Remotely deployable vehicle light apparatus

• US 7,810,971 B2
• Filed: 07/26/2008
• Issued: 10/12/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/26/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Tony C. Robinson
• Original Assignee: Tony C. Robinson
• Inventors: Robinson, Tony C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee; Jong-Suk (James)
• Assistant Examiner(s): Neils; Peggy A.
• Application Number:
  US12/220,596
• Publication Number:
  US 20090059613A1
• Time in Patent Office: 808 Days
• Field of Search: 362/486, 362/523, 362/524, 362/233, 362/287, 362/423, 362/419, 362/428, 362/493
• US Class Current: 362/486
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/05 retractable
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/245 Searchlights, e.g. adjustable from within the vehicle adjustable headlights B60Q1/06

Abstract

A remotely deployable vehicle light apparatus includes a support which is connected to a vehicle. A remotely-controlled light assembly deployment mechanism is connected to the support. One or more light assemblies are connected to the light assembly deployment mechanism. A remote control unit is provided for controlling the remotely-controlled light assembly deployment mechanism. Preferably, a second light assembly is included for providing a pair of light assemblies. Generally, the light assembly deployment mechanism provides for adjustable vertical deployment of the light assemblies up and down in a vertical plane. Also, a remotely-controlled light assembly rotation mechanism can be provided for rotating light assemblies. Generally, the light assembly rotation mechanism provides for rotation of the light units in a horizontal plane.

Claims

1. A remotely deployable vehicle light apparatus, comprising:

a support connected to a vehicle,

a remotely-controlled light assembly deployment mechanism connected to said support,

a light assembly connected to said light assembly deployment mechanism, wherein said light assembly deployment mechanism provides for adjustable deployment of said light assembly up and down in a vertical plane, and

a remote control unit for controlling said remotely-controlled light assembly deployment mechanism,

wherein said remotely-controlled light assembly deployment mechanism is connected to said support, and

wherein said remotely-controlled light assembly deployment mechanism includes;

a remotely-controlled first worm drive motor connected to said support,

a worm gear connected to said remotely-controlled first worm drive motor,

a worm gear end bearing connected to an end of said worm gear, and

a rider gear connected to said worm gear, wherein said rider gear includes a rider hinge pin, and wherein said light assembly is connected to said rider hinge pin.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further including:

a second light assembly for providing a pair of light assemblies.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said light assembly includes:

a light unit support shaft connected to said rider hinge pin,

a direction reversing fulcrum connected to said light unit support shaft, distal from said rider hinge pin, and

a light unit supported on said light unit support shaft.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further including:

a remotely-controlled light assembly rotation mechanism supported by said light unit support shaft and connected to said light unit for rotating said light unit by remote control, wherein said light assembly rotation mechanism provides for rotation of said light unit in a horizontal plane.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said remotely-controlled light assembly rotation mechanism includes:

a remotely-controlled rotation control motor,

an externally toothed gear connected to said remotely-controlled rotation control motor,

a rotation mechanism housing which supports said light unit, and

an internally toothed gear connected to said rotation mechanism housing, wherein said externally toothed gear is meshed with said internally toothed gear.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, further including:

a remotely-controlled receiver connected to remotely-controlled rotation control motor, and

batteries electrically connected to said remotely-controlled receiver for powering said remotely-controlled receiver and said remotely-controlled rotation control motor.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support includes a planar support base.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further including:

a remotely-controlled second worm drive motor supported by said planar support base,

a second worm gear connected to said planar support base,

a second rider gear connected to said second worm gear, and

a pair of direction reversing links connected respectively between said second rider gear and a second light assembly and said rider gear on said worm gear and a first light assembly.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support includes a housing adapted to receive said light assembly when deployed down in a vertical plane.