U.S. patent number RE32,624 [Application Number 07/047,977] was granted by the patent office on 1988-03-15 for shock-reducing lamp assembly for vehicles.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Triplex Manufacturing Co.. Invention is credited to Paul C. Katz, Sam A. Myles.
United States Patent |
RE32,624 |
Myles , et al. |
March 15, 1988 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Shock-reducing lamp assembly for vehicles
Abstract
A shock-reducing lamp assembly adapted for mounting on a
vehicle. The assembly includes a housing defining a cavity having
an open end and a lens connected to the housing enclosing the open
end. An integral resilient mount includes a tubular central portion
having a first end and a second end, with a pair of spaced mounting
feet disposed adjacent to the first end and a second pair of spaced
mounting feet positioned adjacent the second end. Each of the feet
has a mounting aperture and the first pair of feet extends in a
first plane and the second pair of feet extends in a second plane,
with the first and second planes being spaced and being
substantially parallel. The assembly further includes a metallic
socket telescopically received in the central portion. The housing
includes components for positioning the mount so that a lamp held
in the socket is in operative relationship to the lens.
Inventors: |
Myles; Sam A. (Oak Park,
IL), Katz; Paul C. (Chicago, IL) |
Assignee: |
Triplex Manufacturing Co.
(Chicago, IL)
|
Family
ID: |
26725669 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/047,977 |
Filed: |
May 7, 1987 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
764831 |
Aug 9, 1985 |
04591961 |
May 27, 1986 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
362/548; 362/306;
362/369; 362/390 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21S
43/19 (20180101); F21V 15/04 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F21V
15/00 (20060101); F21V 15/04 (20060101); F21V
19/00 (20060101); F21V 015/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;362/390,369,306 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Cross; E. Rollins
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fitch, Even, Tabin &
Flannery
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A shock-reducing lamp assembly adapted for mounting on a
vehicle, said assembly comprising:
a housing defining a cavity having an open end;
a lens connected to said housing and closing said open end;
an integral resilient mount including a generally tubular central
portion having a first end and a second end with a first pair of
spaced mounting feet disposed adjacent said first end and a second
pair of spaced mounting feet positioned adjacent said second end,
each of said feet having a mounting aperture, said first pair of
feet extending in a first plane and said second pair of feet
extending in a second plane with said first and second planes being
spaced and substantially parallel; and
a metallic socket for holding a lamp and telescopically received in
said tubular central portion, said housing including mounting means
for positioning said mount so that said lamp is in operative
relationship to said lens, said mounting means comprising a
plurality of pins extending toward said open end corresponding in
number to said feet with a pin received in the aperture of each
foot.
2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said lens is
substantially planar, said mounting means further comprising
abutment means associated with each pin for engaging and locating a
corresponding foot of said mount, said abutment means being
positioned such that said first and second planes are generally
parallel to the plane of said lens.
3. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said housing
comprises a back mounting wall and upper, lower and lateral side
walls extending from said back wall and defining therewith said
cavity, said mounting means including a pair of upper standards and
a pair of lower standards with said upper standards carrying said
pins for supporting said first pair of feet and said lower
standards carrying said pins for supporting said second pair of
feet.
4. An assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said upper pair of
standards extend closer to said lens than do said lower pair of
standards.
5. An .[.assemby.]. .Iadd.assembly .Iaddend.as set forth in claim 3
wherein said abutment means comprises a surface at the distal end
of each standard with the pin carried by each standard extending
beyond the abutment surface of its corresponding standard.
6. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said mount has a
flange at said first end disposed in a plane extending normal to
the axis of said tubular central portion with said flange carrying
said first pair of mounting feet on one surface of said flange.
7. An assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said mount comprises
a pair of reinforcing ribs interconnecting said central portion and
a surface of said flange opposite said one surface.
8. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said mount has a
constricted throat at said second end for limiting inserting of
said socket and defining an aperture for exit of at least one
insulated conductor electrically connected to said lamp.
9. An assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said tubular central
portion has a generally cylindrical inner surface including an
axially extending anti-rotation slot for receiving a component of
said socket, said lamp including a first filament and a second
filament.
10. An assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said socket has a
main bulb-receiving portion with a bulb-receiving end and an
abutment end for engaging said constricted throat, said abutment
end carrying a male terminal, adapted for reception by a female
terminal, said male terminal extending beyond said throat and being
bendable from a first position wherein it extends in the axial
direction of said socket, to a second position wherein it extends
outwardly transversely to said axial direction to capture said
throat.
11. An assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said abutment end
comprises a tubular extension positioned in said throat aperture
and a transitional portion interconnecting said extension with said
main portion.
12. In combination, an integral resilient mount and a metallic
socket for reception of an automotive lamp, telescopically disposed
in said mount, said mount comprising:
a tubular central portion having a socket-receiving end and an
abutment end having a constricted throat defining a central
aperture, said socket comprising:
a main bulb-receiving portion, a bulb-receiving end and an abutment
end for engaging said throat, said abutment end carrying a male
terminal element extending beyond said throat for reception by a
female terminal.
13. A combination as set forth in claim 12 wherein said mount
comprises attachment means for joining said mount to a support.
14. A combination as set forth in claim 12 wherein said mount
further includes a tubular boot extending from said throat away
from said central portion and beyond said male terminal.
15. An integral shock isolation mount formed of a resilient
insulative material for use in a mounting assembly for a vehicular
lamp, said mount comprising:
a tubular central portion for receiving a metallic socket, said
portion having a first end and a second end;
a first pair of spaced mounting feet disposed adjacent said first
end; and
a second pair of spaced mounting feet disposed adjacent said second
end, each foot having a pin-receiving aperture, said first pair of
legs extending in a first plane and said second pair of legs
extending in a second plane, said planes being spaced and being
substantially parallel. .Iadd.
16. An integral shock isolation mount formed of a resilient
insulative material for use in a mounting assembly for a vehicular
lamp, said mount comprising:
a central portion having a central opening in which is disposed
metallic means for establishing electrical contact with said lamp,
said portion having a first end and a second end;
a first pair of spaced mounting feet disposed adjacent said first
end; and
a second pair of spaced mounting feet disposed adjacent said second
end, said foot having a pin-receiving aperture, said first pair of
legs extending in a first plane and said second pair of legs
extending in a second plane, said planes being spaced and being
substantially parallel. .Iaddend. .Iadd.17. In combination, an
integral resilient mount formed of insulative material and a
metallic contact means for holding and establishing electrical
contact with a vehicular lamp, said mount comprising:
a central portion having a central opening in which said metallic
contact means is disposed, said portion having a first end and a
second end;
a first pair of spaced mounting feet disposed adjacent said first
end; and
a second pair of spaced mounting feet disposed adjacent said second
end, each foot having a pin-receiving aperture, said first pair of
legs extending in a first plane and said second pair of legs
extending in a second plane, said planes being spaced and being
substantially parallel. .Iaddend.
Description
The present invention relates to vehicular lighting and, more
particularly, to a shock-reducing lamp assembly which greatly
lessens shock and vibration transmitted to the filament of the
bulb.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Shocks due to irregularities in the road and engine vibration, both
of which are transmitted to a bulb through the vehicle frame, are
primary causes of bulb failure due to breakage of the relatively
delicate bulb filaments. Bulb failure, particularly at the rear of
the vehicle, may not be immediately apparent to the vehicle
operator. The loss of the ability to signal following vehicles as
to turning and braking presents a danger and often results in a
violation of the law. .[.Occassionally.].
.Iadd.Occasionally.Iaddend., even if the bulb failure is known, the
replacement is not immediate. Thus, it is always desirable to
extend bulb life.
Various lamp assemblies have been proposed incorporating resilient
insulative bulb mounts. In one assembly, the mount (which is
suspended between a pair of posts) holds the bulb directly, no
metallic socket is employed. This requires that the contact for
each filament, as well as the metallic base of the bulb, be
soldered to lead wires. Such an arrangement makes it difficult if
not functionally impossible to replace a bulb, particularly if the
vehicle is on the road when replacement is desired. For further
information regarding the structure and operation of such a mount,
reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 4,390,936.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,980,878 is directed to a lamp assembly including a
resilient isolation mount having lateral side portions held in
cavities with the cavities closed by overlying plates having
apertures receiving pins. The metal socket used with the mount has
portions at its bulb-receiving end which must be bent to retain the
socket in the mount.
Other vehicular lamp assemblies include resilient mounts which are
of relatively massive construction, have supports adjacent only one
end of the mount and require the use of relatively complex socket
or contact structures. Such sockets or contacts may be difficult to
insert in the mounts and may not be removable without damage to the
mounts. Furthermore, crimping or soldering is required for
connection of the ground conductor. For further information
regarding the operation and structure of such mounts and sockets,
reference may be made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,114,508; 3,143,301 and
4,176,391.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Among the several aspects and features of the present invention may
be noted the provision of an improved shock-reducing lamp assembly
for vehicles. The assembly includes a resilient bulb mount which is
supported at spaced locations adjacent its first end and at spaced
locations adjacent its second end to provide extremely stable
support and shock insulation for the bulb. The metallic socket used
in the assembly provides a quick-disconnect terminal which can be
bent to fix the socket with the mount. The socket is easily mated
with the mount and a single socket design can be used with a
variety of mount configurations. The assembly is made up of
relatively few parts, can be quickly and easily fit together and
permits fast and convenient bulb replacement. The assembly is
reliable in use, offers long service life and is simple and
economical to manufacture. Other objects and features will be, in
part, apparent and, in part, pointed out specifically in the
following specification and accompanying drawings and claims.
Briefly, a shock-reducing lamp assembly embodying various features
of the present invention includes an integral resilient mount
having a generally tubular central portion with first and second
ends and a pair of spaced mounting feet disposed adjacent each end.
The feet lie in planes which are spaced but parallel to one
another. A metallic socket is telescopically received in the
tubular central portion of the mount and holds a lamp. The assembly
further includes a housing holding the mount positioned so that the
lamp is in operative relationship to a lens connected to the
housing. A plurality of pins extend from standards on the housing
toward the open end of the housing with a pin received in the
aperture of each foot.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a lamp assembly embodying
various features of the present invention with certain components
broken away to expose other components;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken generally along line 2--2 of FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of certain components of the
assembly including a bulb socket and a mount;
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the socket;
FIG. 5 is an axial cross-sectional view of the socket;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a housing included in the
assembly;
FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the mount with certain
components broken away to expose other components;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
mount of the present invention holding the socket of FIGS. 4 and 5
with a boot sonically welded to provide a moisture-proof exit for
conductors; and
FIG. 9, similar to FIG. 8, illustrates another alternative
embodiment of the mount which also receives the socket of FIGS. 4
and 5.
Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding components
throughout the several views of the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings, a .[.shock-resistent.].
.Iadd.shock-resistant .Iaddend.lamp assembly for a vehicle is
generally indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2 by reference character 20. The
lamp assembly includes a housing 22 defining a cavity 24 with an
open end, and a generally planar lens 26 connected to the housing
and closing the cavity open end. A resilient, electrically
insulative, shock absorbing mount 28 is supported inside the cavity
and includes a tubular central portion 30 telescopically receiving
a metallic socket 32 which, in turn, receives and holds the
metallic base 33 of a lamp 34. The lamp 34 has a glass envelope 36
which may enclose a pair of elongated filaments, 38, 40. The outer
filament 38 could be of a higher brightness and used to indicate
application of the brakes and signal the intention to turn. On the
other hand, the inner filament 40 could be of a lower brightness
and function as a running light. These filaments which are
relatively delicate, are subject to damage as a result of shock,
vibration and harmonic distortion. The lamp assembly of the present
invention, with its resilient mount 28, serves to reduce the shock,
vibration and distortion caused by road irregularities and engine
operation to prolong the operational life of the lamp.
More specifically, the housing 22 includes a back mounting wall 42
and upper, lower and lateral side walls 44, 46 and 48,
respectfully, extending from the back wall and defining therewith
the cavity 24. The housing 22 includes mounting means for
positioning the mount 28 so that the bulb 34 is in operative
relationship to the lens 26. The mounting means preferably includes
a pair of upper standards 50 and a pair of lower standards 52. Each
of the standards terminates in a mounting pin 54 extending towards
the open end of the cavity 24. It will be appreciated that the
upper standards 50 have a common length which is somewhat greater
than the common length of the lower standards 52. The various
lengths can be adjusted depending upon the focal length required
for a particular lens configuration to promote photometric
efficiency.
The mount 28, preferably formed of synthetic rubber, is best shown
in FIGS. 3 and 7 and includes a pair of spaced apart mounting feet
56 disposed adjacent a first or upper end 58 of the tubular central
portion, and further comprises a second pair of mounting feet 60
disposed adjacent the second or lower end 62 of the tubular central
portion. Each of the feet is provided with a mounting aperture 64
for reception of a corresponding mounting pin 54. The first pair of
feet 56 extend in a first plane A and the second pair of feet 60
extend in a second plane B with the first and second planes being
spaced and substantially parallel as best shown in FIG. 7. This
provides extremely easy disposition of the mount 28 on the
standards extending from the back wall 42 because the mount can
simply be directly inserted from the open end of the cavity 24 and
pushed over the various pins to properly locate the mount 28.
The mount includes a flange 66 at the upper end 58 extending
normally to the axial direction of the tubular central portion 30.
Reinforcing ribs 68 interconnect the tubular portion 30 and one
surface 69 of the flange 66, with the mounting feet 56 extending
from an opposite surface 71 of the flange. It will be appreciated
that each of the upper and lower standards 50 and 52, respectively,
has an abutment surface 70 for engaging and limiting inward
movement of a corresponding foot of the mount 28. The tubular
central portion 30 has an axially extending internal groove 72 for
receiving a component of the socket 32 to prevent rotation of the
socket once it is positioned in the mount. The central portion also
includes an observation window 74 therethrough to permit inspection
of the proper orientation of the lamp 34 in the socket 32. At the
lower end 62 of the tubular central portion, as shown in FIG. 2, a
constricted throat 76 is provided for limiting insertion of the
socket. The throat 76 defines a central aperture 78 for exit of
insulated conductors 79 electrically connected to the lamp.
The flange 66 and reinforcing ribs 68 disposed at the upper end 58
of the tubular central portion 30 provide sufficient strength that
the assembler can place his fingers behind the ribs and insert the
socket 32 into the tubular central portion without collapsing the
mount. The mounting feet 60 at the lower end 62 are less rigid but
prevent substantial rotational movement of the mount. The mount 28
offers spaced support at both ends thereof which increases the
stability of the positioned lamp 34 to protect the filaments 38,
40.
The metallic socket 32 is best shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, and
comprises a main bulb-receiving portion 82 with a lamp-receiving
end 84 and an abutment end 86 for engaging the constricted throat
76 of the mount. The abutment end 86 of the socket has a tubular
extension 88 for reception in the throat aperture 78, and a
transitional portion 90 .[.interconntecting.].
.Iadd.interconnecting .Iaddend.the extension 88 and the main
portion 82 for contacting the throat 76. The extension 88 and
aperture 78 are preferably of equal length so that when the socket
32 is seated, the constricted throat and extension are coterminous.
The socket 32 further includes a male terminal 92 adapted for
reception by a female terminal 94, shown in FIG. 3, with the male
terminal 92 extending axially from the tubular extension 88, beyond
the throat 76. The male terminal is bendable from its first
position (shown in FIG. 5) wherein it extends in the axial
direction of the socket 32, to a second position, shown in FIG. 2,
wherein it extends outwardly transversely to the axial direction of
the socket so that the throat 76 is captured between the abutment
end 86 and the male terminal to retain the socket in the mount.
The female terminal 94, for connection with the male terminal,
includes a floor 96 from which laterally oppositely extend a pair
of spring arms 98 which are bent upwardly and then have their free
ends directed toward the floor 96 to define therewith an opening
for receiving the male terminal 92 in an interference fit. The
floor preferably has a protuberance 100 for reception within an
aperture 99 in the male terminal 92, to provide a detent once the
female terminal 94 has fully received the male terminal.
The main bulb-receiving portion 82 of the socket includes an axial
channel-shaped rib 101 for reception in the groove 72 in the
cylindrical inner surface of the tubular portion 30 of the mount
28. The main portion 82 also includes cutouts 102 of the bayonet
type for lockingly receiving lateral studs 103 extending from the
base 33 of the lamp 34. As is standard for dual filament lamps, the
studs 103 are at different levels and the bayonet cutouts 102 are
at corresponding different locations to achieve a polarization of
the lamp 34 so that standard connections can be made to the high
and low filaments 38, 40. The socket 32 is preferably formed of
cold roll steel with a zinc dichromate coating for corrosion
protection.
As shown in FIG. 3, the bulb-receiving portion 82 receives .[.a.].
.Iadd.an .Iaddend.insulative disk 104 having a laterally extending
tongue 106 for reception in the channel 101 formed in the socket
32, to prevent rotation of the disk. Countersunk holes 107 are
provided in the disk 104 for receiving and seating metallic
contacts 105 which are connected to leads 79 extending through the
aperture 78 in the constricted throat 76. Biasing means such as a
compression spring 108 is disposed between the disk and the
transitional portion 90 to bias the disk towards the bulb-receiving
end 84 of the socket. This maintains the contacts carried by the
disk 104 in good electrical and mechanical engagement with the
contacts at the base of the lamp 34.
Installation of the mount 28 on the standards 50, 52 can be
achieved by simply installing the mount from the open end of the
cavity 24 so that the various apertured feet 56, 60 are aligned
with the corresponding upper and lower standards 50, 52. Upon
direct rearward movement of the mount, the mounting pins 54 are
received in the apertures 64. The mount can be fixed in various
ways. For example, Tinnerman locking washers can be positioned over
the pins 54 to hold the feet. In the event that the feet are molded
with embedded washers, the distal ends of the various mounting pins
54 can be enlarged by, for example, sonic welding or by peening to
lock the mount in position.
Referring to FIG. 8, an alternate embodiment of the mount 28 of the
present invention is shown at reference character 28A. Components
of mount 28A corresponding to those of mount 28 are indicated by
the reference numeral assigned to the component of mount 28 with
the addition of the suffix "A". The mount 28A is of the twist-lock
type wherein the tubular central portion 30A has a collar 110 about
which various mounting protuberances 112 are positioned. Each
protuberance 112 includes a ramp surface 113 for cooperation with a
corresponding protuberance in a housing for locking the mount 28A
with a twisting action, as is well-known to those of skill in the
art. Extending from the lower end 62A of the central portion 30A is
a tubular boot 114 for receiving insulated conductors attached to
the contacts 105A held by the disk 104A and the conductor carrying
the female disconnect 94 for receiving the male terminal 92. As
shown in FIG. 8, the boot can be closed about the various
conductors attached to the contacts held by the insulative disk and
attached to the female terminal receiving the male terminal, by
sonically welding the boot 112 thus providing a moisture-proof exit
for these conductors.
Another alternative embodiment of the mount of the present
invention is indicated by reference character 28B in FIG. 9.
Components of mount 28B corresponding to those of mount 28 are
indicated by the reference numeral assigned to the component of
mount 28 with the addition of the suffix "B". The mount 28B also
includes a tubular central portion 30B. Extending from the central
portion is a laterally extending mounting fin 116 having apertures
118 for receiving fastening means to mount the fin supporting
structure. It will be appreciated that the resilient mounts 30,
30A, and 30B are of different configurations. However, the
respective tubular central portions thereof are substantially
identical and can receive the same socket 32. Thus mounts having
different configurations are usable with a common socket. This
reduces the number of different parts needed to complete different
types of mounting assemblies.
In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of
the invention are achieved and other advantageous results
attained.
As various changes could be made without departing from the scope
of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the
above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a
limiting sense.
* * * * *