plurality of radial ribs for compressive engagement between the lamp housing and the inner surface of the grommet for preventing rotation of a mounted assembly due to road shock and vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1980
    Assignee: Abex Corporation
    Inventor: George J. Kulik
  • Patent number: 4177503
    Abstract: A flexible strip with a series of electric bulbs contained in a cylindrical cavity of a portion of the length of the strip. A permanent magnet at one end of the strip facilitates picking up and retrieving metal parts from hard to reach areas. A pair of longitudinal conductors extend essentially the length of the strip, one of the conductors being sufficiently rigid to enable maintaining the strip in a configuration to which it is bent manually. A handle can be formed at the end of the strip opposite the magnet by inserting a rigid tube into a continuation of the cylindrical cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1979
    Inventor: Jacques L. V. Anquetin
  • Patent number: 4174533
    Abstract: In a structure comprising a first, through-shaped reflector and a second reflector consisting of two parabolic portions derived from a parabola of which the axis forms a certain angle with the main axis of waveflux emission of the device, the two parabolic portions are so shaped and disposed as to have a certain symmetry in relation to the main axis of the emergent beam, so that a secondary emission can be obtained in a privileged direction other than that of the main beam axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1979
    Assignee: Compagnie des Lampes, Societe Anonyme
    Inventors: Emile Barthes, Jean-Luc Richard
  • Patent number: 4163276
    Abstract: Headlights for vehicles, especially such which are to be subjected to rough treatment have a casing of resilient and yielding material. The casing is cup shaped and near its edge, at the open side of the cup, an annular groove is provided destined to hold a transparent lens like front wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1979
    Inventor: Baruch Tabatchnik-Michaeli
  • Patent number: 4129898
    Abstract: An attachment for a photographic flash unit which functions to divert the high intensity light rays emanating from the flash unit along a path or paths axially or angularly offset relative to the focal axis of the flash unit and an associated camera to thereby provide unusual lighting effects for the subject being photographed, and to prevent intense illumination of the blood vessels of the eyes of a human or other animal subject being photographed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1978
    Inventor: Charles L. Ohrstedt
  • Patent number: 4107767
    Abstract: A flexible lighting strip comprises an elongate section of a plastics material having a portion formed as a cylindrical duct which houses a chain of electric lamps. At the rear of that portion is a hollow portion which contains a pair of conductors for feeding the lamps, and which is filled with a translucent polymerizable compound. Between those portions is a portion which has a longitudinal triangular slit, the apex of which opens into the duct so that connections from the conductors to the lamps pass transversely through the slit and are gripped at the apex. A thin metallic sheet covers the filling of translucent compound and is adhered thereto by polymerization of the compound. A double-sided adhesive tape is preferably attached to the metallic sheet for attachment of the lighting strip to a support such as a showcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1978
    Inventor: Jacques Anquetin