Bumper Or Bumper Guard Patents (Class 362/505)
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Patent number: 11338725Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 12, 2020Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Justin E. Sobecki
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Patent number: 10967822Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 15, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Frank A Ramos, II, Chung Lee, Alexander Paradis, Stuart Wuerthele
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Patent number: 10919434Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 4, 2019Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.Inventor: Carlos Gutierrez
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Patent number: 10883707Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 24, 2019Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Lumileds LLCInventors: Florent Monestier, Christian Kleijnen
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Patent number: 10386036Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 12, 2018Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Akira Ono, Ryuya Kawaji, Shunichi Nakano
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Patent number: 10253942Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2018Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaAInventors: Rainer Pfingstl, Mario Roehrling
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Patent number: 9189980Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 4, 2013Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Inventor: James Leigh Kidd
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Patent number: 8899805Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 27, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Inventors: David Helterbrand, John Helterbrand
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Patent number: 8777468Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 3, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hitoshi Suehiro, Akihiro Hirose
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Patent number: 8721139Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Inventor: Bryan D. Wilkerson
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Patent number: 8714792Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 8, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Fontaine Trailer Company, Inc.Inventor: James H. Adams
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Patent number: 8579482Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 12, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Derik Thomas Voigt, Aaron Wright, Nick A. Massaro, Adam Patrick Gress, Jamison Weirup, Nathan M. Fisher, Joshua T. Glazier
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Patent number: 8414069Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventors: Mark Contardi, Aron Watt
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Patent number: 8251556Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Evonik Roehm GmbHInventors: Sven Schroebel, Rudolf Blass, Anton Halblaender
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Patent number: 8197108Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 15, 2007Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Heiko Eckert, Thomas Feid, Martin Likar, Ingolf Schneider
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Patent number: 8191942Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 6, 2010Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: James Hope
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Patent number: 8118461Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Faurecia Kunststoffe Automobilsysteme GmbHInventors: Pascal Joly-Pottuz, Raphael Mary, Yann Clapie
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Patent number: 8109546Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 9, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: David William Schelberg, Mingher Fred Shen
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Patent number: 8061878Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 17, 2009Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Inventor: Tiffany Kuntz
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Patent number: 7891850Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Peguform GmbHInventor: Michael Breisacher
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Publication number: 20110032719Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Kors, Jason Stadtherr
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Publication number: 20110032718Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Inventor: Curtis Bryant
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Patent number: 7841756Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 31, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Thomas G. Kracker, Steven M. Kovach, Tony D. Wang
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Patent number: 7834750Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 21, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Inventors: Allen D. Hertz, Eric L. Hertz
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Patent number: 7815349Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Yoshino
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Patent number: 7645060Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Compagnie Plastic OmniumInventors: Gérald Andre, Laurent Decker, Hugues Cheron, Naoufil Ben Mariem
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Patent number: 7597464Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chris Stoffel, Nick Massaro, Patrick Shafer
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Patent number: 7589622Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 13, 2007Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Farley's Custom Auto Services, LLCInventor: William Farley
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Publication number: 20090225561Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Inventors: Ron W. Kleber, George G. Kleber, Randy G. Kleber
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Publication number: 20090201691Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2007Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventor: Michael Breisacher
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Patent number: 7563007Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 4, 2006Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Scott Reeves, George Bowman
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Patent number: 7549388Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Inventors: Robert E. Arthur, Judy Hall
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Patent number: 7506906Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 22, 2008Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eric A. DeHoff, Warren A. Day
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Patent number: 7497604Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Gator Customs, Inc.Inventors: Ron W. Kleber, George G. Kleber, Randy G. Kleber
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Patent number: 7478933Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keiichi Tajima, Yuji Sugiyama
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Patent number: 7455436Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. Rowland, Thomas W. Hunsucker
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Patent number: 7431485Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 8, 2005Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: SportRack LLCInventors: Ronald G. Saward, William R. Henderson, John H. Harberts
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Patent number: 7429121Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 22, 2007Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Inventor: Yao-Hung Huang
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Patent number: 7404688Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 3, 2007Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Leo F. Schwab
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Patent number: 7401957Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin C. Kroll
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Patent number: 7401949Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: I3 VenturesInventor: Brian N. Tufte
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Patent number: 7401955Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Rosco IncorporatedInventor: Benjamin Englander
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Publication number: 20080130307Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Scott Reeves, George Bowman
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Patent number: 7360933Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Jong Bok Kim
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Patent number: 7347597Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 17, 2004Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Great Lakes Manufacturing Inc.Inventor: Craig French
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Patent number: 7338191Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 18, 2004Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Isao Konno, Hiroki Takii
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Patent number: 7258472Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: i3 Ventures, LLCInventor: Brian N. Tufte
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Patent number: 7249875Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 15, 2005Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Baja Designs, Inc.Inventors: Alan R. Roach, Stephen J. Mitchell
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Patent number: 7232246Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Gator Customs, Inc.Inventors: Ron W. Kleber, George G. Kleber, Randy G. Kleber
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Patent number: 7192170Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 2, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Rowland & Hunsucker LLCInventor: Edward Rowland