Bumper Or Bumper Guard Patents (Class 362/505)
  • Patent number: 11338725
    Abstract: A tailgate illumination system includes an illumination device having (i) a tailgate bracket configured for mounting at a tailgate of a vehicle and (ii) a pivot bracket pivotally mounted at the tailgate bracket. The pivot bracket supports a light source that, when powered, emits light. With the tailgate bracket mounted at the vehicle tailgate, the pivot bracket pivots relative to the tailgate bracket responsive to gravitational force acting on the pivot bracket as the tailgate moves from a closed position to an opened position. With the tailgate bracket mounted at the vehicle tailgate, and with the tailgate in the closed position, light emitted by the light source, when powered, illuminates a ground region rearward of the vehicle. With the tailgate bracket mounted at the vehicle tailgate, and when the tailgate is in the opened position, light emitted by the light source, when powered, illuminates the ground region rearward of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Justin E. Sobecki
  • Patent number: 10967822
    Abstract: A vehicle that includes a rear bumper having a license plate well recessed into the rear bumper and a combined lighting assembly disposed at the rear bumper. The combined lighting assembly includes a lighting body having an outward facing portion coupled to a sideward facing portion by a turned portion. The sideward facing portion extends into the license plate well. The combined lighting assembly also includes a rearward facing light having a rearward illumination region directed in the vehicle rearward direction from the outward facing portion and a license plate light having a sideward illumination region directed into the license plate well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank A Ramos, II, Chung Lee, Alexander Paradis, Stuart Wuerthele
  • Patent number: 10919434
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a light guard assembly for use with a vehicle and methods of installing a light guard assembly on a vehicle. The light guard assembly can include a frame and a light guard where each of the frame and the light guard include mounting portions such as clips, projections, grips, and/or latches. The frame can be assembled on the vehicle and the light guard can be coupled to the frame. The light guard assembly can be attached to or installed on the vehicle without removing the grille shell of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Carlos Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 10883707
    Abstract: Lighting devices and methods of manufacture are described. A lighting device includes first wires and second wires. Each of the first wires has a first longitudinal axis and a bent section. Each of the second wires has a second longitudinal axis and a bent section. The first wires and the second wires intersect one another within intersection regions. The first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are in the same plane. The bent section of each of the first wires is arranged in one of the intersection regions. The bent section of each of the second wires is arranged between two intersection regions. A predefined minimum distance is provided between the first wires and the second wires in the intersection regions. The lighting device further includes light-emitting elements electrically coupled to the first wires and the second wires at the intersection regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Florent Monestier, Christian Kleijnen
  • Patent number: 10386036
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a ventilation port through which air in an internal space of a lamp body enters and exits, a cap that covers the ventilation port, a waterproof wall that surrounds a periphery of the cap, and a water-resistant cover that covers an opening section of the waterproof wall, wherein the water-resistant cover includes a drain port further outside than the waterproof wall in a radial direction when seen in an axial direction of the waterproof wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Ono, Ryuya Kawaji, Shunichi Nakano
  • Patent number: 10253942
    Abstract: A lighting device for vehicles, having a number of light sources (6) and reflectors (7) being arranged in the housing (1). Each light source (6) is assigned a single reflector (7) in order to deflect the light emitted by the light source (6) in a main emission direction (H) of the lighting device in accordance with a predefined light distribution. The reflector (7) has a reflector surface having a basic form containing a multiplicity of panes (13, 14). The reflector (7) has a first reflector segment (10) containing a reflector surface having a first basic form in order to generate a first partial light distribution (T1) on the one hand, and a second reflector segment (11) containing a reflector surface having a second basic form in order to generate a second partial light distribution (T2) on the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Rainer Pfingstl, Mario Roehrling
  • Patent number: 9189980
    Abstract: A flag pole assembly for use with a vehicle having a trailer hitch, the flag pole assembly comprising a horizontal member having oppositely disposed first and distal ends, wherein the horizontal member includes a first hole in the first end to attach the horizontal member to the hitch of a vehicle and the horizontal member is at least thirty inches long, a vertical member coupled to the distal end of the horizontal member and the vertical member extends upward, and at least one attachment link is affixed to the vertical member for attaching a first ornament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: James Leigh Kidd
  • Patent number: 8899805
    Abstract: A light bar assembly mounted on the roof or rear door of an emergency vehicle. The assembly includes a light bar support shaped for the particular make and model of a vehicle on which the assembly is installed or alternately a support configured for mounting on two or more different vehicle models. The support has openings formed in it, each corresponding to the location of a preexisting opening formed in the vehicle for electrical wiring and mounting fasteners that can be used to attach the support to the vehicle so that no additional openings or other alterations are required. This allows the light bar assembly to be readily mounted on the vehicle without modifications to the vehicle or the assembly being required. Lights are mounted on the support. The lights are selectively illuminated in accordance with the use of the vehicle in emergency or other situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventors: David Helterbrand, John Helterbrand
  • Patent number: 8777468
    Abstract: A fog lamp cover mounting structure includes: a cover body that is assembled to a mounting portion at which a fog lamp is mounted on a bumper, that has an opening through which the fog lamp appears, and that has a first engaging portion that engages with the bumper; and a cover ring that is assembled to a peripheral portion of the opening of the cover body, and that has a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hitoshi Suehiro, Akihiro Hirose
  • Patent number: 8721139
    Abstract: A lighted bracket for a mud flap weight. The bracket includes a housing having at least one first aperture passing through it. The aperture is dimensioned and configured to attach the housing to a mud flap weight, and a light attached to the housing in a position such that illumination from the light passes through any openings in the mud flap weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Bryan D. Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 8714792
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Fontaine Trailer Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Adams
  • Patent number: 8579482
    Abstract: A debris protector for use with a vehicle lamp assembly installed to an opening in a vehicle body panel or garnish to prevent the migration of accumulated road debris through a gap between the lamp assembly and the body panel opening. Such a debris protector is generally in the form of a cover element that is installable along an upper, hidden portion of a vehicle lamp assembly and an inner surface of a corresponding vehicle body panel or garnish to prevent road debris from accumulating on the lamp assembly near the body panel opening. Such a debris protector may also include a seal that is located between the cover element and the rear surface of a body panel or garnish to assist with the debris blocking function of the cover element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Derik Thomas Voigt, Aaron Wright, Nick A. Massaro, Adam Patrick Gress, Jamison Weirup, Nathan M. Fisher, Joshua T. Glazier
  • Patent number: 8414069
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp housing includes a main body, a first projection and a retaining structure. The main body has laterally spaced apart inboard and outboard ends. The first projection extends away from the outboard end, is received in a mounting aperture defined by a body panel and engages a peripheral edge of the mounting aperture. The retaining structure is formed at the inboard end and includes a mounting flange and a second projection that extends away from an underside of the mounting flange. The second projection contacts a mounting surface defined by a bumper fascia retainer that is laterally spaced apart from the body panel and the mounting surface faces away from the vehicle lamp housing such that the first and second projections maintain the vehicle lamp housing in a cantilevered self-supported position when the vehicle lamp housing is installed to the body panel and the bumper fascia retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Contardi, Aron Watt
  • Patent number: 8251556
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rear-end element (1) for a motor vehicle encompassing an illumination unit (2) for the illumination of a number plate, where the illumination unit (2) illuminates the rear side of the number plate and the illumination unit (2) has a translucent body (3) and an illuminant (4), where the translucent body of the illumination unit (2) has been introduced by way of the side area (5) into the rear-end element (1). The present invention moreover describes a motor vehicle which encompasses a rear-end element described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Evonik Roehm GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Schroebel, Rudolf Blass, Anton Halblaender
  • Patent number: 8197108
    Abstract: A bumper arrangement in or for a vehicle is provided that includes, but is not limited to a bumper, comprising at least one headlamp housing disposed at least partially in the bumper, that includes, but is not limited to a device for positioning the headlamp housing relative to the bumper, having a first receiving means, at which the bumper is attached, a first engagement means, which is firmly connected to the first receiving means, and the first engagement means is displaceably in engagement with the headlamp housing along an x axis, wherein the first engagement means has a fixed distance to the first receiving means along the z axis substantially perpendicularly to the x axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Heiko Eckert, Thomas Feid, Martin Likar, Ingolf Schneider
  • Patent number: 8191942
    Abstract: A bumper for a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to a bumper shell having an outer surface and a cut-out opening. A cut edge of the opening meets the outer surface at a sharp edge. A frame inserted into the opening covers the cut edge and an exposed outer surface of the frame has a convex curvature with a curvature radius of at least approximately 2 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: James Hope
  • Patent number: 8118461
    Abstract: The invention concerns a front unit for a motor vehicle with at least one headlight unit, a mounting component for connecting with the motor vehicle, means for hanging the headlight unit to the mounting component, an elastic element with first a fastener for fastening relative to the mounting component and a second fastener for fastening to a first side of the headlight unit, positioning means for positioning a second side of the headlight unit located opposite the first side relative to a fender area of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Faurecia Kunststoffe Automobilsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Pascal Joly-Pottuz, Raphael Mary, Yann Clapie
  • Patent number: 8109546
    Abstract: A bumper assembly for a vehicle may include a bumper cover with a garnish ring and a reflector disposed therein. The garnish ring may include a garnish connector and a reflector bracket that includes a reflector connection hole. The bumper cover may include a receptacle that includes a garnish bracket with a clearance hole and a connector opening that corresponds to the garnish connector. When the garnish ring is positioned in the receptacle, the garnish connector may be received in the connector opening thereby aligning the garnish ring with the bumper cover and the clearance hole with the reflector connection hole. The reflector may include a connector post when disposed in the garnish ring, the connector post may extend through the reflector connection hole and the clearance hole and be fastened to the reflector bracket such that the reflector is aligned with the garnish ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: David William Schelberg, Mingher Fred Shen
  • Patent number: 8061878
    Abstract: A combined vehicle and associated rear-lighting system includes a vehicle provided with a steering system having a first sensor coupled thereto, and a propulsion system having a second sensor coupled thereto. Such first and second sensors detect a plurality of vehicle operating parameters associated with the steering and propulsion systems during driving conditions respectively. A rear-lighting system coupled to a rear bumper of the vehicle and emits a plurality of light rays along the rear pathway extending rearwardly away from the rear bumper of the vehicle. Notably, the rear-lighting system may be communicatively coupled to the steering and propulsion systems respectively. In this manner, the rear-lighting system is responsive to the vehicle operating parameters such that the light rays are synchronously and uniformly oscillated in a direction corresponding to a travel route and a travel speed of the vehicle respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Tiffany Kuntz
  • Patent number: 7891850
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bumper module 1 having an integrated support structure for headlight 6, by means of which the installation of headlight 6 with a visually satisfactory profile in the front region of the motor vehicle is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Peguform GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Breisacher
  • Publication number: 20110032718
    Abstract: The present invention is an intersection-breaching emergency response vehicle warning light incorporated into the front license plate holder. The invention includes a license plate holder and two LEDs, where each LED is mounted within a light orifice such that the lens and one or more bulbs is positioned outwardly from the license plate holder housing, as well as related wiring and hardware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Curtis Bryant
  • Publication number: 20110032719
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly for an automotive vehicle having a bumper fascia which restrains the movement of the bumper fascia is provided. The bumper fascia includes an exterior surface and an opposite interior surface which faces the engine compartment of the automotive vehicle. The headlamp assembly includes a headlamp housing for receiving a lamp unit. A lens is attached to the headlamp housing to cover a portion of the front end so as to protect the lamp unit. A protrusion extending from a bottom side of the headlamp housing engages with a notch formed on the interior surface of the bumper to control the position of the bumper fascia relative to the headlamp housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Kors, Jason Stadtherr
  • Patent number: 7841756
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp assembly for a vehicle includes a light source unit (e.g., one or more LEDs) mounted to the vehicle for providing illumination and a heat sink thermally coupled to the light source unit for dissipating generated heat therefrom. An air guide is secured to the vehicle for guiding air to the heat sink to remove heat therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Kracker, Steven M. Kovach, Tony D. Wang
  • 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: 7815349
    Abstract: A rear light assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The rear light assembly is disposed on a rear portion of the motor vehicle and includes a signaling device and one or more light devices. The signaling device can be either a reflector or include a light. In some cases, the signaling device can be centrally mounted. In some cases, the light devices can be mounted next to the signaling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yoshino
  • Patent number: 7645060
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a support for a motor vehicle light unit that enables the light unit to be mounted displaceably on an equipment module. The support includes a guide for guiding the light unit along a predetermined path relative to the equipment module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Gérald Andre, Laurent Decker, Hugues Cheron, Naoufil Ben Mariem
  • Patent number: 7597464
    Abstract: A bracket for controlling the gap between a light housing and bumper on a vehicle, the bracket is provided that includes a first generally flat surface defined by a first bracket leg, a series of second surfaces defined by the first bracket leg and raised above the first surface. The bracket also provides one or more first dual engagement clips supported on the first surface of the first bracket leg to clip a vehicle bumper to the bracket and one or more hooks each supported on a second surface of the first bracket leg allowing engagement of the light housing and bracket. The bracket allows a small uniform gap to be provided between the light housing and bumper and allows the light housing to be removed without removal of the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chris Stoffel, Nick Massaro, Patrick Shafer
  • Patent number: 7589622
    Abstract: A system for providing warning lights for emergency vehicles in which the warning lights are incorporated into standard appearing accessories of the vehicle. A hood mounted deflector includes warning lights and takedown lights. Side window vent visors include warning lights, alley lights, and a convenience light. A rear spoiler includes warning lights. The warning lights are connected to at least one controller that provides various patterns of warning lights involving at least one color. In one embodiment, the takedown lights are connected to a controller that provides for flashing the takedown lights in addition to operating them continuously. The convenience light is connected to the interior lights of the vehicle. An operator panel in the vehicle is connected to the controllers and the alley lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Farley's Custom Auto Services, LLC
    Inventor: William Farley
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090201691
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bumper module 1 having an integrated support structure for headlight 6, by means of which the installation of headlight 6 with a visually satisfactory profile in the front region of the motor vehicle is facilitated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Breisacher
  • Patent number: 7563007
    Abstract: A bumper cover and lamp housing assembly (14) (“assembly”) includes a bumper cover (22) and a lamp housing (24) that is releasably attached to bumper cover (22). Bumper cover (22) has a one-piece construction (30) with one of a tongue fastener (28) and a groove fastener (26). Lamp housing (24) has a single-piece construction (46) with the other of the tongue fastener (28) and groove fastener (26). Tongue fastener (28) is slidably attached directly to groove fastener (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Reeves, George Bowman
  • Patent number: 7549388
    Abstract: A bumper locating system includes a tractor trailer has a front end has a bumper attached thereto. The bumper has a first end edge corresponds to a driver's side of the trailer and a second end edge corresponding to a passenger's side of the trailer. A housing is attached to the bumper. A telescopic post is mounted in the housing and is extendable upwardly from the housing. A driver mechanism is mechanically coupled to the post. A control actuates the driver mechanism in a first direction to extend the post to an extended position fully extended upwardly from the housing or in a second direction to retract the post to a fully retracted position positioned in the housing. The post is placed in the extended position to guide a driver of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventors: Robert E. Arthur, Judy Hall
  • Patent number: 7506906
    Abstract: A bumper assembly for a vehicle includes a bumper beam extending laterally across the vehicle and a bumper fascia covering the bumper beam. The bumper fascia includes a depending portion extending downward below the bumper beam. A powered vehicle component is mounted in the depending portion of the bumper fascia. A protective bracket is mounted below the bumper beam to prevent or limit contact of the powered vehicle component during a collision impact to the depending portion of the bumper fascia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric A. DeHoff, Warren A. Day
  • Patent number: 7497604
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Gator Customs, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron W. Kleber, George G. Kleber, Randy G. Kleber
  • Patent number: 7478933
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp is provided with: a lamp unit 10 supported horizontally rotationally movably within a lamp housing; a shade movable in a predetermined direction so as to change a shielded quantity of light emitted from a light source; a horizontally driving device for horizontally rotationally moving the lamp unit; and a shade driving device for moving the shade in the predetermined direction. The shade driving device is provided with a driving shaft to be coupled with the shade. The lamp unit is rotationally moved by the horizontally driving device around the driving shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi Tajima, Yuji Sugiyama
  • 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: 7431485
    Abstract: A lighting assembly for a vehicle includes an elongated base plate having an inner surface and an outer surface. The base plate includes at least one opening. The lighting assembly further includes at least one light source adapted to be mounted to the base plate at the opening. The base plate is configured to be mounted and to conform aerodynamically to an exterior surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: SportRack LLC
    Inventors: Ronald G. Saward, William R. Henderson, John H. Harberts
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7404688
    Abstract: An assembly having a device for releasably fastening a first component to a second component includes a device body, a first fastener extending from the device body and operable to attach the device body to the first component, and a second fastener extending from the device body and adapted to attach the device to the second component. When a force of greater than a predetermined amount is applied to the second component, the first fastener detaches from the first component without damaging the first component. Preferably, the first component is a vehicle headlamp or taillamp assembly and the second component is a bumper fascia. The first and second fasteners of the device body accurately position the fascia relative to the headlamp assembly and securely hold the fascia at a location near a lamp lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Leo F. Schwab
  • Patent number: 7401957
    Abstract: A bracket allows controlled positioning of a bumper cover relative to a lamp housing (such as a headlamp housing) when the headlamp housing and bumper cover are mounted on a vehicle. The bracket has an elongated body having a first end and a second end, and attaches to the headlamp housing by temporary attachments, such as snap connections. The bracket further has bumper cover receiving slot configured to receive a portion of the bumper cover. The bracket may further include a pin receiving hole, positioned so as to receive a pin protruding from the headlamp housing for additional positioning accuracy. A temporary sub-assembly of the bracket and headlamp housing can be used in an improved vehicle assembly process, in which the sub-assembly is permanently mounted to the vehicle fender, and a portion of the bumper cover slid into bumper receiving slots on the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Kroll
  • Patent number: 7401949
    Abstract: A rub-rail assembly that, in some illustrative embodiments, includes a carrier and an insert. The carrier may include, for example, a back support, and first and second legs extending from the back support. The insert may include a main body, and a pair of legs adapted to provide an interference fit with the legs of the carrier when the insert is installed in a seat position with the carrier. The some illustrative embodiments, the main body of the insert may include a lumen extending lengthwise for receiving an elongated light source, and in other embodiments the carrier may include the lumen for receiving an elongated light source. An elongated bumper assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: I3 Ventures
    Inventor: Brian N. Tufte
  • Patent number: 7401955
    Abstract: A vehicle mirror system includes a mirror unit which is held in space and supported above the front fender of the vehicle by support arms, the distal end of which is connected to the vehicle fender by suitable bracketry. The mounting bracketry is also utilized to affix and hold in place a visor which has a portion that extends generally between the headlight of the vehicle and the mirror unit to prevent at least a substantial portion of stray light from the headlight from reaching the mirror unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Rosco Incorporated
    Inventor: Benjamin Englander
  • Publication number: 20080130307
    Abstract: A bumper cover and lamp housing assembly (14) (“assembly”) includes a bumper cover (22) and a lamp housing (24) that is releasably attached to bumper cover (22). Bumper cover (22) has a one-piece construction (30) with one of a tongue fastener (28) and a groove fastener (26). Lamp housing (24) has a single-piece construction (46) with the other of the tongue fastener (28) and groove fastener (26). Tongue fastener (28) is slidably attached directly to groove fastener (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Reeves, George Bowman
  • Patent number: 7360933
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mounting structure for a vehicle headlamp. In the headlamp mounting structure, damping members, made of rubber, are inserted in middle locations of a headlamp housing to provide the headlamp housing with flexibility. Also, a steel frame is inserted in the damping members to allow for restoration or regulation of the downward deformation of the headlamp housing upon an impact with a headlamp. With the use of the damping members and the steel frame, accordingly, there is no risk of damage to a lens and other elements inside the headlamp housing due to their unintentional movements and collisions. The damping members are also made of a rubber material, ensuring the headlamp is water-tight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jong Bok Kim
  • Patent number: 7347597
    Abstract: A full functioning safety light bar and signal assembly for attachment to a vehicle hitch has a light system that uses a wiring harness assembly having one or more of the following lights: driving, brake/signal, flasher/emergency, reverse, marker, strobe, fog or illuminating lights. Electric sensors in the body of the light bar unit control strobe and illuminating lights. The assembly may match differently sized vehicle bumpers. Extension bars with light fixture assemblies can be attached to the light bar units to add greater illumination upon backing of the vehicle, and collars or strips of friction reducing materials may be attached on the hitch components to reduce vibration or noise. Locked protective covers are used to keep lights or lens in the light bar units from becoming scratched or damaged. Lockable security compartments are provided in the safety light bar to store items such as spare keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Great Lakes Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Craig French
  • Patent number: 7338191
    Abstract: A method for positioning a headlamp on a vehicle body, which includes: setting the headlamp temporarily in a first position on a first member of the vehicle body; and putting the first member and a second member of the vehicle body together, bringing the first member along with the headlamp closer to the second member, allowing the headlamp to move relative to the first member from the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Konno, Hiroki Takii
  • Patent number: 7258472
    Abstract: An illuminated bumper assembly having an elongated light source for emitting light rays and an elongated bumper for carrying the elongated light source. The elongated bumper is adapted to allow light rays from the elongated light source to be emitted along its length. In some embodiments, the elongated bumper has a primary bumper surface that faces away from a protected surface, and the elongated bumper is structured to engage one or more approaching objects and at least partially protect the protected surface from the one or more approaching objects. In some cases, the elongated light source may be situated between the primary bumper surface and the protected surface such that the primary bumper surface also helps protect the elongated light source from the one or more objects. The illuminated bumper may be adapted for use on boats and/or other applications, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: i3 Ventures, LLC
    Inventor: Brian N. Tufte
  • Patent number: 7249875
    Abstract: A light rack assembly for off-road vehicles capable of surviving high vibration loads generated in off-road racing. Each assembly comprises at least one headlight sub-assembly having a center of gravity that, when mounted to the frame of the light rack assembly, resides in a spherical zone defined by the effective radius of the light and the mounting points of the light housing. Each light is isolated from vibration of the vehicle and can be individually adjusted to the preference of the driver without tools. The light rack assembly can be quickly removed from the vehicle, or be mounted such that the assembly can be rotated to adjust the light beams while the vehicle is in motion and rotated to retract the assembly to protect the lights when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Baja Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan R. Roach, Stephen J. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7232246
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Gator Customs, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron W. Kleber, George G. Kleber, Randy G. Kleber
  • Patent number: 7192170
    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: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Rowland & Hunsucker LLC
    Inventor: Edward Rowland