Dual function console lamp with integrated switching
First Claim
1. A dual function console lamp comprising:
- a bezel having at least one lamp housing aperture;
a lamp housing having eccentrically positioned outwardly extending collinear pivot pins that allow the lamp housing to pivot from a retracted dome lighting position in a plane generally parallel to the bezel, out of the plane to an extended reading light position;
a retainer for rotatably securing the lamp housing to the bezel so that the lamp housing can rotate about an axis generally normal to the bezel; and
a switch operated by movement of the lamp housing between the retracted and extended positions.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Dual function console lighting with integrated switching includes a lamp housing held by a retainer within a bezel secured to a vehicle interior. The lamp housing includes eccentrically positioned collinear pivot arms relative to a central longitudinal axis of a lamp positioned within the housing. The pivot arms engage the retainer to hold the lamp housing within the retainer while allowing the lamp housing to pivot relative to the plane of the retainer. The retainer is rotatably held within the bezel by a plurality of snap features spaced around its circumference, allowing the lamp housing and retainer to rotate. A latching mechanism holds the lamp housing in a retracted position with a lens of the housing preferably substantially flush relative to immediately surrounding portions of the bezel. A spring provides a force to pivot the housing about the pivot arms to a second position when the latch is released. An integrated switch is operated by movement of the housing between the first and second positions to turn the lamp on in the extended position. A second switch is provided to select manual or automatic operation of the lamp when in the retracted position. Automatic operation may be actuated by a remotely located auxiliary switch, such as a door switch, for example. The lamp housing preferably includes an integrated lens that includes a protrusion to facilitate rotation of the housing within the retainer. A dimple may also be providing in the lens to facilitate operation of the integrated switch.
31 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A dual function console lamp comprising:
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a bezel having at least one lamp housing aperture; a lamp housing having eccentrically positioned outwardly extending collinear pivot pins that allow the lamp housing to pivot from a retracted dome lighting position in a plane generally parallel to the bezel, out of the plane to an extended reading light position; a retainer for rotatably securing the lamp housing to the bezel so that the lamp housing can rotate about an axis generally normal to the bezel; and a switch operated by movement of the lamp housing between the retracted and extended positions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A console lamp for a vehicle interior, the lamp comprising:
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a bezel having a plurality of lamp housing apertures, a main switch aperture, and a plurality of retaining members positioned around each lamp housing aperture; a lamp housing corresponding to each lamp housing aperture, the lamp housing having non-diametrically positioned pivot pins that allow the lamp housing to pivot from a retracted dome lighting position to an extended reading light position, the lamp housing also including a latch striker and a switch striker; a retainer ring having a flange for engaging the retaining members of a corresponding lamp housing aperture for rotatably securing the lamp housing to the bezel so that the retainer ring and lamp housing can rotate within the bezel, the retainer ring including a plurality of pivot apertures cooperating with the pivot pins to pivotally hold the lamp housing within the retainer and a mounting flange for mounting a latching mechanism; a latching mechanism secured to the mounting flange for releasably holding the latch striker and the lamp housing in the retracted position; a spring engaging the lamp housing and exerting a force to move the lamp housing from the retracted position to the extended position when the latch striker is released by the latching mechanism; a hidden switch operated by the switch striker when moving the lamp housing between the retracted and extended positions to illuminate an associated lamp within the lamp housing when the lamp housing is in the extended position; and a main switch extending through the switch aperture of the bezel to operate the lamp when the lamp housing is in the retracted position. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A dual function console lamp for a vehicle interior, the lamp comprising:
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a bezel defining a first plane; a housing disposed within an aperture of the bezel and adapted to receive a lamp, the housing being pivotable about a first axis to extend at an angle out of the first plane relative to the bezel to provide illumination to a first target area and to retract substantially flush with the bezel in the first plane to provide illumination to a second target area, the housing being rotatable within the first plane about a second axis; and a switch operable by movement of the housing, wherein the switch provides power to the lamp when the housing is pivoted out of the first plane. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification