US4831503A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Modular rear deck lighting cluster
Assignee: ITT Inc
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Filing: 1987-09-23
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Granted: 1989-05-16
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Expires: 2007-09-23
Abstract
Abstract A modular lighting cluster for attachment to the rear deck of an automotive vehicle includes a body member that houses the light assemblies associated with the rear of a vehicle, an electrical grid connecting the light assemblies into a light circuit and a connector for connecting the light circuit to the vehicle battery. Fastener assemblies are also associated with the body member for attaching it to the rear deck. A self-contained, easy to install module is thus provided.
Inventors
- 👤 Gerald J. DeSantis
- 👤 Francisco X. Brentar
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 23:31
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/0088; B60Q1/26; B60Q1/2607; B60Q1/2619; B60Q1/2623; B60Q1/2626
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
A modular rear deck lighting cluster comprising an elongated body member having a back wall adapted to fit across the rear of a vehicle body, each end of said back wall having a set of light assemblies each comprising a plurality of lights extending from one surface, an electrical grid carried on said one surface and forming an electrical circuit including each of said lights, connector means carried by said back wall, said connector means being connected to said electrical grid and extending in a direction opposite that of said light assemblies, locating means and fastener means carried by said back wall and extending in the same direction as said connector means, and a lens means associated with said sets of light assemblies.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
123 words
A modular rear deck lighting cluster comprising an elongated body member having a back wall adapted to fit across the rear of a vehicle body, each end of said back wall having a set of light assemblies each comprising a plurality of lights extending from one surface, an electrical grid carried on said one surface and forming an electrical circuit including each of said lights, connector means carried by said back wall, said connector means being connected to said electrical grid and extending in a direction opposite that of said light assemblies, locating means and fastener means carried by said back wall and extending in the same direction as said connector means, and a lens means associated with said sets of light assemblies.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
A modular rear deck lighting cluster in accordance with claim 1 wherein each set of light assemblies includes brake lights, turn signal lights, back-up lights, side marker lights and license plate illumination lights.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A modular rear deck lighting cluster in accordance with claim 1 wherein the lens means is secured to said body member by fasteners.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
A modular rear deck lighting cluster in accordance with claim 1 wherein said electrical grid comprises a sheet metal stamping carried on said one surface of said back wall, said grid including integrally formed sockets for said lights.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A modular rear deck lighting cluster in accordance with claim 1 wherein each set of light assemblies includes reflectors associated with said lights.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
A modular rear deck lighting cluster in accordance with claim 2 wherein a license plate holder is carried by said back wall between each of the license plate illumination lights, said license plate holder comprising a U-shaped member providing a frame for receiving a license plate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
A modular rear deck lighting cluster in accordance with claim 6 wherein said back wall carries a lock cylinder that extends therefrom in the same direction as said connector means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
A modular rear deck lighting cluster in accordance with claim 1 wherein said back wall includes a license plate holder and a lock cylinder.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-05-15 | 1992-11-14 | 1993-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-05-15 | 1996-11-14 | 1997-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-05-15 | 2000-11-14 | 2001-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |