Detachable light assembly

• US 7,712,950 B1
• Filed: 10/27/2008
• Issued: 05/11/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/27/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: A Addario
• Original Assignee: A Addario
• Inventors: Addario, Aldo
• Primary Examiner(s): Husar; Stephen F
• Application Number:
  US12/290,030
• Publication Number:
  US 20100103693A1
• Time in Patent Office: 561 Days
• Field of Search: 362/370, 362/625, 362/655, 362656-659, 439/346, 439/368
• US Class Current: 362/655
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/0088 Details of electrical connections B60Q1/305 takes precedence; electrical connection of the light source itself F21S41/192, F21S43/195
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/305 Indicating devices for towed vehicles

Abstract

An improved multi-point locking mechanism in combination with a lamp assembly and a support assembly with mating, cooperating plug connectors providing a detachable lamp assembly for use on vehicles, such as boat trailers, for quick removal before exposure to corrosive water. The improved locking mechanism, in addition to providing a means for quick detachment and removal of the light assembly, provides a stronger and durable engagement with the support assembly preventing accidental dislodgement while towing vehicles, like boat trailers. The locking mechanism comprising a corrosive resistant L-shaped member having a horizontal extending plate with a hole through the distal end, and a downward depending section retractably positioned within the support assembly. In the engaged position, the L-shaped member being in a downward position, a receiving pin on the lamp assembly is mated with the support assembly by alignment with the hole in the horizontal plate and the depending section being in communication with a cut-out section in the cooperating plug connector providing the multi-point locking mechanism.

Claims

1. A new and improved locking mechanism in combination with a detachable lamp assembly, the improved locking mechanism comprising:

(a) a L-shaped member having a horizontal extending plate and a downward depending section, the horizontal plate having a hole positioned distally from the downward depending section;

(b) a support assembly mounted to a vehicle comprising of two rectangular members positioned side by side with at least one side having a plurality of recessive channels, the downward depending section being retractably positioned within the rectangular members;

(c) a light assembly consisting of a lamp housing attached to a rectangular plate at a first side, the plate having a plurality of connector plugs extending perpendicularly from a second side, at least one of the connector plugs having a cut-out portion for communication of the downward depending section when the support assembly and light assembly are mated by communication of the connector plugs and the recessive channels; and

,

(d) a receiving pin positioned centrally on a top side of the rectangular plate, the pin being aligned and in communication with the horizontal plate at the distal hole during engagement.

2. The new and improved locking mechanism defined in claim 1, wherein said L-shaped member is made of corrosive resistant material.