United States Patent
`US 6,607,285 B2
`(10) Patent No.:
`(12)
`Citron etal.
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Aug. 19, 2003
`
`
`US006607285B2
`
`(54) LIGHT ADJUSTMENT APPARATUS
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Steven D. Citron, Kirkland, WA (US);
`Darin Richard Aaby, Monroe, WA
`(US); Bradley Kent Allen, Redmond,
`WA (US); Michael J. Quiring,
`Snohomish, WA (US); Mark
`Christopher Mattson, Oceanside, CA
`(US); Dabngeun Ngonevolalath,
`Snohomish, WA (US)
`
`12/1984 Gosswiller
`4,488,209 A
`12/1987 Gordinet al.
`4,712,167 A
`5/1993 Gordin etal.
`5,207,747 A
`12/1993 Nelson
`5,272,609 A
`7/2002 Leen ou...eeeeeeeeeee 362/253
`2002/0093822 Al *
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`US. patent application Ser. No. 09/780,891, Allen et al.,
`filed Feb. 9, 2001.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`(73) Assignee: Genie Industries, Inc., Redmond, WA
`(US)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`US.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`Primary Examiner—Sandra O’Shea
`Assistant Examiner—Tsidu Iko
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Perkins Coie LLP
`67)
`ABSTRACT
`Light adjustment apparatuses and methods for adjusting
`light assemblies are disclosed herein. One embodiment can
`include a light holder having a housing, a mounting bracket
`coupled to the housing, a support memberrotatably attached
`to the mounting bracket, and a lock to restrict the mounting
`bracket from rotating relative to the support member about
`.
`.
`.
`.
`an axis of rotation. In another embodiment, a method is
`(51) Unt, CL.cceccccccceccccccssceesssteeseeesneesen F21V 21/14—provided for adjusting a light assembly. The method
`(52) US. Ch. ceecceececceee 362/250; 362/418; 362/419,
`includes removing a lock from a first lock receiver in a
`362/427; 362/385; 362/386; 362/233; 362/426
`mounting bracket and a second lock receiver in a support
`(58) Field of Search oo...eee 362/250, 418,
`member;rotating the mounting bracketanda light assembly
`362/419, 427, 385, 386, 413, 426, 370,
`attached to the mounting bracket as a unit so that the light
`371. 233. 431, 285. 287. 485
`is aimed at a selected orientation; aligning a third lock
`,
`,
`,
`,
`,
`receiver in the mounting bracket with the second lock
`References Cited
`receiver in the support member; and placing the lock in the
`third lock receiver of the mounting bracket and the second
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`lock receiver of the support member.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/053,863
`14.
`(22)
`Filed:
`Jan. 18, 2002
`(65)
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2003/0137840 A1 Jul. 24, 2003
`
`(56)
`
`4,228,489 A * 10/1980 Martin... 362/250
`4,423,471 A
`12/1983 Gordinet al.
`
`24 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1036 - Page 1 of 11
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1036 - Page 1 of 11
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug.19, 2003
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`Sheet 1 of 4
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`US 6,607,285 B2
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sheet 2 of 4
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`Aug. 19, 2003
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1036 - Page 3 of 11
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1036 - Page 3 of 11
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug.19, 2003
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`Sheet 3 of 4
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1036 - Page 4 of 11
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`Petitioner Ensign
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`U.S. Patent
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1036 - Page 5 of 11
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`US 6,607,285 B2
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`1
`LIGHT ADJUSTMENT APPARATUS
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`invention is directed to apparatuses for
`The present
`adjusting light assemblies. More particularly,
`the present
`invention is directed to apparatuses for adjusting lamp
`assemblies mounted to towers on lighting systems.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Mobile lighting systems are used extensively to provide
`the necessary light for outdoor and other work sites that lack
`adequate ambient lighting. Conventional mobile lighting
`systems often comprise an extendable light tower and an
`electrical power generator mounted to a trailer. The extend-
`able light tower can be raised to provide the desired illumi-
`nation oncethe trailer has been properly positioned at a work
`site. Typically, the extendable light tower will be rotatably
`mounted to the trailer so that the lights can be aimed in
`different directions by rotating the tower relative to the
`trailer. A rotatable tower allows for changing the horizontal
`direction of all the lights as a unit; however, it does not allow
`for each light on the tower to be individually adjusted. To
`provide proper illumination at a work site,
`it
`is often
`necessary to aim the lights toward a desired area by chang-
`ing the horizontal and/or vertical direction of someorall of
`the lights individually. The process of aiming the lights can
`be difficult and time-consuming.
`Many conventional mobile lighting systems allow for
`adjusting the horizontal and vertical direction of the indi-
`vidual lights to aim the lights. Typically these conventional
`systems have one or more fasteners that can be manually
`loosened to permit rotation of the mounting bracket and/or
`lamp. In these systems, the fasteners, often nuts and bolts,
`are the samefasteners that secure the lamp to the mounting
`bracket and secure the mounting bracket to the support
`member.
`
`Lighting systemsthat require the securing fasteners to be
`loosened in order to rotate one of the lamps or mounting
`brackets have several disadvantages. First, the operator must
`rememberto fully retighten the fasteners after adjustment to
`prevent them from becoming loose during transport. If the
`fasteners become loose during transport, there is a chance
`that the lamp could be damaged. Second, if the fasteners
`include a nut with nylon (e.g., Nylock nuts and nuts with
`lock washers), the holding capacity of the nut may degrade
`each time that it is loosened and retightened. Third,
`the
`edges of the fasteners frequently become worn over time
`because operators sometimesusepliersto tighten and loosen
`these fasteners instead of the appropriately sized wrench.
`Fourth, many fasteners require tools, such as wrenches to
`tighten them. Requiring external tools to adjust fasteners is
`an inconvenience and sometimes, when tools are not
`available, prevents proper adjustment of the lights. Some
`mobile lighting systems attempt to provide tool-less adjust-
`ment mechanisms,but often these alternatives have many of
`the same problems described above.
`Many conventional mobile lightening systems have a
`rotatable tower that permits the lights on the tower to be
`adjusted as a unit from the ground. Many of these systems
`have a knob connected to a threaded rod tightened into the
`tower collar to lock the tower into position. These knob
`assemblies, however, have several problems. Unless the
`knob is extremely tight, the wind can cause the tower to
`rotate. Conversely,if the knob is over-tightened, an operator
`might not be able to loosen it to rotate the tower. Moreover,
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`the threaded rods are sometimes bent due to overtightening
`and the threads on the rod are susceptible to becoming
`gummed up with debris. Bent rods and gummed-up threads
`are difficult, if not impossible, to tighten. Additionally, some
`knob assemblies use plastic knobs, which tend to break over
`time.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`invention is directed to light adjustment
`The present
`apparatuses and methods for adjusting light assemblies. In
`one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a
`light holder having a housing, a mounting bracket coupled
`to the housing, a support member and an engagement
`member. The support memberis rotatably attached to the
`mounting bracket so that the light holder and the mounting
`bracket can be rotated as a unit about an axis of rotation. The
`
`support memberor the mounting memberhasa plurality of
`locking apertures forming a curve, and the other hasat least
`one receiving aperture. The engagement memberis releas-
`ably disposed at least partially within one of the locking
`apertures and the receiving aperture to restrict the mounting
`bracket from rotating relative to the support member about
`the axis of rotation.
`
`In another embodiment of the invention, a method of
`adjusting a light assembly includes removing an engagement
`memberfrom a first aperture in a mounting bracket and a
`second aperture in a support member, and rotating the
`mounting bracket and a light assembly attached to the
`mounting bracket as a unit so that the light is aimed at a
`selected orientation. The method further includes aligning a
`third aperture in the mounting bracket with the second
`aperture in the support member, and placing the engagement
`memberin the third aperture of the mounting bracket and the
`second aperture of the support member.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a mobile lighting system in
`accordance with one embodimentof the invention.
`
`FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial isometric view of an adjust-
`able lighting assembly of FIG. 1, including an exploded
`view of one of the four adjustable lamp assemblies in
`accordance with one embodimentof the invention.
`
`FIG. 3 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of one
`of the adjustable lamp assemblies of FIG. 2.
`FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a portion of a tower locking
`assembly in accordance with one embodimentof the inven-
`tion.
`
`FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a portion of the tower
`locking assembly of FIG. 4.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`In the following description, certain specific details are set
`forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various
`embodiments of the invention. The present disclosure
`describes light adjustment apparatuses mountable to towers
`on mobile lighting systems in accordance with one embodi-
`ment of the present
`invention. Many specific details of
`certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the
`following description and in FIGS. 1-5 to provide a thor-
`ough understanding of these embodiments. One skilled in
`the relevant art will understand, however, that the present
`invention may have additional embodiments, and that the
`invention may be practiced without several of the details
`described below. Well-known structures associated with
`
`mobile lighting systems, such as telescoping towers and
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1036 - Page 6 of 11
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1036 - Page 6 of 11
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`

`

`US 6,607,285 B2
`
`3
`trailer-mounted electrical power generators, have not been
`shownor described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscur-
`ing the description of the embodiments of the invention.
`FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a mobile lighting system
`100 having a light tower 120 with an adjustable lighting
`assembly 140 in accordance with one embodiment of the
`invention. In one aspect of this embodiment, the mobile
`lighting system 100 also includes a trailer 160 and an
`electrical power generator 150. The trailer 160 has a trailer
`bed 162 with a tow coupling 164 for attachmentto a suitable
`tow vehicle. A wheel set 168 supports the trailer bed 162 and
`provides mobility to the mobile lighting system 100. The
`electrical power generator 150 is mounted to the trailer 160
`and can provide electric power for lights 142 on the adjust-
`able lighting assembly 140.
`Arotatable coupling 166 mountsthe light tower 120 to the
`trailer bed 162, and is configured to allow vertical rotation
`of the light tower 120 from an approximately horizontally
`stowed position to a more vertical operating position, such
`as that shown in FIG. 1. The rotatable coupling 166 is also
`configured to allow rotation of the light tower 120 horizon-
`tally about an axis perpendicular to the trailer bed 162.
`Using this horizontal rotation, a projection axis 144 of the
`lights 142 (as a unit) can be moved along a horizontal arc
`H—Hwithout movingthe trailer 160.
`The mobile lighting system 100 is towed to a work site
`with the light tower 120 in a retracted and horizontally
`stowed position. Once properly positioned at the site, the
`light tower 120 can be rotated to a more vertical operating
`position and extendedto a selected height to provide light to
`the work area of interest. As will be described in greater
`detail below, the direction of each light housing 142 can be
`adjusted individually to selectively aim the light to a desired
`area.
`
`isometric view of the
`FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial
`adjustable lighting assembly 140 of FIG. 1, including an
`exploded view of one of the four adjustable lamp assemblies
`204 in accordance with one embodimentof the invention. In
`
`one aspect of this embodiment, the adjustable lamp assem-
`blies 204 are adjustably connected to a support member 200,
`which is connected to a top portion of the light tower 120.
`In the illustrated embodiment, four adjustable lamp assem-
`blies 204 are connected to the horizontally oriented support
`member 200.In alternative embodiments,a different number
`of lamp assemblies 204 can be connected to the support
`member 200. In addition, the lamp assemblies 204 can be
`configured differently; for example, all the lamp assemblies
`204 could be connected to the top of the support member
`200, or all the assemblies 204 could be connected to the
`bottom of the support member 200. Moreover, the support
`member 200 can be oriented differently, such as generally
`vertically or at an angle relative to the light tower 120.
`The adjustable lamp assemblies 204 of the illustrated
`embodimentare rotatable relative to the support member
`200 about two orthogonal axis of rotation to facilitate the
`proper aiming of the light. The adjustable lamp assemblies
`204, in the illustrated embodiment, include a first mounting
`member 280 attached to the light housing 142 (which
`contains a light bulb) and a second mounting member 210
`rotatably connected to the first mounting member 280. The
`first mounting member 280 is an elongated plate bent at right
`angles proximate a first end 281 and a second end 283. The
`second end 283 includes a circular section 282 having a
`plurality of rectangularly-shaped lock receivers or apertures
`284 oriented in a generally circular arrangement. In alter-
`native embodiments, the first mounting member 280 might
`
`4
`not have a circular section, but rather the bracket could be
`wide enough to accommodate the apertures 284. In other
`embodiments,the apertures 284 may have a different shape,
`such as circular, and the apertures 284 maybe oriented in a
`different pattern, such as a curve.
`The first mounting member 280 is fixedly attached to the
`light housing 142 by fasteners 286. The fasteners 286 in the
`illustrated embodimentare bolts that extend through aper-
`tures 296 in the first mounting member 280 and into aper-
`tures 288 in the light housing 142. Accordingly, the first
`mounting member 280is fixed to the light housing 142 and
`moves with the light housing 142 as a unit. In alternative
`embodiments,
`the first mounting member 280 can be
`attached to the light housing 142 using other means, or at
`other locations on the light housing 142.
`In the illustrated embodiment,the first mounting member
`280 is attached to the second mounting member 210, which
`is rotatably attached to the support member 200. The second
`mounting member 210 is an elongated plate bent at right
`angles proximate a first end 211 and a second end 213. The
`first end 211 of the second mounting member 210 is pivot-
`ally connected to the second end 283 ofthe first mounting
`member 280, and the second end 213 of the second mount-
`ing member 210 is pivotally connected to the first end 281
`of the first mounting member 280.
`In the illustrated
`embodiment, a fastener 290 passes through an aperture 292
`in the center of the circular section 282 of the first mounting
`member 280 and through an aperture 294 in the second end
`213 of the second mounting member 210 to rotatably
`connect the second ends 283 and 213 ofthefirst and second
`
`mounting members 280 and 210. Another fastener 218
`passes through an aperture 285in the first end 281 of the first
`mounting member 280 and an aperture 226 in the first end
`211 of the second mounting member 210 to rotatably
`connect the first ends 281 and 211 of the first and second
`
`mounting members 280 and 210. The fasteners 290 and 218
`and the apertures 296, 288, 292, and 294 are all axially
`aligned, so that the two points of connection are on a first
`axis of rotation A,. Accordingly, the first mounting member
`280 and the light housing 142 can rotate as a unitrelative to
`the second mounting member 210 and the support member
`200 to adjust the direction of the light housing 142.
`In the illustrated embodiment,the first axis of rotation A,
`is substantially horizontal and allows the respective light
`housing 142 to be aimed vertically.
`In alternative
`embodiments,the first axis of rotation A, can be substan-
`tially vertical or at an angle. In other embodiments,thefirst
`mounting member 280 can be rotatably connected to the
`second mounting member 210 by only one connection point.
`In other embodiments,the first and second mounting mem-
`bers 280 and 210 might have different shapes or configura-
`tions.
`
`Whenthe first and second mounting members 280 and
`210 are rotated relative to each other, the circular section 282
`(and apertures 284) on the second end 283 of the first
`mounting member 280 rotates aboutthefirst axis of rotation
`A,. The circular section 282 is configured so that each of the
`apertures 284 can be axially aligned with an aperture 293
`formed in the second end 213 of the second mounting
`member 210, depending upon the angular orientation
`between the first and second mounting members 280 and
`210. In the illustrated embodiment, a lock 250 is pivotally
`attached to the second mounting member 210 on the second
`end 213 so as to removably extend through the apertures 293
`and 284 to prevent rotation of the first mounting member
`280 and the light housing 142 until the lock 250 is removed
`from the apertures 293 and 284. FIG. 3 is a picture of a
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1036 - Page 7 of 11
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1036 - Page 7 of 11
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`

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`US 6,607,285 B2
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`6
`The fastener 216 creates a second axis of rotation A, about
`which the second mounting member 210,the first mounting
`member 280 and the light housing 142 can rotate as a unit
`relative to the support member 200.
`In the illustrated
`embodiment, the second axis of rotation A, permits each
`adjustable lamp assembly 204 to be aimed horizontally. In
`other embodiments, depending on the configuration of the
`second mounting member 210 and the orientation of the
`support member 200, the second axis of rotation A, may
`provide the ability to aim the lamp assembly 204 in other
`directions.
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`As seen in FIG. 2, a retractable lock 230 is mounted to the
`support member 200 andis positioned so a tip 224 of the
`lock projects through an aperture 222 in the support member
`200. The aperture 224 in the support member 200 is posi-
`tionedso it axially aligns with one of the apertures 212 in the
`circular section 228 in the second mounting member 210
`when the second mounting memberis rotated about the
`second axis A, to a desired position. The tip 224 of the lock
`230 extends through the one ofthe plurality of apertures 212
`aligned with the support member’s aperture 222 to restrict
`rotation of the second mounting member210 relative to the
`support member 200 about the second axis of rotation A,.
`The features and shape of lock 230 are similar to lock 250
`described above. A fastener 231 attaches the lock 230 to two
`
`5
`portion of one of the adjustable lamp assemblies 204 of FIG.
`2. As best shownin FIG. 3, the lock 250 hasa first side 340,
`a second side 342, a third side 344, a top surface 346 and a
`bottom surface (not shown). The lock 250 also has a tip 260
`(best seen in FIG. 2) that projects generally perpendicularly
`from the first side 340. The tip 260 of the lock 250 is
`removably disposed within the aperture 293 in the second
`end 213 of the second mounting member 210 and within one
`of the plurality of apertures 284 in the circular portion 282
`of the first mounting member 280. The tip 260, when
`positioned within one of the apertures 284, blocks rotational
`motion between the second mounting member 210 and the
`first mounting member 280 along the first axis of rotation
`Ay.
`A biasing member 252 is connected to the lock 250 to
`urge the tip 260 of the lock 250 to remain within one of the
`plurality of apertures 284. One end of the biasing member
`252 is connected to an aperture 258 on the lock 250 located
`proximate to the junction of the third side 344 and the
`second side 342, and the other end of the biasing member
`252 is connected to the fastener 290. The biasing member
`252 exerts a force alongits axis that has a component which
`urges the tip 260 of the lock 250 through the aperture 293 in
`the second end 213 of the second mounting member210 so
`as to remain within one of the apertures 284 of the first
`projections 233 that extend perpendicularly from the support
`mounting member 280. In the illustrated embodiment, the
`member 200; accordingly, the lock 230 can pivot about the
`biasing member 252 is a spring; however, other means can
`fastener. The arrangementis similar to that shown in FIG. 3
`be used to urge the tip 260 to remain within one of the
`except that the biasing member235is attached to a rib 232
`plurality of apertures 284. The lock 250 also has an enlarged
`on the support member 200. In alternative embodiments, the
`aperture 254 therein betweenthe first and second sides 340
`lock 230 and biasing member 235 can be different from the
`and 342. The enlarged aperture 254 is sized to allow an
`lock 250 and biasing member 252 described above. In other
`operator to place a finger through the aperture 254 and pull
`embodiments, the biasing member 235 can be connected to
`or otherwise exert a force on the lock 250 to removethe tip
`something other than the rib 232, provided that it continues
`260 of the lock 250 from one of the apertures 284.
`to urge the tip 224 of the lock 230 into one of the plurality
`The lock 250 is pivotally connected to the second mount-
`of apertures 212 on the second mounting member 210. The
`ing member 210 in the illustrated embodiment. The lock 250
`lock 230, therefore, removably restricts the second mounting
`has an aperture 256 (shown in FIG. 2) proximate to the
`member 210 from rotating relative to the support member
`junction of the first and second sides 340 and 342. The
`200 about the second axis of rotation A,.
`second mounting member 210 has two spaced-apart projec-
`The lock-plurality-of-apertures arrangement allows each
`tions 302 that extend in a direction perpendicular to the
`light housing 142 in the adjustable lightening assembly 140
`second end 213. The portion of the lock 250 with the
`to be individually adjusted in a safe, quick and convenient
`aperture 256 therethrough is pivotally positioned between
`manner without requiring additional tools and without loos-
`the two projections 302. A fastener 300 passes through the
`ening the fasteners that hold the adjustable lamp assemblies
`twoprojections 302 and through the aperture 256 in the lock
`204 to the light tower’s support member 200. In the illus-
`250, so that the lock 250 pivots about the fastener 300. When
`trated embodiment, the adjustable lamp assembly 204 has
`an operator pulls on the lock 250, the lock 250 pivots in the
`direction P (shown in FIG. 3), thereby causing the tip 260 to
`two separate axes of rotation A, and A, enabling each lamp
`assembly 204 to be individually adjusted and aimed in a
`be removed from oneofthe plurality of apertures 284. Once
`selected direction vertically and horizontally. In alternative
`the tip 260 is removed from the apertures 284,
`the first
`embodiments,
`the adjustable lamp assembly 204 can be
`mounting member 280 and light housing 142 can be angu-
`configured for adjustment about only one of the axes of
`larly adjusted relative to the support member 200 to a new
`rotation A, or A;. In one embodiment, in which the first
`position wherein another one of the apertures 284 is aligned
`mounting member280 has one of the plurality of apertures
`to receive the tip 260 therein. Therefore, the angular orien-
`and the lock, and the second mounting member 210 includes
`tation of the light housing 142 can be quickly and easily
`the other, the second mounting membercan be considered a
`adjusted by an operator without requiring tools to manually
`support member.
`loosen and tighten the light housing.
`In one embodiment, the light tower 120 is rotatable about
`Referring to FIG. 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the
`its longitudinal axis relative to the trailer 162. FIG. 4 is an
`second mounting member 210 is rotatably attached to the
`support member 200. The second mounting member 210
`isometric view of a portion of the light tower 120 and a
`60
`includesacircular section 228 betweenthe first end 211 and
`tower locking assembly 450. A lower portion of the light
`the second end 213. The circular section 228 includes a
`tower 120 is rotatably received in a base 410 that is fixed to
`the trailer 162. The light tower 120 is rotatable about its
`longitudinal axis relative to the base 410 so that the lights
`142 coupledto the light tower 120 can be aimedat a selected
`location without moving the trailer. The tower locking
`assembly 450 releasably restricts rotation of the tower 120
`aboutits longitudinalaxis. In the illustrated embodiment,the
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`plurality of rectangularly-shaped lock receivers or apertures
`212 oriented in a generally circular arrangement. A fastener
`216 passes through an aperture 214 in the circular section
`228 of the second mounting member 210 and through an
`aperture 220 in the support member 200 to connect the
`second mounting member 210 to the support member 200.
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1036 - Page 8 of 11
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1036 - Page 8 of 11
`
`

`

`US 6,607,285 B2
`
`8
`7
`3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
`tower locking assembly 450 includes an annular flange 460
`attached to the tower 120, teeth 400 spaced radially around
`a trailer having a trailer bed coupled to a wheel assembly;
`and
`the base 410, and a lock 452 attached to the annular flange
`460. The lock 452 is an elongated flat member withafirst
`an extendable tower having first and second tower por-
`end portion 442 connected to a handle 444. The first end
`5
`tions moveable relative to each other, the extendable
`portion 442 has a tip 454 thatis sized to fit, at least partially,
`tower being operatively coupled to the trailer bed;
`between twoof the teeth 400. Whenthe tip 454 is removably
`wherein the support memberis coupled to one ofthe first
`received between twoof the teeth 400, the rotation of the
`and second tower portions.
`tower 120 alongits axis is restricted. The spaces between the
`4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein havinga plurality of
`teeth 400 are cutouts 402, which in the illustrated embodi-
`locking apertures sequentially aligned includes having a
`ment are grooves; however, in alternative embodiments, the
`plurality of locking apertures forming a generally circular
`cutouts 402 can be apertures. In other embodiments,
`the
`shape.
`teeth 400 can be attached to the tower 120, and the lock 452
`5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mounting bracket
`can be attached to the base 410. Furthermore, the configu-
`includes a first mounting member and a second mounting
`ration and shape of the lock 452, teeth 400 and cutouts 402
`15
`member, the axis of rotation is a first axis of rotation, the
`can be different. For example, in one embodiment, the lock
`plurality of locking apertures isafirst plurality of locking
`can be a rod that is removably received in one ofa plurality
`apertures, the engagement member isafirst engagement
`
`of apertures in the base.
`member, and the first mounting member hasthefirst plu-
`Thefirst end portion 442 of the lock 452 has a projection
`rality of locking apertures;
`424 with an aperture 426 for connection to one end of a
`wherein the support memberis rotatably attached to the
`biasing member 430. The other end of the biasing member
`first mounting memberso that the light holder and first
`430 is attached to an aperture 422 in a projection 420 on the
`mounting membercan be rotated as a unit relative to
`annular flange 460. The biasing member 430 urges the tip
`the support member about the first axis of rotation;
`454 of the lock 452 into the selected one of the cutouts 402.
`wherein the first engagement memberreleasably engages
`In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 430 is a
`the first mounting memberto selectively restrict the
`spring; however, in alternative embodiments, other elastic
`first mounting member from rotating relative to the
`members can be used.
`support member whenthefirst engagement memberis
`placed into the first aperture in the support member and
`one ofthe first plurality of locking apertures in the first
`mounting member, thereby restricting rotation of the
`first mounting memberabout the first axis of rotation;
`wherein the second mounting memberis coupled to the
`housing, and the first mounting member is rotatably
`attached to the second mounting memberso that the
`second mounting member and the housing can be
`rotated as a unit relative to the first mounting member
`about a second axis of rotation, wherein one of the
`second mounting memberandthe first mounting mem-
`ber has a second plurality of locking apertures forming
`a curve and the other has at least one second aperture;
`and
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a portion of the tower
`locking assembly 450 of FIG. 4. A fastener 500 is placed
`through an aperture (not shown) in the lock 452 between the
`first end 442 and the handle 444 to connect the lock 452 to
`the annular ring 460. An operator can rotate the lock 452
`about
`the fastener 500 by moving the handle 444 in a
`direction D causingthefirst end 442 of the lock 452 to move
`in the direction R (FIG. 4). Therefore, by moving the handle
`444 in the direction D an operator can removethe tip 454
`from one of the cutouts 402, and thus permitrotation of the
`tower 120 about its axis. In alternative embodiments, the
`lock 452 and/or handle 444 can have different configurations
`and shapes.
`From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific
`embodiments of the invention have been described herein
`
`35
`
`40
`
`for purposes ofillustration, but that various modifications
`may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of
`the invention. Accordingly,
`the invention is not
`limited
`except as by the appended claims.
`Weclaim:
`
`1. A light adjustment apparatus, comprising:
`a light holder having a housing;
`a mounting bracket coupled to the housing, the mounting
`bracket having a plurality of locking apertures sequen-
`tially aligned;
`a support member rotatably attached to the mounting
`bracket so that the light holder and mounting bracket
`can be rotated as a unit relative to the support member
`about an axis of rotation, the support member having a
`first aperture; and
`an engagement memberreleasably engaging the mount-
`ing bracket to selectively restrict the mounting bracket
`from rotating relative to the support member,
`the
`engagement memberbeing placedintothe first aperture
`in the support member and one of the plurality of
`locking apertures in the mounting bracket,
`thereby
`restricting rotation of the mounting bracket about the
`axis of rotation.
`
`2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a biasing
`memberurging the engagement memberinto the first aper-
`ture and one of the plurality of locking apertures.
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`wherein a second engagement memberis releasably dis-
`posed at least partially within one of the second plu-
`rality of locking apertures and oneof the at least one
`second aperture to restrict the second mounting mem-
`ber from rotating relative to the first mounting member
`about the second axis of rotation, wherein one of the
`second plurality of locking apertures and oneofthe at
`least one second aperture are axially aligned.
`6. A lamp aiming apparatus usable on a light tower, the
`apparatus comprising:
`a light;
`a mounting bracket attached to the light, the mounting
`bracket having a plurality of locking apertures forming
`a curve about an axis of rotation;
`the support
`a support member having a first aperture,
`member being rotatably attached to the mounting
`bracket so that the light can be aimed at a selected
`orientation; and
`a lock releasably engagingthe first aperture in the support
`memberand oneofthe plurality of locking aperture in
`the mounting bracket to prevent rotation between the
`mounting bracket and support memberaboutthe axis of
`rotation.
`
`7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a biasing
`memberurging the lock into the first aperture and oneof the
`plurality of locking apertures.
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1036 - Page 9 of 11
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1036 - Page 9 of 11
`
`

`

`US 6,607,285 B2
`
`9
`8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the mounting bracket
`includes a mounting member;
`wherein the support memberis rotatably attached to the
`mounting member so that
`the light and mounting
`memberca