Shock Absorbing Patents (Class 362/369)
  • Patent number: 5895114
    Abstract: A lighting fixture with a lamp end support is disclosed for supporting the free end of a transversely mounted, single-ended lamp. The lighting fixture preferably has a bowl-shaped reflector with a side mounted lamp mounting socket, which supports the base end of the single-ended lamp substantially perpendicular to the central aiming axis of the lighting fixture. The free end of the lamp is supported by the lamp end support, which is fixedly coupled to the interior surface of reflector. The lamp end support has a wire clip member for engaging and supporting the free end of the single-ended lamp and an angled bracket for securing the wire clip member to the interior surface of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Gerry F. Thornton
  • Patent number: 5860726
    Abstract: A resilient mount for rotating warning light systems includes a mounting base having a plurality of mounting feet, each of which includes a special grommet mounted within an aperture formed therein. The grommets are selectively shaped so as to absorb and dissipate substantially all shock loads which would ordinarily be delivered to the rotating warning light system, and particularly, to the fragile bulb itself. The resiliently mount further prevents noise from being transmitted from the rotating light back into the vehicle to which the mounting base is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Star Headlight and Lantern Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Douglas Richardson
  • Patent number: 5860734
    Abstract: Roading lamp assemblies for use on a construction machine are typically mounted to a frame assembly or similar structure. During operation of the construction machine, the roading lamp assembly experiences vibration which may damage an illuminating apparatus therein. The present invention includes utilization of inner and outer resilient members on either side of a housing assembly which is secured to the frame through a plate member and bolts. The plate member has a plurality of legs which extend through a plurality of mounting holes in the housing assembly, the inner and outer resilient members and the frame. The pair of resilient members are pre-loaded through adequate torqueing of the bolts in cooperation with the plurality of legs to protect the illumination apparatus from damage during extreme vibration. Additionally, a harness assembly which supplies electrical energy to a lamp in the roading lamp assembly passes internally through the frame to an interior chamber in the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Travis W. Rodgers, Richard L. Slutz
  • Patent number: 5839816
    Abstract: A road marker is flush with and preferably slightly below the grade of the surface of the road and may be either solar operated, recharging batteries within it so that light emitting diodes which are connected to the battery source may be turned on during darker night conditions to provide illumination along the boundary lines between traveling lanes along the highway. The surface of the delineator, is profiled to provide a central depression or floor with end inclined walls, at least one of which may carry a light retro-reflective media. Light emitting elements that gain their electrical power from a battery source which itself is energized and recharged by a solar collector occupying most of the surface area of a central depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: ATSI, LLC
    Inventors: Zoltan A. Varga, Murray B. Corless, John D. Pinnock
  • Patent number: 5839881
    Abstract: A ceiling fan housing includes a cylindrical member having an upper and outer peripheral flange and a cover having a lower and outer peripheral flange. A disc includes an upper and a lower surfaces each having a peripheral groove for engaging with the peripheral flanges of the cylindrical member and the cover. The disc is made of shock absorbing material for absorbing shocks and vibrations that may be generated in the ceiling fan. The disc includes two or more curved members secured together by ribs and slots so as to form the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Jack Yu
  • Patent number: 5676459
    Abstract: A door-mounted vibration-tolerant lamp assembly comprising: a brace for mounting the lamp assembly to an exterior surface of a door, the door mounting brace having a body section and at least one mounting bracket disposed outwardly from the body section; an elastic mount having a first and second mounting bracket, wherein the first mounting bracket is affixed to the mounting bracket of the door mounting brace and the second mounting bracket is capable of supporting a lamp thereon; at least one first resilient pad disposed between the first mounting bracket of the elastic mount and the mounting bracket of the door mounting brace such that the resilient pad absorbs a substantial amount of the vibration that is generated when the door is moved to a closed position; and at least one second resilient pad disposed on the elastic mount in closer proximity to the second mounting bracket than to the first mounting bracket such that the second resilient pad acts to dampen movement of the lamp and the elastic mount when
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Cleveland Range, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Bedford, David Stuart Schwerzler
  • Patent number: 5618098
    Abstract: A headlamp for a vehicle includes: a lamp unit including a reflector having a front opening, a lens covering the front opening of the reflector, and a light source bulb disposed within the shell formed with the reflector and the lens; and a lamp body supporting the lamp unit therein, the lamp body including an inward projecting portion, wherein the lamp unit abuts on the inward projection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahito Naganawa, Shinji Karasawa
  • Patent number: 5613765
    Abstract: A headlight mounting apparatus for a headlight having a bulb mounted therein. The subject headlight mounting arrangement has a mounting portion integral with the headlight, a retaining mechanism and associated hardware, and a grommet arrangement of unique cross-sectional configuration which alters the frequency of vibration to a value significantly less than the natural frequency of vibration of the headlight bulb filament. This arrangement reduces bulb failures caused by shock experienced during vehicle/machine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Avtar S. Gill
  • Patent number: 5610472
    Abstract: A neon lamp assembly includes a housing having a cavity with an aperture for emission of light, a neon lamp mounted within the cavity in the housing for emission of light through the aperture and a lens covering the aperture in the housing. Connectors are secured to opposite ends of the neon lamp. Each connector includes a resilient boot that is positioned in a recess in the housing. The resilient boot locates the lamp in the housing and cushions the lamp against shock and vibration. The neon lamp assembly further includes a light-transmissive, conductive mesh covering the aperture in the housing for substantially blocking the emission of RF energy from the housing, and an electrical conductor for coupling the conductive mesh to a reference potential, such as ground. The neon lamp is typically used as a stop light in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Schmitt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5597232
    Abstract: A reflector, a metal halide lamp and a container casing containing a lighting circuit board for the metal halide lamp are mounted within a lamp housing. The container casing, having a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape, is mounted on the lamp housing through a bracket extending along the rear surface of the reflector in tilted relation to a vertical axis. If an impact is applied to the front side of a headlamp, the container casing rises, thereby protecting the container casing from breakage because of a cushioning effect obtained when the container casing partially deforms the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Ohashi, Shinji Karasawa
  • 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: 5582475
    Abstract: A pedestal piece 20 is integrally projected from the back face of a lamp mounting apparatus body 1, and a pin 2 is integrally projected from the center of the rear face of the pedestal piece 20. The head 2B of the pin 2 is pressingly fitted into a fastener attached to a vehicle body, thereby positioning and fastening the lamp mounting apparatus body 1 to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Yagi
  • Patent number: 5523933
    Abstract: A shock-dampening and vibration-isolation mount for a vehicular lighting assembly. The mount comprises a receptacle for a replaceable bulb, a body portion for rigid attachment to the lighting assembly housing, and a pair of arm portions extending between the receptacle and body portion. The arm portions have flexibility for vibration-isolation and have a progressive increase in specific mass along their lengths to provide shock-dampening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Swanson
  • Patent number: 5517395
    Abstract: A cover for attachment to a traffic light is provided including a transparent shell having an aerodynamically configured outer surface and a peripheral edge surrounding an interior of the cover, the peripheral edge including a seal thereabout to prevent moisture from entering the interior and accumulating on an inner surface of the cover when attached to the traffic light. Once attached, the cover provides an overall aerodynamic configuration to the combined traffic light and cover assembly while permitting visibility of the traffic signal lights through the transparent shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Ira B. Weissman
  • Patent number: 5463541
    Abstract: An omni-direction vibration dampening lampholder assembly includes a lampholder assembly housing member having an open top end and an open bottom end, a resilient body freely disposed in the housing member, and a lampholder encased in an upper portion of the housing member. In addition to absorption of vibratory forces, resilient body dampens vibrations by lateral and longitudinal displacement thereof through the open top end of housing member and the open bottom end of housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Greene
  • Patent number: 5404264
    Abstract: A light fixture of the present invention comprises a base, a top spaced above the base, a plurality of upright bars (channels) formed as parts separate from the top and the base and extending up from the base to the top of the light fixture for holding a series of panels of transparent sheet material, such as glass, to form an enclosure for a lamp, and fasteners for attaching upper and lower ends of each bar to the top and the base, respectively. Each of the bars is an extruded part of one-piece construction configured to have a spine, and a channel-forming structure projecting inwardly from the spine to form a pair of channels which extend lengthwise of the bar and which open laterally for receiving respective edges of two adjacent panels of said series of panels. The spine and the channel-forming structure of each bar are integrally formed as a one-piece extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Tae Wha Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung-Gil Park
  • Patent number: 5377089
    Abstract: A light projector includes a lamp on an optical axis, energized from a remote source of electrical power and focussing illumination at an image plane. The lamp is disposed within a housing having a fan drawing cooling air into the housing through one or more inlets and expelling air through an outlet vent. A chassis within the housing supports the lamp and the fan. The chassis, including the lamp, fan, and a connector to the remote source of electrically power is removable from the housing. In a preferred embodiment, resilient vibration isolation mounting is provided between the lamp and the chassis and between the fan and the chassis, whereby the lamp is substantially isolated from fan vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: Jack V. Miller
  • Patent number: 5357413
    Abstract: An armored housing with a top opening protects a lamp positioned inside against projectiles. The lamp preferably is carried by a first reflector structure which is resiliently suspended inside the housing to isolate the first reflector structure and the lamp from the shock of projectiles hitting the housing. The second reflector structure positioned above the housing receives light from the lamp and the first reflector structure and reflects that light downwardly and outwardly past the housing and over a wide area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Michael C. Mandall
  • Patent number: 5258893
    Abstract: A cab guard for the rear window of a pickup truck is provided with electrically activated brake lights which illuminate rearwardly and being further adapted with a means for insulating the lights from vibration and physical shock, the cab guard being mountable in a pair of standards on the pickup truck and rigidly attachable to the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Inventor: David N. Finneyfrock
  • Patent number: 5233773
    Abstract: A lighted flexible display device or sign, useful for advertising purposes, and having a battery supply mount. The display device herein is a lighted display and is constructed to be flexible in the presence of inadvertent bumping or deflection thereof. The mounting is resilient such that, when the deflecting force is removed, the sign springs back to its normal lateral position. The mount for the display device includes a battery supply, with such supply being electrically connected to the electrical circuit of the sign proper. This is accomplished by means of electrical leads passing through a deflection restoration spring, by such leads passing through a resilient tongue, or with connectors used in a spring-biased pivotal construction for connecting the battery supply to the electrical lighting circuit of the sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Inventor: Randy B. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5209559
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting system for use with trucks or trailers which will assist a driver in observing conditions at the rear of the vehicle at night when backing, turning corners and the like by illuminating the rear wheels and areas adjacent the rear wheels of the vehicle. The lighting system includes a light unit mounted under a vehicle body above but forwardly and/or rearwardly of the rear wheels with the light unit being constructed in such a manner to direct a light beam downwardly and outwardly in relation to the vehicle body and wheels to illuminate ground surface areas and obstacles that may exist up to a certain height to enable a driver to more safely operate a vehicle at night and avoid the possibility of the light shining into the eyes of other vehicle operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Inventor: Raymond A. Ruppel
  • Patent number: 5206799
    Abstract: The lamp/reflector unit comprises a metal reflector (1) within which an electric lamp (3) is secured. A lamp base (20) is mounted to the reflector (1) by means of an elastic synthetic resin (23), which may substantially fill up the lamp base (20). Current conductors (22) which may each be composed of several thinner conductors, may connect contacts (21) of the lamp base (20) to current supply conductors (7) emanating from the lamp (3). They may be made of copper and be secured to the current supply conductors (7) in a clamping manner. The unit suppresses acoustic resonance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Helmut Tiesler
  • Patent number: 5128851
    Abstract: A mount structure for a double ended type tungsten-halogen lamp is disclosed employing vibration damping elements to reduce the effects of mechanical shock and vibration. A thin layer of ceramic cement is interposed between the mount structure and lamp to improve the sealing arrangement related to a quartz lamp. A sealed beam headlamp unit employing the improved lamp mount construction is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Walter J. Kosmatka, Brian R. Swiers, James M. Hanson
  • Patent number: 5107409
    Abstract: An optical head for use in an optical information recording/reproducing apparatus includes an optical system comprising a plurality of optical elements including a light-emitting element, and a casing which securely mounts at least part of the optical elements. The casing is provided with a vibration damping material which is effective to damp vibrations of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michihiro Tadokoro, Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 5067065
    Abstract: A shock absorbent bulbholder mounting assembly including a yoke support and a bulbholder interconnected by a pair of spring mounted subassemblies. Each of the subassemblies includes an elongated arm strap adjustably attached to rotate with respect to a respective arm section of the yoke support, and an elongated bulbholder strap attached to a respective side member extending from opposing sides of the bulbholder. The arm strap and the bulbholder strap are disposed in spaced parallel planes. The longitudinal axes of the straps are oriented at right angles to one another, and each end of each strap is connected by two springs to opposite ends of the other strap. Four springs thus span the gap between the straps and each spring is oriented at a 45.degree. angle with respect to the longitudinal axes of the straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Allmand Bros. Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas L. Dahlgren
  • Patent number: 5066012
    Abstract: The polar-lighted recreational ball is substantially symmetrical about an axis of the ball body and hasa opposing polar regions at opposite ends of the axis. Axially recessed lighting assemblies at each polar region project light outwardly from the ball through a light passage at the polar regions. An annular cushion collar surrounds each polar light passage to cushion axial impacts on the ball. A skewing member causes the lighting assemblies to skew laterally from the axis upon compression impact approximately along the direction of the axis. The skewing member and the lighting assemblies are located in a channel running through the ball at the axis; and the ball is ideally of a substantially ellipsoidal football shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Inventor: Steven P. Stark
  • Patent number: 4967328
    Abstract: A rubber ring disposed snugly over the glass envelope of a lamp and slid against a larger cylindrical lamp body centers and spaces the lamp within a reflector hole by positioning the ring within a counterbore recess in a back surface of the reflector concentric with the hole. The height of the ring is greater than the depth of the counterbore recess to space the lamp body away from the back surface of the reflector. A rubber strip is disposed between the opposite end of the lamp body and a housing member, the strip and ring being compressed in assembly to resiliently support the lamp, absorbing vibration and shock forces imparted to the lamp through the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Vanacan Tatavoosian
  • Patent number: 4967329
    Abstract: An annunciator panel for aircraft has a plurality of pockets defining individual illuminated indicator devices. A lens assembly comprising a plastic lens and glass filters bonded together is encompassed by an elastically stretched rubber sleeve having an integral flange compressed between the lens body and panel housing, providing a light, fluid and particulate seal between lens and housing as well as a vibration and shock buffer to the lens and filters. The resiliency of the rubber sleeve accommodates different thermal expansion between dissimilar materials without imparting damage stresses to the lens assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Vanacan Tatavoosian, George E. Schaeffer
  • Patent number: 4965703
    Abstract: An exterior lamp system for a vehicle having a reflector housing coupled by a vibration damping clip is described. The vibration damping clip may be formed a molded portion of a plastic lamp housing. The clip may take to the form of a reversing curve structure made from a flexible material. One end of the clip is coupled to the lamp housing, while the other end is in contact with the automobile. A damper formed from a vibration damping material, such as foamed plastic, is coupled between the first and second clip ends of the reversing curve to suppress vibration transmitted from the automobile to the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventor: Greg R. Whalen
  • Patent number: 4954936
    Abstract: An indicating lamp having an aseismatic structure which includes an internal chassis for fixing an electric lamp and an electric control board, an indicating lamp cover covering the internal chassis, and a fixture for attaching an indicating lamp to an external structure. A boss having a flange portion is fitted to the fixture, and an insulating member is abuts one or both sides of the flange portion. In addition, a fixing plate constituting a part of the above internal chassis, the insulating member, the flange portion and the indicating lamp cover are clamped with clamping members fed through through-holes provided therethrough, with the above insulating member being held between the fixing plate and the indicating lamp cover. Cylindrical spacers each having a predetermined length and an internal diameter, and into which and from which the above bolt can be freely inserted and taken out, are fitted to the through-holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Sasaki Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Kawabata, Tokio Kawashima
  • Patent number: 4939863
    Abstract: A laser aiming device having a plasma tube encased by a cylindrical member upon which windage and elevation adjustments act. Resilient ring members separate the cylindrical member from the plasma tube. Another resilient member located between the cylindrical member and an outer housing member cavity wall provides counterforces against which the windage and elevation adjustments act.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Emerging Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Alexander, Acie G. Johnson, Glenn W. Prentice
  • Patent number: 4887191
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the suspension of a headlamp (5) on the front (4) of a driver's cab (1) which is spring-mounted on a chassis frame (2). The object of the invention is to prevent relative movements between the driver's cab (1) and the chassis frame (2) from affecting the alignment of the optic axis of the headlamp (5). The invention is essentially characterized in that each headlamp (5) is pivotably connected to an upper and lower connecting arm respectively (29, 40), which connecting arms are pivotably connected to the chassis frame (2), and in that one connecting arm (29) is also pivotably connected to the driver's cab (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Saab-Scania Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Rolf Johansson
  • Patent number: 4870552
    Abstract: A shock absorbing lighting device is provided which includes first and second end members each having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a peripheral edge. The first and second end members are held in spaced relationship by a plurality of elongated support members disposed in spaced relationship about the inner surfaces of the end members and adjacent to the peripheral edges of the end members to form a frame structure within which a light member is disposed. The light member is supported within the frame structure by resiliently urged hook members adapted to minimize transfer of shock from the frame structure to the light member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Vitta Trust, c/o Michael F. Vitta, Trustee
    Inventors: Michael Vitta, Carl Pennor
  • Patent number: 4703400
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp having a one piece open topped resilient housing containing an outer peripheral groove that permits the housing to be snapped into a receiving opening formed in a body panel of a vehicle. The housing further includes an inner peripheral groove located above the outer groove into which a lens is snap fitted to close the housing. The inner groove is offset from the outer groove a sufficient distance so that the lens can be removed and replaced without having to remove the housing from the body panel. An outwardly disposed lip protrudes from the top of the outer groove that is inclined downwardly over the groove opening so that it will form a biased seal against the rim of the panel opening when the lamp is snap-locked in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: R. E. Dietz Co.
    Inventors: Donald W. Vescio, Daniel S. Latham
  • Patent number: 4658335
    Abstract: A resilient mounting mechanism for suspending vehicle tail lights from a vehicle comprises a transverse mounting bracket in which the vehicle tail lights are mounted and a resilient suspension mechanism for suspending the mounting bracket from the vehicle for deflection in a forward, backward, or either sideways direction when the mounting bracket encounters an obstruction. The mounting bracket preferably comprises a mounting plate having raised edges around the periphery thereof that protect the vehicle tail lights from striking an obstruction. The resilient suspension mechanism comprises one or more spring members attaching the mounting plate to the vehicle. The spring member holds the mounting bracket in a substantially stable position during normal conditions but permits deflection when the mounting plate strikes an obstruction. In one embodiment, an elastic damper covers the spring member to further restrict vibration of the mounting bracket and enhances the stability of the tail light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Inventor: Daniel L. Culler
  • Patent number: 4644447
    Abstract: Lamp unit for vehicles which is retained slidably under the effect of force in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in order to reduce the danger of injury to pedestrians et cetera, and also the danger of damage to the lamps in the case of minor accidents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gunter Sturtz, Reiner Jocher, Hartmut Baitinger
  • Patent number: 4605992
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lighting fixture thermal insulating system which incorporates the spaceage technology of layered metallized polymer insulation. The present invention utilizes a structure and combination which yields an insulation system of superior performance while being cost competitive and because of reduced space requirement creates greater freedom of design in the manufacture of lighting fixtures. The laminations of metallized polymer and a spacer material may be located above or below the mounting pan or both. For reasons of economy, simple aluminum foil may be used to replace the metallized polymer with only slightly reduced performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Inventor: Craig H. Cover
  • Patent number: 4591961
    Abstract: A shock-reducing lamp assembly adapted for mounting on a vehicle. The assembly includes a housing defining a cavity having an open end and a lens connected to the housing enclosing the open end. An integral resilient mount includes a tubular central portion having a first end and a second end, with a pair of spaced mounting feet disposed adjacent to the first end and a second pair of spaced mounting feet positioned adjacent the second end. Each of the feet has a mounting aperture and the first pair of feet extends in a first plane and the second pair of feet extends in a second plane, with the first and second planes being spaced and being substantially parallel. The assembly further includes a metallic socket telescopically received in the central portion. The housing includes components for positioning the mount so that a lamp held in the socket is in operative relationship to the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1986
    Assignee: Triplex Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Sam A. Myles, Paul C. Katz
  • Patent number: 4544992
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lighting fixture thermal insulating system which incorporates the spaceage technology of layered metallized polymer insulation. The present invention utilizes a structure and combination which yields an insulation system of superior performance while being cost competitive and because of reduced space requirement creates greater freedom of design in the manufacture of lighting fixtures. The laminations of metallized polymer and a spacer material may be located above or below the mounting pan or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Inventor: Craig H. Cover
  • Patent number: 4535397
    Abstract: A spotlight assembly conformed for electrical excitation through the cigarette lighter of an automobile comprises a hollow housing formed by mating a front and a rear housing halves, each half including an upper portion for receiving a bulb and a lower portion forming a handle. The bulb, preferably of the sealed beam type, is retained against outward progression by an inwardly directed lip in the upper front portion and is pressed against this lip by an annular ring in the rear upper portion, the ring being guided by axially aligned posts for compression against the bulb by helical springs on each post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Assignee: Mr. Gasket Company
    Inventor: Richard L. May
  • Patent number: 4531179
    Abstract: A light fixture for mounting at the bottom of a switch housing of a ceiling fan which has an opening therein. The fixture comprises a top member and a contractible and expansible locking member secured in the top member of the fixture and extending upwardly therefrom. The locking member is adapted to contract for insertion of the member through the opening in the bottom of the housing and expand for locking the member to the housing. Also disclosed is means for retarding the transmission of noise and vibrations from the switch housing to the light fixture thereby preventing damage to the components of the light fixture and extending the life of a light bulb in the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Assignee: American Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Baker
  • Patent number: 4515405
    Abstract: A fairing device for motorcycles comprising a fairing member and a pair of right and left turn indicator or blinker units attached to the fairing member. In each of the blinker units, a rearwardly open space is formed by a base member fixed to the fairing member and a lens member integrally secured to the base member. A blinker lamp is disposed within such space, and the space is closed from behind with a removable cover member. The fairing device not only provides enhanced wind shielding and air flow distributing functions, but also facilitates maintenance operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1985
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuo Ogishima
  • Patent number: 4513359
    Abstract: A lamp stabilizer adapted to be mounted to the housing of a light fixture includes a mounting bracket secured to the light fixture and an elongated rigid rod slidably mounted for axial movement with respect to the bracket. The lamp stabilizer has a lamp engaging socket mounted on one end of the rod for selective engagement with an outer end portion of a lamp mounted in the housing. The lamp engaging socket is generally frustum-shaped and has at least one layer of heat insulating and lamp cushioning material secured to an inner side thereof for direct engagement with the outer end portion of the lamp. The lamp engaging socket is positioned with respect to the lamp by moving the rod with respect to the mounting bracket. A friction clip is selectively securable along the axial length of the rod and when secured thereto, engages the mounting bracket to restrict movement of the rod in direction away from the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1985
    Assignee: Sterner Lighting Systems, Incorporated
    Inventor: Wayne G. Nielson
  • Patent number: 4503487
    Abstract: A shock-cushioned lamp mounting structure for use as a license plate illuminator, installed on a vertically rotatable rear door. The shock-cushioned mounting structure includes a housing for a license plate lamp, a light bulb mounted in a lamp socket assembly, and means for absorbing the shock generated from the opening and closing of the vertically rotatable rear door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yosiro Kakuda
  • Patent number: 4489367
    Abstract: Headlight comprises a hollow metal housing with a circular rim defining a forward opening. A side outlet socket assembly is provided in the housing, at the rearward end, to receive the transverse pins of a side-pin style bulb. The housing rim has external threads on the outside and a conical, tapered surface on the inside. A separate bulb and lens retainer ring has an external conical, tapered surface, sealingly engageable with the conical surface in the housing rim to provide a tapered flame path in the event of an internal explosion and also allows easy removal of the bulb and lens. The bulb and lens retainer ring has an inner bore with counterbores at the front and rear ends. A rubberlike ring in the rear counterbore provides an elastic seat for a flange on the front of the bulb and cushions it against shock. A heavy lens is potted by epoxy, or otherwise permanently sealed into the front counterbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Inventors: Charles R. Herron, Marvin L. Haines, Roger L. O'Quinn
  • Patent number: 4482125
    Abstract: A lamp supporting device is provided for use in preventing shock damage as the device is moved. The device is combined with a mobile unit to produce a portable lighting unit having lamps mounted to the lamp supporting device. The lamp supporting device includes an elongated, horizontally extending support member and a frame. The support member is positioned through the center of the frame so that the frame is spaced from the support member and surrounds the midportion of the support member. Eight springs interconnect the frame and the support member. The lamps are mounted on the support member and spaced from the frame. The top end of a pole is connected to the frame. The frame extends upwardly from the pole top end. The bottom end of the pole is joined to the mobile unit. The springs act to absorb any shocks transmitted to the shock absorbing device as the portable lighting unit is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignee: Over-Lowe Company
    Inventor: Richard Ziernicki
  • Patent number: 4475148
    Abstract: To largely prevent bodily injury to a pedestrian or cyclist involved in a collision with a passenger motor vehicle with an impact in a headlight area of the vehicle, the headlights are flexibly disposed. For this purpose, a diffusing lens for the headlights is provided with a rearwardly slanted cover plate above a light exit area of the diffusing lens. The cover plate forms a part of the outer contour or shape of the vehicle and essentially maintains the original shape upon an impact load. The cover plate has a length corresponding at least to approximately a half of a height of the light exit area, with a free end of the cover plate being elastically supported by a fixed component of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Johann Tomforde
  • Patent number: 4430693
    Abstract: A device for illuminating a tunnel of an underground mine being worked by an excavating machine comprises a lamp housing with a light-transmissive vaulted cover snap-fitted thereto and with a fluorescent tube horizontally disposed inside that cover, the housing being suspended by a resilient mounting from a horizontal flange of a wall member of the machine shielding it from the mine face. The cover penetrates the flange and raises the tube to a level at which its light radiates upward as well as horizontally toward and away from the mine face; a flared peripheral zone of the cover enables the housing to be repressed against the spring force of its mounting by an object passing across the flange so that the top of the housing lies flush with the flange surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Inventor: Martin Hamacher
  • Patent number: RE32624
    Abstract: A shock-reducing lamp assembly adapted for mounting on a vehicle. The assembly includes a housing defining a cavity having an open end and a lens connected to the housing enclosing the open end. An integral resilient mount includes a tubular central portion having a first end and a second end, with a pair of spaced mounting feet disposed adjacent to the first end and a second pair of spaced mounting feet positioned adjacent the second end. Each of the feet has a mounting aperture and the first pair of feet extends in a first plane and the second pair of feet extends in a second plane, with the first and second planes being spaced and being substantially parallel. The assembly further includes a metallic socket telescopically received in the central portion. The housing includes components for positioning the mount so that a lamp held in the socket is in operative relationship to the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Triplex Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Sam A. Myles, Paul C. Katz
  • Patent number: RE36616
    Abstract: A light fixture of the present invention comprises a base, a top spaced above the base, a plurality of upright bars (channels) formed as parts separate from the top and the base and extending up from the base to the top of the light fixture for holding a series of panels of transparent sheet material, such as glass, to form an enclosure for a lamp, and fasteners for attaching upper and lower ends of each bar to the top and the base, respectively. Each of the bars is an extruded part of one-piece construction configured to have a spine, and a channel-forming structure projecting inwardly from the spine to form a pair of channels which extend lengthwise of the bar and which open laterally for receiving respective edges of two adjacent panels of said series of panels. The spine and the channel-forming structure of each bar are integrally formed as a one-piece extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Tae Wha Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung-Gil Park