Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02324011 2000-10-20
LIGHTING UNIT FOR VEHICLES AND THE LIKE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to lighting units, i. e. , light fixtures, and more
particularly
to flush-mounted lighting units or fixtures securable to a bulkhead or the
like. More
particularly still, the invention relates to lighting units or fixtures of the
type just noted
which comprise integrated, multiple light-emitter fixtures, especially those
which include
two or more different types of light-emitter stations which produce different
light output
profiles or patterns from the same integrated lighting unit. In a still more
particular
sense, the invention relates to lighting units or fixtures of the
aforementioned types
which are particularly applicable to automotive vehicles, especially
recreational vehicles,
e. g. , motorhomes, trailers, etc.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many different lighting applications require the presence or capability of
different
particular types of light outputs and patterns, i. e. , broadly diffused
light, narrowly
focused light, and even floodlight or spotlight illumination intensities and
patterns, etc.
This is particularly true of automotive vehicles, in which automobiles and to
some extent
smaller trucks frequently utilize a cluster of different types of lighting at
the rear,
including for example tail lights, braking and turn signal lights, backup
lights, etc. In
some instances, these are arranged in an elongated array extending across the
rear of the
automobile, but in most such cases they consist of a series of mutually
adjacent but
separate and distinct light cells or units which may or may not be mounted on
the same
base and/or share the same lens/cover.
Since different standards or requirements exist for brake-lights, turn signal
lights,
tail lights, running lights, back-up lights, etc. , the differences are
typically
accommodated by using different types of light bulbs having different output
intensities,
etc., and mounting them in specifically different locations, often with
separate lenses.
Back-up lights must produce brighter and clearer lighting than is true of
signal lights
such as brake-lights, etc. ; consequently, back-up lights not only use
different types of
bulbs but also use a clear lens rather than the typical red lens used on brake-
lights, etc.
For trucks, recreational vehicles, and others having a width of at least
eighty inches,
there is a requirement for a series of three "identification lights" (often
referred to as
"clearance lights"), which typically must be provided by three separate and
distinct
lights whose outputs are in essence isolated from one another and from other
lights in the
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general vicinity, such as tail lights, etc. Consequently, identification
lights typically
consist of three separate and distinct light fixtures which are separately
mounted in
mutually spaced relation. "Clearance lights" do not exist, and are present on
many
trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, etc. , typically located at or near the
outboard
corners of the vehicle, and these too are usually implemented by using
separate light
fixtures.
The foregoing diversity of lighting requirements and the prevailing way of
fulfilling these requirements involves a significant amount of expense, both
from the
standpoint of manufacture and that of assembly and installation onto the
vehicle. The
present invention apprehends these facts and factors, and provides an improved
lighting
unit or fixture which significantly reduces such expense while at the same
time providing
desirable results that satisfy the established standards and requirements.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a new and improved integrated
lighting
fixture is provided which incorporates virtually any number of different types
of lighting
stations in an integrated form and arrangement, preferably having a common
base which
includes or incorporates each of the different types of light-emitter station
required or
desired for a particular application, preferably using a single lens or cover
for the entire
array of different light types involved.
Accordingly, in its broader aspects the invention provides an integrated multi-
function multi-emitter light fixture having a base with a plurality of
mutually spaced and
laterally adjacent light-emitter stations that include at least two different
types of lighting
outputs, including for example a first type having a broadly diffused light-
dispersion
characteristic, a second type having shrouded, confined and visually distinct
light-
dispersion characteristics, and a third type having relatively focused
floodlight or
spotlight characteristics. In its most preferred form, the invention utilizes
a single
overall light-transmissive lens to cover the various different emitter
stations provided by
the base, and to overlie the base.
In certain of its more particular aspects, the invention provides an
integrated
multi-function light fixture of the type noted above, in which the light-
emitter stations
comprise light bulbs with integral bases that are quickly and efficiently
mounted as a unit
by frictionally inserting the bulb base between a pair of mutually spaced
upright
members, in wedging relationship, and the different lighting or emitter
stations include
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different types of shrouding or reflective members to provide the different
light-
differentiation characteristics required for different types of lights.
Further, the
floodlight or spotlight type of emitter stations are preferably provided by
integrated
halogen lamp units having generally conical light reflectors within which the
lamps or
bulbs are mounted to form a unit, and such units are reliably but releasably
retained
within a holder which positions the lighting unit and readily mounts it on a
common base
with the other types of lights.
The foregoing attributes and major aspects of the invention will become more
apparent following consideration of the ensuing specification, particularly
when taken in
connection with the attached drawings illustrating preferred embodiments of
the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a lighting unitlfixture in accordance with the
invention, as would typically be seen from below and at an angle;
Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting unit/fixture shown in
Fig.
1;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the lighting unitlfixture with the outer
lenslcover
removed;
Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view showing one of the
light-
emitter stations;
Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view showing another of the
light- emitter stations;
Fig. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, exploded perspective view showing still
another of the light-emitter stations;
Fig. 7 is a further enlarged perspective view of the lamp-holder bracket shown
as
part of Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view showing structural features
on
the inside of the lens/cover; and
Fig. 9 is an enlarged end view of the lighting unitlfixture, shown with the
lens/cover in place.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The integrated multi-function light unit/flxture 10 is generally illustrated
in Fig.
1, where it will be seen to comprise a unitary, one-piece lens/cover 12 and a
base 14,
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which also is preferably unitary and one-piece in nature. In a preferred
embodiment, the
lens/cover 12 has top, bottom, and end recesses 16 for receiving mechanical
fasteners
such as screws or the like (not specifically shown) which serve to secure the
lens 12 in
place upon base 14. As also seen in Fig. 1, the lighting unit/fixture 10
includes, in this
embodiment, a pair of spaced flood or spotlight units 18 which are integrally
built into
the unit and accommodated by outwardly bulging smoothly rounded frusto-conical
enlargements 20 integrally formed in the lens/cover 12, which fit over and
cover the
units 18.
Figure 2 illustrates the interior of the lighting unit/fixture 10 from the
same
perspective as Fig. 1, showing the general location and certain of the
particular attributes
of a plurality of mutually spaced and laterally adjacent light-emitter
stations 22, 24, 26,
28, 30, 32, and 34. As will be immediately apparent, emitter stations 24 and
32
comprise the aforementioned floodlight/spotlight units 18. In addition,
emitter stations
22, 28, and 34 comprise another and different type of lighting unit which
includes an
upright tubular shroud 36 that receives a light bulb (or other such emitter)
38. Emitter
stations 26 and 30 define still another type of lighting unit comprising a
bulb (or other
emitter) 40 which mounts over the top of a low, dish-like reflector 42. As
also
illustrated in Fig. 2, base 14 includes a plurality of spaced, generally U-
shaped wire
guides 44 arrayed along an upstanding side wall extending around the perimeter
46 of
the base. In addition, base 14 includes an outlet passage 48 for the
electrical conductors
(i. e. , wires) by which the various light-emitter elements
(floodlightlspotlight units 18
and bulbs 38, 40) are energized to emit light.
Fig. 3 illustrates the subject matter of Fig. 2 with the different light-
emitters 18,
38, and 40 mounted in their assembled, operating positions upon base 14. Also,
this
figure illustrates in a representative manner some of the electrical
conductors 50
entrained in guides 44 and exiting base 14 through outlet passage 48. As will
be
understood, all of the light-emitters will be similarly wired for operation in
the
completed unit, and it should be noted that outlet passage 48 provides a
single exit point
for all such conductors, thereby simplifying and expediting the mounting and
usage of
the novel lighting unit/fixture provided in accordance with the invention.
The structural nature of emitter stations 22, 28, and 34 (which in this
embodiment are all the same) is indicated generally in Fig. 3 and shown in
more detail
in Fig. 5. As illustrated, emitter 38 comprises a light bulb 138 having an
integral base
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238, from which electrical conductors 50 extend outwardly. Emitter 38 is
mounted
within the upstanding tubular shroud 36 upon a shelf like seat 52 formed
integrally by
base 14. Emitter support shelf 52 includes an upstanding post 54 which is
receivable
through a corresponding aperture in the bulb base 238, to thereby locate the
bulb 138 in
the desired position, centrally within the interior of the tubular shroud 36.
Further, the
sides of bulb base 238 (which in the preferred embodiment is of generally
rectangular
configuration) preferably wedges between a pair of opposing vertical walls 136
forming
an opening in the side of shroud 36 (Fig. 3), to securely hold the entire
emitter 38 in the
desired position while at the same time permitting very easy and rapid
assembly of the
emitter station.
Light-emitter stations 26 and 30 are the same, and as illustrated in Figs. 2,
3, and
4, they are markedly different from emitter stations 22, 28, and 34. More
particularly,
emitter stations 26 and 30 also have reflective or light-shaping portions 56
formed
integrally with base 14, but these are quite different from the tubular tower-
like shrouds
36 discussed above in conjunction with emitter stations 22, 28, and 34. As
illustrated,
the reflective portion 56 merely comprises a low, dished or concave wall
extremity of
generally spherical curvature disposed immediately below the light bulb
portion 140 of
emitter station 40. While the dished portion 56 inherently reflects light from
bulb 40
and partially shapes the light pattern produced by this bulb, it is mainly
intended to
redirect light emitted rearwardly from bulb 40 back toward its filament (not
specifically
shown), to further excite and augment the filament output. Of course, unlike
shroud 36,
reflector 56 does not have a light-confining function per se, and does not
isolate the light
output from emitter station 30 from the light produced by other emitter
stations. On the
contrary, it contributes to the widely-diffused light pattern produced by
emitter stations
26 and 30.
In other respects, the light bulb 140 of emitter stations 26 and 30 is mounted
upon base 14 in much the same manner as the light bulbs 138 of stations 22,
28, and 34,
described above. That is, light bulb 140 includes an integral base 240 which
rests atop a
shelf like mount 58 formed by light fixture base 14. Also, bulb base 240 has a
generally
central aperture which receives an upstanding post 60, and base 240 is wedged
between
a pair of upstanding walls 62 (Fig. 2), in the same general manner as
discussed above in
connection with emitter stations 22, 28, and 34. This provides the same rapid,
easy,
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accurate, and reliable mounting of the emitter units 40 in emitter stations
such as 26 and
30.
The spotlightlfloodlight units 18 located at emitter stations 24 and 32 are
illustrated generally in Figs. 2 and 3 in their unmounted and mounted
positions,
respectively, and are illustrated in more detail in Fig. 6. This type of
emitter is very
different from emitters 38 and 40 discussed above, and comprises a unitary
halogen bulb
and reflectorized, generally conical light reflector 64, together with a
holder/mount unit
66 particularly adapted for this purpose. The lamplreflector unit 18 is of a
conventional
nature, for example a 12V., 35W., 38 degree beam-spread halogen lamp which
produces a selectively focused and bright light output that is well adapted to
function as a
spot-type or flood-type illuminator, depending upon the particular type
selected.
Mounting bracket 66 is particularly designed to accept the lamp/reflector unit
18 and
hold it as an integral assembly, as illustrated generally in Figs. 2 and 3.
Thus, mounting
bracket 66 has an annular collar-like front portion 68 which fits around the
forward edge
of reflector 64 and holds the lamp unit in place, providing a large opening
through which
the emitted light may shine. Bracket 66 also includes its own base portion 70
and a
bifurcated upstanding rear portion 72, all of which are integrally attached
together,
preferably as a single, one-piece unit which is preferably made from sheet
metal or the
like (but potentially from any functionally comparable material).
The bifurcated rear portion 72 of mounting bracket 66 receives the base
portion
of the integral lamp/reflector unit, and should be resiliently deflectable
with respect to
the base 70 and front collar 68 to permit rapid and easy insertion and
withdrawal of such
base portion therefrom. To facilitate such insertion and withdrawal, the upper
extremity
of rear portion 72 may include offset tabs 74 which are easily accessed and
provide
convenient purchase for manually flexing rear portion 72 as just noted. Once
the lamp
reflector unit 64 has been so inserted, mounting bracket 66 will reliably
retain it in the
desired position until it is deliberately removed, as for example to replace
it for
maintenance purposes. The assembled emitter unit 18 is rapidly and accurately
mounted
in position upon base 14 to form emitter stations 24, 32, preferably by a pair
of
upstanding, deflectable forgers 76 integrally formed by base 14, which fit
into
corresponding recesses in the base portion 70 of bracket 66. The top of
forgers 76
preferably have an integral barb 78 that snaps over the top of mounting
bracket base 70
to retain the bracket and its assembled lamp/reflector unit in the desired
position. The
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fingers 76 are resiliently deflectable, whereby the lamp/reflector unit and
its mounting
bracket may simply be snapped downwardly past them and into position as a unit
during
assembly, thereby seating and retaining such unit in place with respect to
base 14. In
this regard, it is desirable to utilize a pair of mutually spaced stand-offs
80, comprising
raised ridge-like formations extending upwardly from base 14, to hold the
lamp/reflector
unit and its mounting bracket above and spaced from base 14, inasmuch as the
lamp/reflector unit may produce considerable heat when it is energized and
could
possibly damage base 14 if in direct and flush contact with it, with no air
space between.
As described above, each of the different light-emitter stations 22-34
inclusive
produce markedly different light-emission patterns. That is, stations 26 and
30 are of a
first type which produces broadly diffused light-dispersion characteristics,
emitter
stations 22, 28, and 34 are of a second type which produces a confined and
visually
distinct light output pattern, and stations 24 and 32 provide a third type of
output having
relatively focused floodlight or spotlight characteristics (which will
typically be brighter
than the light from the other two different types of stations). Accordingly,
the lighting
unit/flxture 10 is well adapted to function as a combined or composite source
of different
light types suitable for different lighting purposes, i. e. , in vehicle
applications of the
type referred to above, emitter stations 26 and 30 are well adapted to
function as brake-
lights and tail lights, while emitter stations 22, 28, and 34 are well adapted
to function as
identification lights since their light output pattern will be well confined
and in essence
isolated from the widely diffused light output produced by emitter stations 26
and 30
even though these various lighting stations are disposed generally adjacent
one another
and in an alternating sequence (as illustrated). Further, the floodlight or
spotlight-
emitter stations 24 and 32 are of still another character, distinctively
different from the
others, and providing a downwardly-directed spot of light suitable for
entirely different
purposes. Of course, each such emitter station has its own separate actuation
means, by
its own electrical conductors 50, so that each may be separately and
independently
actuated from the others to operate at either the same or different points in
time.
The lens/cover member 12 referred to above is preferably a one-piece molded
member of light-transmissive polymeric material, which may have a general
uniform
exterior shape and appearance apart from the rounded turret portions 20 which
are
formed to extend over and around the larger and projecting floodlspot units
64. In the
most preferred embodiment contemplated, the outwardly bulging turrets 20
define
CA 02324011 2000-10-20
openings at their outermost extremity, so that the light emitted by the units
64 will not
take on the coloration of the lens 12 itself (although such lens elements may
include
differently colored sections if complex and correspondingly expensive molding
or
assembly methods are utilized). To facilitate this open-ended format, the
preferred
emitter units 64 which are contemplated have their own integral cover over the
otherwise
open end of the generally conical reflective portion thereof, to conceal and
protect the
halogen bulb mounted inside and also to at least slightly diffuse and unify
the light which
is emitted from this unit.
On the inside, the lens/cover 12 preferably includes Fresnel-type prismatic
light-
reflectors 112 (Fig. 7) to shape and augment the light pattern emitted from
stations 22,
26, etc. Further, lenslcover 12 preferably includes flange-like projections
212 which are
located in the proper position to bear downwardly against each of the
different lamp
bases 238, 240 of emitters 38 and 40, respectively, to further maintain these
emitters in
their assembled positions shown in Figs. 4 and 5, when lens 12 is assembled
into place
atop base 14 to form a completed unit. With respect to assembly, lens/cover 12
also
preferably includes projecting tubular screw guides or bosses 312 aligned
beneath the
recesses 16, through which mounting screws may extend to engage corresponding
screw
receptacles 116 provided by base 14 (shown in Figs. 2 and 3).
It should be noted that the electrical conductor outlet 48 referred to in
connection
with Figs. 2 and 3 preferably includes an integral tubular extension 148 (Fig.
8) which
provides a unitary protective passage for the various electrical conductors 50
at the place
where they extend outwardly from base 14. Passage extension 148 is preferably
integral
with base 14, and not only serves to protect the electrical conductors 50 from
abrasion,
etc. , as they exit fixture 10, but, in addition, provides a ready-made
protective passage
extendable through a wire passage hole cut through the bulkhead on which
lighting
fixture/unit 10 is to be mounted. This not only eliminates the need for a
special
grommet around the bulkhead hole but also eliminates the time and effort
required to
install the unit 10 in accordance with the invention.
In the case of the anticipated vehicle usage referred to above, particularly
including motorhomes, trailers, and other such recreational vehicles, the
lighting
unit/fixture 10 is mounted on the exterior of the vehicle, and the bulkhead on
which it
mounts is the actual outer wall of the vehicle. In most instances, this wall
or bulkhead
will comprise a pair of mutually spaced sheets of metal, fiberglass, etc.
between which
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CA 02324011 2000-10-20
there may be any of a number of other materials including insulation. In
typical
manufacturing processes, the wiring passage through such bulkheads simply
comprises a
rough hole which is drilled or otherwise made; consequently, the electrical
wiring must
be protected from fraying and abrasion where it passes through such an
aperture. The
integral tubular wiring passage extension 148 is well adapted for this
purpose, and easily
as well as economically made an integral part of base 14 during its molding
process.
Accordingly, this feature further serves to facilitate the rapid and correct
mounting of
the light fixturelunit 10, reduces the overall vehicle manufacturing expense,
and increase
reliability of the vehicle on which it is mounted. In this respect, mounting
of the unit 10
may readily be accomplished by using double-sided adhesive tape carried on the
outer
surface of base 10, preferably of at least moderate thickness and rubbery or
other
deformable so as to readily conform to the vehicle surface on which it is to
be attached.
Most preferably, the lens/cover 12 mounts upon base 14 by providing an annular
clearance space between the aforementioned peripheral wall 46 of the base and
another
adjacent such wall 47 (seen in Figs. 2, 3, and 5), into which space the lower
edge
extremity of lens 12 is insertable in closely-fitting relation. Since the
lens/cover 12 is
preferably screwed tightly into position upon base 14, the edge of the
lens/cover is held
firmly against the bottom of the channel-like opening defined by upstanding
walls 46, 47
and base 14. Consequently, the lens/cover 12 and base 14 are effectively
sealed together
to preclude the passage of foreign elements (including moisture) into the
lighting cavity
provided by the lens and base.
The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiments only.
Modifications and variations of this and other such embodiments may well occur
to those
skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention after learning
of it through
access to such preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is to be understood that
the
embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for
illustrative
purposes and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention, which is
defined by
the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law,
including
the doctrine of equivalents.
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