US4345307A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rectangular headlamp retainer
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1980-05-12
•
Granted: 1982-08-17
•
Expires: 2000-05-12
Abstract
Abstract A retainer assembly for a rectangular vehicle headlamp consisting basically of a one-piece rubber molding having an outer base member and a rectangular lamp support pivotally supported on the base member by an integral web portion extending horizontally between the base to the top of the rectangular lamp support approximately midway along its axial length. This arrangement permits pivotal movement of the lamp support portion with respect to the base about a horizontal axis for adjusting the angular position of the headlamp and also providing an excellent vibration and shock mount for the lamp with respect to the associated vehicle. An adjusting assembly at the lower part of the lamp support portion provides the necessary headlamp adjustment. A metal frame is connected to the base portion and provides the rigidity necessary to fasten the retainer assembly and headlamp therein onto the vehicle body. In one embodiment the base member is rectangular in configuration and has a metal insert molded frame for support. The adjusting assembly is positioned between the rectangular base and the lower portion of the rectangular lamp support and includes a biasing spring. In another embodiment, the base member is a horizontal bar portion at the top of the rectangular lamp support. A pivotal adjusting assembly reacts against the lower part of the lamp support and directly against the vehicle body. In a third embodiment of the present invention, the base member is defined by two integral lobes with mounting eyelets at the top of the rectangular lamp support.
Inventors
- 👤 William R. Mayer
- 👤 Alton E. Runion
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 10:51
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/02; B60Q1/04; B60Q1/06; B60Q1/068; B60Q1/0683; F; F21; F21S; F21S45/00; F21S45/10; F21V; F21V15/00; F21V15/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 41
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
A shock mounting retainer assembly for a rectangular lamp, comprising: a generally rectangular supporting base adapted to be fixed to a vehicle, a generally rectangular lamp support mounted adjacent the supporting base and adapted to hold the rectangular lamp, a substantially straight horizontal vibration absorbing hinge constructed of a resilient material interconnecting the supporting base and the lamp support to provide a shock mount between the lamp and the associated vehicle, at least one of said supporting base and said lamp support being constructed of an elastomeric material, said vibration absorbing hinge being integral with at least one of said supporting base and said lamp support, said hinge being located only on one of the adjacent sides of the supporting base and said lamp support so that the lamp support is free to pivot with respect to the supporting base, and a horizontal adjustment mechanism interconnecting the supporting base and said lamp support on the sides thereof opposite the hinge so that upon adjustment of the mechanism the lamp support will pivot about the hinge with respect to the supporting base.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
181 words
A shock mounting retainer assembly for a rectangular lamp, comprising: a generally rectangular supporting base adapted to be fixed to a vehicle, a generally rectangular lamp support mounted adjacent the supporting base and adapted to hold the rectangular lamp, a substantially straight horizontal vibration absorbing hinge constructed of a resilient material interconnecting the supporting base and the lamp support to provide a shock mount between the lamp and the associated vehicle, at least one of said supporting base and said lamp support being constructed of an elastomeric material, said vibration absorbing hinge being integral with at least one of said supporting base and said lamp support, said hinge being located only on one of the adjacent sides of the supporting base and said lamp support so that the lamp support is free to pivot with respect to the supporting base, and a horizontal adjustment mechanism interconnecting the supporting base and said lamp support on the sides thereof opposite the hinge so that upon adjustment of the mechanism the lamp support will pivot about the hinge with respect to the supporting base.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A shock mounting retainer assembly for a rectangular lamp as defined in claim 1, wherein the vibration absorbing hinge is constructed of rubber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
A shock mounting retainer assembly for a rectangular lamp as defined in claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a spring return means between the supporting base and the lamp support for continuously urging the lamp support to a reference position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
130 words
A shock mounting retainer assembly for a rectangular lamp, comprising: a one piece elastomeric rubber molding, said one piece rubber molding including; a rectangular base portion adapted to be fixed to a vehicle, a smaller rectangular lamp supporting portion positioned generally within the base portion, a substantially straight horizontally extending integral web portion interconnecting the base portion and the lamp supporting portion extending only along one of the adjacent sides of the base portion and the lamp supporting portion and having sufficient resiliency to permit pivotal movement between the base portion and the lamp supporting portion, and an adjustment mechanism between the base portion and the lamp supporting portion on the sides thereof opposite the web portion for continuously urging the lamp supporting portion to a plurality of predetermined positions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
130 words
A shock mounting retainer assembly for a rectangular lamp, comprising: a one piece elastomeric rubber molding, said one piece rubber molding including; a rectangular base portion adapted to be fixed to a vehicle, a smaller rectangular lamp supporting portion positioned generally within the base portion, a substantially straight horizontally extending integral web portion interconnecting the base portion and the lamp supporting portion extending only along one of the adjacent sides of the base portion and the lamp supporting portion and having sufficient resiliency to permit pivotal movement between the base portion and the lamp supporting portion, and an adjustment mechanism between the base portion and the lamp supporting portion on the sides thereof opposite the web portion for continuously urging the lamp supporting portion to a plurality of predetermined positions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
A shock mounting retainer assembly for a rectangular lamp as defined in claim 4, wherein the web portion has a horizontally extending length from the base portion and a vertically extending length from the horizontally extending length to the lamp supporting portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
156 words
A shock mounting retainer assembly for a rectangular vehicular lamp, comprising: a one piece rubber molding, said one piece rubber molding including; a rectangular base portion adapted to be fixed to a vehicle, a smaller rectangular lamp supporting portion positioned generally within the base portion, a substantially straight horizontally extending integral web portion interconnecting the base portion and the lamp supporting portion extending only along one of the adjacent sides of the base portion and the lamp supporting portion and having sufficient resiliency to permit pivotal movement between the base portion and the lamp supporting portion, an adjustment mechanism interconnecting the base portion and the lamp supporting portion for adjusting the position of the lamp supporting portion with respect to the base portion, and a rectangular metal frame insert molded in the base portion, said metal frame having a plurality of fastener receiving openings therein for receiving fasteners to attach the retainer assembly to the vehicle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
156 words
A shock mounting retainer assembly for a rectangular vehicular lamp, comprising: a one piece rubber molding, said one piece rubber molding including; a rectangular base portion adapted to be fixed to a vehicle, a smaller rectangular lamp supporting portion positioned generally within the base portion, a substantially straight horizontally extending integral web portion interconnecting the base portion and the lamp supporting portion extending only along one of the adjacent sides of the base portion and the lamp supporting portion and having sufficient resiliency to permit pivotal movement between the base portion and the lamp supporting portion, an adjustment mechanism interconnecting the base portion and the lamp supporting portion for adjusting the position of the lamp supporting portion with respect to the base portion, and a rectangular metal frame insert molded in the base portion, said metal frame having a plurality of fastener receiving openings therein for receiving fasteners to attach the retainer assembly to the vehicle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
178 words
A shock mounting retainer assembly for a rectangular vehicular lamp, comprising: a one piece rubber molding, said one piece rubber molding including; a rectangular base portion adapted to be fixed to a vehicle, a smaller rectangular lamp supporting portion positioned generally within the base portion, a substantially straight horizontally extending integral web portion interconnecting the base portion and lamp supporting portion extending only along one of the adjacent sides of the base portion and the lamp supporting portion and having sufficient resiliency to permit pivotal movement between the base portion and the lamp supporting portion, a rectangular metal frame insert molded in the base portion, said metal frame having a plurality of fastener receiving openings therein for receiving fasteners to attach the retainer assembly to the vehicle, and an adjustment mechanism including a spring assembly at the side of the molding opposite the web portion to continuously urge the lamp supporting position to a plurality of predetermined angular positions, said spring assembly engaging the metal frame at one end and the lamp supporting portion at the other end.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
178 words
A shock mounting retainer assembly for a rectangular vehicular lamp, comprising: a one piece rubber molding, said one piece rubber molding including; a rectangular base portion adapted to be fixed to a vehicle, a smaller rectangular lamp supporting portion positioned generally within the base portion, a substantially straight horizontally extending integral web portion interconnecting the base portion and lamp supporting portion extending only along one of the adjacent sides of the base portion and the lamp supporting portion and having sufficient resiliency to permit pivotal movement between the base portion and the lamp supporting portion, a rectangular metal frame insert molded in the base portion, said metal frame having a plurality of fastener receiving openings therein for receiving fasteners to attach the retainer assembly to the vehicle, and an adjustment mechanism including a spring assembly at the side of the molding opposite the web portion to continuously urge the lamp supporting position to a plurality of predetermined angular positions, said spring assembly engaging the metal frame at one end and the lamp supporting portion at the other end.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
200 words
A shock mounting retainer assembly for a vehicular rectangular lamp, comprising: a one piece rubber molding, said one piece rubber molding including; a rectangular base portion having a vertical flange and a horizontal flange, a rectangular lamp supporting portion within said base portion and having an internal opening for receiving a rectangular lamp, an elongated, substantially straight, horizontal integral web portion extending from an upper portion of the base portion horizontal flange, a vertical integral web portion extending from said horizontal web portion and connected to said lamp supporting portion so that the lamp supporting portion is pivotally mounted on the base portion, a rectangular metal frame insert molded in the base portion and having openings for receiving fasteners, said metal frame having a vertical flange and a horizontal flange with the horizontal flange extending into the horizontal web portion for rigidity, and an adjustment mechanism including a spring assembly engaging the lower part of the metal frame and the lower part of the lamp supporting portion opposite the web portions to continuously urge the lamp supporting portion to a predetermined position, said spring assembly being adjustable to vary the position of the lamp supporting portion in the base portion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
200 words
A shock mounting retainer assembly for a vehicular rectangular lamp, comprising: a one piece rubber molding, said one piece rubber molding including; a rectangular base portion having a vertical flange and a horizontal flange, a rectangular lamp supporting portion within said base portion and having an internal opening for receiving a rectangular lamp, an elongated, substantially straight, horizontal integral web portion extending from an upper portion of the base portion horizontal flange, a vertical integral web portion extending from said horizontal web portion and connected to said lamp supporting portion so that the lamp supporting portion is pivotally mounted on the base portion, a rectangular metal frame insert molded in the base portion and having openings for receiving fasteners, said metal frame having a vertical flange and a horizontal flange with the horizontal flange extending into the horizontal web portion for rigidity, and an adjustment mechanism including a spring assembly engaging the lower part of the metal frame and the lower part of the lamp supporting portion opposite the web portions to continuously urge the lamp supporting portion to a predetermined position, said spring assembly being adjustable to vary the position of the lamp supporting portion in the base portion.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
111 words
A shock mounting retainer assembly for a rectangular lamp, comprising: a one piece rubber molding, said one piece rubber molding including; a rectangular base portion adapted to be fixed to a vehicle, a smaller rectangular lamp supporting portion positioned generally within the base portion, a substantially straight, horizontally extending integral web portion interconnecting the base portion and the lamp supporting portion having sufficient resiliency to permit pivotal movement between the base portion and the lamp supporting portion; and adjustable means between said base portion and said lamp supporting portion on the sides thereof opposite the web portion for adjusting the angular position of the lamp supporting portion in the base portion.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
111 words
A shock mounting retainer assembly for a rectangular lamp, comprising: a one piece rubber molding, said one piece rubber molding including; a rectangular base portion adapted to be fixed to a vehicle, a smaller rectangular lamp supporting portion positioned generally within the base portion, a substantially straight, horizontally extending integral web portion interconnecting the base portion and the lamp supporting portion having sufficient resiliency to permit pivotal movement between the base portion and the lamp supporting portion; and adjustable means between said base portion and said lamp supporting portion on the sides thereof opposite the web portion for adjusting the angular position of the lamp supporting portion in the base portion.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
89 words
A shock mounting retainer assembly for a rectangular lamp, comprising: a generally rectangular supporting base adapted to be fixed to a vehicle, a generally rectangular lamp support adapted to receive the rectangular lamp, a substantially straight, horizontal vibration absorbing hinge interconnecting the supporting base and the lamp support only on one of the sides thereof to provide a vibration mount between the lamp and the associated vehicle, and adjustable means between said base and said lamp support for adjusting the pivotal position of the lamp support in the base.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
89 words
A shock mounting retainer assembly for a rectangular lamp, comprising: a generally rectangular supporting base adapted to be fixed to a vehicle, a generally rectangular lamp support adapted to receive the rectangular lamp, a substantially straight, horizontal vibration absorbing hinge interconnecting the supporting base and the lamp support only on one of the sides thereof to provide a vibration mount between the lamp and the associated vehicle, and adjustable means between said base and said lamp support for adjusting the pivotal position of the lamp support in the base.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
113 words
A vibration absorbing retainer for a vehicular rectangular lamp, comprising: an integral elastomeric body having a generally rectangular configuration, said body having an elongated first portion adapted to be fixed with respect to the vehicle, said body having a generally rectangular second portion for receiving and supporting the rectangular lamp, said body having an integral web portion interconnecting the first portion and the second portion to permit pivotal movement of the second portion about the first portion and also to vibration mount the second portion, and means positioned on the side of the body opposite the web portion for adjusting the angular position of the second portion with respect to the first portion.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
113 words
A vibration absorbing retainer for a vehicular rectangular lamp, comprising: an integral elastomeric body having a generally rectangular configuration, said body having an elongated first portion adapted to be fixed with respect to the vehicle, said body having a generally rectangular second portion for receiving and supporting the rectangular lamp, said body having an integral web portion interconnecting the first portion and the second portion to permit pivotal movement of the second portion about the first portion and also to vibration mount the second portion, and means positioned on the side of the body opposite the web portion for adjusting the angular position of the second portion with respect to the first portion.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
34 words
A vibration absorbing retainer for a vehicular rectangular lamp as defined in claim 11, wherein the web portion is approximately coextensive in length with the width of the first portion and the second portion.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
A vibration absorbing retainer for a vehicular rectangular lamp as defined in claim 12, in which the web portion has openings therethrough.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
A vibration absorbing retainer for a vehicular rectangular lamp as defined in claim 12, in which the web portion is continuous.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
31 words
A vibration absorbing retainer for a vehicular rectangular lamp as defined in claim 11, including a rigid metal member fixed to and extending across the first portion to provide support therefor.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
31 words
A vibration absorbing retainer for a vehicular rectangular lamp as defined in claim 15, including two widely spaced fastener receiving openings extending through the first portion and the metal support member.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
A vibration absorbing retainer for a vehicular rectangular lamp as defined in claim 11, wherein said web portion has a plurality of horizontally extending openings therethrough.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
104 words
A vibration absorbing retainer for a vehicular rectangular lamp as defined in claim 11, wherein the means for adjusting the angular position of the second portion with respect to the first portion includes an integral projection extending downwardly from the second portion, an insert in the second portion projection having a threaded opening therethrough, a threaded adjusting member threadedly received in the insert opening, and plate means for axially locating the threaded adjusting member with respect to the vehicle so that upon rotation of the adjusting member the second portion holding the lamp may be pivoted about the first portion of the elastomeric body.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
55 words
A vibration absorbing retainer for a vehicular rectangular lamp as defined in claim 18, wherein the plate means includes two spaced plates rotatably supporting the ends of the threaded adjusting member, and a spacer tube extending between and fixed to the spaced plates, said insert having a bore therethrough slidably mounted on the spacer tube.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
34 words
A vibration absorbing retainer for a vehicular rectangular lamp as defined in claim 11, wherein the second portion has internally positioned lugs limiting the rearward axial movement of the lamp in the second portion.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
30 words
A vibration absorbing retainer for a vehicular rectangular lamp as defined in claim 11, wherein the elongated first portion of the body includes spaced lobes, each having mounting openings therethrough.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
97 words
A vibration absorbing retainer for a vehicular rectangular lamp unit, comprising; an integral elastomeric body having a generally rectangular configuration, said body having an elongated fixed portion adapted to be connected to the vehicle, said body having a generally rectangular lamp unit receiving portion, an elongated substantially straight integral web portion interconnecting the elongated fixed portion and the lamp unit receiving portion to provide a vibration absorbing mount for the lamp unit receiving portion and the lamp unit therein, and means positioned opposite the web portion for adjusting the fixed portion with respect to the receiving portion.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
97 words
A vibration absorbing retainer for a vehicular rectangular lamp unit, comprising; an integral elastomeric body having a generally rectangular configuration, said body having an elongated fixed portion adapted to be connected to the vehicle, said body having a generally rectangular lamp unit receiving portion, an elongated substantially straight integral web portion interconnecting the elongated fixed portion and the lamp unit receiving portion to provide a vibration absorbing mount for the lamp unit receiving portion and the lamp unit therein, and means positioned opposite the web portion for adjusting the fixed portion with respect to the receiving portion.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
26 words
A vibration absorbing retainer for a vehicular rectangular lamp unit as defined in claim 22, wherein the elongated fixed first portion includes two integral spaced lobes.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
102 words
A vibration absorbing retainer assembly for a vehicular rectangular lamp, comprising; an elongated generally horizontal member adapted to be fixed with respect to the vehicle, a generally rectangular member constructed of elastomeric material for receiving and supporting the rectangular lamp, an elongated substantially straight flexible web between the horizontal member and the generally rectangular member on one of the sides thereof to permit pivotal movement of the rectangular member about a generally horizontal axis, with respect to the horizontal member, and means positioned between the horizontal member and the rectangular member for pivoting the rectangular member with respect to the horizontal member.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
102 words
A vibration absorbing retainer assembly for a vehicular rectangular lamp, comprising; an elongated generally horizontal member adapted to be fixed with respect to the vehicle, a generally rectangular member constructed of elastomeric material for receiving and supporting the rectangular lamp, an elongated substantially straight flexible web between the horizontal member and the generally rectangular member on one of the sides thereof to permit pivotal movement of the rectangular member about a generally horizontal axis, with respect to the horizontal member, and means positioned between the horizontal member and the rectangular member for pivoting the rectangular member with respect to the horizontal member.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
30 words
A vibration absorbing retainer assembly for a vehicular rectangular lamp as defined in claim 24, wherein the horizontal member, the rectangular member and the web are a one-piece elastomeric molding.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
55 words
A vibration absorbing retainer assembly for a vehicular rectangular lamp as defined in claim 24, including a metal bar extending across and fixed to the elongated member for rigidity, and a plurality of fastener receiving openings in the elongated member and the metal bar to receive fasteners for attaching the retainer assembly to the vehicle.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
98 words
A vibration absorbing retainer assembly for a vehicular rectangular lamp as defined in claim 24, wherein the means for pivoting the rectangular member with respect to the horizontal member includes an integral projection extending downwardly from the rectangular member, an insert in the rectangular member projection having a threaded opening therein, a threaded adjusting member threadedly received in the insert threaded opening, and plate means for axially locating the adjusting member with respect to the vehicle so that upon rotation of the adjusting member the rectangular member for holding the lamp may be pivoted about the horizontal member.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
52 words
A vibration absorbing retainer assembly for a vehicular rectangular lamp as defined in claim 27, wherein the plate means includes two spaced discs rotatably supporting the ends of the adjusting member, and a spacer tube extending between and supporting the discs, said insert having a bore therethrough slidably receiving the spacer tube.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
34 words
A vibration absorbing retainer assembly for a vehicular rectangular lamp as defined in claim 24, wherein the rectangular member has internally positioned lugs limiting the rearward movement of the lamp in the rectangular member.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
113 words
A vibration absorbing retainer assembly for a vehicular rectangular lamp, comprising; an elongated base member, a generally rectangular support member for the lamp positioned with one side thereof adjacent the base member, a substantially straight elastomeric hinge interconnecting the base member and the lamp support member to provide for angular positioning of the lamp support member with respect to the base member and also to vibration mount the lamp support member with respect to the base memeber, and an adjustment mechanism between the base member and the support member on the side of the support member opposite the hinge for adjusting the angular position of the support member with respect to base member.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
113 words
A vibration absorbing retainer assembly for a vehicular rectangular lamp, comprising; an elongated base member, a generally rectangular support member for the lamp positioned with one side thereof adjacent the base member, a substantially straight elastomeric hinge interconnecting the base member and the lamp support member to provide for angular positioning of the lamp support member with respect to the base member and also to vibration mount the lamp support member with respect to the base memeber, and an adjustment mechanism between the base member and the support member on the side of the support member opposite the hinge for adjusting the angular position of the support member with respect to base member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-08-16 | 1986-02-15 | 1986-08-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-08-16 | 1990-02-15 | 1990-08-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-08-16 | 1994-02-15 | 1994-08-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |