Headlights with variably shaped optical elements

• US 5,438,486 A
• Filed: 07/20/1992
• Issued: 08/01/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 07/20/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Edward P. Mcnair
• Original Assignee: Edward P. Mcnair
• Inventors: McNair, Edward P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Price, Carl D.
• Application Number:
  US07/916,373
• Time in Patent Office: 1,107 Days
• Field of Search: 362/61, 362/318, 362/319, 362/284, 362/278, 362/101, 362/96
• US Class Current: 362/512
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/1415 Dimming circuits
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 41/645 by electro-optic means, e.g. liquid crystal or electrochromic devices
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 3/14 of variable focal length

Abstract

Variably shaped lenses that adjust the shape of the light beam of vehicle headlights. The shape of the lenses is changed by the transfer of a liquid between the lens assembly and an external cylinder. Baffles are used in the refracting portion of the lens to prevent shifting of the liquid and distortion of the lens when the vehicle accelerates.

Claims

1. A vehicle headlight comprised of:

(a) a housing fixed to the body of a vehicle, said housing having a forward light exit aperture, a light source mounted within said housing, a reflector mounted within said housing, said reflector positioned to a rear of said housing for reflecting at least some of the light rays generated by said light source through said exit aperture;

(b) a lens comprised of two transparent members, at least one of said transparent members being flexible, said transparent members and a rim defining a hollow chamber, said chamber being filled with a transparent liquid, said chamber having a port, said port being fluidly connected to an external means of adjusting the volume of said liquid in said chamber;

(c) said lens covering said aperture, the periphery of said lens being positioned in contact with said housing by said rim, whereby at least some of said light rays pass through said chamber containing said liquid;

(d) the improvement wherein said chamber contains at least one baffle, said baffle being supported by at least one said transparent member.

2. The lens of claim 1 wherein said baffle is, in part, elastic.

3. The lens of claim 1 wherein said baffle is comprised of a sponge made of rubber.

4. The lens of claim 1 wherein said baffle is, in part, transparent.

5. The lens of claim 1 wherein said baffle is configured to compart a portion of said chamber whereby the flow of a portion of said liquid is held back.

6. The lens of claim 1 wherein said baffle is configured to divert a portion of the flow of said liquid.

7. A vehicle headlight comprised of:

(a) a housing having an opening through which light is transmitted, a light source mounted within said housing, a reflector mounted within said housing, said reflector positioned at a rear of said housing, said reflector positioned to redirect light from said source through said opening;

(b) a transparent lens, said lens containing, in part, a hollow chamber, said chamber being filled with a transparent liquid, at least a portion of said lens defining said chamber being flexible, said chamber having a port, said port being fluidly connected to an external means of adjusting the volume of said liquid in said chamber;

(c) a means for mounting said transparent lens about its periphery in a fixed location enclosing said opening and said reflector, said reflector reflecting at least some of said light rays forward through said chamber and said opening;

(d) the improvement wherein said chamber contains at least one baffle, said baffle being supported by at least one surface of said chamber.

8. The lens of claim 7 wherein said baffle is, in part, elastic.

9. The lens of claim 7 wherein said baffle is comprised of a sponge made of rubber.

10. The lens of claim 7 wherein said baffle is, in part, transparent.

11. The lens of claim 7 wherein said baffle is configured to compart a portion of said chamber whereby the flow of a portion of said liquid is held back.

12. The lens of claim 7, wherein said baffle is configured to divert a portion of the flow of said liquid.