Truck, Trailer, Or Wagon Patents (Class 362/485)
  • Publication number: 20120250340
    Abstract: A taillight antitheft system having a frame with an interior void having a bar network and/or a screen configured to be permanently mounted over a grouping of LED taillight units and to an adjacent-mounting surface via a welding process. In this manner, system obstructs access to the LED taillight units, thereby preventing unauthorized removal or theft thereof, while permitting light emitted from the LED taillight units to pass therethrough, thereby not materially interfering with the underlying purpose of the LED taillight units. The system is only removable from the mounting surface via destroying weld marks produced during the welding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Tony Nichols
  • Publication number: 20120155099
    Abstract: This invention is an apparatus designated primarily for commercial trucks and trailers. It was inspired by witnessing truckers being nearly struck by vehicles in traffic. Statistical data, regarding injuries/fatalities, supports the necessity of such a device. The assembly is comprised of several components, housed inside an aluminum u-channel. The specific length of the assembly shall be determined by the height of the vehicle or trailer it will be attached. The flasher system is operated basically by pulling the assembly with enough force to release the magnetic hold from the vehicle. Immediately, the flashers are energized as the switch, which is mounted in the rear of the device closes upon separation. A gas spring provides further momentum to pivot the flasher assembly further to its predetermined stop position. To de-energize the flasher assembly, simply push the device back into position until it is held by the magnetism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: James Matthew Gary Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120155100
    Abstract: The present disclosure sets forth a composite headlight assembly which increases the visibility and sight afforded to the driver of a vocational truck using such a composite lighting assembly. A composite lighting assembly includes a low beam light and a high beam light, as well as a turn signal and a parking light within one composite housing. As the overall size of the housing is limited by the size of the grill of the vehicle, the present disclosure increases the visibility and sight afforded to the driver by taking advantage of the untapped space within known composite headlight assemblies. More specifically, the turn signal and parking light may include a downwardly depending trapezoidal appendage increasing the overall area of the turn signal and parking light by at least ten percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Eric J. Hanson, Marcey Collins, Susan M. LaBounty, Greg C. Miller, Erik C. Wilson, George C.A. McCowan, Joe F. DeNatale, Kim Hemme
  • Patent number: 8192064
    Abstract: A low profile vehicle lamp assembly includes a housing having a top end, body with an interior portion and a lens portion covering the top end. The housing is adapted to fit within an opening in a surface such that the lens portion is substantially flush with the surface and the body is positioned behind the surface. In addition, circuitry is disposed within the interior portion of the housing and at least one light source is electrically connected to the circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Truck-Lite Co., LLC
    Inventors: Gary Johnson, Adam Wagner, Robert C. Bartkowski, Timothy A. DiPenti, Kurt L. Schwab, Rodney Ehrlich
  • Patent number: 8172438
    Abstract: A portable lighting system includes a power pack, a fuel tank and a collapsible mast mounted to a trailer. A lighting fixture with one or more lighting elements is mounted to a distal end of the mast. The mast may be placed in a lowered position for transportation or placed in a raised position for illumination of a desired area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Magnum Power Products, LLC
    Inventor: Chad Konop
  • Publication number: 20120106180
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light device for a motor vehicle. The light device is arranged to be mounted on the motor vehicle, and comprises at least a first light emitting part arranged to emit a colored side marking light and at least a second light emitting part arranged to emit a substantially white light so as to illuminate an area around the light device for improved visibility in the area. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle provided with such a light device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Tomas Peltonen
  • Publication number: 20120057361
    Abstract: A novelty trailer hitch attachment for vehicle personalization and decorative purposes, comprising an illuminated character attached to a trailer hitch receiver tube and mateably inserted into a trailer hitch socket. The illuminated character may include a human skull likeness, adorned with a sports helmet for a particular sports team or organization. Likewise, the character may include a team or school mascot likeness with similar illumination means. The character receives electrical power via a trailer brake light connector, which provides light via embedded Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) within the character's structure, projected through the eyes of the character when the vehicle brake pedal is depressed. The present invention provides a novelty trailer hitch item for displaying affiliation or support for a particular sports team or for further accessorizing a vehicle exterior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey Corliss
  • Patent number: 8104941
    Abstract: A retrofit vehicle mini lamp assembly for attaching a mini lamp to an existing opening in a vehicle surface includes a housing having a body with an interior portion and a lens portion covering a top end of the interior portion. The lamp assembly also includes circuitry disposed within the interior portion of the housing and at least one light source being electrically connected to the circuitry. An attachment member is also provided. The attachment member includes an aperture therein adapted to receive the housing, a rim adapted to abut the vehicle surface around the existing opening, and a spacer portion extending laterally from the aperture to the rim. The spacer portion includes an outer surface, wherein the lens portion of the housing is substantially continuous with the outer surface of the spacer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Truck-Lite Co., LLC
    Inventors: Todd Kolstee, Timothy A. DiPenti, Gary R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8070334
    Abstract: The work machine has an operator's cab, an engine hood, an exhaust pipe, a first headlight, and a second headlight. The engine hood is disposed in front of the operator's cab. The exhaust pipe projects upwards from the engine hood. The first headlight and the second headlight are provided at a front part of the operator's cab spaced in a lateral direction and disposed so that optical axes of the first and second headlights are mutually intersect but not to overlap with the exhaust pipe when viewed in a top plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Yomogita, Masamichi Miyazaki, Keita Muto, Koji Nagami
  • Patent number: 8061879
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to smart light apparatuses compunctions particularly well suited for providing wireless communications between a true vehicle and a died in being towed such as a trailer. A smart light controller comprising a process for his electrically associated with a traditional wiring harness associated with a two vehicle. The smart light controller detects light signals such as stop, left turn, right turn, and lights on and generates a corresponding RF control signals. The RF control signals are transmitted to smart lights associated with a vehicle can configured to receive the RF control signals. The smart light generates a light signal based on the receive control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventors: Isaiah Monty Simmons, William Monty Simmons, Joseph Frank Preta, Dominic Joseph Preta, Hans Christer Preta
  • Patent number: 8047691
    Abstract: A cargo lamp assembly includes a lamp housing with first and second ends having first and second adjacent cavities. A first incandescent light source is disposed in the first cavity and a second incandescent light source is disposed in the second cavity. A first outboard light-emitting diode is disposed proximate the first end of the lamp housing and a second outboard light-emitting diode is disposed proximate the second end of the lamp housing. An intermediate identification light source is disposed between the first and second cavities of the lamp housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael V. Leese, Scott Tate, Dennis Salciccioli, Paul Wrona, Kelley Maria Adams-Campos
  • Publication number: 20110261575
    Abstract: A truck rear lamp includes a base, a main lamp seat, a circuit board, a side lamp holder, a license plate lamp holder, a main lamp shell, a side lamp shell and a license plate lamp shell. The circuit board is assembled on the front side of the main lamp seat and provided thereon with plural main LEDs. The side lamp holder combined with a rear side of the main lamp seat is installed with plural side LEDs provided with no circuit board. The license plate lamp holder is set at a rear lower side of the main lamp seat and disposed with plural license plate LEDs provided with no circuit board and respectively having one side provided with a reflecting mirror for reflecting light of the license plate LEDs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Hsi-Hsien Tsai, Chih-Pin Shen
  • Patent number: 8029178
    Abstract: A fighting system comprising: a light harness; and a fiber optic light pipe having a body with an outer diameter, and a jacket that substantially covers the entire length thereof between a proximal and distal end about the outer diameter; where said proximal end is cooperatively connected to said light harness; said second end is cooperatively connected to a diverging lens yielding an output of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Richard C. Engel
  • Publication number: 20110219651
    Abstract: In combination with a highway tractor of the type having an operator's cab mounted on a frame, a vertical pivotal coupling means coupled to the frame behind the cab adapted to be coupled to a trailer, and an aerodynamic structure at the top of the cab which includes a plurality of LED bulbs and a heat generating element in the front of the aerodynamic structure. A front panel of glass or plastic material having information such as a logo containing letters and/or images located on its first surface, second surface or embedded surface covers the LED bulbs with a weatherproof seal. Light from the LED bulbs provides illumination for the information on the front panel to be viewed from the front of the highway tractor and heat from the heat generating element helps to keep the front panel having information such as a logo free of snow and/or ice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Peter Anthony Borreggine, Gaston Ivan Bilbao
  • Patent number: 8011817
    Abstract: The attachment for a vehicle and the method for providing the attachment to the vehicle includes mounting a housing on the outside of the vehicle. The housing includes a back attachable to the vehicle, a compartment within the housing, and a lens visible from outside the vehicle. At least one or more lights is contained within the compartment between the lens and the outside of the compartment. The lens is opaque when the lights are turned off so as to conceal the lights within the compartment and the lens is visible from outside the vehicle when the lights are turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Putco, Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Elwell
  • Patent number: 7993041
    Abstract: A track and roller system for guiding and supporting a sliding tarpaulin for covering a flat-bed trailer and for supporting at least one light means. The track and roller system comprises a track for supporting for a plurality of rollers and a mounting bar. The rollers are connected to base portions of sliding supports for the tarpaulin. The track has at least one interlocking element. The mounting bar supports the at least one light means below the track. The mounting bar has an outwardly facing supporting portion for supporting the at least one light means and an interlocking portion connected to the supporting portion. The interlocking portion has at least one interlocking element for interlocking with the at least one interlocking element of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Petelka Investments Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian W. Petelka
  • Publication number: 20110140605
    Abstract: A rail cap assembly comprises a rail cap having a first and second opposed ends separated by a length, wherein the rail cap has a top and first and second sidewalls that together form an inner surface extending from the first end to the second end. Openings are spaced along the length of the rail cap. A lighting system is at least partially disposed within the inner surface and comprising a plurality of lighting elements. Each lighting element is secured within a respective opening. The lighting elements are electrically interconnected through connective wiring. The rail cap assembly may be installed one at least one bedrail of a pickup truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Jasdeep K. Mann
  • Patent number: 7905642
    Abstract: An exhaust stack is provided having an exhaust tube, an outer casing, a light, electrical wiring, and insulating material. The outer casing defines an interior in which the exhaust tube extends. The light is supported by the outer casing. The electrical wiring extends along an inner surface of the outer casing and is coupled to the light to supply power to the light. The insulating material is disposed within the interior of the outer casing between the exhaust tube and the electrical wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Sindelar
  • Publication number: 20110007516
    Abstract: A truck rear lamp includes a housing, a unitary circuit board, a main lamp shell, a side lamp shell and a license-plate lamp shell combined together. The circuit board has a front side provided with plural main LEDs and a rear side fixed with a connecting seat having an outer end disposed with a side LED, further having plural license plate LEDs arranged at a location near the bottom of a rear side, and the license plate LEDs has one side provided with a reflecting mirror. The unitary circuit board received in the housing is installed thereon with LEDs respectively located at different locations for carrying out different-purpose lighting and warning, able to save time and labor in assembly and lower producing cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Hsi-Hsien Tsai, Chi-Kang Lei
  • Patent number: 7837365
    Abstract: Small boats operated for pleasure are typically transported to the water on a boat trailer, where the boat trailer is backed into the water and the boat is floated off the boat trailer. A removable boat trailer tail light lighting system and method is disclosed that preserves the integrity of the tail light when the rear of a boat trailer is immersed in the water during launching of the transported boat. The invention is in two parts, with metallic plates affixed to the boat trailer, each metallic plate having a mounting frame with three rims that accommodate a magnetic metallic plate backing on the trailer tail light. The trailer tail light is removed prior to the trailer entering the water and re-inserted into the mounting frames on exit from the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Tibor Frank Sisko
  • Patent number: 7834750
    Abstract: A safety light system is incorporated into the tailgate of a pickup truck. The safety light is incorporated into the tailgate and is illuminated when the tailgate is in a lowered or horizontal position and when either the ignition switch is in the on position, the parking lights are turned on, or both. The safety light can be positioned either on the top edge-rail of the tailgate, as a slide-out unit placed in a pocket with the top edge-rail of the tailgate, or as a rotating assembly incorporated into the outer sheet metal of the tailgate. Additional safety lights can be incorporated into the sides of the tailgate assembly. An optional feature includes the ability to pull the safety light out from the tailgate and secure the safety light to an object that extends beyond the length of the pickup bed. Alternatively, the safety lights can be installed in or on a bed extension apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventors: Allen D. Hertz, Eric L. Hertz
  • Patent number: 7819566
    Abstract: A vehicle mini lamp assembly for attaching a mini lamp to a mounting surface includes a housing having a body with an interior portion and a lens portion covering a top end of the interior portion. The lamp assembly also includes circuitry disposed within the interior portion of the housing and at least one light source being electrically connected to the circuitry. A mounting device is also provided. The mounting device includes first and second sides and an aperture therein adapted to receive the body of the housing, a bottom adapted to abut the mounting surface, a top surface adapted to be substantially flush with the lens portion when the housing is positioned within the aperture. The mounting device further includes at least one rail for protecting the lens portion from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Truck-Lite Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Kolstee, Timothy A. DiPenti, Gary R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7780323
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus comprises an illumination unit, a holder unit and a coupling unit with at least one coupling element suitable to be received in the receiver of the vehicle receiver hitch. The coupling unit pivots to rotate the holder unit from a generally horizontal transport position to a generally vertical operating position and the holder unit comprises an extendable stand which allows the illumination unit to be erected at a suitable illumination elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Jürgen Nölle
  • Publication number: 20100202150
    Abstract: A bumper adapted for mounting to a trailer is provided. The bumper comprises a tail skirt extending horizontally across the rear of the trailer. Upright bars mount to and intersect the tail skirt. The tail skirt comprises a groove for receiving a recessed light bar comprising multiple signal lights. The wiring harness extends from the light bar into a space behind the upright bars and passes through openings in the tail skirt behind the upright bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: James H. Adams
  • Publication number: 20100149826
    Abstract: A cargo lamp assembly includes a lamp housing with first and second ends having first and second adjacent cavities. A first incandescent light source is disposed in the first cavity and a second incandescent light source is disposed in the second cavity. A first outboard light-emitting diode is disposed proximate the first end of the lamp housing and a second outboard light-emitting diode is disposed proximate the second end of the lamp housing. An intermediate identification light source is disposed between the first and second cavities of the lamp housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Michael V. Leese, Scott Tate, Dennis Salciccioli, Paul Wrona, Kelley Maria Adams-Campos
  • Patent number: 7665870
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a method for improving driver safety in a highway vehicle that includes an oversized load that includes sizing at least one safety indicia illuminated by at least one EL lighting surface according to at least one government safety standard, affixing the at least one safety indicia to the front and to the rear of the highway vehicle and operating the vehicle on a highway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Safe Lites, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Golle, John Golle
  • Patent number: 7658524
    Abstract: The present invention is a small vehicle lamp comprised of: a generally cylindrically-shaped housing with an axial bore therethrough and forming a top opening and a bottom opening; a lens disposed on the top surface of the housing; a circuit board within the axial bore of the housing; at least one LED mounted on and electrically connected to the circuit board; a resistor disposed on the circuit board; a first cable wire and a second cable wire passing through the bottom opening of the housing and in electrical contact with the circuit board; and an potting compound disposed within the housing bore, in which the epoxy covers the resistor and circuit board and at least partially covers the LED and the cable wires. The lamp is configured such that it has a low profile and can be part of a system in which a plurality of the lamps are used on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Truck-Lite Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Johnson, Adam Wagner, Robert C. Bartkowski, Timothy A. DiPenti, Kurt L. Schwab, Rodney Ehrlich
  • Patent number: 7641371
    Abstract: A motor vehicle light including a plastic cover disc and a light unit that is mounted behind the surface of the cover disc is provided. The light unit is at least partially encased by the plastic of the cover disc and is fixed in position against the cover disc by the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Torben Effner, Florian Geltinger
  • Patent number: 7628519
    Abstract: A light system is disposed to be located on top of guide poles on either side of a trailer. The light system is in-line with the guide pole and may almost appear to be a part of the poles. The elevated light system allows for the brake lights to be more easily seen by following drivers and it normally keeps the brake lights from being immersed in water when the trailer is used in loading or unloading a boat or other marine craft. Additionally, in comparison with lights attached to the side of a guide pole, the in-line nature of the light system makes it less likely that the light will be knocked off or damaged when backing a trailer into a tight garage opening. Furthermore, a tell-tale lens is located opposite the primary lens and it allows the driver to be able to verify that the lights are working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey Purdy
  • Publication number: 20090279319
    Abstract: An exhaust stack is provided having an exhaust tube, an outer casing, a light, electrical wiring, and insulating material. The outer casing defines an interior in which the exhaust tube extends. The light is supported by the outer casing. The electrical wiring extends along an inner surface of the outer casing and is coupled to the light to supply power to the light. The insulating material is disposed within the interior of the outer casing between the exhaust tube and the electrical wiring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Richard A. Sindelar
  • Publication number: 20090251908
    Abstract: An integrated front lighting unit for a tactical vehicle, which includes a housing, multiple lights and a single connector for connection to a vehicle electrical system. All the parts are located in or on the housing which may include a front, a top, a bottom, two sides, a back and mounting tabs or another mounting arrangement. There is wiring for each light in the unit having a cable and all cables are attached to the single connector. The multiple lights in the unit may include a blackout driving light, a blackout turn signal, a headlight, a turn signal and a side marker truck light. The lights may use LEDs as light sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael A. Czuhanich, John Ford
  • Patent number: 7588357
    Abstract: A multi-function lamp system includes a lamp, which may include illuminable text, position beneath the door of a vehicle. The lamp may be illuminated to perform at least the following functions: side blinker and running board illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventors: David P Onopa, Jeffrey Robert Cotner, Charles J Groeller
  • Patent number: 7588358
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a light output pattern from a single LED source through a lens that diverges light at or around the center of the lens from a single source but converges light at concentric areas around the center area. The assembly can avoid a central hot spot of intensity in the light output pattern and create one or more concentric rings of higher apparent intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Innovative Lighting, Inc
    Inventor: Patrick J. Condon
  • Publication number: 20090225561
    Abstract: An illuminated panel portion for vehicles or vehicle accessories is provided having a generally translucent panel defining a selected design. The translucent panel is disposed in an aperture of an adjacent panel of the vehicle or vehicle accessory such that the outer surfaces of the translucent panel and adjacent panel are substantially flush. A light source is disposed in relation to the panel for illuminating the translucent panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Ron W. Kleber, George G. Kleber, Randy G. Kleber
  • Patent number: 7581857
    Abstract: Small boats operated for pleasure are typically transported to the water on a boat trailer, where the boat trailer is backed into the water and the boat is floated off the boat trailer. A removable boat trailer tail light lighting system and method is disclosed that preserves the integrity of the tail light when the rear of a boat trailer is immersed in the water during launching of the transported boat. The invention is in two parts, with metallic plates affixed to the boat trailer, each metallic plate having a mounting frame with three rims that accommodate a magnetic metallic plate backing on the trailer tail light. The trailer tail light is removed prior to the trailer entering the water and re-inserted into the mounting frames on exit from the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Tibor Frank Sisko
  • Publication number: 20090201689
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus comprises an illumination unit, a holder unit and a coupling unit with at least one coupling element suitable to be received in the receiver of the vehicle receiver hitch. The coupling unit pivots to rotate the holder unit from a generally horizontal transport position to a generally vertical operating position and the holder unit comprises an extendable stand which allows the illumination unit to be erected at a suitable illumination elevation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Jürgen Nolle
  • Publication number: 20090190366
    Abstract: A running light is activated in response to a number of command signals that correspond to the activation of one or more vehicle lights. For example, the running light may blink when an associated turn signal blinks, may dimly illuminate when a parking light is on, and may shine brightly when a brake light is on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: David M. Weitzel
  • Patent number: 7540640
    Abstract: An illuminating warning lamp includes a first light source and a second light source assembled on a lamp socket. An irradiation direction of the first light source and that of the second light source form an angle of 90 degrees with respect to each other. Additionally, a first lamp casing for encapsulating the first light source is further formed with a through hole at one side thereof, and a second lamp casing corresponding to the second light source is assembled within the through hole. After the first and second light sources are both driven to emit lights, the lamp simultaneously emits warning lights and illumination light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Yung-Fa Lin
  • Publication number: 20090109696
    Abstract: A modular vehicle lighting system capable of taking any desired configuration for providing illumination to cargo areas of any size and configuration of accessories comprising at least one light bar having a body defining at least one opening to allow light to allow light to pass from the body to the surrounding vehicle, the light bar also having at least one connection end and at least one connector configured to mate with the light bar connection end whereby an electrical connection between the light bar and the connector is established and at least one bracket for mounting the light bar to a cargo area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Douglas Lembrick, Derrick Webb
  • Publication number: 20090091942
    Abstract: The lighting system for tow truck includes a housing having lights disposed on a front and sides thereof to illuminate a work area. The lighting system may be disposed on a tow truck accessory frame situated behind a cab of the tow truck. The lights disposed on the housing may be a combination of spotlights and work lights, and are directed to illuminate work areas in the vicinity of the tow truck. This configuration of lights provides greater illumination in work areas to the rear and sides for better control and efficiency of load recovery operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Kelly D. Genoe
  • Publication number: 20090073705
    Abstract: A reflective rear light for a truck includes a light housing, a reflection plate and a lens. The light housing is formed integrally with a circuit board provided thereon with a clearance light and side marker light region. The reflection plate is provided with a side reflecting plate corresponding to the clearance light and side marker light region on the circuit board. The lens has one side disposed with a side light transmission region having its front side provided with a clearance light refraction region, having one inner side equipped with a slot at a location near the side light transmission region for fitting a side reflector with a side light refraction region. The truck rear light is disposed with several different warning light regions to illuminate a license plate and reinforcing effect of projecting light on the truck width and side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Hsi-Hsien Tsai, Ko-Chun Pan
  • Patent number: 7500690
    Abstract: A trailer of the type that is intended to be towed with a towing vehicle has a trailer body with an elevated front portion. The towing vehicle has a vehicle hitch assembly, and the trailer body has an elevated front portion, with a mounting arrangement extending downward from beneath the front portion. A reflector is integral with the front portion of the trailer body. The reflector faces forward and downward such that the driver of the towing vehicle may view the reflection of the vehicle hitch assembly and the mounting arrangement extending from the trailer body as the towing vehicle is backed up. This facilitates positioning the towing vehicle for connection to said trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Thor Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hermon, Robert W. Martin, Jeffrey M. Snyder
  • Patent number: 7498686
    Abstract: This invention comprises an auxiliary light apparatus for use in combination with a backup light apparatus of a truck or other vehicle. The auxiliary light apparatus comprises a male or female electrical plug for connection to a mating plug on the original vehicle backup light apparatus; an electrical voltage relay element in the auxiliary plug apparatus; a toggle switch in the auxiliary apparatus and auxiliary lights mounted on the vehicle. The auxiliary lights function simultaneously with the original vehicle backup lights in response to activation of the reverse gear apparatus of the vehicle transmission, with the voltage relay acting to deliver sufficient voltage to activate both the original vehicle backup lights and the auxiliary lights. In another embodiment of the invention, the toggle switch is closed to access directly the vehicle 12 volt source to power the auxiliary lights for use as work lights, even when the vehicle reverse gear is not engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Mark R. Capenos
  • Patent number: 7478935
    Abstract: A safety sign and methods are shown with advantages such as being more visible in poor conditions such as snow, dust, fog, low light, etc. Safety signs as shown can be seen from farther away than conventional signs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Safe Lites, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Golle, John Golle
  • Publication number: 20080310179
    Abstract: A hinged light bar comprising a hinged bar having a top, bottom, side and rear, and adapted to receive one or more mud flaps; and said bar being removably securable to a vehicle. The hinged light bar: further adapted to receive one or more lights operatively engaging said vehicle; further comprising one or more lock members on a top, bottom, side, or rear of said bar for securing the hinged bar in either an extended or folded position; further comprising one or more flanges extending from the hinged bar and adapted to receive one or more mud flaps; further comprising a first and a second hinged side of said hinged bar wherein said first hinged side is adapted to receive a first lock member on said second hinged side of said hinged bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Roy Bates
  • Patent number: 7455436
    Abstract: Disclosed is a flush mounted lighting system for a vehicle. In one embodiment, the lighting system includes a frame member and a light member mounted in the frame member. The frame member is disposed within a portion of the vehicle so that the frame member is flushly mounted with an outer surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. Rowland, Thomas W. Hunsucker
  • Patent number: 7429121
    Abstract: An automobile auxiliary lamp includes a lamp and a connector. The connector is installed at a proper location of an automobile and connected with the terminals of related control devices of the automobile for receiving electricity supplied by the automobile, and the lamp is engaged with the connector. When a user operates a related control device of the automobile, the lamp will synchronously be triggered through a control connecting line to function and emit light, able to enhance warning effect of the automobile lamp. In addition, the auxiliary lamp can also be removed from the automobile to be independently used as a common illuminating lamp, enabling a user to use the lamp for various purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventor: Yao-Hung Huang
  • Publication number: 20080232123
    Abstract: A multi-function lamp system includes a lamp, which may include illuminable text, position beneath the door of a vehicle. The lamp may be illuminated to perform at least the following functions: side blinker and running board illumination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: MACK TRUCKS, INC.
    Inventors: David P Onopa, Jeffrey Robert Cotner, Charles J. Groeller
  • Patent number: 7413329
    Abstract: Undercarriage lights are positioned under a truck adjacent to parts of the truck requiring regular visual safety inspections to light up the parts. A control module operates the lights in coordination with an ignition switch, a manual switch outside the truck, a timer, a low light sensor, and an indicator light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Joe Martin Salazar
  • Publication number: 20080123356
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a method for improving driver safety in a highway vehicle that includes an oversized load that includes sizing at least one safety indicia illuminated by at least one EL lighting surface according to at least one government safety standard, affixing the at least one safety indicia to the front and to the rear of the highway vehicle and operating the vehicle on a highway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Aaron Golle, John Golle