US5636056A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device for preventing signal lamps from presenting false lighting phenomenon
Assignee: Singoh Denzai KK
•
Filing: 1993-07-02
•
Granted: 1997-06-03
•
Expires: 2013-07-02
Abstract
Abstract A device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon is provided between a light source of the main body of a signal lamp and e cover lens for preventing the signal lamp from presenting a false lighting phenomenon. The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon comprises a pair of complex spherical lenses formed by many numbers of spheres arranged in a matrix on planes, and configured in a chain form in which the contact points, front, rear, left and right sides, of each of the spheres truncate the spheres forming a gapless interface while the upper and lower spherical surfaces are left intact to function as spherical lenses. A shielding element is interposed between the pair of complex spherical lenses and has light transmitting slits for receiving each lens surface of the spherical lenses from corresponding sides to function as a spacer for positioning the focuses of the spherical lenses on one side in the vicinity of the vertices of the corresponding lens surfaces of spherical lenses on the other side.
Inventors
- 👤 Takashi Itonaga
- 👤 Toshio Tomosada
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 10:01
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B3/00; G02B3/0006; G02B3/0037; G02B3/0056; F; F21; F21S; F21S43/00; F21S43/20; F21S43/26; G08; G08G; G08G1/00; G08G1/09; G08G1/095; F21W; F21W2111/00; F21W2111/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 52
Claim 1
Independent Claim
179 words
A device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon provided between a light source of a main body of a signal lamp and a cover lens, the device comprising: a pair of complex spherical lenses each formed of spheres arranged in a planar matrix, said spheres being truncated to have a substantially square outline in said planar matrix allowing said spheres to form lines of continuous contact with each other along front, rear, left and right sides of each of the spheres thereby eliminating gaps between said spheres; said spheres having first and second spherical lens surfaces on opposing sides of said complex spherical lenses forming spherical lenses; a shielding element interposed between said pair of complex spherical lenses and having light transmitting slits for supportively receiving adjacent ones of said spherical lens surfaces of said spherical lenses; and said shielding element having a thickness for functioning as a spacer to position focal points of said spherical lenses on one side of said shielding element proximate corresponding vertices of the spherical lenses on an opposite side of said shielding element.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
179 words
A device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon provided between a light source of a main body of a signal lamp and a cover lens, the device comprising: a pair of complex spherical lenses each formed of spheres arranged in a planar matrix, said spheres being truncated to have a substantially square outline in said planar matrix allowing said spheres to form lines of continuous contact with each other along front, rear, left and right sides of each of the spheres thereby eliminating gaps between said spheres; said spheres having first and second spherical lens surfaces on opposing sides of said complex spherical lenses forming spherical lenses; a shielding element interposed between said pair of complex spherical lenses and having light transmitting slits for supportively receiving adjacent ones of said spherical lens surfaces of said spherical lenses; and said shielding element having a thickness for functioning as a spacer to position focal points of said spherical lenses on one side of said shielding element proximate corresponding vertices of the spherical lenses on an opposite side of said shielding element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to any of claim 1, wherein said shielding element is colored in shades of black.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 1, wherein said shielding element is provided with a mirror section on an inner side portion of the light transmitting slits proximate said light source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 1, wherein said pair of complex spherical lenses are arranged to be fixed to each other at least in a central part thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 1, wherein said complex spherical lenses are formed of one of an acrylic resin and a glass material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 1, wherein said shielding element is formed of a molded plastic.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 3, wherein said pair of complex spherical lenses are arranged to be fixed to each other at least in a central part thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 3, wherein said complex spherical lenses are formed of one of an acrylic resin and a glass material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 3, wherein said shielding element is formed of a molded plastic.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 4, wherein said complex spherical lenses are formed of one of an acrylic resin and a glass material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 4 wherein said shielding element is formed of a molded plastic.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 5, wherein said shielding element is formed of a molded plastic.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
197 words
A device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon provided between a light source of a main body of a signal lamp and a cover lens, the device comprising: a pair of complex spherical lenses each formed of spheres arranged in a planar matrix, said spheres being truncated to have a substantially square outline in said planar matrix allowing said spheres to form lines of continuous contact with each other along front, rear, left and right sides of each of the spheres thereby eliminating gaps between said spheres; said spheres having first and second spherical lens surfaces on opposing sides of said complex spherical lenses forming spherical lenses; a shielding element interposed between said pair of complex spherical lenses and having light transmitting slits for supportively receiving adjacent ones of said spherical lens surfaces of said spherical lenses; said shielding element having a thickness for positioning focal points of said spherical lenses on one side of said shielding element proximate corresponding vertices of the spherical lenses on an opposite side of said shielding element; and each of the light transmitting slits of said shielding element receiving three spherical lenses of the complex spherical lenses from the corresponding side.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
197 words
A device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon provided between a light source of a main body of a signal lamp and a cover lens, the device comprising: a pair of complex spherical lenses each formed of spheres arranged in a planar matrix, said spheres being truncated to have a substantially square outline in said planar matrix allowing said spheres to form lines of continuous contact with each other along front, rear, left and right sides of each of the spheres thereby eliminating gaps between said spheres; said spheres having first and second spherical lens surfaces on opposing sides of said complex spherical lenses forming spherical lenses; a shielding element interposed between said pair of complex spherical lenses and having light transmitting slits for supportively receiving adjacent ones of said spherical lens surfaces of said spherical lenses; said shielding element having a thickness for positioning focal points of said spherical lenses on one side of said shielding element proximate corresponding vertices of the spherical lenses on an opposite side of said shielding element; and each of the light transmitting slits of said shielding element receiving three spherical lenses of the complex spherical lenses from the corresponding side.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
70 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 13, wherein the light transmitting slits of said shielding element define cross bars and at least one vertical bar, the at least one vertical bar intersects central parts of the cross bars, and the at least one vertical bar and the cross bars are disposed to interface with lens boundaries of the spherical lenses of said complex spherical lenses.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 13, wherein said shielding element is colored in shades of black.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 13, wherein said shielding element is provided with a mirror section on an inner side portion of the light transmitting slits proximate said light source.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 13, wherein said pair of complex spherical lenses are arranged to be fixed to each other at least in a central part thereof.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 13, wherein said complex spherical lenses are formed of one of an acrylic resin and a glass material.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 13, wherein said shielding element is formed of a molded plastic.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
231 words
A device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon provided between a light source of a main body of a signal lamp and a cover lens, the device comprising: a pair of complex spherical lenses each formed of spheres arranged in a planar matrix, said spheres being truncated to have a substantially square outline in said planar matrix allowing said spheres to form lines of continuous contact with each other along front, rear, left and right sides of each of the spheres thereby eliminating gaps between said spheres; said spheres having first and second spherical lens surfaces on opposing sides of said complex spherical lenses forming spherical lenses; a shielding element interposed between said pair of complex spherical lenses and having light transmitting slits for supportively receiving adjacent ones of said spherical lens surfaces of said spherical lenses; said shielding element having a thickness for positioning focal points of said spherical lenses on one side of said shielding element proximate corresponding vertices of the spherical lenses on an opposite side of said shielding element; and the light transmitting slits of said shielding element defining cross bars and at least one vertical bar, the at least one vertical bar intersecting central parts of the cross bars, and the at least one vertical bar and the cross bars being disposed to interface with lens boundaries of the spherical lenses of said complex spherical lenses.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
231 words
A device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon provided between a light source of a main body of a signal lamp and a cover lens, the device comprising: a pair of complex spherical lenses each formed of spheres arranged in a planar matrix, said spheres being truncated to have a substantially square outline in said planar matrix allowing said spheres to form lines of continuous contact with each other along front, rear, left and right sides of each of the spheres thereby eliminating gaps between said spheres; said spheres having first and second spherical lens surfaces on opposing sides of said complex spherical lenses forming spherical lenses; a shielding element interposed between said pair of complex spherical lenses and having light transmitting slits for supportively receiving adjacent ones of said spherical lens surfaces of said spherical lenses; said shielding element having a thickness for positioning focal points of said spherical lenses on one side of said shielding element proximate corresponding vertices of the spherical lenses on an opposite side of said shielding element; and the light transmitting slits of said shielding element defining cross bars and at least one vertical bar, the at least one vertical bar intersecting central parts of the cross bars, and the at least one vertical bar and the cross bars being disposed to interface with lens boundaries of the spherical lenses of said complex spherical lenses.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 20, wherein said shielding element is colored in shades of black.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 20, wherein said shielding element is provided with a mirror section on an inner side portion of the light transmitting slits proximate said light source.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 2, wherein said shielding element is provided with a mirror section on an inner side portion of the light transmitting slits proximate said light source.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 20, wherein said pair of complex spherical lenses are arranged to be fixed to each other at least in a central part thereof.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 2, wherein said pair of complex spherical lenses are arranged to be fixed to each other at least in a central part thereof.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 20, wherein said complex spherical lenses are formed of one of an acrylic resin and a glass material.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 2, wherein said complex spherical lenses are formed of one of an acrylic resin and a glass material.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 20, wherein said shielding element is formed of a molded plastic.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 2, wherein said shielding element is formed of a molded plastic.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
184 words
A device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon provided between a light source of a main body of a signal lamp and a cover lens, the device comprising: a pair of complex spherical lenses each formed of spheres arranged in a planar matrix, said spheres being truncated to have a substantially square outline in said planar matrix allowing said spheres to form lines of continuous contact with each other along front, rear, left and right sides of each of the spheres thereby eliminating gaps between said spheres; said spheres having first and second spherical lens surfaces on opposing sides of said complex spherical lenses forming spherical lenses; a shielding element interposed between said pair of complex spherical lenses and having light transmitting slits, each of said light transmitting slits supportively receiving a line of said spherical lens surfaces of said spherical lenses in said planar matrix; and said shielding element functioning as a spacer for positioning focal points of said spherical lenses on one side of said shielding element proximate corresponding vertices of the spherical lenses on an opposite side of said shielding element.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
184 words
A device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon provided between a light source of a main body of a signal lamp and a cover lens, the device comprising: a pair of complex spherical lenses each formed of spheres arranged in a planar matrix, said spheres being truncated to have a substantially square outline in said planar matrix allowing said spheres to form lines of continuous contact with each other along front, rear, left and right sides of each of the spheres thereby eliminating gaps between said spheres; said spheres having first and second spherical lens surfaces on opposing sides of said complex spherical lenses forming spherical lenses; a shielding element interposed between said pair of complex spherical lenses and having light transmitting slits, each of said light transmitting slits supportively receiving a line of said spherical lens surfaces of said spherical lenses in said planar matrix; and said shielding element functioning as a spacer for positioning focal points of said spherical lenses on one side of said shielding element proximate corresponding vertices of the spherical lenses on an opposite side of said shielding element.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
70 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 30, wherein the light transmitting slits of said shielding element define cross bars and at least one vertical bar, the at least one vertical bar intersects central parts of the cross bars, and the at least one vertical bar and the cross bars are disposed to interface with lens boundaries of the spherical lenses of said complex spherical lenses.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 30, wherein said shielding element is colored in shades of black.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 30, wherein said shielding element is provided with a mirror section on an inner side portion of the light transmitting slits proximate said light source.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 30, wherein said pair of complex spherical lenses are arranged to be fixed to each other at least in a central part thereof.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 30, wherein said complex spherical lenses are formed of one of an acrylic resin and a glass material.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 30, wherein said shielding element is formed of a molded plastic.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
186 words
A device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon provided between a light source of a main body of a signal lamp and a cover lens, the device comprising: a pair of complex spherical lenses each formed of spheres arranged in a planar matrix, said spheres being truncated to have a substantially square outline in said planar matrix allowing said spheres to form lines of continuous contact with each other along front, rear, left and right sides of each of the spheres thereby eliminating gaps between said spheres; said spheres having first and second spherical lens surfaces on opposing sides of said complex spherical lenses forming spherical lenses; a shielding element interposed between said pair of complex spherical lenses and having light transmitting slits, each of said light transmitting slits supportively receiving a plurality of lines of said spherical lens surfaces of said spherical lenses in said planar matrix; and said shielding element functioning as a spacer for positioning focal points of said spherical lenses On one side of said shielding element proximate corresponding vertices of the spherical lenses on an opposite side of said shielding element.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
186 words
A device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon provided between a light source of a main body of a signal lamp and a cover lens, the device comprising: a pair of complex spherical lenses each formed of spheres arranged in a planar matrix, said spheres being truncated to have a substantially square outline in said planar matrix allowing said spheres to form lines of continuous contact with each other along front, rear, left and right sides of each of the spheres thereby eliminating gaps between said spheres; said spheres having first and second spherical lens surfaces on opposing sides of said complex spherical lenses forming spherical lenses; a shielding element interposed between said pair of complex spherical lenses and having light transmitting slits, each of said light transmitting slits supportively receiving a plurality of lines of said spherical lens surfaces of said spherical lenses in said planar matrix; and said shielding element functioning as a spacer for positioning focal points of said spherical lenses On one side of said shielding element proximate corresponding vertices of the spherical lenses on an opposite side of said shielding element.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
70 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 37, wherein the light transmitting slits of said shielding element define cross bars and at least one vertical bar, the at least one vertical bar intersects central parts of the cross bars, and the at least one vertical bar and the cross bars are disposed to interface with lens boundaries of the spherical lenses of said complex spherical lenses.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 37, wherein said shielding element is colored in shades of black.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 37, wherein said shielding element is provided with a mirror section on an inner side portion of the light transmitting slits proximate said light source.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 37, wherein said pair of complex spherical lenses are arranged to be fixed to each other at least in a central part thereof.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 37, wherein said complex spherical lenses are formed of one of an acrylic resin and a glass material.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device for preventing a false lighting phenomenon according to claim 37, wherein said shielding element is formed of a molded plastic.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
211 words
A signal lamp comprising: a main body forming a reflective lens and having a projecting aperture and a light source disposed proximate a focal point of the reflective lens; a cover lens covering said projecting aperture; and a planar lens assembly disposed between said light source and said cover lens, said planar lens assembly comprising: a pair of complex spherical lenses each formed of spheres arranged in a planar matrix, said spheres being truncated to have a substantially square outline in said planar matrix allowing said spheres to form lines of continuous contact with each other along front, rear, left and right sides of each of the spheres thereby eliminating gaps between said spheres; said spheres having first and second spherical lens surfaces on opposing sides of said complex spherical lenses forming spherical lenses; a shielding element interposed between said pair of complex spherical lenses and having light transmitting slits, each of said light transmitting slits supportively receiving a line of said spherical lens surfaces of said spherical lenses in said planar matrix; and said shielding element functioning as a spacer for positioning focal points of said spherical lenses on one side of said shielding element proximate corresponding vertices of the spherical lenses on an opposite side of said shielding element.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
211 words
A signal lamp comprising: a main body forming a reflective lens and having a projecting aperture and a light source disposed proximate a focal point of the reflective lens; a cover lens covering said projecting aperture; and a planar lens assembly disposed between said light source and said cover lens, said planar lens assembly comprising: a pair of complex spherical lenses each formed of spheres arranged in a planar matrix, said spheres being truncated to have a substantially square outline in said planar matrix allowing said spheres to form lines of continuous contact with each other along front, rear, left and right sides of each of the spheres thereby eliminating gaps between said spheres; said spheres having first and second spherical lens surfaces on opposing sides of said complex spherical lenses forming spherical lenses; a shielding element interposed between said pair of complex spherical lenses and having light transmitting slits, each of said light transmitting slits supportively receiving a line of said spherical lens surfaces of said spherical lenses in said planar matrix; and said shielding element functioning as a spacer for positioning focal points of said spherical lenses on one side of said shielding element proximate corresponding vertices of the spherical lenses on an opposite side of said shielding element.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
235 words
A method of preventing false lighting phenomena in a signal lamp having a main body forming a reflective lens and having a projecting aperture, a light source disposed proximate a focal point of the reflective lens, and a cover lens covering said projecting aperture, the method comprising the steps of: forming a pair of complex spherical lenses each having spheres arranged in a planar matrix, said spheres being truncated to have a substantially square outline in said planar matrix allowing said spheres to form lines of continuous contact with each other along front, rear, left and right sides of each of the spheres thereby eliminating gaps between said spheres, and said spheres having first and second spherical lens surfaces on opposing sides of said complex spherical lenses forming spherical lenses; interposing a shielding element between said pair of complex spherical lenses and having light transmitting slits; fixing together said complex spherical lenses with said shielding element to form a spherical lens assembly with each of said light transmitting slits supportively receiving a line of said spherical lens surfaces of said spherical lenses; dimensioning said shielding element to function as a spacer for positioning focal points of said spherical lenses on one side of said shielding element proximate corresponding vertices of the spherical lenses on an opposite side of said shielding element; and disposing said spherical lens assembly between said light source and said cover lens.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
235 words
A method of preventing false lighting phenomena in a signal lamp having a main body forming a reflective lens and having a projecting aperture, a light source disposed proximate a focal point of the reflective lens, and a cover lens covering said projecting aperture, the method comprising the steps of: forming a pair of complex spherical lenses each having spheres arranged in a planar matrix, said spheres being truncated to have a substantially square outline in said planar matrix allowing said spheres to form lines of continuous contact with each other along front, rear, left and right sides of each of the spheres thereby eliminating gaps between said spheres, and said spheres having first and second spherical lens surfaces on opposing sides of said complex spherical lenses forming spherical lenses; interposing a shielding element between said pair of complex spherical lenses and having light transmitting slits; fixing together said complex spherical lenses with said shielding element to form a spherical lens assembly with each of said light transmitting slits supportively receiving a line of said spherical lens surfaces of said spherical lenses; dimensioning said shielding element to function as a spacer for positioning focal points of said spherical lenses on one side of said shielding element proximate corresponding vertices of the spherical lenses on an opposite side of said shielding element; and disposing said spherical lens assembly between said light source and said cover lens.
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