a2) United States Patent
`US 8,931,932 B2
`(0) Patent No.:
`Lipscombetal.
`Jan. 13, 2015
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US00893 1932B2
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`MOISTURE RELEASE VALVE FOR AN
`OUTDOORLIGHT FIXTURE
`
`Inventors: John M. Lipscomb, Cedarburg, WI
`(US); Keith H. Hamm, Oshkosh, WI
`(US); Stanley L. Suring, Cedarburg, WI
`(US); Walter J. Fiedorowicz, North
`Prairie, WI (US); Harley A. Reabe,
`Green Lake, WI (US); Walter E.
`Frohboese, Jr., Cedarburg, WI (US)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignees: G.H.L. International, Inc., Cedarburg,
`WI (US); Magnum PowerProducts,
`LLC, Berlin, WI (US)
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 1126 days.
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.: 12/761,699
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Apr. 16, 2010
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2011/0255293 Al
`
`Oct. 20, 2011
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`
`F21V 15/00
`F2IL 14/04
`F21V 17/00
`F21V 21/22
`F21V 21/30
`F2IW 131/10
`U.S. Cl.
`
`(52)
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`CPC wees F24V 31/03 (2013.01); F21L 14/04
`(2013.01); F21V 17/007 (2013.01); F21V 21/22
`(2013.01); F21¥ 21/30 (2013.01); F21W
`2131/10 (2013.01); YO2B 20/72 (2013.01)
`USPC ves 362/362; 362/363; 362/364; 362/373
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`USPC. one 362/362, 363, 364, 373, 96, 202, 205,
`362/208
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,220,981 A *
`4,272,802 A *
`5,980,074 A
`6,254,258 BI*
`6,732,947 B2*
`6,883,948 B2*
`7,175,297 B2*
`7,182,659 B2*
`
`9/1980 Koether wc 362/486
`
` 6/1981 Steadman ... .. 362/385
`
`11/1999 Hwang
`7/2001 Case ween 362/373
`5/2004 McKenna occ 239/99
`
`4/2005 VanDuynetal. ............ 362/547
`wes 362/153.1
`2/2007 Hagen............
`2/2007 Nodaetal. 0... 440/89 E
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner — Jong-Suk (James) Lee
`Assistant Examiner — Mark Tsidulko
`
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Boyle Fredrickson S.C.
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A moisture release valve for an outdoor light including a
`valve body having a stem received ina valve guide and having
`a head seating with a valve seat integrally formed ofpart of a
`sidewall of a light casing of the light fixture. Valve body is
`gravity displaced between a closed position and an open
`position depending upon light fixture orientation and can
`include a counterweight carried by its stem interiorly dis-
`posed withinthe fixture helping to cause displacement of the
`valve body toward the desired open or closed position in
`response to a changein light fixture orientation. Valve body
`can be a rivet, such as a split rivet, and the counterweight can
`be a washer, such as an annular washer, having an opening
`generally in registry with the valve guide permitting fluid
`within the fixture to drain from the fixture when the valve is
`open.
`
`
`
`22 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 1 of 15
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 1 of 15
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 13, 2015
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`Sheet 1 of 8
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`US 8,931,932 B2
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 2 of 15
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 2 of 15
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 13, 2015
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`Sheet 2 of 8
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`US 8,931,932 B2
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 3 of 15
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 3 of 15
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 13, 2015
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`Sheet 3 of 8
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`US 8,931,932 B2
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 4 of 15
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 4 of 15
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 13, 2015
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`Sheet 4 of 8
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`US 8,931,932 B2
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 5 of 15
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 5 of 15
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 13, 2015
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`Sheet 5 of 8
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`US 8,931,932 B2
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 6 of 15
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 6 of 15
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 13, 2015
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`Sheet 6 of 8
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`US 8,931,932 B2
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`46.9
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 7 of 15
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 7 of 15
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 13, 2015
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`US 8,931,932 B2
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`Sheet7 of 8
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 8 of 15
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 8 of 15
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 13, 2015
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`Sheet 8 of 8
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`US 8,931,932 B2
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`METAL LIGHT CASE IS FORMED
`
`132
`
`134
`
`136
`
`138
`
`140
`
`142
`
`LIGHT CASE IS STAMPED TO FORM
`AVALVE ACCOMMODATING
`
`STRUCTURE
`
`A VALVE PORT IS OPENEDIN THE
`STRUCTURE
`
`STEM OF VALVE PLUNGERIS
`INSERTED IN PORT
`
`COUNTERWEIGHTIS SLID OVER
`STEM
`
`DISTAL END OF STEM IS
`DEFORMEDTO HOLD
`COUNTERWEIGHTSO THATIT CAN
`SLIDE OVER STEM WHILE BEING
`
`RETAINED ON STEM
`
`FIG.13
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 9 of 15
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 9 of 15
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`

`

`US 8,931,932 B2
`
`1
`MOISTURE RELEASE VALVE FOR AN
`OUTDOORLIGHT FIXTURE
`
`2
`However, a simple and cost-effective solution for resisting
`impingement of water, and draining moisture from an out-
`door lighting case is missing from the prior art. What is
`needed is a valve that allows water to drain when the light
`fixture is stored or used in a variety of positions that would
`otherwise allow water to collect in the light case. The same
`The present invention is directed to a moisture release
`valve mustalso resist the infiltration of water in other posi-
`valve, a moisture release valve equipped light fixture, and
`tions under a variety of environmental conditions. What is
`moisture release valve arrangement for preventing moisture
`also neededis a valve that is economical to produce and easy
`entrainment and enabling moisture drainage fromalightfix-
`to manufacture.
`ture.
`
`FIELD
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`SUMMARY
`
`Outdoor lighting is designed to withstand the elements
`without exposing the users to potentially lethal electric
`power. Those skilled in the art must design products that are
`safe to be used in wet conditions. To that end, one important
`characteristic is insulating the portions ofthe lighting fixture
`that have live electrical power and heat from moisture. Con-
`sequently light fixtures that are exposed to precipitation are
`designedto preventinfiltration by precipitation undera vari-
`ety ofconditions, and to eliminate the potential for waterto be
`collected in the interior nearthe live electrical conductors.
`
`Frequently, to prevent water from entering thefixture, out-
`doorlight fixture cases are designed to be usedso thatlight is
`cast downward through an opening or a lens. For example,
`priorart light cases for outdoor lighting may be hemispherical
`or oval shaped and have an openingthatis usually positioned
`to cast the lighting fixture’s light downward. The material of
`the case is generally impermeable to the precipitation to pre-
`vent water from entering the cavity of the light case, which
`contains live electrical conductors and a light source which
`may be hot and susceptible to breakage when exposed to
`water.
`
`However, outdoor light fixtures mayalso be positioned to
`cast light generally upwards, and may also be stored in a
`variety ofpositions. Thus,the light case can accumulate water
`from condensation or sources of precipitation if placed in a
`position that allows water to accumulate in the case. In fact,
`because of the inverted bowl shape of many outdoor light
`fixture cases, they are susceptible to water collection over a
`range of upward facing positions.
`Importantly, outdoor lighting must withstand environmen-
`tal tests administered by UL in order to obtain certain UL
`safety certifications. For example, UL recommendsthe use of
`draining vents for fixtures that can accumulate moisture as
`specified by UL1598. Fixtures without adequate drainage
`that accumulate excessive moisture during UL testing are
`rejected. Excessive moisture would be defined as moisture
`that could find its way into the area ofthe lightfixture where
`the electrical connections are located. Aspart of qualification,
`the outdoorlight fixture is exposed to a range of simulated
`environmental conditions to determine ifthe fixture can meet
`
`the requirementofinfiltration by moisture. Thus, valves used
`to drain moisture from the light case mustalso resist allowing
`water to impinge during environmentaltesting.
`Drain valves have been usedin light fixtures exposedto the
`elements, such as headlamps for a vehicle, are typically com-
`plex structures, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,258,
`designedto vent fluid when the headlampis on andto prevent
`fluid from entering when the headlamp is off by forming a
`vacuum seal. Other priorart light fixture have moisture con-
`trol systems, such as of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
`6,883,948, which have separate valve elements for intake and
`exhaust, and may have special diaphragmsthat are imperme-
`able to moisture, but allow airflow.
`
`20
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`40
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`45
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`55
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`60
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`65
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`The present invention is directed to a moisture release
`valve for use in outdoorlighting undera variety of conditions
`including exposure to elements in the form of precipitation
`and condensation while mounted and in storage. The present
`inventionis also directed to a light fixture equipped with such
`a moisture release valve as well as a method of making such
`a moisture release valve, including a valve-accommodating
`portion integrally formed of part of a casing of the light
`fixture.
`Such a moisture release valve includes a valve body or
`plungerin operable cooperation with part of the light fixture
`casing that is displaceable relative to the casing between an
`open position allowing moisture within the fixture to drain
`and a closed position preventing moisture from entering the
`fixture depending upon fixture orientation. In a preferred
`embodiment, the valve body includes a valve stem that can be
`elongate and which can be configured to provide a stop that
`can prevent disengagementfrom the casing as well as limit
`valve body travel in the open position. A counterweight
`capableofat least partially functioning as such a stop can be
`carried by the stem with the counterweight helping to cause
`the valve to open and close depending on the light fixture
`orientation.
`
`Valve-accommodating portion 1s integrally formed from in
`part of the casing, such as its sidewall, in a manner that
`permits receiptofthe valve body permitting the valve body to
`be displaceable between open and closed positions. Valve-
`accommodating portion includes an exteriorly upraised valve
`seat with a port formed in it that is a through-opening com-
`pletely through the casing sidewall permitting insertion ofthe
`valve stem therethrough and providing a valve guide for the
`stem. Valve-accommodating portion can include aninteriorly
`recessed well inside thefixture casing opposite the exteriorly
`upraised seat that guides or funnels fluid inside the casing
`toward the port when the valve is open helping increase
`moisture drainage. Valve seat can be generally planar or oth-
`erwise complementary to and opposed valve head seat sur-
`face that can seat against the valve seat when the valve body
`is disposed in the closed position.
`In one preferred embodiment, the valve body is formed
`from a rivet, such as a split rivet, with part of the valve stem
`formed, such as after insertion through the valve guide, to
`provide a stop and/or prevent disengagementof the counter-
`weight. In one preferred embodiment, the counterweight is
`annular and can be a washer with an opening in it through
`whichthe valve stem is inserted during assembly. The open-
`ing in the counterweight registers with the valve guide open-
`ing when the valve body is closed allowing moisture within
`the fixture to flow through the counterweight opening,
`through the valve guide, and out the port and draining mois-
`ture from within the light fixture. Such a counterweight can
`help balance or opposethe weight ofthe valve head helping to
`ensure proper that the valve body opens when opening is
`desired and closes when closing is desired depending upon
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 10 of 15
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 10 of 15
`
`

`

`US 8,931,932 B2
`
`3
`4
`FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of another
`light fixture orientation relative to gravity. Use of such a
`embodimentof a valve-accommodating portion;
`counterweight helps facilitate valve body displacementin the
`FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view of the moisture
`desired opening or closing direction at relatively shallow
`release valve of FIG. 6 in a fully open position;
`angles of inclination and declination during changing of the
`FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view of the moisture
`light fixture orientation.
`release valve of FIG. 6 in a fully closed position;
`In one moisture release valve arrangement, a plurality of
`FIG. 12 showsa pairofpartial fragmentary sectional views
`valves are disposed along or adjacent opposite sides of the
`of the moisture release valve of FIG.6 in different orienta-
`light fixture casing corresponding to a top side and bottom
`tions relative to horizontal;
`side of the fixture when disposed in an upright operating
`
`position ensuring at least one ofthe valves, e.g. a bottommost FIG.13 is a diagram depicting a method ofmakingafixture
`valve, remains open to allow moisture drainage from within
`equipped with a moisture release valve constructed in accor-
`the fixture. Such a moisture release valve arrangement can
`dance with the present invention.
`include a moisturerelease valve location positioned to ensure
`Before explaining one or more embodimentsof the inven-
`tion in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not
`the valve remains open whenthe light fixture is disposed in a
`storage or transport position, such as a generally horizontal
`limited in its applicationto the details of construction and the
`storage or transport position. In one preferred arrangement,
`arrangement of the components set forth in the following
`there is a plurality of pairs, i.e., at least three, of moisture
`description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
`release valves constructed in accordance with the present
`capable of other embodiments, which can be practiced or
`invention having at least one valve positioned so it remains
`carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
`open whenthelight fixture is disposed in an upright operating
`the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the
`position,at least one valve positioned so itremains open when
`purposeof description and should not be regardedas limiting.
`the light fixture is disposed in a generally horizontal storage
`or transport position with the light facing up, and can include
`at least one valve position sort remains open whenthe light
`fixture is disposed in a generally horizontal storage or trans-
`port position with the light facing in a sidewaysdirection.
`The described aspects and objects of the present invention
`will be better appreciated and understood whenconsidered in
`conjunction with the following description and the accompa-
`nying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the
`following description while indicating preferred embodi-
`ments of the present invention is given by wayofillustration
`and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may
`be made within the scope of the present invention without
`departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes
`all such modifications.
`
`FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary light tower 20
`equippedwithatleast one andtypically a plurality of lights 22
`arranged in a bank 24 oflights 22 with each light 22 including
`a fixture 26 with a lens 28 and a casing 30 enclosing a source
`of light 32 (FIG. 4) inside thefixture 26 that can be a single
`light bulb, an array ofbulbs, LEDs, or anothersourceoflight.
`Thefixture 26 includesat least one moisture release valve 34
`
`me 5
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`20
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`having a portion of the valve 34 integrally formedofpart of
`the lightfixture casing 30 that is open or closed, depending on
`the orientation of the light fixture 26, to permit moisture
`within the fixture 26 to be released.
`
`Thelight tower 20 includes an upright mast 36 that can be
`oftelescoping construction, such as is depictedin FIGS. 1 and
`2. As is shown in FIG.1, the mast 36 extends uprightly from
`a mount38that can be part of a base 40 attached to a wheeled
`trailer or other transport vehicle 42, such as a trailer/transport
`vehicle 42 equipped with a power supply. Such a power
`supply can be in the form of electrical charge storage devices,
`such as one or morebatteries or the like, can be in the form of
`a generator, such as an internal combustion engine powered
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable light tower
`generator, or can be configured in another manner, such as
`arrangement equipped with light fixtures having moisture
`with solar cells or the like, to provide electrical powerto the
`release valves constructed in accordance with the present
`invention;
`lights 22.
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable light tower
`The mount38 and/orbase 40 can pivotally support the mast
`
`arrangement of FIG. 1 showninafirst storage or transport 36 of the tower 20 in a mannerthat permits it to be movable
`50
`position;
`between a generally upright orientation, such as the upright
`FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the portable
`operating position shownin FIG.1, anda transport or storage
`light tower arrangement of FIG. 1 depicted in a secondstor-
`orientation, such as the generally horizontal storage/transport
`age or transport position;
`position shownin FIG. 2. To provide increasedstability when
`FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of a light fixture
`the mast 36 ofthe tower20 is disposedin its upright operating
`equipped with a moisture release valve constructed in accor-
`position, one or more removable outriggers 44 can be
`dance with the present invention;
`extended from the base 40 or another portion of the vehicle
`FIG.5 is a rear plan view of a casing ofthelight fixture of
`42. Tongue 46 is also configurable, such as in the manner
`FIG.4 illustrating a preferred moisture release valve arrange-
`depicted in FIG. 1, to further help increase stability. As is
`ment;
`shownin FIG. 2, mast 36 can be received ina cradle 45 spaced
`FIG.6 is a fragmentary sectional view ofa preferred mois-
`from a pivot 47 of mount 38 when disposed in the generally
`ture release valve embodimentdepicting the valve in an open
`horizontal storage position with the cradle 45 carried by part
`position;
`of vehicle 42, such as a housing 49 that encloses the onboard
`FIG.7 is a side elevation view of onepreferred valve body
`powersupply.
`or valve plunger embodiment;
`Lights 22 are attached by a bracket 48 to a crossbar 50 of a
`FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of a preferred
`carriage 52 disposed at or adjacent the end of the mast 36.
`embodiment of a valve-accommodating portion integrally
`Bracket 48 can be constructed and arranged to pivotally
`formed ofpart of the light fixture casing;
`attach to opposite sides of the fixture casing 30 in a manner
`
`DRAWING DESCRIPTION
`
`Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are
`illustrated in the accompanying drawings in whichlike ref-
`erence numerals represent
`like parts throughout, and in
`which:
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`45
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`55
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`60
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`65
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 11 of 15
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 11 of 15
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`

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`US 8,931,932 B2
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`5
`that can permitthe angle of the light 22 to be adjusted as well
`as to allow pivoting of each light 22 to a storage position. For
`example, as is shown in FIG.3, lights 22 can be pivoted so as
`to face each other when the mast 36 is oriented in the gener-
`ally horizontal storage position.
`FIG. 4 is an exploded view illustrating an exemplary
`embodimentof a light 22 that has a fixture 26 with a generally
`ovalfixture casing 30 which receivesa light source 32 that is
`alight bulb 54. Wherethelight source 32 is alight bulb 54, the
`casing 30 can include a socketor the like, such as the socket
`55 shown in FIG.4. The casing 30 has an opening 56 bounded
`by a flanged seat 58 in which a sealing gasket 60 is disposed
`positioning the gasket 60 between the casing 30 and lens 28.
`A clamping ring arrangement 62 can be used to releasably
`secure the lens 28 to the casing 30 using a fastener arrange-
`ment 64. Other configurations and arrangements can be
`employedto provide a lens seal and to attach lens 28.
`Bracket 48 includes a pair of arms 66 that respectively
`engage an outwardly extending casing support 68, only one of
`which is shown in FIG. 4, such as by using one or more
`fasteners orthe like. Casing support 68 can also be formed as
`or otherwise include a trunnion enabling relative rotation
`between bracket arms 66 and casing support 68 allowing
`pivotal adjustment of the light fixture 26. Casing support 68
`can be a component separate from casing 30 or can be inte-
`grally formed with or of the casing 30. Bracket 48 is mount-
`able to crossbar 50 of carriage 52 using a clamp plate 70 that
`attaches to the bracket 48 using a fastener or the like (not
`shown). Other bracket configurations and arrangements for
`light fixture attachment can be used.
`Therear of the casing 30 is shown in FIG. 5 and includes a
`plurality ofpairs, i.e., at least three, ofmoisture release valves
`34 constructed in accordance with the present invention to
`enable moisture inside a light fixture 26 to be released from
`the fixture 26. In a currently preferred embodiment, casing 30
`is of metallic construction, such as aluminum,that is formed,
`such as by stampingorthe like into a desired shape, such as
`the recessed oval-shape shown in FIGS. 1-5. As is discussed
`in more detail below, in at least one preferred embodiment,
`valve 34 is configured to enable gravity to displace it between
`open and closed positions thereby enabling lightfixture ori-
`entation to facilitate operation of one or moreofthe valves 34.
`In addition, a light fixture 26 constructed in accordance with
`the present invention can be configured with an arrangement
`of such valves 34 located on the casing 30 so that at least one
`of the valves 34 always remains open no matter what the
`orientation ofthe fixture 26.
`
`FIGS. 6-8 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the mois-
`ture release valve 34 that includes a valve bodyor plunger 72
`disposed in a valve seat 74 integrally formed of a valve-
`accommodating portion 76 ofa sidewall 78ofthe light casing
`30 that includes a portion or opening 80 formed therein that
`serves as a valve guide 82 for an elongate valve stem 84
`received through the opening 80. The valve body or plunger
`72 includes an enlarged valve head 86 that abuts against the
`seat 74 whenthe valve 34 is disposedin a closed position. The
`valve stem 84 extends outwardly from the valve head 86 and
`includesor carries a stop 88 at or adjacent its free end that
`prevents removal of the valve body or plunger 72 from the
`valve guide 82.
`FIG.7 illustrates in more detail one preferred embodiment
`of the valve body or plunger 72. As previously discussed, the
`valve body or plunger 72 includes an enlarged head 86 from
`which outwardly extends an elongate stem 84. As is shown in
`phantom in FIG.7, a portion 90 of the stem 84 can be formed
`in a manner that prevents removal of the valve body or
`plunger 72 from the valve guide 82. As is discussed in more
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`detail below, a counterweight 98, such as a washer99 that can
`be of annularor disc-shaped and metallic construction, can be
`carried by the stem 84. Where the counterweight 98 is a
`washer99, the hole 101 in the washer 99 not only facilitates
`assembly to the valve body or plunger 72, but also helps
`enable moisture in the light fixture 26 to drain whenthe valve
`34 is opened. As indicated by reference numeral 106, the
`valve head 86 can have a rounded or convex outer surface as
`this can help repel moisture contacting the head 86 away from
`the head 86. As indicated by reference numeral 100, valve
`head 86 has a width or diameter greater than the width or
`diameter of the valve stem 84 indicated at reference numeral
`
`102, producing a valve head seating surface 104 that extends
`outwardly of the stem 84.
`In a preferred embodiment, the valve body or plunger72is
`formed ofa rivet that can be a split rivet 92 the sameas or like
`that shownin FIG.7 with the head ofthe split rivet 92 forming
`the valve head 86 andthe shank ofthe split rivet 92 forming
`a valve stem 84 that can be of bifurcated construction having
`a pair of generally parallel and spaced apart valve stem legs
`94. Split rivet 92 can be of metallic construction. As is shown
`in phantom in FIG.7, each valve stem leg 94 can be formed,
`such as after insertion through the opening 80 in the valve
`guide 82, to produce an outturned portion 90 at or adjacent the
`free end 96 of each leg 94. While each outturned portion 90 of
`each leg 94 of the valve stem 84 can serve as the stop 88 that
`prevents removalof the valve body or plunger 72, it can also
`prevent removal of a counterweight 98 carried by the stem 84
`that facilitates closing and/or opening ofthe valve 34 depend-
`ing upontheorientationofthe valve 34. Where equipped with
`such a counterweight 98, counterweight 98 can serve as stop
`88 and can be movable, e.g., slidable, along the stem 84.
`FIG.8 illustrates one preferred embodiment of a valve-
`accommodating portion 76 that is integrally formedofpart of
`the sidewall 78 ofthe light casing 30. Ina preferred method of
`making the valve-accommodating portion 76, an exteriorly
`upraised dimple 108 is formedin the sidewall 78 in a forming
`operation such as by using a press, such as a stamping press,
`or a punch. Such an exteriorly upraised dimple 108 forms an
`interiorly recessed well 109 (FIG. 6) within the light casing
`30 that encourages accumulation offluid whenthe fixture 26
`is oriented in a mannerthat opens valve 34. During the form-
`ing operation used to create the dimple 108, the opening 80
`that defines valve guide 82 can also be formed. If desired,
`opening 80 can be formedin a separate operation. Opening 80
`is a through-opening that extends completely through the
`casing sidewall 78 and can be centered in or on the dimple 108
`so as to provide a fluid-flow drainage port in fluid-flow com-
`munication with well 109. As indicated by reference numeral
`110, opening 80 has a width or diameter greater than the
`width or diameter of the valve stem 84.
`Thefixture, punch or die used in the forming operation can
`be configured to impart a valve seating surface 74 that can be
`ofgenerallyflat construction and that extends around opening
`80. For example, as is shown in FIG.8, valve seating surface
`74s generally annular and generallyflat so as to be generally
`complementary with the seating surface 104 ofthe valve head
`86 in a mannerthat better prevents waterinfiltration when the
`valve head 86 is seated. As indicated by reference numeral
`112, the valve seating surface 74 has a width or diameter
`greater than that of the opening 80 and that can range from
`less than the width or diameter of the valve head 86 to greater
`than the valve head with or diameter.
`FIG.9 illustrates another embodiment of a valve-accom-
`
`modating portion 76' integrally formed of part of the light
`casing sidewall 78 using a forming operation, such asa press,
`a punch,or the like that forms a dimple 108' having a gener-
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 12 of 15
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1040 - Page 12 of 15
`
`

`

`US 8,931,932 B2
`
`7
`ally convex outer surface 114 against whichatleast a portion
`ofthe valve head seating surface 104 seats against when the
`valve 34 is closed. Opening 80 can be formed substantially
`simultaneously with the formation of dimple 108' or can be
`formed in a separate operation.
`FIGS. 10 and 11 respectively depictthe valve 34 closed and
`open. FIG. 10 illustrates the valve body or plunger 72 in a
`closed position with its seating surface 104 seated on the
`valve seat 74 of the integrally formed valve-accommodating
`portion 76. FIG. 11 illustrates the valve bodyor plunger 72 in
`an open position such thatits seating surface 104 is spaced a
`sufficient distance away from the valveseat 74 to allow drain-
`age ofwater withinthelightfixture 26 out opening 80. In FIG.
`11, valve 34 is fully open with the stop 88 formed by coun-
`terweight 98 abutting against an interior surface of a recessed
`part of the valve-accommodating portion 76 formed in the
`light casing sidewall 78. More specifically, counterweight 98
`abuts against part of the interior surface of the light casing
`sidewall 78 whenthe valve body or plunger 72 is disposed in
`the fully open position, such as the fully open position shown
`in FIG. 11. When the counterweight 98 abuts against the
`interior of the light casing sidewall 78 when the valve 34 is
`fully open, opening 101 in the counterweight 98 generally
`overlies casing sidewall opening 80 enabling water to pass
`through both openings 101 and 80 when draining from the
`fixture 26.
`
`Valve 34 closes when the light fixture 26 is oriented in a
`mannerthat positions the valve body or plunger 72 with its
`head 86 facing generally upwardly and a longitudinal axis
`116 of the body or plunger 72 inclined at an anglerelative to
`gravity, G,or vertical that is sufficiently acute or substantially
`the same causing gravity acting on the valve bodyor plunger
`72 and/or counterweight 98 to displace the valve body or
`plunger 72 relative to the light casing sidewall 78 toits fully
`closed position. Conversely, valve 34 opens when the light
`fixture 26 is oriented in a mannerthatpositions the valve head
`86 so it faces generally outwardly andinclines the longitudi-
`nal axis 116 of the body or plunger 72 at an angle relative to
`gravity, G, or vertical that is sufficiently acute or the same
`causing gravity acting on the valve bodyor plunger 72 and/or
`counterweight 98 to displace the valve body or plunger 72
`relative to the light casing sidewall 78 away from its fully
`closed position and toward an open position where the open-
`ing is sufficiently unobstructed that moisture in the fixture 26
`can drain outthefixture 26.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`8
`orientation of the lightfixture 26 is being changedin a direc-
`tion that would ordinarily tend to cause the valve 34 to open.
`FIG. 12 provides an example illustrating this in more
`detail. As fixture 26 is pivoted between a generally upwardly
`disposed position 118 where valve 34 is closed and a gener-
`ally downwardly disposed position 120 where valve 34 is
`open, counterweight 98 cooperates with the valve body or
`plunger 72 to help facilitate proper opening and closing of
`valve 34. Proper closing of valve 34 is desired to prevent
`water from outside thefixture 26 from passing through open-
`ing 80 and getting into fixture 26 when the fixture 26 is
`oriented at an angle that would tend to expose it to rain.
`Conversely, proper opening of valve 34 is desired to allow
`water from insidethe fixture 26 to drain from the fixture 26
`
`through opening 80 whenthefixture 26 is oriented at an angle
`that causes moisture in the fixture 26 to flow towards the
`
`opening 80.
`Asfixture 26 is pivoted or rotated downwardly from such
`an upwardly disposedposition,e.g., position 118, ina manner
`that causes its angle of inclination, 0,, relative to the longitu-
`dinal valve axis 116 to decrease relative to a generally hori-
`zontal line or plane 122, counterweight 98 offsets a force
`acting on the valve head 86 tending to open the valve 34
`thereby opening when a suitable relatively shallow acute
`angle of declination, 0,, of between about 15° and about 45°
`below horizontal is reached. At that point, the force(s) tending
`to displace the valve body or plunger 72 toward its open
`position also acts upon counterweight 98 in like manner
`allowing the valve bodyor plunger 72 to move toward an open
`position, causing the valve 34 to open whenit is supposed to
`open. In one embodiment, opening starts to occur at a rela-
`tively shallow angle of declination, 6 ,, of no greater than 35°
`below horizontal 122.
`
`Asfixture 26 is pivoted or rotated upwardly from such a
`downwardly disposedposition,e.g. position 120, the force of
`gravity acting on the weight of the valve head 86 when the
`valve body or plunger 72 is outwardly extended in an open
`position tends to oppose movement of the valve body or
`plunger 72 towards the closed position. This can be caused by
`the resultant momentcreated by gravity acting on the head 86
`increasing frictional engagement between part of the valve
`stem 84 and the valve guide 82 to a point that the valve body
`or plunger 72 can essentially becomestuck or hung up in the
`open position. Counterweight 98 can help prevent the valve
`body or plunger 72 from becoming stuck or hung up as a
`result of gravity acting on counterweight 98 to create an
`opposing force.
`As the angle of declination, @,, decreases, the moment
`created by force acting on the valve head 86 decreases while
`the force acting on the counterweight 98 tending to want to
`close the valve 34 increases. At some point during upward
`pivotal or rotational movement, counterweight force over-
`comesthe force offrictional engagement