Clamp Or Hook Patents (Class 362/396)
  • Patent number: 5921658
    Abstract: A fluorescent utility light (10) includes an elongated body (11) having a light portion (11a) with a detented hook (18) at an upper end and a curved handle portion (11b) with an electrical outlet (33) at a lower end adjacent a power cord (32). A magnet (25) on a clip (21) rotatably engages a groove (20) in the body (11) for attaching the light (10) to a metallic surface. A lens (16) is releasably retained on the body (11) for easy access through an opening (11c) to a fluorescent lamp (40) mounted in a socket (38) retained in the body. A plurality of sawtooth ridges (42) formed on an interior of a top wall (16c) of the lens (16) directs light from the lamp through the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Alert Safety Lite Products Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Kovacik, Paul S. Blanch, Stanley E. Grzywna
  • Patent number: 5921669
    Abstract: The rotatable and mountable light assembly of the present invention includes a base member, the base member pivotally connected to a clamping member, the clamping member comprising a means to removably secure the base member to a bar; a lamp holding member releasably secured to the base member, the lamp holding member comprising a lamp receiving space, the lamp receiving space being of sufficient space to receive at least one individual lamp. The lamp holding member is capable of altering its orientation with regard to the base member such that the orientation of the lamp holding member vis-a-vis the clamping member may be altered; the single lamp residing in a portion of the receiving space, the lamp comprising a lens and a means to illuminate; and a means to provide power to the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Schwinn Cycling & Fitness Inc.
    Inventors: Harry B. Taylor, Paul Klinger
  • Patent number: 5915826
    Abstract: A decoration lamp device has a lamp holder, a socket receiving the lamp holder, a bulb dispopsed on the lamp holder, and a base plug disposed on a bottom of the socket. The lamp holder has a bottom notch and two copper threads. The socket has two opposite inner walls. Each inner wall has a recess, a bottom protrusion, a groove, and a channel communicating with the groove. The base plug has a separation plate, two hook lugs, and two blocks. A connection portion is disposed between the separation plate and the respective hook lug. Each hook lug has an opening. Each block has a slot. Two electric wires are inserted in the socket. Each electric wire is connected to a conductive plate. Each conductive plate is inserted in the respective recess. Each copper thread contacts the respective conductive plate. The separation plate is inserted in the grooves. Each connection portion is inserted in the respective channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Mei-Lu Lin
  • Patent number: 5915827
    Abstract: A decorative light curtain formed by multiple branched light strings is disclosed. The decorative light curtain includes a light string supporting trunk and a plurality of branched light strings suspended from the light string supporting trunk. Each of the branched light strings includes a plurality of bulb stands arranged on the light strings. Each of the bulb stands is provided with a coupling structure for joining one of the bulb stands or connecting cord of the light strings adjacent to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Jessica Wang
  • Patent number: 5913600
    Abstract: A Christmas light suspensible from more than one linear object is provide. The light includes a tubular receptacle including a hollow interior with contact plates and a partition therein for receiving a base of a lamp which includes a pair of contact wires and a central notch respectively engageable with the contact plates and the partition of the receptacle, a pair electrical wires connected to the contact plates and extended out of the receptacle through a pair of longitudinal apertures and an elongate notch centrally formed in a rear end of the receptacle between the apertures including a hook of triangular section at the opening of the notch so as to define a slope narrow entrance for the notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Mei-Lu Lin
  • Patent number: 5908238
    Abstract: A decoration lamp comprising a bulblet, a bulblet stand and a bulblet socket, the bulblet is inserted into the bulblet socket and the bulblet socket is inserted into the bulblet stand. The bulblet socket has two ears disposed outside and a trough is located on the outer curved surface of the ear. The bulblet stand has two L-shaped bars in corresponding to the two troughs of the ears. A cap in round shape with big and small hollow rooms and a opened top are for enclosing the bulblet and the bulblet stand. The L-shaped bar of the bulblet stand is inserted into the trough on the ear of the bulblet socket and the cap encloses the bulblet stand for waterproof objective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Shun-Feng Huang
  • Patent number: 5897199
    Abstract: A device for positioning a trouble light to cast light on a desired work area utilizing an adjustable rotational friction mechanism, and a support plate having a flat surface on its periphery and a hook rigidly attached to the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth Edward Norris
  • Patent number: 5893634
    Abstract: A light bulb stand includes a stand body for connecting a light bulb to electrical wires and a clipping structure attached to the stand body. The clipping structure includes a first portion and a second portion mounted to the stand body to be opposite to each other and the first portion and the second portion are complementary in configuration to each other so that the first portion of a first light bulb stand is engageable with the second portion of a second light bulb stand to secure the bulb stands together. Further, the clipping structure may be separate from the bulb stand to connect two bulb stands together. The separate clipping structure may includes two C-shaped members that may be connected to each other in any suitable ways to define clipping structures of different configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: Jessica Wang
  • Patent number: 5893628
    Abstract: Improvements in components for mounting decorative light strings to various mounting sites include a plurality of track channels for holding light strings. Track channels may be attached to the mounting site with various fasteners or with snap buttons. The track channels may include an upper panel, legs extending downward from the upper panel and base panels parallel to the upper panel. The base panels may define a snap channel therebetween. The snap buttons may be received in the snap channels defined by the base panels to secure the track channel to the mounting site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas L. Byers
  • Patent number: 5873649
    Abstract: A combination flashlight and flashlight support is provided, wherein the generally tubular support releasably attaches to the flashlight body. The support is constructed and arranged to attach at at least one end of the flashlight. The support projects the flashlight at an oblique angle to a longitudinal axis of the flashlight body, and maintains the flashlight in an elevated position. When not in use, the support is securable to the body in a coaxial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: Alwin Krauer
  • Patent number: 5873651
    Abstract: A miniature light base is directly connected to a connector therefor. A first preferred form of miniature light base according to the present invention utilizes a male or female connection member to directly connect to a correspondingly reciprocal male or female connection member of a connector. A second preferred form of miniature light base according to the present invention utilizes an adhesion agent to directly attach a connector to the base. The miniature light base is otherwise characterized by the generally conventional aspects of a socket for receiving a lamp member and electrical contacts within the socket for electrically contacting the electrode wires of the lamp member. The connector is any article which serves to connect the base supportively to a support structure, such as for example a window, eaves or a gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventors: Richard D. Hofer, Ronald A. Hofer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5871270
    Abstract: A new and improved truck container light bar adapted for use in association with a truck having an electrical system and a truck container having a rear section including tie down holes, the apparatus comprising, in combination: a first cross bar and a second cross bar each including an open inboard end and an outboard end formed in an inverted L-shaped configuration, each crossbar including at least one hole extending therethrough, at least one brake light and at least one signal light being coupled to each cross bar, each signal light and brake light including a lead wire extending therefrom and positioned through each crossbar, a central adjustment bar including a plurality of apertures and a plurality of small running lights, the running lights having lead wires extending through the central adjustment bar, the central adjustment bar being coupled within the open inboard ends of the crossbars with a cooperatively coupled bolt, an electrical extension cord being operatively coupled to each light and includ
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventors: John David Ricker, Kim S. Ricker
  • Patent number: 5860728
    Abstract: A holder clamp assembly having a compressible, substantially spherical gripping member with a centrally located cavity, a compressing mechanism, a mounting bracket, and optionally a swivel joint. The cavity of the gripping member is a channel for receiving the barrel of a flashlight or other substantially cylindrical and elongated section of a device. The gripping member while holding the device may pivot inside the compressing mechanism. The compressing mechanism constricts the gripping member around the device holding the device in place. The optional swivel joint connects the compressing mechanisms to the mounting bracket. When the optional swivel joint is used, the mounting bracket once tightened on a substrate holds the swivel joint in place. One member of the mounting bracket when inverted relative to the other members, enables clamping onto smaller substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: 5855429
    Abstract: A safety light is provided including a housing having a front face, a rear face, and a periphery formed therebetween defining an interior space. The rear face having a recess formed therein. A pin and clasp assembly is coupled within the recess of the housing and adapted to releasably attach the housing to a first recipient surface. A pile type fastener is adhered to the rear face of the housing and surrounds the rectangular recess. The pile type fastener is adapted to releasably attach the housing to a second recipient surface. Also included is a light emitting diode connected to the housing and adapted to illuminate upon the receipt of power. Finally, a switch is connected between the light emitting diode and a battery for allowing the transmission of power to the light emitting diode upon the closing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventors: David H. Webb, Jr., Robert E. Webb
  • Patent number: 5853242
    Abstract: A torch light comprises an elongate case and fixing means to enable it to be used as a head-mounted lamp. The fixing means comprise a fixing plate designed to cooperate by clipping with locking means provided in a blind orifice of the case and arranged to constitute positive locking of the fixing plate in the active position, switching of said locking means from the active position to the inactive position requiring a manual unlocking operation to uncouple the case from the fixing plate. A head-mounted lamp can thus be quickly transformed into a torch light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Zedel
    Inventors: Boris Bouffay, Paul Petzl
  • Patent number: 5842773
    Abstract: There is described herein a bulb mounting method including bulb mounting device in the form of a pair of hollow half cylinders hinged together along one edge and arranged to substantially envelop a bulb socket. Protruding flanges on the half cylinders are positioned to catch against the rear surface of a mounting board when the device is inserted into a receptacle hole, and tab members are positioned on the half cylinders forward of the flanges, to be inserted through the receptacle hole and to catch against the front surface of the mounting board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Jimmy M. Krebs
  • Patent number: 5839819
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved light bulb holder for a decorative light string net which has a pair of connecting base mounted on its two sides having related outward grooves for engaging with the electrical wires more convenient and easy to form a beautiful decorative light string net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Wun Fang Pan
  • Patent number: 5836679
    Abstract: A portable work light has a transparent tube through which light is emitted from a source within the tube. A pair of fasteners each have a strap that extends around the tube with a coupling attached to the strap. A cord passes through both couplings and has fixed loop at one end through which passes a section of the cord at the other end. The fixed loop is received within a tubular fastener which is able to slide along the fixed loop. The tubular fastener has a first position along the fixed loop in which the section of the cord is captivated from moving through the fixed loop, and a second position in which the section of cord is able to move through the fixed loop. This structure allows the cord to be held cinched around an object for supporting the transparent tube from which light is emitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas L. Klamm
  • Patent number: 5833359
    Abstract: A portable light fixture uses a bar clamp which is operable with one hand and includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw. The movable jaw includes a one-way drive mechanism, which releasably engages a slide bar and advances the movable jaw toward the fixed jaw, and permits clamping to be accomplished by application of clamping pressure through the one-way drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Bonnie L. Shreve
    Inventor: Gerald A. Hollenbach
  • Patent number: 5823658
    Abstract: An anchorable flashlight support that includes a pivoting flashlight securing ring; an anchor bracket assembly having a support arm brace member, a clamping brace member and a ledge receiving bend assembly having a pair of parallel members connected by a right angle attachment member that form a ledge receiving slot; a flexible metal support arm connected between the flashlight securing ring and the support arm brace member of the anchor bracket assembly; and a screw down clamp assembly having a threaded rod threaded through the clamping brace member of the anchor bracket assembly and a clamping contact that is swivel mounted to an end of the threaded rod and that is positioned outside of the ledge receiving slot formed by the ledge receiving bend assembly of the anchor bracket assembly; a lower end of the support arm brace member being integrally formed with an insertion end of one of the parallel members of the ledge receiving bend assembly; an upper end of the support arm brace member being integrally form
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Patrick P. Doddy
  • Patent number: 5823657
    Abstract: A lamp clamp uses a portion of the lamp as a moveable clamping jaw. This portion is screw-threaded into a threaded aperture of one of the arms of a C-shaped member. The other arm of the C-shaped member includes an object-engaging portion which further includes two pressure pads separated by a dished portion. The C-shaped member includes a coextensive flange around the inner periphery of the "C". The flange assists in stabilizing the clamp against the object, such as, the side edge of a worktable. The end of the moveable portion is attached to a swivel head which is pivotably engageable with the object in several orientations. The arrangement is especially useful when it is desired to mount a flashlight having a flexible stem (such as the Black & Decker.RTM. SnakeLight.TM. flashlight). The moveable clamping jaw defines a cylindrical tube into which is slideably mounted the graspable portion of the flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventors: Scott D. Price, Alfred H. Judge, Thomas J. Wheeler, Robert H. Gifford
  • Patent number: 5816696
    Abstract: A display hook includes a light at its free end to call attention to the merchandise attached to the hook. The hook includes a base for attachment to a perforated board, a shaft attached to the base, a light located near the free end of the shaft and an energy source for providing power to the light. A pair of studs in the base are selectively engageable in the apertures of the board. Batteries, or an electrical power source, located near the base or at the end of the hook or remote from the hook provide power to the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Edward J. Beisler
  • Patent number: 5803590
    Abstract: A roadway luminaire is provided which includes a mast mount docking station securable to an end of a pole mast. The mast mount docking station includes a power plug electrically coupled to the power conductors. The luminaire includes a corresponding power plug which is electrically and mechanically coupled to the mast mount docking station via a twist-lock feature including mating keys and keyways in the docking station and luminaire, respectively. The luminaire includes several plug-in components such as a plug-in photoelectric cell, a plug-in starter and a capacitor press-fit into a molded cavity in the luminaire. The power plug of the luminaire is adaptable to be used with all international voltages. The twist-lock feature provides for a fool-proof mechanical and electrical connection to ensure that the correctly rated luminaire is connected to the supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Taylor Wedell, Edward Bernard Bilson, Thomas A. Zimmerman, Glenn A. Ellis, III
  • Patent number: 5800046
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lit string structure for easy formation of patterns mainly including at least one set of lit string and a foldable net. The lit string is fixed onto the net by binding each lamp holder on the lit string to strings forming the net. The lamp holder is provided with binding means for retaining electric wires of the lit string and strings of the net to the lamp holder and thereby easily associates the lit string with the net. Whereby, more than one lit string can be attached to the net to form different kinds of light sculptures. When the lit string is not in use, it along with the net can be folded into a very small volume for packing, transportation, and storage. The lit string on the net can be freely located on a wall surface, a door, a window, or in a garden or on a roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Studio Eluceo Ltd.
    Inventor: Lindbergh Lin
  • Patent number: 5797675
    Abstract: An improved tubular bulb supporting clip is disclosed. This clip allows for multiple modes of movement between the bulb supporting portion and the stationary stem of the clip. This structure allows for proper support of the tubular bulb even if the bulb has imperfections therein or the clips are not precisely positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Fallon Luminous Products Corp.
    Inventor: Walter Keisler Tanner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5791765
    Abstract: A lamp netting device has a net, a serial decoration lamp assembly disposed on the net, and the serial decoration lamp assembly having a plurality of decoration lamps. The net has a plurality of net strings. Each of the decoration lamps has a bulb, a lamp holder receiving the bulb, a socket receiving the lamp holder, a first lug disposed on the socket, a second lug disposed on the socket, a first slot defined between the socket and the first lug, a second slot defined between the socket and the second lug, a U-shaped clamp device disposed between the first lug and the second lug, a rod disposed on the lamp holder and above the U-shaped clamp device, a bar disposed on a distal end of the rod, and a recess formed on the rod. The rod is bent toward the U-shaped clamp device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Mei-Lu Lin
  • Patent number: 5788358
    Abstract: A brake light for an automobile having a windshield, a rear view mirror and a brake light circuit. The light is supported on the mirror by a support and keeper pivoted to the support for gripping the mirror holder. Second, third and fourth embodiment each having a support means and a keeper having a projection on the support means and spaced legs on the keeper that are received on each side of the projection. A second embodiment has external teeth on the projection that receive internal teeth on the keeper for holding the keeper in clamped relation with the projection to clamp a support member between them. A third embodiment has a projection and spaced legs on the support spaced outwardly from the projection. The legs on the keeper are received between the legs of the support means and the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Richard E. Davis
  • Patent number: 5779352
    Abstract: A decoration lamp device has a bulb and a lamp holder receives the bulb. Two conductive copper wires extend outward of the lamp holder and a socket receives the lamp holder. A first L-shaped rod and a second L-shaped rod are disposed on the socket. A post is disposed on the socket, and two electric wires extend outward of the socket. A retainer plate has a slot receiving the post. The post is bent to be inserted in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Mei-Lu Lin
  • Patent number: 5775802
    Abstract: A clamp device for wires of ornamental lamp string, in which the sub-sockets in every lamp string are set at a regular distance from one another, and two power-supply wires are connected with a connecting member. One of the two power-supply wires is connected with the connecting member and with all sub-sockets in series, while the other power-supply wire is connected from the connecting member to the last sub-socket directly so as to form a complete electrical circuit. A plurality of lamp strings are connected with the main cable of the power-supply wires. The wires between two adjacent lamp strings are fastened in place with a clasp mounted on a sub-socket. A plurality of lamp strings are connected into a network to be mounted over a wall surface or the like, and such network can be set up and removed quickly and conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Cheng-Ju Kuo
  • Patent number: 5772315
    Abstract: A type of lamp track clamp structure, comprising a main unit, first fixing pieces, second fixing pieces, clamp pieces and conductive screws, the first fixing pieces and the second fixing pieces are installed in the main unit, the two clamp pieces are fitted on the front and back sides of the main unit, the conductive screws are screwed through the clamp pieces and the main unit to compose a lamp track clamp structure; the above configuration is so designed that the track clamp may involve a universal purpose to significantly reduce production costs and enable convenient operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Wei-Hong Shen
  • Patent number: 5769535
    Abstract: A portable light lamp having multiple brightness providing predominantly directed light projection. The portable light employs a light source and a light source housing, the light source housing having a directed light port disposed to project light from the light source therethrough in a selected direction at a first brightness and at least one filtered light port to project light from the light source therethrough in another direction at a second brightness which is diminished from the first brightness. One or more magnets are secured to the side of the light source housing to attach the portable light to magnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventors: Donnie R. Rominger, Lucille L. Rominger
  • Patent number: 5769526
    Abstract: A utility light for use with a motor vehicle for illuminating the area directly behind the vehicle, includes a floodlamp having a power cord terminating in a plug of the type that can be plugged into the coupler of a conventional trailer lighting connection system to enable the utility light to be connected to a source of electrical power at the rear of the vehicle. The utility light includes a mounting device. The such as a magnetic support, or a clamping device, for mounting the utility light on the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel L. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 5765793
    Abstract: A stand device for an article such as a lamp or a fan includes a holding post which has at its lower end a clamp base for mounting the holding post, and a pedestal for receiving and holding the clamp base. The pedestal has a pedestal housing to receive the clamp base and an interior integral seat plate which can be clamped by the clamp base. The stand device can be positioned by means of either one of the clamp base and the pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Alexander Yu
  • Patent number: 5743620
    Abstract: An illuminated drinking receptacle 10 designed to be suspended from the belt 50 of a user by a belt clip unit 13. The drinking receptacle 10 includes a generally translucent receptacle member 20 having an illumination source 31 operatively associated with its bottom portion, and an opaque upper portion 24 which blocks the transmission of light from the illumination source 31.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventors: Michael Rojas, Marilyn Arnodo
  • Patent number: 5722760
    Abstract: A light assembly is made up of a circuit board and a plurality of individual light units which can be installed on and removed from the circuit board to form a desired design or pattern. Each individual light unit includes an electro-luminescent light panel and a resilient contact arrangement which permits an electrical connection between the contacts in the individual light unit and contact terminals on the circuit board to be established by the act of mounting the individual light unit on the circuit board. The light unit itself may form a sub-assembly of a larger lighting arrangement, and each sub-assembly may include a plurality of individual light units arranged into groups, with each group having a different color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Tseng Lu Chien
  • Patent number: 5718504
    Abstract: An anti-leak and anti-contact Christmas lamp includes a bottom cap, a tubular socket, a coil spring, an insulating disc and an anti-lead gasket. The bottom cap has curved recesses abutting each other on a projecting portion between two parallel walls and ridges between two abutting curved recesses for laying wires therein. The socket has a bottom annular wall with two opposite openings each having curved recesses to correspond with the curved recesses of the bottom cap so as to tightly pressing wires therein, the spring and the insulating disc are placed in the socket, with the disc pressed down by a lamp and with the spring compressed down to let the poles of the lamp contact with two conductors. The anti-leak gasket is fixed on and with an annular upper wall of the socket and tightly in contact with the glass of the lamp to prevent water from leaking into the socket and persons from extending hands into the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: Shun-Feng Huang
  • Patent number: 5713658
    Abstract: A hanger for holding a fluorescent drop light at a desired orientation or angle. The hanger holds the tubular lamp of a drop light by a clip. A hook for suspending the hanger adjustably attaches to the clip. The attachment apparatus includes a base surface having angularly displaced radiating slots for partially surrounding the rod stock of the hook, a threaded stud projecting from the base surface, and a threaded nut. The slots are preferably displaced in forty-five degree increments. The hook has an eye which is slipped over the threaded stud prior to tightening the nut. The hook is secured at a desired orientation by tightening the nut when a straight portion of the hook partially occupies one of the slots. The hook can be secured vertically, horizontally, or in an intermediate orientation depending upon which slot engages the straight section of the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Maurice J. Stranagan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5709462
    Abstract: A silhouette display and lighting clip arrangement is described for mounting conventional decorative string lights. A flexible open mesh sheet is included, with spaced interstices extending between a front and a back side of the sheet. A light clip base member and a transparent lens member having a bulb receiving recess are also included for attachment to the sheet. One of the members includes a fastener configured to releasably secure a decorative light bulb and socket with the light bulb received within the bulb receiving recess. The fastener is shaped to releasably join the light clip base member and transparent lens member on opposed sides of the open mesh sheet through the open mesh of the sheet with the transparent lens member projecting from the front side of the sheet. A process is also disclosed for producing the light display for use with conventional decorative string lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Donald D. Rumpel
  • Patent number: 5707136
    Abstract: Improvements in components for decorative light strings that include a plurality of track channels for holding successive segments of a light string, such track channel sections being supportable by snap attachment to pre-positioned snap-fasteners or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas L. Byers
  • Patent number: 5707143
    Abstract: A pull-on clip manually assembled to a downlighting reflector trim in a snap-fastening manner without the need for tools, the invention mounts the reflector trim and a socket/spring clip assembly snap-fastened onto the trim within the interior of a lamp housing or can particularly in a downlighting fixture. The pull-on clip facilitates lamp positioning within the can and thereby within the fixture such that optimum lamp performance is obtained. The structure of the pull-on clip further facilitates the snug positioning of the reflector trim about a ceiling hole above which the downlighting fixture utilizing said clip is mounted for operation, thereby providing a clean appearance and positive lamp positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: National Service Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Hentz
  • Patent number: 5704710
    Abstract: A lighting fixture with a safety hook allows easier wiring of a lighting fixture, allows easier and accurate alignment and attachment of the fixture's housing and cover during installation and prevents the fixture from dropping down during servicing. A safety hook with two stages or hook elements is installed in the cover of the lighting fixture. An eye flange with a slot is installed in the housing so that the slot can slide over the safety hook in the cover. As the slot is guided over the safety hook, the slot will engage the first stage or hook element which allows the housing to hang from the cover without any assistance from the installer while the necessary wiring connections are made. Then, the slot is guided further onto the safety hook until the slot engages the second stage or hook element which allows the housing and cover to be easily aligned and connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: The Genlyte Group, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ann Greene, Richard Sangiamo
  • Patent number: 5702082
    Abstract: A hook clamp has surfaces allowing the clamp to be placed on a support and clamped thereto. The surfaces are such that the clamp can be placed on the support and its weight held by the support prior to tightening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Light & Sound Design Ltd.
    Inventors: Nigel Evans, William E. Hewlett, Richard Parker
  • Patent number: 5702175
    Abstract: A movable lamp device has a clamp device, a lamp casing, and a flexible tube connecting the clamp device and the lamp casing. The clamp device has a first clamp and a second clamp disposed under the first clamp. The first clamp and the second clamp are fastened pivotally. The lamp casing has a first half housing and a second half housing coupling with the first half housing. A main lamp is disposed in a front of the lamp casing. A flash lamp and a cell chamber are disposed on a first side of the lamp casing. A hook device is disposed on a second side of the lamp casing. A cell cover covers the cell chamber. A switch is disposed on a top portion of the lamp casing. A threaded recess hole is formed in a rear portion of the lamp casing to receive a second end of the flexible tube. A threaded through hole is formed on the first clamp to receive a first end of the flexible tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: Jenn-Hwang Chen
  • Patent number: 5697591
    Abstract: A holder for securing ornamental lights to Christmas trees comprises a pair of generally cylindrical parts disposed mutually at right angles. Each part has a generally C-shaped cross-section with the openings in the two parts extending away from one another. Each part also has two arcuate gripper elements that curve inwardly of the cross-section of the part, for providing an improved gripping effect. In use, one part is clipped over a Christmas tree branch. The other part extends generally vertically and receives a bulb holder for a tree light, or other ornament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Cooper
  • Patent number: 5695271
    Abstract: A booklight includes a mounting bracket for mounting the booklight on a support, and an elongate first arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being pivotally attached to the mounting bracket. A rigid elongate retractable arm has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the elongate retractable arm being telescopically connected to the distal end of the elongate first arm. The elongate first arm and elongate retractable arm are shaped so as to prevent rotation of the elongate retractable arm relative to the elongate first arm. The elongate retractable arm is mounted for movement with respect to the elongate first arm between a retracted position and an extended position. A light-radiating source is mounted at the distal end of the elongate retractable arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Noel E. Zeller
  • Patent number: 5690416
    Abstract: A flashlight holder is described which can be used with differently sized flashlights. The holder includes vise grip pliers for gripping structure adjacent a location it is desired to illuminate. A connector of the holder includes a collar for one size flashlight, as well as two rings for flashlights of other sizes. A bolt is threaded within the collar and acts as an adjustment mechanism for connection to any one of the differently sized flashlights. An interface device which secures the connector to the vise grip pliers facilitates the holding of flashlights or other objects of different weights. Its construction includes a mating ball and socket structure cap and a housing for a bolt on another adjustment mechanism provided as part of the vise grip pliers. The housing and cap are so secured together by bolts that tightening or loosening them changes the resistance to movement of the ball within the socket and movement of the interface device relative to the vise grip pliers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Jan Van Gennep
  • Patent number: 5690426
    Abstract: A reading lamp assembly can be removably and adjustably attached to the vertical pole of a torchiere-type floor lamp. The reading lamp itself is mounted at the distal end of a short arm. A resilient clip encircles or surrounds the pole and includes a pair of parallel tabs projecting outwardly. A fitting at the proximal end of the lamp arm inter-engages with the tabs to support the arm and lamp. Preferably, the tabs are apertured and the fitting includes opposed pins which fit within the apertures, thereby allowing a limited pivotal movement of the arm around the horizontal axis. The arm preferably includes a portion projecting inwardly below the axis so that the weight of the lamp causes the projecting portion to engage the pole and restrain the assembly from sliding downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Tensor Corporation
    Inventor: Roger N. Sherman
  • Patent number: 5688037
    Abstract: A book light includes: a shade having a lamp and an electrical control circuit fixed within the shade, a base for pivotally mounting the shade and the lamp on the base, a clamping device protruding forwardly from the base to be clamped on a book, and a push-button switch resiliently held in the shade normally protruding outwardly beyond the shade, whereby upon closing of the shade on the base, the push-button switch will be retracted into the shade to turn off the lamp as depressed by the base when pivotally folding the shade on the base; and upon opening of the shade from the base, the push-button switch will be automatically protruded outwardly to close the electrical control circuit to power and turn on the lamp for lighting use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Mike Chen
  • Patent number: 5683171
    Abstract: A holder is described for maintaining a flashlight or other instrumentality at a desired location. The holder includes an interface unit which is securable to a gripping device, such as vise grip pliers. A connector for the instrumentality also is provided as part of the combination, which connector is attachable to the interface unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Jan Van Gennep
  • Patent number: 5681105
    Abstract: A lamp in the shape of a brick and adapted for placement between bricks in a driveway or on roads, having an outer case, an electric bulb housing mounted in the case, a bulb socket supported on the bulb housing mounted in the case, and a translucent lens formed of a high strength plastic mounted on the top of the bulb housing. In a preferred embodiment the unit comprised of the bulb housing and lens is removable mounted in the case by means of lathing members. Resilient blocks receiving the lower ends of the screws to lock such unit to the case and is removable for replacing a bulb in the bulb socket or for cleaning the interior of the case. The screws in combination with the resilient blocks permit expansion and contraction of the bulb housing-lens unit while in locked position. For installation between bricks, e.g. in a driveway, the lamp is inserted between adjacent bricks and held in place by mortar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: Larry J. Nau