With Flexible Power-cord Storage Member Patents (Class 362/387)
  • Patent number: 5676250
    Abstract: A system for storing a light string and removably coupling the light string to a building. The inventive device includes a hollow tube about which a light string can be wound for storage. Hook and loop fasteners secure the light string to an exterior of the tube and permit a removable coupling of the light string to a building during a holiday season.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Darryl Kurt Walters
  • Patent number: 5590956
    Abstract: A self-positioning light fixture with a stabilizing base comprises a self-righting member in the shape of a spherical segment and a separate lamp supporting member with connecting means to join the two together and to separate each from the other. When separated, a filling neck or spout on the top wall of the self-righting member is exposed through which fluid ballast material such a sand may be poured into the cavity of the self-righting member. The filling neck has external threads to engage the internal threads of a recess opening to the bottom wall of the lamp supporting member when received therein to thereby couple the two members together. Additional fastening screws are provided to more securely connect the self-righting member to the lamp supporting member. A shock absorbing mechanism is provided comprising mounting springs to secure the lamp bulb socket member to the lamp supporting member and thereby protect it from shocks transmitted to the lamp fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Wobble Light Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Messana, Thomas Maiman
  • Patent number: 5521806
    Abstract: A utility emergency light assembly for vehicles, machinery, or the like detachably mounted by a slide coupling to a mounting bracket attached to the vehicle or machine. The light assembly has a compact, space-saving profile and includes a housing having a lamp assembly mounted within a spool journaled in the housing for reeling and unreeling a power cord, enabling movement of the assembly to areas of the vehicle where light is needed. A cap substantially closes the housing and includes a lens located over the lamp assembly. The lamp assembly is sealed within the spool, while the remainder of the housing is open to allow water drainage and to prevent the accumulation of moisture and debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Barry W. Hutzel, Jon K. Nisper, Adam Deck, David Fry, Hassel J. Savard, Jr., Robert Arterburn
  • Patent number: 5490051
    Abstract: A self-positioning lamp fixture with an integrally formed unitary support structure, including a self righting rounded lower wall terminating in a flat portion to stabilize the lamp structure when in its upright position. A continuous cavity extends throughout the integrally formed support structure making it lightweight. A weight receiving recess is provided at the lower end having an open wall across the flat portion of the structure's lower wall to receive a cylindrical weight therein. The cylindrical weight is removable and is held in the weight receiving recess by removable lag screws. The cylindrical weight has a planar bottom wall which covers the open wall across the flat portion of the structure's lower wall when the cylindrical weight is secured in place within the weight receiving recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph Messana
  • Patent number: 5455751
    Abstract: A lantern assembly is provided having a handle supporting beam. The handle is attached to a low profile base containing a channel defined about its circumference configured to receive and stow a length of electric cord therein. The electric cord is connected at one end to a pair of terminals extending from the top of the base, which also serves to attach the handle to the base. The opposite end of the electric cord is attached to a connector for coupling the lamp to the vehicle power supply. The lamp configuration is specially configured and adapted to easily convert a battery-powered lantern to one for use with a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter F. Lynch, David A. Furth, Mark A. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 5420772
    Abstract: A carriage which is drawn over a plurality of locations along a tightly threaded motor driven drive rod by a nut on the carriage, draws a chandelier support cable axially along the rod by way of a pulley on the carriage. The cable is wrapped on the pulley so that the vertical distance moved by the end of the cable for attachment to a chandelier is greater than the axial distance moved by the cable over the pulley. The drive rod is supported at each of the plurality of locations along the drive rod, against bowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: Cliff Evans
  • Patent number: 5418701
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) that combines within a unitary protective tubular structure (12) a retractable, extendable and omni-positionable light assembly (20) that houses a halogen lamp (20I that is controlled by a switch/circuit breaker (22A). The switch is attached to the housing and is connected in series between the lamp (20I) and a lamp power cord (22B,22E) that terminates at the output of a utility-power junction box (32) that includes a pair of auxiliary a-c power outlets (32L). The input to the junction box (32) is a primary power input cord that terminates with a male power input connector (32J). The connector (32J) connects with a female connector (36A) that is attached to one end of an electrical power cord (36) and that is fixedly attached to a power-cord reel (38). The other end of the cord (36) is wound around the power-cord reel (38) and terminates with a male connector (36B) that connects to an a-c power outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Don B. Hart
  • Patent number: 5381325
    Abstract: A self-positioning light fixture with a stabilizing base comprises a self-righting member in the shape of a spherical segment and a separate lamp supporting member with connecting means to join the two together and to separate each from the other. When separated, a filling neck or spout on the top wall of the self-righting member is exposed through which fluid ballast material such as sand may be poured into the cavity of the self-righting member. The filling neck has external threads to engage the internal threads of a recess opening to the bottom wall of the lamp supporting member when received therein to thereby couple the two members together. Additional fastening screws are provided to more securely connect the self-righting member to the lamp supporting member. A shock absorbing mechanism is provided comprising mounting springs to secure the lamp bulb socket member to the lamp supporting member and thereby protect it from shocks transmitted to the lamp fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Inventor: Joseph Messana
  • Patent number: 5217300
    Abstract: A trouble light has a positionally adjustable hook and also may carry a rotatable cord reel. The trouble light has a shield that mounts to a base and extends alongside a light source. An elongated slot extends through the shield. A hook for hanging the trouble light has a shank that extends through and is slidable along the slot. A securing device will secure the shank to the shield at selected points and at selected angular orientations. A cord reel mounts to the shank and is rotatable relative to the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: A. J. Lwery
  • Patent number: 5205643
    Abstract: A lighting device including a reflector and a cap received in the front portion of a housing, a light bulb disposed on the reflector, and an electric board disposed in the housing. The lighting device is disposed in the car or the house and is energized before the user enters into the car or the house so that the interior of the car and the house can be clearly seen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: Steve Lin
  • Patent number: 5195823
    Abstract: A lamp and extension cord set comprising a removable extension cord reel and lamp set mounted onto a stable base frame platform and provided with at least two handlebars for carrying. The extension cord reel connects a lamp to a distant power supply and is provided with a curved stop bar as a safety feature and a handlebar for carrying the barrel. The lamp set contains the light source within a lamp head and a lamp cover. A power switch and a separate retractile power cord are attached to the lamp set for connection to a power supply with or without the extension cord reel. The lamp may be pivoted or rotated both horizontally and vertically with respect to the base frame to adjust the direction of the light from the lamp. The lamp assembly may also be removed from the base frame to provide an overhead light source if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Allied Wholesale, Inc.
    Inventor: Romie K. Sidabras
  • Patent number: 5033474
    Abstract: In a personal health monitor that includes one or more cables for connection to a patient information about whose clinical condition the personal health monitor can monitor, an improvement for the storage of one or more cables. The improvement includes a spool with a shank portion about which a cable can be wound and a head portion at the end of the shank portion and larger in dimension than the shank portion so as to retain the cable on the shank portion whereby tangling of the cable can be prevented. In an aspect of a further embodiment, a fastener on the head portion secures an end of the cable when not in use thereby preventing tangling. Additionally, in an aspect of a still further embodiment, the spool can be mounted on a bracket that is removably secured to the inside of a compartment door which when open represents the spool with its cable for use by the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Buddy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Varelis, William Fang
  • Patent number: 5003450
    Abstract: An improved portable light fixture is disclosed which is specifically adapted to be hand-held and utilized for emergency applications, particularly with respect to motor vehicles. The fixture comprises a conical-shaped lens which is rotatably mounted to a cylindrical housing. Disposed within the interior of the housing is a spool which is rigidly attached on one end of the lens and on the other end to a plate disposed on the bottom of the housing, such that the lens, spool, and bottom plate will rotate in unison. The spool further includes a winding of electrical wire, one end of which is connected to a conventional light bulb disposed beneath the lens and the opposite of which includes a connector which may be inserted into a cigarette lighter of an automobile, or alternatively connected by way of alligator clips to the main terminal of an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Inventors: John C. Burton, J. Brian Carter
  • Patent number: 4841416
    Abstract: A solar charging lamp is set forth wherein a twelve-volt direct current lamp is illuminated by means of a wet-cell battery recharged by solar cells integrally secured to said lamp. An optional cord for attachment to an automotive cigarette lighter is available to enable charging of an automotive battery by means of the solar cells or alternatively, illuminate the lamp during continuous overcast conditions from an auxiliary battery source, as in an automoile. A photo-electric eye is operative to automatically illuminate the light in evening hours with an optional infra-red sensor operative to activate by operation in response to physical movement proximate the infra-red sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Inventor: Todd Doss
  • Patent number: 4740872
    Abstract: An illuminating apparatus comprising a lamp case, a battery socket at one side wall of the lamp case, the battery socket being provided a conducting plate at the innermost end thereof, a plug storage at the same side where the battery socket is provided, the plug storage being provided a plug socket conductively connected with the conducting plate of the battery socket, an incandescent lamp socket rigidly mounted on the bottom portion of the lamp case, a flash lamp socket rigidly mounted side by side with the incandescent lamp socket on the bottom portion of the lamp case, an incandescent lamp screwed within the incandescent lamp socket, a flash lamp screwed within the flash lamp socket, a wire collecting pulley loosely mounted on either of the incandescent lamp socket or the flash lamp socket, a wire check at the side wall of the lamp case in vicinity of the outermost end of the plug socket, a wire passage at the side wall where the wire check is provided, a multi-switch at the side wall where the wire check
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Inventor: An C. Chou
  • Patent number: 4722031
    Abstract: A headlight assembly mounting a headlight to a vehicle by means of resilient blocks such that the headlight and associated headlight frame may be detached. An electrical cord is associated with the headlight such that the headlight may be moved some distance from the vehicle. The cord has a preset coil and extends to a container which easily receives the cord with the light in position on the vehicle. An electrical case provides for electrical connection of the hedlight cord and other associated electrical components. The container may be fixed adjacent to the electrical case with both being fixed to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoji Matsuyama, Azusa Noda, Kozo Yamada
  • Patent number: 4715787
    Abstract: Coaxial, two-cylindered air compressor, more specifically an air compressor capable of continuous air exhausting and air feeding, has a cylinder provided at either end of a main frame; to the underside of the main frame is extended a link so that serves to displace pistons in both cylinders, that by the provision of a crank pin both are fitted by articulation to the shaft side of a crank case, so as to facilitate engagement of the motor on top of the main frame with reduction gears on the upper side of the shaft lever by means of transmission gears on the shaft center, thereby setting the crank case to rotation, so that both of the cylinders may exhaust and suck air in a continuous manner, thereby reducing airfeeding, and airsucking time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: Utility Electronics Industries Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Hung
  • Patent number: 4458304
    Abstract: A trouble light support and storage device has a flat frame with an aperture therein for receiving and encompassing a trouble light and permitting forward or rearward directing of the light's beam. The frame includes upper and lower transverse flexing web members between which a trouble light is extended with the web members being elastically flexed to firmly retain the trouble light and prevent destructive rattling and shaking thereof. The frame includes primary and secondary cord storage reels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1984
    Inventor: Allan J. Imsdahl
  • Patent number: 4369487
    Abstract: A utility lamp has a tubular handle for containing a bulb receptacle connected to a cord extending out of the handle and terminated by a connector. A bulb cage or guard is removably clamped to the handle to protectively enclose a bulb inserted in the receptacle. Formed integrally with the bulb guard is a cord storage section about which the length of cord extending from the handle can be wound. A stand is formed at the free end of the bulb guard permitting the utility lamp to be stood on end on a horizontal surface. Also, a hook is swively mounted to the top of the bulb guard so that the lamp can be hung from an elevated projection and a magnet is mounted to the cord storage section enabling lamp to be suspended from a ferromagnetic object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1983
    Assignee: Carico Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur J. Carlow
  • Patent number: 4321657
    Abstract: This invention relates to torches.The torch comprises a body defining a case for a replaceable battery, the body being formed with a handle. The torch is provided with a flashing light assembly and a fluorescent light assembly which is detachably secured to the body.The flashing light assembly is slidably mounted in the body to either expose a flashing light or conceal the flashing light.The fluorescent light assembly can either be attached to the body by suitable means, or detached from the body while remaining connected to the battery in the body by a lead. If desired the lead can be disconnected from the battery in the body and reconnected to an alternative power source, such as a car battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1982
    Assignee: Freezinhot Bottle Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheung T. Hoi
  • Patent number: 4272803
    Abstract: An adjustable trouble lamp support which includes a hook, a friction swivel and a clamping bracket for attaching the support to a trouble lamp. The hook includes a curved section and a shank section with the hook sufficiently large to substantially extend beyond the periphery of the trouble lamp cage at any angular position.The friction swivel includes a portion of the shank section that is attached on an incline to the center of a disc, a spring located around this portion of the shank section and a housing enclosing the spring and shank section whereby the spring is compressed and a frictional force is produced between the disc and housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Inventor: Alton L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4233655
    Abstract: A spotlight having a generally cylindrical housing with an integral radially extending pistol grip handle at one end, a cord retractor in the rear and a seal beam light closing the open end of the cylindrical housing. The lamp is held in a shock absorbing position by projections on the housing and an integral trigger connected to the housing through a living hinge actuates the switch to turn the light on and off. A trigger lock holds the light "on" and the trigger guard prevents the trigger from being turned on inadvertently. An improved cord holder is provided which utilizes a pinch connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1980
    Assignee: Lighting Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis J. Zelina, Jr., John H. Zelina, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4180850
    Abstract: A hydraulically operated retractable light fixture is disclosed particularly adapted for decorative landscape lighting applications, lighting walks and pathways, and exterior area lighting applications. A retractable hollow member carrying a light bulb is disposed to retract into a hollow body which can be buried in the ground or mounted to exterior wall or ceiling surfaces. A hydraulic line is attached to the housing for forcing the retractable member out of the housing when lighting is desired. Various modifications are shown for creating special lighting effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1979
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Jon A. Bivens
  • Patent number: 4136381
    Abstract: A combination trouble lamp and emergency flasher which is adapted to be connected directly to the terminals of a vehicle battery. The device comprises an adaptor cable having a pair of spring biased battery clamps which connect to a female twist-to-lock connector through a pair of heavy gauge insulated cables. The lamp comprises a housing having a socket in which a DC electric light bulb is received, an arcuate reflector made of a highly visible translucent plastic material behind the bulb, and a protective cage hingedly connected to the reflector and positioned in front of the bulb. The lamp includes a relatively long, light gauge power cord which terminates in a male twist-to-lock plug adapted for connection to the receptacle of the adaptor leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1979
    Inventor: Everett W. Bone
  • Patent number: 4099223
    Abstract: A lighting fixture arrangement including a lighting fixture suspended from a supporting structure at a first height, and a hanger arrangement located remotely from the lighting fixture and attached to a supporting structure at a second, lower height. The lighting fixture includes a power supply assembly and an optical assembly suspended from the power supply assembly and adapted to receive operating voltages over a cable for operating the optical assembly to illuminate a first area or region beneath the fixture. In accordance with the invention the optical assembly is capable of being removed, or separated, from the rest of the fixture and carried together with its associated cable to the remote hanger arrangement and suspended from the hanger arrangement to illuminate a second area or region beneath the hanger arrangement. The hanger arrangement does not have, and does not require, a power supply assembly of its own, thereby reducing the required mounting space in the vertical dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1978
    Assignee: GTE Sylvania Incorporated
    Inventors: Hendrik A. J. de Vos, Walter A. Gustafson, Elzear R. Labouliere
  • Patent number: 4075470
    Abstract: A portable electric lamp generally designed to connect to the electrical supply system in an automobile. The portable electric lamp as a base and a pair of feet pivotally secured to the base at spaced locations thereon and about parallel axes. A U-shaped bracket having a pair of upstanding and parallel legs and a bight portion is pivotally secured to the base for movement about a first pivot axis. A lamp holding casing is received between the upstanding legs of the bracket and is pivotally connected to each of the legs of the bracket to support the lamp holding casing for moving about a second pivot axis perpendicular to the first pivot axis. The lamp holding casing includes structure for releasably holding at least one lamp or sealed beam bulb therein. An electrical cord having an electrical probe thereon is provided for connecting the lamp to a source of electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1978
    Inventor: Charles R. Moore