Light source assembly for motorcycle tail light

• US 6,120,167 A
• Filed: 07/24/1998
• Issued: 09/19/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 07/24/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Harley Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Harley Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson Incorporated)
• Inventors: Nace, John E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Spyrou, Cassandra
• Assistant Examiner(s): BOUTSIKARIS, LEONIDAS
• Application Number:
  US09/122,351
• Time in Patent Office: 788 Days
• Field of Search: 362/226, 362/473, 362/475, 362/476, 362/548, 362/549, 362/374, 362/375
• US Class Current: 362/473
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/30 for indicating rear of vehicle, e.g. by means of reflecting surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/56 for illuminating registrations or the like , e.g. for licence plates
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 6/04 Rear lights

Abstract

The present invention is a motorcycle tail light comprising a housing, a lens and a light source assembly. The light source assembly includes a resilient base and a light source detachably mounted to the base. The resilient base dampens vibrations which are transferred to the light source through the housing of the tail light. The resilient base of the present invention may also have an asymmetrical shape to ensure that the light source is properly aligned within the tail light. In addition, the base may also include one or more resilient ribs adapted to compress when the base is mounted within the housing of the tail light. The rib configuration permits easy insertion of the base into the housing while making withdrawal of the base from the housing more difficult. The light source assembly also includes an elastomer member positioned between the base and the light source to further dampen the vibrations that reach the light source.

Claims

1. A motorcycle tail light comprising:

a housing having an asymmetrical opening;

a lens mounted to said housing; and

a light source assembly including;

an asymmetrical base mounted within said asymmetrical opening such that said light source assembly can only be mounted within said housing in a single orientation, and

a light source mounted to said asymmetrical base.

2. The motorcycle tail light of claim 1 wherein said base includes a recess in which said light source is mounted, said recess having a central axis, and wherein said base includes an arcuate portion having a center axis of curvature that substantially coincides with said central axis.

3. The motorcycle tail light of claim 2 wherein said base further includes at least three substantially straight portions.

4. A motorcycle tail light comprising:

a housing;

a lens mounted to said housing; and

a light source assembly between said lens and said housing, said light source assembly comprising;

a base having an aperture,

a light source mounted within said aperture, and

an elastomer member positioned in said aperture and compressed between said light source and said base, such that said elastomer member biases said light source to hold said light source within said aperture.

5. The motorcycle tail light of claim 4 wherein said elastomer member includes an opening and said light source assembly further includes a wire extending through said opening in said elastomer into contact with said light source, said elastomer member providing a seal against said wire.

6. The motorcycle tail light of claim 4 wherein said base includes an opening, and wherein said elastomer member extends through said opening and seals said opening when said elastomer member is compressed between said light source and said base.

7. The motorcycle tail light of claim 6 wherein said elastomer member and said opening are substantially rectangular, and wherein said elastomer member further includes a circular section that is larger than said opening.