Truck, Trailer, Or Wagon Patents (Class 362/485)
  • Patent number: 11762256
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) package includes a substrate having a pair of first wiring electrodes and a pair of second wiring electrodes, an LED chip on the substrate, the LED chip being electrically connected to the pair of first wiring electrodes, a wavelength conversion film on the LED chip, an electrochromic film on the wavelength conversion film, the electrochromic film electrically connected to the pair of second wiring electrodes, and the electrochromic film being configured to have a first color before application of a voltage and to be transparent after application of the voltage, an optical lens on the electrochromic film, and a lateral structure having a reflective layer covering at least a portion of a lateral surface of each of the LED chip and the wavelength conversion film, and a color layer on the reflective layer and having a second color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jongsup Song, Tetsuo Ariyoshi, Taehyun Lee
  • Patent number: 11414139
    Abstract: Disclosed is a connector between sidewalls, or the top rails of the sidewalls, and roof panels. The connector includes a downwardly oriented pocket adapted to receive a portion of the sidewall and an inwardly oriented pocket adapted to receive a portion of a roof panel. The connector also includes a base flange that is comparatively sized to, and adapted to be supported by, a roof bow support ledge of the sidewall. The inwardly oriented pocket is located directly above, and offset from, the base flange of the connector. Connectors, such as adhesives or rivets, may be utilized to secure the connector to the sidewall and to secure the connector to the roof panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Vanguard National Trailer Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Roush
  • Patent number: 11402076
    Abstract: A safety strobe light may include a modular design incorporating a body portion, a removable lamp or LED, and a removable means for attachment of the safety strobe light to a boom truck arm. The body portion may be constructed and arranged to house at least a portion of the lamp and means for attachment. The body portion may define a channel constructed and arranged to temporarily and removably attach to an attachment and removal tool attached to a hot stick or similar extension pole. The attachment and removal tool may be constructed and arranged to engage with the channel defined by the body portion, such that safety strobe lights may be attached to and removed from surfaces and objects (such as a boom truck arm).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Inventors: Timothy Travis, Brian Travis
  • Patent number: 11358515
    Abstract: There are disclosed video systems and methods that use a camera in a lamp housing for a tractor-trailer. Within the housing is an electrical subsystem with a PLC interface and an electrical connector disposed outside the housing and adapted to connect to the trailer and draw power therefrom. A lamp mounted in the housing is connected and adapted to draw power through the electrical subsystem and emit light through a cover of the housing. The camera mounted in the housing has a field of view through the cover. The camera is connected and adapted to draw power through the electrical subsystem and to capture images through the cover and is further connected to the PLC interface. The PLC interface converts data from the camera and transmits the converted data through the electrical connector to the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: ANYTREK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Haijian Zeng
  • Patent number: 11293633
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lamp holder assembly and lamp device thereof, including a lamp body, which includes a housing, a heat radiator, a plurality of light-emitting devices, and a lens. The heat radiator is placed in a receiving cavity of the housing. The heat radiator includes a platform for attaching each of the light-emitting devices. The lens covers an opening at one end of the housing to fix the heat radiator. At least one top surface of a platform facing the light exiting direction has a certain slope relative to the horizontal direction perpendicular to the light exiting direction. The lens includes a light exiting surface opposite to the top surface of each platform. The lamp holder assembly has a small structure, high space utilization, large irradiation area, and uniform illumination. The light is emitted in a direct manner, which minimizes light loss and improves light emitting efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignees: Shanghai Sansi Electronic Engineering Co., Ltd., Shanghai Sansi Technology Co., Ltd., Jiashan Sansi Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd., Pujiang Sansi Optoelectronic Technology Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Shan Li, Ming Chen, Xiaoliang He, Shuyang Fu
  • Patent number: 11281184
    Abstract: An apparatus such as a hard disk drive includes a base deck, which includes a base member and sidewalls extending from the base member. The base member and the sidewalls both include a non-metallic material and a metallic stiffening material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Riyan Alex Mendonsa, Brett R. Herdendorf, Anil J. Reddy, Iraj Jabbari
  • Patent number: 11236883
    Abstract: A water shut-off structure includes a member and a holder that holds the member. The holder includes an insertion hole through which the member is inserted. The member includes a flange larger in outer geometry than the insertion hole and a shaft portion connected to the flange and inserted through the insertion hole. The holder includes a flange receiving portion that receives the flange. The flange receiving portion includes an annular rib in a shape surrounding the entire circumference of the insertion hole and projecting toward the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Satoshi Yokoi, Kenichi Kawaguchi, Yasuo Takada, Tatsuya Nakayama, Kiyotaka Kinoshita, Atsushi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 11180071
    Abstract: There are disclosed video systems and methods that use a camera in a lamp housing for a tractor-trailer. Within the housing is an electrical subsystem with a PLC interface and an electrical connector disposed outside the housing and adapted to connect to the trailer and draw power therefrom. A lamp mounted in the housing is connected and adapted to draw power through the electrical subsystem and emit light through a cover of the housing. The camera mounted in the housing has a field of view through the cover. The camera is connected and adapted to draw power through the electrical subsystem and to capture images through the cover and is further connected to the PLC interface. The PLC interface converts data from the camera and transmits the converted data through the electrical connector to the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: ANYTREK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Haijian Zeng
  • Patent number: 11167691
    Abstract: A utility rail for a vehicle, includes an inward surface with a utility void, an outward surface opposite to the inward surface, and a light void that is open to the exterior of the utility rail and that is separate from the utility void. A light is received in the light void and has an emitter from which light is emitted from the at least one light void to illuminate an area adjacent to the utility rail. The utility rail may be a one-piece metal extrusion and the light void may be a downward facing channel provided in the extruded rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Castle, Enrique G. Peniche, Julien G. Solomon, Dorinel Neag, Alexandra R. Morford
  • Patent number: 11148579
    Abstract: An air scoop light unit for a vehicle includes a light emitting area and related features where the light unit comprises a concave guiding surface spaced apart from the vehicle body to form an airflow channel there between that guides airflow at least partially around an outer side corner of the vehicle body to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. The air scoop light unit may incorporate safety features such as sensing devices as well as features that allow the air scoop light unit to deform, break or move in a predetermined manner such as to absorb energy in case of contact with an object such as a pedestrian. Vehicles including one or more such lamp assemblies are also included, including vehicles having tapered bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 11084421
    Abstract: A lighting device for a vehicle includes a light source and a linear light emission element for emitting light, which is supplied by the light source via a coupling surface of the light emission element in the light emission element. A light conductor element is provided for distributing and/or directing light, which is supplied by the light emission element in the light conductor element. The light source is linear and is arranged so as to extend parallel to the light emission element so that light from the light source can be coupled to a longitudinal side of the light emission element in an in-coupling surface in the light emission element. The light emission element is arranged at least partially in one side of an open cavity of the light conductor element and force-fittingly and/or form-fittingly held and also can be detached from the light conductor element in a non-destructive manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Mueller, Robert Isele
  • Patent number: 10928013
    Abstract: A lighting element (310) for a vehicle includes a circuit board (327) including at least one illuminator (326) thereon, a housing (311) having an optical element (312) with opposing axial ends (313) and in register with the at least one illuminator (326) on the circuit board (327), and a heat sink (322) positioned between the circuit board (327) and the heat sink (322).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Emergency Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas V. Baker, George Hulse, Weston Harness, Brandon Jacobsen, Kyle Israels
  • Patent number: 10906456
    Abstract: A method communicates an intention of an automated vehicle to at least one road user. For a planned maneuver that may adversely impact the other road user, an intention in relation to the carrying out of the maneuver is associated with the planned maneuver and the intention is communicated to the other road user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Lenja Sorokin
  • Patent number: 10908351
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a frame (100) for supporting a light guide panel (120). The frame (100) being provided with: a solid state light source (102) connected to and arranged on a circuit board (104), the circuit board (104) comprising an electrically insulating outer perimeter portion (104a); an insulation layer (106) being electrically insulating, the insulation layer (106) having a surface area larger than a surface area of the circuit board (104); wherein the insulation layer (106) is arranged on the frame (100); the circuit board (104) is arranged on the insulation layer (106) such that an insulating outer perimeter portion (106a) of the insulation layer (106) is formed outside of the circuit board (106); thereby providing a double insulation of the solid state light source (102) in relation to the frame (100). The invention also relates to a luminaire (130) comprising the frame (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Robertus Johannes Maria Mathilde Snijkers, René Theodorus Wegh, Eugen Jacob De Mol, Guy Louis Paul De Bondt, Nicolaas Antonie Van Rijswijk
  • Patent number: 10773639
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for a tailgate LED (light emitting diode) cap system, device and method, for attaching LED caps on top of truck tailgates as a safe and secure after-market or retrofit product. The LED cap can be easily attached to the tops of truck tailgates with fasteners but are not removable without unlocking locks covering the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: Martin L. Stowell
  • Patent number: 10745091
    Abstract: A marine navigational light fixture includes a light source and a cutoff sub-housing holding the light source. The cutoff sub-housing has a main frame having first and second laterally opposite sides; first and second sidewalls projecting from the first and second sides of the main frame, respectively; and first and second cutoff surfaces located on the first and second sidewalls, respectively. The first and second cutoff surfaces are configured to provide practical cutoff of light emitted from the light source outside of a specified arc of visibility. The marine navigational light fixture also includes a main housing holding the cutoff sub-housing. A luminaire subassembly for the marine navigational light fixture includes a colored component having a color that is in the same color family as a color of light emitted from the luminaire subassembly. The colored component can be a lens, a filter cap, a PCB, and/or a telltale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Tate, Donald J. Olsen, Philip Wetzel, Anuj Maloo
  • Patent number: 10713613
    Abstract: A freight tracking system uses a tracking device hidden in the taillight of a vehicle and a remote device located somewhere else on the vehicle. The remote device determines the position of the vehicle using information received from global navigation system satellites and communicates this wirelessly to the tracking device using a mesh network. The tracking device comprises a 9-axis IMU (inertial measurement unit) that uses a fusion filter and a calculation involving digital quaternions to determine inertial information. The vehicle position is compared to geographic boundary information to determine if the vehicle might have gone outside of geographic boundaries. If so, a geofencing alarm is triggered. The device has a tampering detector to ensure that the device is not opened. The alarms, vehicle position, and time information can be communicated to an internet-connected database using a cellular wireless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Inventors: Joseph Hage, Pierre Touma, Elias Bachaalany, Imad Maalouf
  • Patent number: 10677447
    Abstract: A waterproof and dustproof downlight has a housing cylinder, a top cover, an upper waterproof casing, a lower waterproof casing and a lighting assembly. The housing cylinder has a cavity with a top opening and a bottom opening. A partition board is mounted in the cavity. The top cover is mounted in the cavity of the housing cylinder. The upper waterproof casing is mounted on a top surface of the partition board and has an upper chamber defined in the upper waterproof casing. The lower waterproof casing is mounted on a bottom surface of the partition board and has a lower chamber defined in the lower waterproof casing a top. The lighting assembly is mounted securely on the bottom surface of the partition board in the lower chamber of the lower waterproof casing. The upper and lower waterproof casings provide excellent dustproof and waterproof functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: XIAMEN ECO LIGHTING CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Yuanbin Yu, Jinhua Xie
  • Patent number: 10647245
    Abstract: A headlamp adjustment system comprises a headlamp that, in turn, comprises a headlamp outer lens and headlamp housing. The headlamp adjustment system further comprises a headlamp adjustment bracket, an adjustment screw, a flexible shaft, near and far shaft ends, short and long tabs, a U clamp, a bolt that fastens the straight half, the U-shape half, and, thus, the U clamp together to the long tab, and, thus, the headlamp housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Ching-Tsung Lai
  • Patent number: 10586630
    Abstract: A wire harness that allows branched locations to be defined and can be manufactured inexpensively. A wire harness includes a tubular bendable pipe through which a wire is inserted. The pipe includes pull-out ports of the wire at positions corresponding to branching locations of the wire. The pull-out ports are configured to open on the respective mating surfaces of a first divided segment and a second divided segment obtained by circumferentially dividing the pipe into two. Bushes serving as protection portions that protect the wire are provided at rims of the pull-out ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, LTD.
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Sugino
  • Patent number: 10569704
    Abstract: An ambient light controller in an agricultural machine can control multicolor lights arranged in an operator cab of the machine to project light around structures in the cab to areas that are perceivable by a forward facing operator to convey useful information about the machine to the operator. The lights can be projected around such structures by using light pipes. The lights can preferably be in a color which minimizes glare inside the cab to avoid distraction. The light controller can monitor various functions of the machine, such as boom height, and change colors and/or patterns of the lights to indicate states corresponding to the conditions, such as a normal state and a fault state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Nathan P. Brooks, Steven N. Winkel, Robert Schnell
  • Patent number: 10488034
    Abstract: A waterproof and dustproof downlight has a housing cylinder, a top cover, an upper waterproof casing, a lower waterproof casing and a lighting assembly. The housing cylinder has a cavity with a top opening and a bottom opening. A partition board is mounted in the cavity. The top cover is mounted in the cavity of the housing cylinder. The upper waterproof casing is mounted on a top surface of the partition board and has an upper chamber defined in the upper waterproof casing. The lower waterproof casing is mounted on a bottom surface of the partition board and has a lower chamber defined in the lower waterproof casing a top. The lighting assembly is mounted securely on the bottom surface of the partition board in the lower chamber of the lower waterproof casing. The upper and lower waterproof casings provide excellent dustproof and waterproof functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: XIAMEN ECO LIGHTING CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Yuanbin Yu, Jinhua Xie
  • Patent number: 10457187
    Abstract: A pivoting system has an electronic device pivotably mounted on a cargo platform. A base is coupled to a cargo support. A linkage rod slidably engages with the cargo platform. A proximal pivot pivotably couples the proximal end of the linkage rod arm to the base. A device pivot pivotably couples the electronic device to the cargo platform. A distal pivot pivotably couples the distal end of the linkage rod to the electronic device. The pivoting system causes pivoting of the electronic device between a lower general horizontal position and an upper general horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Harmar Mobility, LLC
    Inventor: Derek J. Nash
  • Patent number: 10379285
    Abstract: An electronic device adapted for an expansion card is provided. The electronic device includes a main board and a light guide heat dissipation module. The main board includes a connector and a light source disposed beside the connector. The light guide heat dissipation module is detachably disposed on a position of the main board near the connector and is adapted to be thermally coupled to the expansion card inserted in the connector. The light guide heat dissipation module includes a first heat dissipation member, a second heat dissipation member thermally coupled to the first heat dissipation member, and a first light guide member disposed between the first heat dissipation member and the second heat dissipation member. The first heat dissipation member includes an opening, and the opening exposes a portion of the first light guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Ming Lai, Chung-Wei Chiang, Yung-Shun Kao
  • Patent number: 10308168
    Abstract: An autonomous vehicle includes a vehicle body and an illuminated stripe assembly mounted to the vehicle body. The illuminated stripe assembly is adapted to emit a plurality of stripe patterns that are visually distinctive from one another for indicating different operating states of the autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Pietro Buttolo, Annette Lynn Huebner
  • Patent number: 10246006
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for a tailgate LED (light emitting diode) cap system, device and method, for attaching LED caps on top of truck tailgates as a safe and secure after-market or retrofit product. The LED cap can be easily attached to the tops of truck tailgates with fasteners but are not removable without unlocking locks covering the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Inventor: Martin L. Stowell
  • Patent number: 10239447
    Abstract: A pickup truck is provided that includes a tonneau cover or bed cap that includes a lighting system. The light system is selectively attached to the tonneau cover or bed cap. The light system includes a longitudinally extending rod having an illuminating portion extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the rod. The longitudinally extending rod includes first and second end portions and an on/off switch located at least adjacent to the first end portion of the longitudinally extending rod. At least one clip is attached to the tonneau cover or bed cap that selectively holds the longitudinally extending rod. The longitudinally extending rod is pivotable within the at least one clip such that the illuminating portion is selectively directable toward different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Truck Accessories Group, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Dylewski, II, Ernest M. McDonald, II
  • Patent number: 10118541
    Abstract: An illumination device and methods of forming illumination devices having a limited number of white light light emitting diodes (LED's) or solid state lighting (SSL) devices and a color filtering lens or light manipulator disposed over the white light LED to manipulate at least one of a chromaticity, a color temperature value, and a color rendering index (CRI) value of light emitted beyond the illumination device to satisfy regulatory visibly and/or illumination requirements with a more efficiently operable illumination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Dragonfish Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Jeffery Condon, Mark Bryan Pruss
  • Patent number: 10118546
    Abstract: A stop lamp and cargo lamp system comprises a circuit board; a stop lamp mounted on the circuit board; a first cargo lamp assembly including a first cargo lamp mounted on the circuit board and a first directional tube coupled to the first cargo lamp and formed a first downward angle with a surface of the circuit board; and a second cargo lamp assembly including a second cargo lamp mounted on the circuit board and a second directional tube coupled to the second cargo lamp and form a second downward angle with the surface of the circuit board, wherein the second downward angle is different from the first downward angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Simon Luciew
  • Patent number: 10106071
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery charger and an exterior lamp assembly. The assembly includes a housing defining a cavity, and an electrical port including at least one electrical terminal disposed within the cavity, electrically connected with the battery charger, and configured to be electrically connected with an electrical power grid remote from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Duane M. Grider, Bala Chander
  • Patent number: 10066805
    Abstract: A multi-function vehicle light assembly. The light assembly includes a substantially enclosed housing body with an open top. A lens covers the open top, the lens having a first red lens portion and an adjacent second clear lens portion. A first LED array generates red light for vehicle tail lighting, with the first array located beneath the first lens portion. A second LED array generates red light for vehicle brake lighting, with the second array located beneath the first lens portion. A third LED array generates white light for vehicle back-up lighting, with the third array located beneath the second lens portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Optronics International, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin His-Hsien Tsai
  • Patent number: 9981597
    Abstract: An auxiliary apparatus may be used with a vehicle. The auxiliary apparatus may include an auxiliary implement, an auxiliary lighting system and auxiliary wiring. When the auxiliary wiring is properly connected: (1) an operator adjustable auxiliary implement control is operable to operate the auxiliary implement; (2) an operator adjustable auxiliary light control is operable to operate an auxiliary headlight; and, (3) an operator adjustable vehicle light control is operable to operate an auxiliary supplemental light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Meyer Products LLC
    Inventor: Louis Orazem
  • Patent number: 9950761
    Abstract: A carbon fiber shell is used to change the appearance or look of a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, and may be formed to be permanently installed as a vehicle body or non-permanently installed over an existing vehicle component to customize the appearance of a vehicle while still being removable. The carbon fiber shell is molded to match the contours or the shape of the original vehicle component so that, when installed, the shell has the same contours and thus the same physical shape as the original vehicle component. The carbon fiber shell includes integrated lighting material and a conductor that are disposed between the vehicle component and an exterior of the shell to provide functional and/or decorative lighting effects. Moreover, the shell shields the lighting material, conductor, and the associated electrical connections from external forces, objects, or other components of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: David Salvaggio, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9914389
    Abstract: A theft-deterrent lamp system for use with a vehicle includes a grommet and a cover. The lamp system is configured to mount with the vehicle and receive a lamp to couple the lamp with the vehicle. The lamp system is arranged to block the lamp from being separated from the vehicle without removing a portion of the lamp system from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Ehrlich, Jeffrie Scott Bauer
  • Patent number: 9849825
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle light system that can be usefully attached to a hitch receiver. The light system includes one or more lights attached to a frame. The frame includes a substantially horizontal central member, substantially vertical left and right members extending upward from the central member, and left and right extensions respectively coupled to the left and right members, each of the left and right extensions including at least one light. A hitch post extends from the frame and is configured to mount to the hitch receiver of a vehicle. The system can include an insulated power cord having a first end coupled to the one or more lights and a second end having a plug configured to connect to a power source of the vehicle. The one or more lights can be controlled by one or more switches, e.g., integrated with the frame or lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph D Salami, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9842973
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating a light-emitting device are provided. A light-emitting device can be formed from bonding a lens including a plug and a cap to an LED package including a socket configured to receive the plug. The lens can be fabricated using an injection mold formed from a well secured to the LED package and injecting a material into the injection mold to cure into a shape of the lens. The lens can also be fabricated using a blank about the shape of the lens and machining the blank to produce the plug and the cap of the lens. The lens can be bonded to the LED package using a convex bead of adhesive deposited on the surface of the LED package and spreading the adhesive between the lens and the LED package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: LedEngin, Inc.
    Inventor: Xiantao Yan
  • Patent number: 9802534
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided herein that includes a pickup box defining a storage compartment therein. A liner is disposed on an exterior surface of the pickup box. A first luminescent structure is disposed within the liner and is configured to luminesce in response to receiving excitation light from a first light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Scott Low
  • Patent number: 9604567
    Abstract: A trailer hitch plug is provided herein. A base member is configured to luminesce in response to excitation light provided by a light source. An electrical connector is provided at the base member. A cover is removably coupled to the electrical connector and configured to luminesce in response to excitation light provided by the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, David Brian Glickman, Stuart C. Salter, Michael A. Musleh
  • Patent number: 9517723
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a pickup box defining a storage area therein with at least one cleat assembly extending into the storage area. The cleat assembly includes a base, a tie-down cleat coupled to the base, and a lock assembly. The lock assembly is configured to removably couple the tie-down cleat to the base. The lock assembly includes a translucent polymer and a first phosphor material and a key configured to operate the lock assembly. The key includes a polymeric material mixed with a second phosphor material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, Michael Henry Maj, Michael Musleh, Talat Karmo
  • Patent number: 9499089
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery charger and an exterior lamp assembly. The assembly includes a housing defining a cavity, and an electrical port including at least one electrical terminal disposed within the cavity, electrically connected with the battery charger, and configured to be electrically connected with an electrical power grid remote from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Duane M. Grider, Bala Chander
  • Patent number: 9242596
    Abstract: A vehicle or trailer side marker and/or downlight (10) includes a casing or housing (1) and adjustable mounting (4,5), an internal reflector an internal baffle or shield, a light source, a lens or diffuser cover to allow adjustment of beam orientation, direction or angular spread to determine ground spread and beam upper margin limits so as not to dazzle others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: James Waugh Thomson
  • Patent number: 9187030
    Abstract: An auxiliary trailer lighting and control device that includes an ergonomically configured pistol grip distributor box disposed in direct circuit with a trailer lighting system, whereby traffic signals may be manually communicated directly to the trailer lighting system, and thus relayed to other traffic, when the extant primary lighting circuit in the trailer is malfunctioning or if the particular towing automobile lacks a trailer lighting interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: Robert D. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 9132770
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis, a bed assembly, and a light assembly. The chassis includes a frame member that defines a longitudinal direction. The bed assembly includes a deck coupled to the frame member and moveable between a transport position and a loading position. The light assembly includes a housing, a marker light coupled to the housing and positioned to deliver light across the longitudinal direction, and an indicator light coupled to the housing and positioned to deliver light in the longitudinal direction. The light assembly is coupled to the bed assembly to improve lateral and longitudinal visibility of the vehicle when the deck is in the transport position and the loading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Joel E. Amsley, Sanjeev T. Kuriakose, Brandon F. Tucker
  • Patent number: 9094010
    Abstract: In the invention, a circuit control device controlling a semiconductor switching element having a control terminal and driven by voltage inputted to the control terminal, has an input voltage detector, a desired voltage setting portion and a control input generation portion. The input voltage detector detects inputted voltage to the switching element. The desired voltage setting portion sets a desired value of the voltage to be inputted to the switching element. The control input generation portion is connected to the control terminal of the switching element, the control input generation portion generating control input to the switching element such that the value to be detected by the input voltage detector closes to the set desired value. The desired voltage setting portion sets the desired value of the voltage on the basis of predetermined characteristics information and operating parameters of the switching element. The operating parameters include temperature of the switching element, Vce, Ice etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuusuke Murata, Takeyasu Komatsu, Tsuneo Maebara
  • Patent number: 9086193
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a tray-like housing with a base wall, at least one light radiation source on the base wall of the housing, having electrical contact pads in an opposite position from the base wall of the housing, and a circuit board on the base wall of the housing with electrically conductive lines extending on the face of the board opposite from the base wall of the housing, with respective electrical contact pads placed in positions facing the electrical contact pads of the light radiation source. At least one optical element is provided, with a light input to collect light radiation at the light radiation source and one or more light outputs to project light radiation from the lighting device. The optical element has an electrically non-conductive base wall which urges the light radiation source or sources and the circuit board toward the base wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Osram GmbH
    Inventors: Alberto Alfier, Franco Zanon
  • Patent number: 9056580
    Abstract: A loading floor for a vehicle including a plurality of elongate profiled elements in a longitudinal direction, arranged adjacent to one another and connected together, wherein the loading floor has at least one through-channel in the longitudinal direction and at least one lamp for illuminating an interior of the vehicle, wherein at least one supply line is guided in the channel for supplying power to the lamp. A profiled element for such a loading floor is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lothar Baldsiefen, Dino Valter, Rene A. Huth
  • Patent number: 9045093
    Abstract: An electrical power supply device for a trailer lighting system behind a truck is disclosed. The trailer lighting system including at least two FMVSS 108 compliant LED stop-tail-turn lamps. The electrical power supply device has an outer casing including a terminal to be electrically attached to and become part of the trailer lighting system. There are a plurality of electrically conductive wires within the casing. At least one of the wires is selected from one or more of the group consisting of low copper usage wire. The device has an over-current protection device along at least one which breaks current flow through the one wire below at an amperage threshold less than 25 amperes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Grote Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Dobrow, Timothy W. Brooks, Darren L. Harmon, Alfredo H. Hernandez, Shelly Ong, Eric Thorstensen
  • Patent number: 9016912
    Abstract: A mud flap that is fitted with a number of LED lights that illuminate the mud flap and any designs that may be on the flap. The lights also provide a safety feature, as the illuminated mud flaps help make a vehicle easier to see in dark driving conditions. Moreover, it is possible to connect the mud flap circuits into the brake light system to illuminate a set of red lights when braking to improve visibility. The mud flap is built up using a front rubber piece, a back rubber piece and a clear plastic insert that provides spacing for the LED bulbs. The back rubber piece is thicker at the top to maintain the proper spacing and shape. The mud flap is held together by rivets or glue, depending on the material used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Kim Gustafson
  • Publication number: 20150043231
    Abstract: An apparatus having a plurality of multi-colored light emitting diodes (LEDs) or another visual display system for signage and visual communication. A unique device which, as an illuminated sign, can be rapidly deployed in response to relatively quickly changing conditions and used for many uses such as traffic control from vehicles such as pick-up truck tailgates. It includes (a) a display system; (b) a way to power and control the display; (c) a manner to interconnect the power and control to the display; and (d) a way to removably mount the display to the tailgate or doors of a vehicle such as a pick-up truck whereby the Multi-Purpose Tailgate Sign device is used to safely and quickly deploy a display or signage with a vehicle such as a work truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: John T. Clark
  • Patent number: 8912921
    Abstract: A warning system for vehicles that comprises a transmitter and a receiver for respectively transmitting a signal to an approaching vehicle or receiving a signal from an approaching vehicle. A light actuated upon receiving a signal from another vehicle and visible to the other vehicle indicates to the other vehicle that it is approaching a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: James A. Reavell