With Ball And Socket Light Support Patents (Class 362/421)
  • Patent number: 5649761
    Abstract: A light fixture controlled by a passive infrared motion detector including a base, one or more lamp holders attached to the base, and a detector housing also attached to the base and containing the motion detector. The lamp holders each comprise a socket housing for receiving a floodlight bulb or the like and a shade or reflector at the front of the socket housing. The lamp holder assembly is connected to the base by a support arm that is pivotably connected to a side wall of the socket housing offset from the end of the socket housing instead of being connected at the end of the socket housing as is conventional. The pivoting side mounting of the lamp holder permits the lamp holder to pivot with a moment arm that is significantly shorter than the overall length of the lamp holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Larry C. Y. Lee
    Inventors: Donald R. Sandell, Wade Lee
  • Patent number: 5624198
    Abstract: A swivel connector for supporting a fixture and including a swivel socket, a spherically shaped hollow member located in the socket and forming with the socket a first universal joint, and two adaptors for connecting the swivel connector to a support and the fixture, respectively, with the support-connecting adapter being connected to the swivel socket and with the fixture-connecting adaptor having a spherical portion received within the hollow swivel member and forming with the swivel member a second universal joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Zumtobel Staff Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Fuchs
  • Patent number: 5615939
    Abstract: The headlight for a self-propelled vehicle includes a pivotable reflector (12) having a reflector pivot axis (20), a holder (10) for the reflector (12) and a compact mechanism for pivoting the reflector (12) relative to the holder (10) to adjust the orientation of the reflector. This compact adjusting mechanism for the reflector includes an adjusting element (26) having a ball end (30) and eccentrically engaged with the reflector (12) relative to the reflector pivot axis (20) and a compact double-jointed pivot joint for pivotally connecting the adjusting element (26) with the reflector (12). This compact double-jointed pivot joint includes a pivot joint mount (36) provided with a spherical receptacle (42), a socket insert (50) having a spherical-segment-shaped outer section (52) pivotally engaged in the spherical receptacle (42) of the pivot joint mount (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Otto Dobler, Wolfgang Krieg
  • Patent number: 5595441
    Abstract: A safety lighting device is provided which includes a base for attachment to an object and at least one elongated illuminatable section pivotably attached to the base. The elongated illuminatable section including a light source and an illuminatable tube. The light source being circuitly connectable to an energy source to provide illumination, and the illuminatable tube including a cylinder of scatter refractive material to refract illumination from the illuminatable tube. Methods for increasing visibility and apparent width are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: David I. McGee
  • Patent number: 5577836
    Abstract: The headlamp has a housing in which a reflector is arranged adjustably. Engaging on the reflector is an adjusting element which can be moved along its longitudinal axis to make an adjustment. At its end, the adjusting element has a ball head which is arranged in a ball socket connected to the reflector. At the transition between the adjusting element and the ball head there is, over part of the circumference, a flattened portion by which a shoulder is formed. Over the rest of the circumference the transition from the adjusting element to the ball head is stepless. The ball socket has a resilient locking member which can engage on the shoulder, in a rotational position of the adjusting element, to secure the ball head from being pulled out. In another rotational position, the locking member engages on the stepless transition between the adjusting element and ball head so that the ball head can be pulled out of the ball socket and the adjusting element can be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Albert Vent, Wolfgang Lehmann
  • Patent number: 5573329
    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: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Jan van Gennep
  • Patent number: 5526238
    Abstract: An adjusting and support apparatus for a lamp unit is provided which has a horizontal adjust and support mechanism in which the load bearing and adjusting functions are separated to provide an improved support structure which does not rely on a cantilevered arrangement. In addition, a vertical adjustment mechanism which can be secured to any unoccupied position on the outside surface of the lamp unit is provided, thereby imparting greater flexibility to the design of the front portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Van Oel, Stuart R. Oke, Denise M. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5521803
    Abstract: A flexible core for a hand-held device such as a flashlight includes a pair of conductive wires which electrically connect a source of power to a power using implement. A flexible spine surrounds the pair of conductive wires and includes a plurality of interconnected universally rotatable members. A resilient sleeve engages the outer surface of the rotatable members forming the spine. An adaptor including one conductor made from nickel chromium wire may be used to selectively connect the flashlight to a 12 volt source of electrical power in lieu of two standard C cells housed within the flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventors: Lee H. Eckert, Julian Watt, Robert Kubicko, Richard J. Carbone
  • Patent number: 5517392
    Abstract: A flashlight includes a flexible core comprising a pair of conductive wires which electrically connect a source of power to a power using implement. A flexible spine surrounds the pair of conductive wires and includes a plurality of interconnected universally rotatable members. A resilient sleeve engages the outer surface of the rotatable members forming the spine. The flashlight includes a working end housing and a base housing. A first anchor connects one end of the flexible core to the base end housing and a second anchor connects the other end of the flexible core to the working end housing. The outer surface of the resilient sleeve is restrained against relative twisting or longitudinal movement with respect to each housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Rousso, Paul R. Holbrook
  • Patent number: 5483426
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp assembly is provided including a horizontal adjustment device for adjusting the position of a reflector, the adjustment device including a housing having an open bottom, a front wall and a rear wall, the front and rear walls having an aligned bore, the housing also having a top with a slot intersecting one of the walls, the wall intersected by the top slot having a horizontal slot adjacent the top slot greater than the top slot; a top gear having a head which is passable through the horizontal slot, the top gear also having a shaft slidable into the top slot; and a sleeve gear insertable through the housing bottom, the sleeve gear having a head for meshing engagement with the top gear, the sleeve gear having connected to the head a barrel body for supporting the head of the top gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Brian S. Lewis, Gary L. Miller
  • Patent number: 5483425
    Abstract: An arrangement of an aimable vehicle headlamp assembly is provided which includes a bulb; a reflector housing mounting the bulb; at least one rod with a balled end mounted to the vehicle and extending therefrom, the balled end having first and second sides; a first sleeve housing encircling the rod having an open end for receipt of the first side of the rod balled end; a second sleeve housing connected to the housing with an open end for receipt of the second side of the rod balled end; and a flange connected to one of the sleeve housings for receipt into a groove in the sleeve housing the flange is not connected to. Pivotal connection of the reflector housing to the rod is achieved by insertion of one of the sleeve housings into the other sleeve housing and torquing one of the sleeve housings, and placing the flange in one of the sleeve housings within the groove of the other sleeve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Luallin, Steven V. Horsman, Brian E. Witte
  • Patent number: 5448459
    Abstract: A small, self contained light, swivel mounted on a clasp that will grip cylindrically shaped objects including pens, pencil and fingers. The cone shaped light body includes a lens, reflector, bulb, battery and switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventor: Clissie M. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5432686
    Abstract: A hand operated spotlight assembly (10) for mounting on a roof (R) of an automotive vehicle including inner and outer hemispherical mounting members (20, 21) fixed on opposed sides of the roof (R). Inner and outer movable frames (12, 14) are mounted on the fixed mounting members (20, 21) in a ball and socket connection for relative rotative and tilting movements upon actuation of a handle (50). An actuating member (66) is mounted for pivotal movement about a fixed pivot (68) on the handle (50) and upon movement of a lever (56) and a cooperating link (60) draws inner and outer movable members (12, 14) into tight frictional engagement with fixed mounting members (20, 21). The handle (50) is formed of a pair of handle halves (48A, 48B) which are secured to each other about a control mechanism (56, 60, 66, 84).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Linear Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Meyer
  • Patent number: 5428519
    Abstract: An adjustment device for adjusting a moving portion of a motor vehicle headlight relative to a fixed portion, in particular a reflector relative to an intermediate part of the headlight, the device being of the type comprising a screw that includes a ball member received in a seat connected to one of the portions and a thread engaging in tapping connected to the other portion, wherein the ball seat and the tapping are respectively provided on two elements each including assembly means enabling it to be assembled to corresponding assembly means provided on said respective portions merely by relative displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Jean Salmon, Jean-Pierre Loiselet, Vincent Demarcq
  • Patent number: 5424923
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp assembly is provided which includes a bulb; a reflector housing mounting the bulb; at least one rod pivotally connected to the housing; an adjuster body encircling the rod and threadably engaged therewith, the adjuster body having an insertion end generally opposite the reflector housing and a slot on the insertion end; a vehicle panel with an aperture for receipt of the adjuster body insertion end; and a slider mounted for relative movement with respect to the panel. The slider has an aperture with a first dimension for receipt of the insertion end of the adjuster body, and the slider aperture has a second end with a smaller dimension for encircling the adjuster body adjacent the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Young, Randall J. Smith, William E. Nagengast, Brian E. Witte
  • Patent number: 5404297
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a housing and a lamp support assembly that is normally retained in but removable from the housing. The lamp support assembly includes coaxial inner and outer sleeves, and a lamp socket mounted on one of the sleeves. The inner sleeve is movable relative to the outer sleeve between a braced position in which the lamp support assembly is retained in the housing, and a released position in which the lamp support assembly is released for removal from the housing. A lamp is received in the socket, and the inner sleeve is biased toward the braced position when the lamp support assembly is positioned in the housing so that the lamp support assembly is retained in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Puritan-Bennett Corporation
    Inventors: Brian L. Birk, John Khaziran
  • Patent number: 5398176
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved multifunctional lamp particularly suited for use in medical facilities as, for example, by pathologists in the evaluation of tissues and fluids, etc. The basic lamp systems contemplated herein comprises a base, a trunk supported at an end by the base and illumination means pendent from the trunk. The improvement of this basic lamp, and the adaption of it for medical purposes comprises the following:a lamp having a flexible trunk section for rotation and movement about its base and relative to its longitudinal axis, thereby permitting the user to move the lamp and associated apparatus into position for use;a lamp having a safety shield which is pendent from a flexible arm for movement about the axis of the arm and the trunk thereby permitting the user to strategically place the safety shield in a fixed position for providing protection; and,a lamp equipped with means for review of microscopic organisms, etc which is pendent form a flexible arm for movement about the trunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Sushil K. Ahuja
  • Patent number: 5390098
    Abstract: A plastic housing has two halves which enclose a vertical cam which is threadedly engaged with an adjustable stud and a horizontal cam which extends beyond the housing to engage with a headlamp assembly. The vertical cam has inclined grooves which receive teeth protruding from the horizontal cam therein. Hence adjustment of the vertical stud results in linear motion of the horizontal stud. Each housing half has an inclined sidewall which engages against an inclined face of the vertical cam. By tightening the fasteners which extend through both housing halves into a fixed vehicle frame part, the housing halves are brought closer together to apply a force to the vertical cam to bring it into correct engagement of the horizontal cam. This adjustment allows slip-free adjustment of the headlamp despite variations in part dimensions of the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Bernard F. Reiland
  • Patent number: 5388036
    Abstract: A reflector (3) of a motor vehicle headlight is coupled with a housing (1) by an adjustment device (4) with which it is pivoted about an axis (10). The adjustment device substantially comprises an adjusting pin (12) rotatably mounted in an opening in the housing with an end portion thereof extending outwardly from the housing opening, forming a hand knob (23) thereon for rotating the pin. An indicating device of the motor-vehicle headlight substantially comprises a toothed gear (20) with a scale-like indicator thereon and a pinion gear (16) which is formed on the hand-knob portion of the adjusting threaded pin. The toothed gear is mounted on an axle (25) extending outwardly from the housing and rotates freely in a position in which it interengages with the pinion gear. The toothed gear lies flatly on an outer surface (17) of the housing. The toothed gear has a central opening (24) and an off-center opening (27) adjacent the central opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Hella KG Hueck & Co.
    Inventor: Rolf Stoppelkamp
  • Patent number: 5381323
    Abstract: A lighting fixture having a new and improved sensor housing and an adjustable mast arm. The sensor housing includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall having a first lead aperture for establishing electrical and mechanical connections between a proximity sensor and a source of electrical power, a transition wall, a pair of side walls, and at least one drain aperture located between the transition wall and the bottom wall. A first partition wall is located between the bottom wall and the transition wall. The first partition wall extends between the pair of side walls to form a cavity including at least one drain aperture for preventing the accumulation of water in the sensor housing. An adjustable mast arm is connected between the base and the sensor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Regent Lighting Corporation
    Inventors: Mitchell M. Osteen, Suleyman O. Sumer, Charles L. Dozier, Santiago Singarayar
  • Patent number: 5377087
    Abstract: An orientable passenger reading light is provided for vehicles having a two-part removable bezel arrangement. The lower part of the bezel is freely rotatable to disguise the method of relamping by requiring correct manipulation of the upper bezel part to allow release and removal of the bezel arrangement. A continuously adjustable ball and socket arrangement permits varying the orientation of the light over a wide range such as a 25 degree spherical zone. A simplified locking mechanism may be engaged in any position without tools, to prevent adjustment by passengers. When the locking mechanism is disengaged, enough friction is provided to maintain the orientation despite environment vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Gulton Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alex Yoon
  • Patent number: 5355287
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp component is pivotally adjusted in response to back or forth movement of an adjusting link extending through an opening in one wall of a two-component housing of an adjusting device. Back and forth movement of the link is produced by a gear driven bushing which is threaded onto the link. An O-ring encircles the link between the bushing and the housing wall and is adapted to be compressed against the wall and the link thereby to seal the opening in the wall and prevent contamination from passing through the opening and into the housing of the headlamp. Compression of the O-ring is effected by camming the bushing toward the housing wall as an incident to assembly of the two housing components with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Elco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald S. Denley
  • Patent number: 5335159
    Abstract: A multimovable plastic lamp fixture. In the preferred embodiment, the lamp fixture includes a pair of lampholders for supporting a pair of floodlights or the like. Each of the lampholders are attached to a base by means of a ball and socket-type joint. The ball joint is located off-center and provides spherical positioning of the lights. A gasket located in the interior of each socket prevents moisture from entering the base and, in addition, maintains each lampholder in position due to friction. The ball and socket joint includes a knee ball cover having a semi-spherical surface for engaging the ball joint. Tabs located on the outer surface of the knee ball cover limit the rotational movement of each lampholder with respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Regent Lighting Corporation
    Inventors: Kent Chen, Suleyman O. Sumer, Jose M. Pinedo
  • Patent number: 5322252
    Abstract: In a pivoting mounting for an optical element of a motor vehicle headlamp, of the kind comprising a seating in which a ball head at the end of a retaining and/or adjusting bar or screw for the headlamp is received, the seating is defined by two cup elements shaped as half shells and together defining a substantially spherical cavity. This cavity is open to the outside through a flared aperture in the front face of the cup elements. The two cup elements are hinged together so as to open and close the cavity, and are provided with a snap-fitting device comprising, on one of the cup elements, a projecting tab having a finger pad and a locking shoulder for cooperation with a further locking shoulder formed on the other cup element. The rear of one of the cup elements is joined to a base member having a rear face from which snap-fitting means, in the form of mutually overlying pairs of snap catches, are carried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Puente
  • Patent number: 5321590
    Abstract: A vehicle headlight adjusting device includes a housing, a rotational member rotatably received in the housing, an adjusting screw with an end thereof coupled to a vehicle headlight to move therewith and passing through the housing and a threaded through hole in the rotational member, and a drive shaft with a gear securely coupled to an end thereof for engaging with annular teeth on the rotational member, whereby a rotational movement of the drive shaft is transformed into a linear movement of the adjusting screw to adjust the position of the vehicle headlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Inventor: Chun C. Wu
  • Patent number: 5313374
    Abstract: A motor vehicle lighting or indicating unit comprises a first part, such as a reflector, and a second part such as a headlamp casing. The first part is mounted to the second part by a mounting device comprising at least one bar carried by one of the two parts of the unit and having a substantially spherical head, together with at least one retaining means which is mounted on the other part of the unit and which has a recess substantially complementary to the head. This recess is open transversely so as to receive the head, while the retaining means is arrange to pivot about an axis passing substantially through the center of the recess, between a position in which the head can be fitted into the corresponding recess and another position in which it is retained in the latter. The arrangement is especially applicable to a three point mounting of a headlamp reflector on the casing of the headlamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Ghislaine Pinson
  • Patent number: 5303136
    Abstract: An articulated lamp is disclosed which is formed of a vertical support arm and a transverse support arm articulated to the top of the vertical arm and having a lamp head articulated on one end thereof. The arms are connected to each other by an articulation joint which permits restricted universal movement, in order to protect the power supply wires passing through the arms. The head is articulated to the transverse arm by an articulated joint which is formed of components that are identical in construction to the components forming the joint between the arms. The articulation joint between the transverse arm and the head also permits universal movement of the head relative to the arm, but again with restricted degrees of movement to protect the wiring of the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Nessen Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Tobias A. Brown
  • Patent number: 5270907
    Abstract: An integral socket assembly with insert molded metal support structure is molded as a unit and is mounted on a headlamp assembly to enable adjusting the headlamp alignment. The integral socket assembly includes a support bracket which is secured to the headlamp structure, and integrally molded with the support bracket are coupling sockets for receiving the coupling members formed on movable adjusting screws which translate to adjust the orientation of the integral socket assembly and the headlamp structure secured thereto. The support bracket has a metal reinforcing element insert molded therein to reinforce the structural integrity of the bracket and the securement to the headlamp structure. The coupling socket can also include a seal member removably covering an entrance opening to the socket cavity in order to prevent entry of debris into the coupled joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Lisak
  • Patent number: 5258899
    Abstract: A motion sensor lighting control includes a hemispherical mounting plate having a pair of first circular apertures and a second circular aperture, a pair of lamp holders for receiving lamps therein rotatably mounted on the first circular apertures by a pair of first swivel devices, a sensor housing for receiving an infrared sensor rotatably mounted on the second circular aperture by a second swivel devices. The first swivel devices and the second swivel device are such arranged to let the lamp holders and the sensor housing to be manually rotated in universal orientations, yet limiting the rotation angle to be less than 360 degrees thus preventing the wires therein to be twisted and broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Inventor: Kent Chen
  • Patent number: 5217291
    Abstract: A spotlight assembly (10) has inner and outer hemispherically shaped mounting members (20, 21) fixed to the roof (R) of a vehicle (A). Inner and outer movable frames (12, 14) are mounted on the fixed mounting members (20, 21) for relative rotative and tilting movements upon actuation of a handle (78). A lamp unit (16) is mounted on outer movable frame (14) about horizontal pivots (90, 91) from linkages (106, 50, 51). The tilting movement of handle (78) results in a tilting movement of lamp unit (16) around three times the angular movement of handle (78) to permit lamp unit (16) to be easily folded to a protected retracted position as shown in FIG. 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Linear Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Meyer
  • Patent number: 5161877
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster mechanism for use with a headlamp for controlling movement thereof comprises a housing. Gear means is disposed within the housing. The gear means comprises an adjusting member connected to the gear means for movement in response to rotation of the gear means, and is operatively connected to the headlamp for attaining controlled positioning thereof. Elastomeric braking means is disposed in engagement with at least one of the gear means and the adjusting member for providing prevailing torque for the mechanism to prevent inadvertent movement of the components of the gear means. The braking means is engaged at the outer periphery of the gear means to increase the moment arm associated with the force applied by the braking means such that a desired degree of prevailing torque can be attained. Further, the manner and component designs for attaining prevailing torque are such that the desired degree of said torque can be attained in each adjuster mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: David J. G. Wright, David Goss
  • Patent number: 5161876
    Abstract: A lamp assembly has a first, second and third connections which mount a reflector body on a fixed support to enable independent adjustment of the reflector body relative to the support. Each of the first and second connections includes a screw threaded rod engaged with a boss carried by the support. A ball on the rod engages in a socket. The socket is provided in a separate member having a pair oppositely directed elliptical springs through which the socket is mounted on a respective boss integral with the body. The springs permit a degree of elastic deformation in a direction which is radial with respect to the axis about which the reflector body can be tilted by rotation of the associated rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Carello Lighting public limited company
    Inventor: Alan K. Smith
  • Patent number: 5132492
    Abstract: A universally movable electrical fixture having a ball carrying base and cooperating electrical fitting carried socket with a unique tab projection that rides in a circumferential slot in the ball shaped to permit free swinging movement of the electrical fixture while limiting the rotational movement of the fixture to about 130 degrees to minimize electrical conductor twisting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Heath Company
    Inventor: Klaus Wieder
  • Patent number: 5128841
    Abstract: A flashlight holder clamp assembly having a mounting bracket which contains one or, optionally, two elastomeric substantially spherical gripping members having a centrally disposed cylindrical channel therein for receiving a portion of the barrel of a small flashlight and for receiving a cylindrical support member. The gripping members also define a plurality of uniformly spaced longitudinal slots which communicate along their inner ends with the central channel so as to allow the gripping member to be uniformly constricted by the mounting bracket upon clamping the flashlight holder clamp assembly to a cylindrical member, such as a bicycle handlebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Maglica, Armis L. Lewis, Fred R. McAlister
  • Patent number: 5122935
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp assembly with a lamp bulb mounted on a ball for motion within a socket to move the lamp with respect to the reflector permitting aiming adjustment of the headlamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Phillips Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Francis C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5107406
    Abstract: A head-lamp having an adjuster construction comprising a pivot portion and an adjusting screw portion, in which a ball joint is provided for at least one of said portions, a part of a carrying surface of the ball joint being formed of a soft elastic member which extends into the region of the ball joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Stanely Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaji Sekido, Masao Endo, Kazuo Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5107407
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight comprising a light source, a reflector, a housing, and a front glass, and also comprising an indicator device for indicating the elevation direction of the reflector, the indicator device being of the type comprising a spirit level mounted on the reflector in a plane which is essentially vertical and parallel to an optical axis defined by the reflector and being in a predetermined angular relationship with the optical axis. The spirit level is mounted on a bottom portion of the relector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Patrice Collot, Jean-Marie Brel, Guy Dehaene
  • Patent number: 5103384
    Abstract: Holder for flashlight having an arcuate seat joined to a clamp by a flexible metal cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventor: William M. Drohan
  • Patent number: 5079685
    Abstract: A lamp assembly has a lamp reflector body adjustably mounted on a support in the form of a housing through a horizontal screw-threaded rod which engages in an internally screw-threaded element fixed to the housing. A vertical rod is mounted in the housing and terminates in an external end portion which is located so as to be easily turned manually by a spanner, socket or screwdriver. A coil spring serves to transmit drive from the vertical rod to the screw-threaded rod to adjust the reflector body relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Carello Lighting plc
    Inventor: Graham S. Osborn
  • Patent number: 5065298
    Abstract: A lamp assembly has a supporting housing containing a lamp reflector body adjustably mounted therein through a mounting arrangement. The mounting arrangement includes a socket fixed to the body and an adjusting screw rotatably mounted in a sleeve of the housing and having a part-spherical end which is a snap-fit in the socket. To prevent accidental disengagement of the part-spherical end from the socket when the screw had been moved beyond a predetermined position, a member with a frusto-conical recess is slidably mounted on the screw and engages over the socket to prevent it from opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Carello Lighting plc
    Inventor: Graham S. Osborn
  • Patent number: 5063480
    Abstract: An adjustment device for a headlamp assembly that provides aiming adjustment of the headlamp unit in a horizontal plane, after which the adjustment device can be set to visually indicate that the headlamp unit is at a zero ("O") reference marking and also permit re-calibration of the lamp unit if the latter is re-aimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: David R. McMahan, William E. Magengast, Luis A. Mateos
  • Patent number: 5063481
    Abstract: A pivot assembly is provided for providing a pivot point for positioning a vehicular headlight mounted on a movable frame relative to a fixed frame. The assembly comprises a ball stud (50) that is secured to a selected one of the fixed and movable frames by a retainer clip (60) that has an edge (28) that engages a transverse annular groove (10) in ball stud (50) to prevent axial movement and has at least one resilient arm (24) having a free-end 26 that engages one of a plurality of circumferentially spaced grooves (14) that are in substantial transverse relationship to annular groove (10) and that cooperate with free-end (26) to prevent ball stud (50) from rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: John P. Martin
  • Patent number: 5060127
    Abstract: To facilitate aiming of a motor vehicle headlamp, e.g. as specified in U.S. Lighting Standard SAE J602, a motor vehicle headlamp having a housing with a light-transmitting front cover and a lamp reflector body mounted completely within the housing has an abutment carried by a rod at the top of the headlamp. The rod is slidable in bearings and connected with an adjusting screw for the lamp reflector body so that adjustment of the screw also moves the rod. A conventional mechanical headlamp aimer in mounted on the light-transmitting front cover of the housing in known manner and engages against the abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Carello Lighting Plc.
    Inventor: David A. Birt
  • Patent number: 5047904
    Abstract: A capsule, in particular for mounting the head of an angle-adjustment screw on a reflector of a motor vehicle headlight, the capsule being of the type comprising, in the vicinity of a first end, means for receiving the head, and in the vicinity of a second end, fixing means for fixing the capsule to a mount fixed to the reflector. The capsule comprises a first portion including a housing for the head, and a second portion including the fixing means for fixing the capsule to the reflector. Said fixing means comprise flexible means suitable for entering into latching engagement with said mount. Said first portion of the capsule is capable of sliding relative to the second portion to a locking position in which it bears against the flexible means, preventing them from moving out from their latching engagement with the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Didier Vraux
  • Patent number: 5045987
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp position adjustment assembly (50) is provided that features a ball and socket type connection between an adjustment screw (8) and a support member (18) for adjusting position of a headlamp (2) mounted on a movable frame (4) relative to a fixed frame (6). Support member (18) is adapted to be received through an opening in either movable frame (4) or fixed frame (6) and be releasably secured thereto by means of a clip such as a "U" shaped clip (32). Adjustment screw (8) has a boss (14) adapted to be received in a cavity (16) within support member (18) and is preferably adapted to be rotated from either end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Hebert
  • Patent number: 5003436
    Abstract: A headlight apparatus including a lamp body having a recess being open in the front direction and a lens covering the front opening of the recess, and a reflective mirror tiltably mounted on the lamp body. Two spaced apart adjust shafts are respectively supported rotatively on the lamp body with the rear end portions thereof projecting from the rear surface of the lamp body, and screw-thread portions are formed respectively on the front portions of the adjust shafts to engage with nuts respectively. The nuts have respectively on the outer side surfaces resilient retaining pieces for snappingly engaging with respective mounting members which are mounted on the reflective mirror. A ball joint connection is formed between the reflective mirror and the lamp body at the position spaced apart respectively from respective adjust shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Koito Menufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Yamada, Yukio Yonezawa, Katsutada Shirai
  • Patent number: 4999756
    Abstract: A desk lamp with adjustable lights mainly comprising a cone-shaped stationary base, a rotary head supporting member, a rotary head, a bow-shaped hollow arm and lamp housings; the rotary head is mounted on the top of the cone-shaped stationary base; the lamp housings are disposed at opposite ends of a bow-shaped hollow arm, which is attached to the rotary head; since the rotary head can rotate 360 degrees in horizontal direction, and pivot in the vertical direction with respect to the cone-shaped stationary base, the light of the lamp can be adjusted by a user; moreover, since the light of the lamp can be thrown first on the surface of the cone-shaped stationary base, and then is reflected to a desk surface, the light becomes much mild to a user than a direct light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Inventor: Hsuan-Yu Lee
  • Patent number: 4974123
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp assembly having a lamp unit supported by three ball pivots each of which is connected to the reflector member of the lamp unit through a pair of socket portions which encapsulate the ball portion of the associated ball pivot and are connected together by a fastener accessible from above the headlamp assembly and which, when removed, allows the lamp unit to be released from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Luallin, William E. Nagengast
  • Patent number: 4959758
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly having a lamp unit supported by three ball pivots each of which is connected to the reflector member of the lamp unit by a bearing member which encloses substantially all of the ball portion so as to prevent foreign material from entering the spherical bearing surface provided by the bearing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Philip C. Filosa, Robert G. Roeske, Bartley A. Haydu
  • Patent number: 4947306
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly which includes a separate support member located between a headlamp and a mounting bracket secured to the vehicle and which has the lower portion thereof formed so that the lower portion of the headlamp can be connected thereto through a tongue and groove arrangement while the upper portion of the headlamp is connectable to the upper portion of the support member through a pair of removable fastener members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Michael E. O'Shaughnessey