Abstract: The present invention comprises a pivot stud with an axis of rotation in the horizontal plane for use within a visual optical aim light assembly. The axis of rotation of the pivot stud defines an axis of rotation about which the light assembly may be rotated so as to properly aim the visual optical aim light assembly. The pivot stub does not allow rotation about planes other than the horizontal plane. According to one embodiment, the pivot stud comprises a ball and socket of a generally ellipsoid shape.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp. A lamp chamber is partitioned by a lamp body in a vessel-like shape and by a front face lens, a reflector is attachedly inserted with a light source and is contained in the lamp chamber, and an aiming mechanism is interposed between the lamp body and the reflector for supporting the reflector inclinably to the lamp body. The reflector is inclined by rotating an aiming screw supported by a screw inserting hole provided at the lamp body. A rear end portion of the aiming screw projects to the rear side of the lamp body and includes an integrated crown gear made of a metal. A disk face of the gear is provided with a raised wrench engaging portion for engaging with an L-shaped wrench to thereby operate to rotate the aiming screw by using the L-shaped wrench extending from the side of the lamp piece. Aiming screw adjustments can be carried out even when there is no rear space behind the lamp piece. The wrench engaging portion can be formed simply.

Abstract: A mounting plug for pivotably connecting a first component to a second component. The mounting plug comprises a ball stud portion comprising a ball and a post. The post comprises means for attaching the ball stud portion to the first component. The mounting plug further comprises a base and a socket chamber integrally molded on top of the base. The socket chamber is adapted to removably and pivotably retain the ball stud portion. The mounting plug further comprises a channel integrally molded to the base adjacent to the socket chamber, with the channel adapted to allow the ball to be inserted there through and into the socket chamber. The mounting plug further comprises a retainer portion integrally molded below the base. The retainer portion comprises at least one tab integrally molded to the retainer portion and adapted to removably secure the socket portion to the second component.

Abstract: An illumination axis adjusting apparatus includes a stepping motor integrally having in turn an automatic angle adjusting structure for automatically adjusting the angle of the illumination axis of an automotive headlamp by driving the motor and a manual angle adjusting structure for manually adjusting the angle of the illumination axis of the headlamp.

Abstract: A reflector movable type headlamp for an automobile includes a lamp body, a reflector, and an aiming mechanism. The aiming mechanism includes: a screw insertion hole; an aiming fulcrum constituting an inclining fulcrum of the reflector; an aiming screw; a bracket formed at the reflector; a nut member operable to be extracted and retracted in a front and rear direction in cooperation with the pivotal movement of the aiming screw; and a nut sliding guide integrally and extendedly formed with the lamp body. A mounting portion of the nut member and the bracket is provided with stress relieving means. The stress relieving means includes a ball and socket joint structure. The nut sliding guide is provided at a position offset to a side position of a position of arranging the aiming screw on a side opposed to the aiming fulcrum.

Abstract: A compact reflector movable type headlamp which can reliably prevent the vibration of a reflector, can maintain the smooth rotation of an aiming screw, and furthermore, can prevent the shape of the reflector and the structure of a mold for reflector molding from being complicated. The headlamp includes a lamp body and a front lens which constitute a lamp housing. A reflector is accommodated in the lamp housing to which a light source attaches. An aiming mechanism serves to tiltably support the reflector with respect to the lamp body. The aiming mechanism is constituted by an aiming fulcrum, aiming screws, and nut members attached to the reflector and screwed into the aiming screws. The nut members are guided by sliding guides formed in the lamp body, and stress releasing means having a ball-and-socket joint structure are provided in an attachment portion of the nut members and brackets.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a reflector tiltably supported by an aiming mechanism intervening between the reflector and a lamp body. An aiming fulcrum forming the aiming mechanism is formed with a ball joint including a pivot on the reflector side and a bearing on the lamp body side. The pivot is formed with a shaft portion on the base end side and a ball portion on the front end side. The bearing is formed with a cylindrical ball bearing portion formed on the inner periphery where a ball supporting surface in press-contact with the ball portion opening forward via a ring-like diameter reducing portion. Vertical slits are provided in the open peripheral edge portion of the ball bearing portion. The ball portion is formed into a substantially hemispheric ball portion such that its front side press-fitted into the ball bearing portion has a spherical surface.

Abstract: In a headlamp comprising low beam irradiating means 21a and 23, there are provided main beam irradiating means 31a and 33, light distribution switching means 50 for switching a low beam and a main beam, abnormality detecting means (a light distribution switching circuit) 50 for detecting an abnormal situation in which a proper low beam cannot be formed, and optical axis tilting means 40 for vertically tilting an optical axis L31 of at least a main beam, and in the case in which the abnormality detecting means (the light distribution switching circuit) 50 detects an abnormality, a light distribution is switched into a main beam by the light distribution switching circuit 50 and the optical axis L31 of the main beam is turned downward by the optical axis tilting means 40.

Abstract: A device capable of tilting a reflector installed in a lamp body for adjusting the body's optical axis is provided. Workability of the process for securing the ball bearing to the reflector can be simplified and dislocation of the ball bearing can be prevented.

Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight comprises a light source co-operating with a mirror and a glass, the mirror having a back and at least one side cheek exposed to radiation from the source. According to the invention, at least one of the cheeks is suitable in at least one zone for reflecting light so as to extend laterally and with continuity the beam generated by the back of the mirror, substantially without reinforcing said beam on the road axis; the glass is smooth or deflects to a very small extent only. Application to homogeneous light beams of great width.

Abstract: A lamp apparatus or a vehicle headlamp having first and second lamp units that are provided adjacent to each other in the lateral direction so as to tilt in a lamp body by first and second aiming mechanisms, respectively. First supporting portions for supporting a fulcrum pin and aiming screws of the fast aiming mechanism are provided behind the first lamp unit in the lamp body, and second supporting portions for supporting a fulcrum pin and aiming screws of the second aiming mechanism are provided behind the second lamp unit in the lamp body; and at least one of the plurality of first supporting portions and at least one of the plurality of second supporting portions are provided so as to overlap each other in a direction in which the lamp units are disposed when the headlamp is viewed from front.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp. A lamp chamber is partitioned by a lamp body in a vessel-like shape and by a front face lens, a reflector is attachedly inserted with a light source and is contained in the lamp chamber, and an aiming mechanism is interposed between the lamp body and the reflector for supporting the reflector inclinably to the lamp body. The reflector is inclined by rotating an aiming screw supported by a screw inserting hole provided at the lamp body. A rear end portion of the aiming screw projects to the rear side of the lamp body and includes an integrated crown gear made of a metal. A disk face of the gear is provided with a raised wrench engaging portion for engaging with an L-shaped wrench to thereby operate to rotate the aiming screw by using the L-shaped wrench extending from the side of the lamp piece. Aiming screw adjustments can be carried out even when there is no rear space behind the lamp piece. The wrench engaging portion can be formed simply.

Abstract: A headlamp adjuster for adjusting the position of a reflector includes a base housing with a slide positioned at least partially therein. The base housing has mounting tabs so that the adjuster can be secured to the back of a headlamp assembly support frame. The base housing has channels along its sides in which rails extending from the slide are disposed. A ball stud extends from the slide, the ball of which engages the reflector within the headlamp assembly such that axial movement of the ball stud causes movement of the reflector. Movement of the slide is caused by rotation of an adjustment screw that is threaded into the slide but held in axial position with respect to the base housing. The adjuster may include a vehicle headlamp aiming device (“VHAD”) if required for the particular application.

Abstract: A headlamp adjuster which includes an adjuster output shaft which is engageable with a reflector of a headlamp assembly. The adjuster output shaft extends from a housing, and the headlamp adjuster is configured such that in an overload condition, the adjuster output shaft is prevented from translating substantially axially, thereby reducing the risk of damage resulting from over-travel of the adjustor output shaft.

Abstract: A headlamp adjuster which includes an adjuster output shaft which is engageable with a reflector of a headlamp assembly. The adjuster output shaft extends from a housing, and the headlamp adjuster is configured such that in an overload condition, the adjuster output shaft is prevented from translating substantially axially, thereby reducing the risk of damage resulting from over-travel of the adjustor output shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a coupling nut for connecting an automotive headlamp adjustment assembly to a tubular protrusion or boss of a headlight reflector forming part of the headlamp assembly wherein the coupling nut has a tubular opening at one end thereof which fits over the tubular protrusion of the headlamp reflector and a cup shaped opening at the opposite end and a circumferential cut out area with a flexible inclined plane therein to allow an easy snap-in of the nut to a pair of protrusions extending from the outside surface of the tubular protrusion.

Abstract: A beam angle adjusting device for a vehicular headlamp having a reduced size, especially a reduced thickness of the case body of the device. The beam angle adjusting device is provided with a case body, a motor disposed inside the case body, and a shaft which moves in the front/rear direction in response to rotation of the motor, wherein the motor and a circuit member which has a terminal for supplying power are arranged in symmetrical positions in relation to a plane containing the shaft.

Abstract: A reflector movable type headlamp for an automobile includes a lamp body, a reflector, and an aiming mechanism. The aiming mechanism includes: a screw insertion hole; an aiming fulcrum constituting an inclining fulcrum of the reflector; an aiming screw; a bracket formed at the reflector; a nut member operable to be extracted and retracted in a front and rear direction in cooperation with the pivotal movement of the aiming screw; and a nut sliding guide integrally and extendedly formed with the lamp body. A mounting portion of the nut member and the bracket is provided with stress relieving means. The stress relieving means includes a ball and socket joint structure. The nut sliding guide is provided at a position offset to a side position of a position of arranging the aiming screw on a side opposed to the aiming fulcrum.

Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight comprises a light source (10) co-operating with a mirror (20) and a glass, the mirror having a back (21) and at least one side cheek (22, 23) exposed to radiation from the source. According to the invention, at least one of the cheeks (22, 23) is suitable in at least one zone for reflecting light so as to extend laterally and with continuity the beam generated by the back of the mirror, substantially without reinforcing said beam on the road axis; the glass is smooth or deflects to a very small extent only.

Abstract: An illumination axis adjusting apparatus includes a stepping motor integrally having in turn an automatic angle adjusting structure for automatically adjusting the angle of the illumination axis of an automotive headlamp by driving the motor and a manual angle adjusting structure for manually adjusting the angle of the illumination axis of the headlamp.

Abstract: A vehicular lamp in which a spherical leading end portion of a tilting actuator is prevented from dropping out of a reflector-side groove-type ball bearing body in a reflector tilting device for tilting a reflector mounted within a lamp body. A reflector tilting device capable of tiltably adjusting a reflector contained in a lamp body includes a tilting actuator disposed in the lamp body having an actuator rod displaceable in the direction of the optical axis of the reflector. A groove-type ball bearing body is mounted to the reflector and fitted into a spherical leading end portion disposed at a leading end of the actuator rod. The groove-type ball bearing body has, at each end of a groove portion which has opposed open ends and into which the spherical leading end portion is fitted, a dropout-preventing strip portion protruding towards the interior of the groove portion.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the position of a headlamp reflector of a headlamp assembly. The device includes a housing and a directing member, such as an adjustor screw, which generally extends from the housing. The directing member has an end which is engageable with the headlamp reflector of the headlamp assembly, and an opposite end which is configured to receive a driver generally coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the directing member. The directing member provides that rotation of the driver about an axis which is generally coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the directing member causes the directing member to translate relative to the housing thereby causing adjustment of the position of the headlamp reflector which is engaged with the first end of the directing member.

Abstract: A lamp apparatus or a vehicle headlamp comprising first and second lamp units that are provided adjacent to each other in the lateral direction so as to tilt in a lamp body by first and second aiming mechanisms, respectively. First supporting portions for supporting a fulcrum pin and aiming screws of the first aiming mechanism are provided behind the first lamp unit in the lamp body, and second supporting portions for supporting a fulcrum pin and aiming screws of the second aiming mechanism are provided behind the second lamp unit in the lamp body; and at least one of the plurality of first supporting portions and at least one of the plurality of second supporting portions are provided so as to overlap each other in a direction in which the lamp units are disposed when the headlamp is viewed from front.

Abstract: In a vehicular head lamp wherein a synthetic resin reflector having a light source is tiltably supported in a synthetic resin lamp body by an aiming mechanism interposed between the reflector and the lamp body, an elastic engagement strip which projects forwards and has a side surface provided with an engagement concave portion, is formed integrally with an interior of the lamp body, and an engagement convex portion that can engage the engagement concave portion of the lamp body is formed integrally with a back face of the reflector. The engagement convex portion is brought to engage the engagement concave portion so that the engaged engagement convex and concave portions constitute an aiming fulcrum.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp including: a reference member mounted on and fixed to a vehicle body; an inclinable member including a light source mounted thereon, and disposed in the reference member inclinably with respect to the reference member for setting an optical axis of the headlamp; an aiming mechanism for adjusting the inclination of the inclinable member in the vertical direction thereof as well as in the right and direction thereof with respect to the reference member; and an inclination measuring device interposed between the reference member and the inclinable member for measuring the inclination of said optical axis of the headlamp in the right and left direction thereof, while a zero point adjustment operation portion of a zero point adjust mechanism disposed in the inclination measuring device is exposed outwardly of the reference member, the headlamp being characterized in that a hide member is mounted directly on the zero point adjustment operation portion or on a vertical wall formed integrally with

Abstract: A pivot connection includes a ball stud head that creates strong anti-rotation characteristics while retaining substantially full pivotability. The ball stud head includes a mid-section that grips the interior of the socket so as to resist rotation. The improved ball stud head is useful in connection with quarter turn style ball sockets and quarter turn headlamp adjusters.

Abstract: A reflector 20 installed in a lamp body 10 of a headlamp is supported by an aiming mechanism E1 in such a way as to adjustably tilt the reflector 20. The aiming mechanism E1 includes one ball joint 13 which is held between the reflector 20 and the lamp body 10, two aiming screws 16 and 18 which are each rotatably supported by the lamp body 10, and nut members 17 and 19 which are each screwed onto the aiming screws 16 and 18 and integrally fitted to the reflector 20. The reflector 20 is fitted with a light-distribution switching mechanism F1 for alternatively switching between light distribution for a low beam and light distribution for a high beam. Each of the nut members 17 and 19 is carried by a pair of vertically opposed horizontal ribs 52 and 52 extendedly formed in the lamp body 10 so that a reflector-side load (weight) acting on the aiming mechanism E1 is reduced to ensure smooth aiming and the formation of adequate light distribution.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp having an aiming mechanism, in which a spherical pivot and a ball seat can readily be formed with great accuracy by reducing the number of parts and assembling steps. A fulcrum portion 7 of the aiming mechanism in a vehicle lamp includes a spherical pivot 10 formed integrally with a reflector 3, and a ball seat 20 formed integrally with a lamp body 1, which is used for receiving the spherical pivot 10. The spherical pivot 10 which has a spherical portion 12 and a strut portion 13 and is projected from the reflector 3 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the mold-parting direction when the reflector 3 is molded, does not require sliders for use in molding the spherical pivot. Moreover, the ball seat 20 includes a curved surface groove portion 21 and a pair of ball holding-down plates 22 with the spherical portion 12 of the spherical pivot 10 held therebetween.

Abstract: A head lamp for vehicle use is provided, which includes a intermediate tilting member tiltably supported by a lamp body at three points. One point acts as a tilting fulcrum, while the other two points are supported by an aiming adjusting member of an aiming adjusting mechanism, for changing positions of the intermediate tilting member with respect to the lamp body. The head lamp also includes a reflector which is tiltably supported by the intermediate tilting member at three support points, wherein two points are formed into tilting fulcrums, and the other point is supported via a leveling actuator of a leveling adjusting mechanism, for changing a position of the reflector with respect to the intermediate tilting member by an automatic operation or a remote operation.

Abstract: A lamp assembly (12, 12A) has a lamp housing (14) and a lens (16) cooperatively forming an enclosure within which an electric light bulb (78) is disposed to place a focal point (82) of the bulb at the focus of a parabolic reflector surface (56) of a reflector (52) that is also disposed within the enclosure. The reflector collects light from the bulb and reflects it as a beam through the lens. A socket (76) that holds the bulb mounts in a rear wall (24) of the enclosure, and the reflector has a through-aperture (74) through which the bulb passes. A positioning mechanism (84) selectively positions the reflector about an axis (61) perpendicularly intersecting the bulb axis (26) to aim the light beam. As the reflector is being positioned, the bulb remains stationary, and the focus of the parabola remains at the focal point of the bulb.

Abstract: A disengageable pivot connection includes a ball stud that is capable of being selectively removed from the corresponding socket. The ball stud includes an engagement head that has substantially flat faces or grooves that correspond to tabs extending from the rim of the socket into which the ball stud is engaged. To install, the ball stud is inserted into the socket such that the substantially flat faces or grooves on the head pass by the tabs extending from the rim of the socket. Then, the ball stud is rotated such that the head engages the tabs extending from the rim of the socket. Alternatively, the head of the ball stud is snap-fitted into the socket as is conventional in the art. As such, the head cannot be removed from the socket without additional rotation. The head remains free to pivot within the socket as required for the particular application. One particularly desirable application of the present invention is in automotive lamp assemblies.

Abstract: A modular lighted vehicle trailer hitching socket covering means system which when mounted to a vehicle trailer hitching socket essentially blocks it from view in a decorative manner, is disclosed. The system provides a single tongue element which is of a shape and size to slide into a vehicle trailer hitching socket, (wherein it is secured in place by a securing means during use), in combination with a selected detachably affixed, ornamental item with a shape such as a football, a basketball, a soccer ball etc., or a hockey puck, or an item with outer shape of a mascots etc., or even simple flat surface.

Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight has a light source, a reflector co-operating with the light source to form a beam of predetermined photometry, a housing which contains the reflector and the lamp that includes the light source, and a cover glass closing the front of the housing. An adjusting device is provided for varying the orientation of the beam by pivoting the reflector about a tilting axis. The lamp is mounted in a fixed position in the casing, and the tilting axis of the reflector passes close to the light source. The adjusting device includes a rotary maneuvering member having a driving spigot which is eccentric to the axis of rotation of the maneuvering member. The spigot is arranged to slide, substantially without clearance, in a slot formed in an element fixed to the reflector. This slot is oriented substantially transversely to the axis of the rotary member and transversely to the direction of displacement of the reflector. The rotary member can be turned freely on itself over more than 360.degree..

Abstract: An apparatus for leveling a vehicle lamp such that an opening of the pivot receiving body is formed in a non-circular shape; the cross sectional shape of the pivot body in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the pivot body is formed so that the pivot body can be inserted into the opening of the pivot receiving body in at least one direction; and the cross sectional shape of the pivot body cannot be inserted into the opening of the pivot receiving body in at least the other direction; and the pivot body is prevented from slipping off the pivot receiving body by turning the pivot body by a predetermined angle around the axis of the pivot body after the pivot body is inserted into the pivot receiving body.

Abstract: An articulated piece (4) for pivoting a pivotal reflector (2) of a vehicle headlight (1) about a first axis (7) and about a second axis (8) running perpendicular to the first axis, has, at an end facing the reflector, a joint shell (13) that can be connected to a translational-movable spherical head of an adjusting device for causing pivoting movement about the first axis, a snap-on part (11) at an opposite end that can be connected to the reflector, with the articulated piece being structured to be flexible in a plane running crosswise to the second axis.

Abstract: A vehicle headlight assembly includes a snapping engagement between a bezel, a housing and a lens. The snapping engagement positions all three pieces relative to each other during a manufacturing or assembly process. The light bulbs of the headlamp assembly are supported on the internally aimed reflector by bulb retainers that snappingly engage openings in the reflector. The bulbs preferably include housings that bias tab members on the bulb retainers into engagement with the reflector. The reflector is moved within the housing to direct the beam of light from the bulbs. Socket retainers snappingly engage the reflector. Ball members on conventional adjustors are received within the socket retainers so that the adjustors support the reflector within the housing and provide the ability to adjust the angular position of the bulbs and reflector relative to the remainder of the assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp has a reflector coupled to a lamp housing via a pivotal connection and two aiming mechanisms for tilting the reflector relative to the lamp housing about horizontal and vertical axes intersecting at the pivotal connection. One such aiming mechanism comprises an aiming screw rotatably mounted to the lamp housing, a socket member affixed to the back of the reflector, and a ball with a tapped hole extending therethrough to fit over the aiming screw. The socket member has a hollow extending therethrough for receiving the aiming screw with clearance. Part of the hollow in the socket member is formed into a socket for rotatably receiving the ball on the aiming screw. A lockpin on the ball is engaged in a slot in the socket member thereby locking the ball against rotation relative to the socket member about the axis of the hole therein.

Abstract: The movable reflector of the headlight of a motor vehicle can be orientated by means of an orientation adjustment device located inside the body of the headlight. The orientation of the reflected light beam is controlled with the help of an adjustable graduated scale which is connected to the reflector and which can move with respect to a stationary indicator fixed to the headlight, so as to indicate the changes in orientation of the reflector. The graduated scale is set to zero by means of a manual adjustment carried out by specialized personnel using a special tool, once the reflector has been correctly orientated by means of the adjustment device. The stationary indicator and the graduated scale are located so that they are clearly visible inside the headlight, beneath the transparent cover of a porthole which can be opened in order to set the scale to zero.

Abstract: A side rear view mirror spotlight device for providing a directable light source in side rear view mirrors. The device includes a housing with a front portion having an opening into the interior of the housing. A mirror is mounted to the back of the housing. A spot light assembly including a light source located in the interior of the housing is pivotally mounted to the housing to permit pivoting of the light source in the interior of the housing. A handle is coupled to the spot light assembly and extends from the bottom of the housing.