as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication 0) Pub. No.: US 2003/0137840 Al
`
` Citron et al. (43) Pub. Date: Jul. 24, 2003
`
`
`US 20030137840A1
`
`(54) LIGHT ADJUSTMENT APPARATUS
`
`(52) U.S. Che
`
`caccscsssscsssete 362/250; 362/233; 362/419;
`362/427
`
`(76)
`
`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)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/053,863
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jan. 18, 2002
`
`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
`Correspondence Address:
`bracket from rotating relative to the support member about
`PERKINS COIE LLP
`an axis of rotation. In another embodiment, a method is
`PATENT-SEA
`provided for adjusting a light assembly. The method
`P.O. BOX 1247
`includes removing a lock fromafirst lock receiver in a
`SEATTLE, WA 98111-1247 (US)
`mounting bracket and a second lock receiver in a support
`member; 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; aligning a third lock
`receiver in the mounting bracket with the second lock
`receiver in the support member; and placing the lock in the
`third lock receiver of the mounting bracket and the second
`
`(SL)
`
`TIM. C0 cece eeccccsssssssssneesccecersnnnseeseeseees F21V 21/32
`
`Publication Classification
`
`lock receiver of the support member.
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1041 - Page 1 of 12
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1041 - Page 1 of 12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 24,2003 Sheet 1 of 4
`
`US 2003/0137840 Al
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1041 - Page 2 of 12
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1041 - Page 2 of 12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 24,2003 Sheet 2 of 4
`
`US 2003/0137840 Al
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1041 - Page 3 of 12
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1041 - Page 3 of 12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 24,2003 Sheet 3 of 4
`
`US 2003/0137840 Al
`
`284219 290" 2937
`
`fF 254
`
`
`
`
`SUMHN
`
`JSN5 —Se ~~~460
`HOES
`\7 402
`
`/boa|400
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1041 - Page 4 of 12
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1041 - Page 4 of 12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 24, 2003 Sheet 4 of 4
`
`US 2003/0137840 A1
`
`
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1041 - Page 5 of 12
`
`

`

`US 2003/0137840 Al
`
`Jul. 24, 2003
`
`LIGHT ADJUSTMENT APPARATUS
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0001] The present invention is directed to apparatuses for
`adjusting light assemblies. More particularly,
`the present
`invention is directed to apparatuses for adjusting lamp
`assemblies mounted to towers on lighting systems.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`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 loosenit to rotate the tower. Moreover,
`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
`
`[0002] Mobile lighting systems are used extensively to
`provide the necessary light for outdoor and other work sites
`[0006] The present invention is directed to light adjust-
`that lack adequate ambient lighting. Conventional mobile
`ment apparatuses and methods for adjusting light assem-
`lighting systems often comprise an extendable light tower
`blies. In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus
`and an electrical power generator mounted toatrailer. The
`includesa light holder having a housing, a mounting bracket
`extendable light tower can be raised to provide the desired
`coupled to the housing, a support member and an engage-
`illumination once the trailer has been properly positioned at
`ment member. The support memberis rotatably attached to
`a work site. Typically, the extendable light tower will be
`the mounting bracket so that
`the light holder and the
`rotatably mounted to the trailer so that the lights can be
`mounting bracket can be rotated as a unit about an axis of
`aimedin different directions by rotating the towerrelative to
`rotation. The support member or the mounting memberhas
`the trailer. A rotatable tower allows for changing the hori-
`a plurality of locking apertures forming a curve, and the
`zontal direction of all the lights as a unit; however, it does
`other has at least one receiving aperture. The engagement
`not allow for each light on the tower to be individually
`memberis releasably disposed at least partially within one
`adjusted. To provide proper illumination at a worksite, it is
`of the locking apertures and the receiving apertureto restrict
`often necessary to aim the lights toward a desired area by
`the mounting bracket from rotating relative to the support
`changing the horizontal and/or vertical direction of some or
`member about the axis of rotation.
`all of the lights individually. The process of aiming the lights
`can be difficult and time-consuming.
`
`[0003] Many conventional mobile lighting systems allow
`for adjusting the horizontal and vertical direction of the
`individual lights to aim the lights. Typically these conven-
`tional 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 same fasteners that secure the lamp to
`the mounting bracket and secure the mounting bracket to the
`support member.
`
`[0004] 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 andretightened.
`Third, the edges of the fasteners frequently become worn
`over time because operators sometimesusepliers to 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 adjustmentof 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.
`
`In another embodimentof the invention, a method
`[0007]
`of adjusting a light assembly includes removing an engage-
`ment 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
`
`[0008] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a mobile lighting
`system in accordance with one embodimentofthe invention.
`
`[0009] FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial isometric view of an
`adjustable lighting assembly of FIG. 1,
`including an
`exploded view of one of the four adjustable lamp assemblies
`in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
`
`[0010] FIG. 3 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion
`of one of the adjustable lamp assemblies of FIG.2.
`
`[0011] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a portion of a tower
`locking assembly in accordance with one embodimentof the
`invention.
`
`(0012] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a portion of the
`tower locking assembly of FIG.4.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0005] 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
`
`Inthe following description, certain specific details
`[0013]
`are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of
`various embodiments of the invention. The present disclo-
`sure describes light adjustment apparatuses mountable to
`towers on mobile lighting systems in accordance with one
`embodimentof the present invention. Many specific details
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1041 - Page 6 of 12
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1041 - Page 6 of 12
`
`

`

`US 2003/0137840 Al
`
`Jul. 24, 2003
`
`of certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the
`following description and in FIGS. 1-5 to provide a thorough
`understanding of these embodiments. One skilled in the
`relevant art will understand, however, that the present inven-
`tion may have additional embodiments, and that the inven-
`tion may be practiced without several of
`the details
`described below. Well-known structures associated with
`
`mobile lighting systems, such as telescoping towers and
`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.
`
`[0014] 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 includesa 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.
`
`[0015] A rotatable coupling 166 mounts the light tower
`120to thetrailer bed 162, and is configuredto 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 horizontally 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-H without moving the trailer 160.
`
`[0016] 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.
`
`FIG.2 is an enlarged partial isometric view of the
`[0017]
`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.
`
`[0018] The adjustable lamp assemblies 204 of the illus-
`trated embodiment are rotatable relative to the support
`
`member 200 about two orthogonal axis of rotation to facili-
`tate the proper aiming of the light. The adjustable lamp
`assemblies 204,in the illustrated embodiment, includea first
`mounting member 280 attached to the light housing 142
`(which contains a light bulb) and a second mounting mem-
`ber 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 alternative embodiments, the first mounting member 280
`might 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 havea different
`shape, such as circular, and the apertures 284 may be
`oriented in a different pattern, such as a curve.
`
`Thefirst mounting member280 is fixedly attached
`[0019]
`to the light housing 142 by fasteners 286. The fasteners 286
`in the illustrated embodimentare bolts that extend through
`apertures 296 in the first mounting member 280 and into
`apertures 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
`[0020]
`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 pivotally connected to the second end 283 of the first
`mounting member 280, and the second end 213 of the
`second mounting member210 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 ofthe first
`and second mounting members 280 and 210. Another fas-
`tener 218 passes through an aperture 285 in 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 ofthe 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 unit
`relative to the second mounting member 210 and the support
`member200 to adjust the direction of the light housing 142.
`
`the first axis of
`In the illustrated embodiment,
`[0021]
`rotation A, is substantially horizontal and allowsthe respec-
`tive light housing 142 to be aimedvertically. 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.
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1041 - Page 7 of 12
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1041 - Page 7 of 12
`
`

`

`US 2003/0137840 Al
`
`Jul. 24, 2003
`
`In other embodiments,the first and second mounting mem-
`bers 280 and 210 might have different shapes or configura-
`tions.
`
`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 be removed from one of the plurality of apertures 284.
`Oncethe tip 260 is removed from the apertures 284,the first
`mounting member 280 and light housing 142 can be angu-
`larly adjusted relative to the support member 200 to a new
`position wherein another one of the apertures 284is aligned
`to receive the tip 260 therein. Therefore, the angular orien-
`tation of the light housing 142 can be quickly and easily
`adjusted by an operator without requiring tools to manually
`loosen and tighten the light housing.
`
`[0025] Referring to FIG.2, in the illustrated embodiment,
`the second mounting member210 is rotatably attached to the
`support member 200. The second mounting member 210
`includesa circular section 228 betweenthe first end 211 and
`the second end 213. The circular section 228 includes a
`
`[0022] 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 ofthe 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
`plurality of rectangularly-shaped lock receivers or apertures
`280 and the light housing 142 until the lock 250 is removed
`212 oriented in a generally circular arrangement. A fastener
`from the apertures 293 and 284. FIG. 3 is a picture of a
`portion of one of the adjustable lamp assemblies 204 of FIG.
`216 passes through an aperture 214 in the circular section
`2. As best shown in FIG.3, the lock 250 hasafirst side 340,
`228 of the second mounting member 210 and through an
`a second side 342, a third side 344, a top surface 346 and a
`aperture 220 in the support member 200 to connect the
`bottom surface (not shown). The lock 250 also has a tip 260
`second mounting member 210 to the support member 200.
`(best seen in FIG. 2) that projects generally perpendicularly
`The fastener 216 creates a second axis of rotation A, about
`from the first side 340. The tip 260 of the lock 250 is
`which the second mounting member 210,the first mounting
`removably disposed within the aperture 293 in the second
`member 280 and the light housing 142 can rotate as a unit
`end 213 of the second mounting member 210 and within one
`relative to the support member 200.
`In the illustrated
`embodiment, the second axis of rotation A, permits each
`of the plurality of apertures 284 in the circular portion 282
`of the first mounting member 280. The tip 260, when
`adjustable lamp assembly 204 to be aimed horizontally. In
`positioned within one of the apertures 284, blocks rotational
`other embodiments, depending on the configuration of the
`motion between the second mounting member 210 and the
`second mounting member 210 and the orientation of the
`first mounting member 280 along the first axis of rotation
`support member 200, the second axis of rotation A, may
`provide the ability to aim the lamp assembly 204 in other
`Ay.
`directions.
`
`[0023] A biasing member 252 is connectedto 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
`member252 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
`mounting member 280. In the illustrated embodiment, the
`biasing member 252 is a spring; however, other means can
`be used to urge the tip 260 to remain within one of the
`plurality of apertures 284. The lock 250 also has an enlarged
`aperture 254 therein betweenthe first and second sides 340
`and 342. The enlarged aperture 254 is sized to allow an
`operator to place a finger through the aperture 254 and pull
`or otherwise exert a force on the lock 250 to removethe tip
`260 of the lock 250 from one of the apertures 284.
`
`[0024] The lock 250 is pivotally connected to the second
`mounting member 210 in the illustrated embodiment. The
`lock 250 has an aperture 256 (shown in FIG.2) proximate
`to the junction of thefirst and second sides 340 and 342. The
`second mounting member 210 has two spaced-apart projec-
`tions 302 that extend in a direction perpendicular to the
`second end 213. The portion of the lock 250 with the
`aperture 256 therethrough is pivotally positioned between
`the two projections 302. A fastener 300 passes through the
`twoprojections 302 and through the aperture 256 in the lock
`250, so that the lock 250 pivots about the fastener 300. When
`
`[0026] 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
`member200 is positioned so it axially aligns with one of the
`apertures 212 in the circular section 228 in the second
`mounting member 210 when the second mounting member
`is rotated about the second axis A, to a desired position. The
`tip 224 of the lock 230 extends through the one of the
`plurality of apertures 212 aligned with the support member’s
`aperture 222 to restrict rotation of the second mounting
`member 210 relative to the support member 200 about the
`second axis of rotation A5.
`
`[0027] The features and shape of lock 230 are similar to
`lock 250 described above. A fastener 231 attaches the lock
`
`230 to two projections 233 that extend perpendicularly from
`the support member 200; accordingly, the lock 230 can pivot
`about the fastener. The arrangementis similar to that shown
`in FIG. 3 except that the biasing member 235 is attached to
`a rib 232 on the support member 200. In alternative embodi-
`ments, the lock 230 and biasing member 235 can be different
`from the lock 250 and biasing member 252 described above.
`In other embodiments,
`the biasing member 235 can be
`connected to something other than the rib 232, provided that
`it continues to urge the tip 224 of the lock 230 into one of
`the plurality of apertures 212 on the second mounting
`member 210. The lock 230, therefore, removably restricts
`the second mounting member 210 from rotating relative to
`the support member 200 about the second axis of rotation
`As.
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1041 - Page 8 of 12
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1041 - Page 8 of 12
`
`

`

`US 2003/0137840 Al
`
`Jul. 24, 2003
`
`arrangement
`lock-plurality-of-apertures
`[0028] The
`allows each light housing 142 in the adjustable lightening
`assembly 140to be individually adjusted in a safe, quick and
`convenient manner without requiring additional tools and
`without loosening the fasteners that hold the adjustable lamp
`assemblies 204 to the light tower’s support member 200. In
`the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable lamp assembly
`204 has two separate axes of rotation A, and A, enabling
`each lamp assembly 204 to be individually adjusted and
`aimed in a selected direction vertically and horizontally. In
`alternative embodiments, the adjustable lamp assembly 204
`can be configured for adjustment about only one of the axes
`of rotation A, or A,. In one embodiment, in which the first
`mounting member 280 has one of the plurality of apertures
`and the lock, and the second mounting member 210 includes
`the other, the second mounting membercan be considered a
`support member.
`
`handle 444 in the direction D an operator can removethe tip
`454 from one of the cutouts 402, and thus permit rotation of
`the tower 120 aboutits axis. In alternative embodiments, the
`lock 452 and/or handle 444 can have different configurations
`and shapes.
`
`it will be appreciated that
`[0032] From the foregoing,
`specific embodiments of the invention have been described
`herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifi-
`cations 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.
`I/we claim:
`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 memberrotatably attached to the mounting
`bracket so that the light holder and mounting bracket
`can berotated as a umit relative to the support member
`about an axis of rotation, the support member having a
`first aperture; and
`
`2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a biasing
`memberurging the engagement memberinto thefirst aper-
`ture and one of the plurality of locking apertures.
`3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
`
`a trailer having a trailer bed coupled to a wheel assembly;
`and
`
`an extendable tower having first and second tower por-
`tions moveable relative to each other, the extendable
`tower being operatively coupled to the trailer bed;
`
`In one embodiment, the light tower 120 is rotatable
`[0029]
`aboutits longitudinal axis relative to the trailer 162. FIG. 4
`is an isometric view ofa portion of the light tower 120 and
`a tower locking assembly 450. A lower portion of the light
`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
`an engagement member releasably engaging the mount-
`location without moving the trailer. The tower locking
`ing bracket to selectively restrict the mounting bracket
`assembly 450 releasably restricts rotation of the tower 120
`from rotating relative to the support member,
`the
`aboutits longitudinalaxis. In the illustrated embodiment, the
`engagement memberbeingplacedintothe first aperture
`tower locking assembly 450 includes an annular flange 460
`in the support member and one of the plurality of
`attached to the tower 120, teeth 400 spaced radially around
`locking apertures in the mounting bracket,
`thereby
`the base 410, and a lock 452 attached to the annular flange
`restricting rotation of the mounting bracket about the
`460. The lock 452 is an elongated flat member withafirst
`axis of rotation.
`end portion 442 connected to a handle 444. The first end
`portion 442 has a tip 454 thatis sized to fit, at least partially,
`between twoof the teeth 400. Whenthe tip 454 is removably
`received between twoof the teeth 400, the rotation of the
`tower 120 alongits axis is restricted. The spaces between the
`teeth 400 are cutouts 402, which in the illustrated embodi-
`ment are grooves; however, in alternative embodiments, the
`cutouts 402 can be apertures. In other embodiments,
`the
`teeth 400 can be attached to the tower 120, and the lock 452
`can be attached to the base 410. Furthermore, the configu-
`ration and shape of the lock 452, teeth 400 and cutouts 402
`can be different. For example, in one embodiment, the lock
`can be a rod that is removably received in one ofa plurality
`of apertures in the base.
`
`wherein the support memberis coupled to one ofthe first
`and second tower portions.
`4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein havinga plurality of
`locking apertures sequentially aligned includes having a
`[0030] The first end portion 442 of the lock 452 has a
`plurality of locking apertures forming a generally circular
`projection 424 with an aperture 426 for connection to one
`shape.
`end of a biasing member 430. The other end of the biasing
`5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mounting bracket
`member 430 is attached to an aperture 422 in a projection
`includes a first mounting member and a second mounting
`420 on the annular flange 460. The biasing member 430
`member, the axis of rotation is a first axis of rotation, the
`urges the tip 454 of the lock 452 into the selected one of the
`plurality of locking apertures isafirst plurality of locking
`cutouts 402.
`In the illustrated embodiment,
`the biasing
`apertures, the engagement member isafirst engagement
`
`member 430 is a spring; however, in alternative embodi-
`member, and the first mounting member hasthefirst plu-
`ments, other elastic members can be used.
`rality of locking apertures;
`
`[0031] 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 causing the first end 442 of the lock 452 to
`movein the direction R (FIG. 4). Therefore, by moving the
`
`wherein the support memberis rotatably attached to the
`first mounting memberso that the light holder and first
`mounting membercan be rotated as a unit relative to
`the support member about the first axis of rotation;
`
`wherein the first engagement memberreleasably engages
`the first mounting memberto selectively restrict the
`first mounting member from rotating relative to the
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1041 - Page 9 of 12
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1041 - Page 9 of 12
`
`

`

`US 2003/0137840 Al
`
`Jul. 24, 2003
`
`support member whenthefirst engagement memberis
`placed into the first aperture in the support member and
`one ofthe first plurality of locking aperturesin 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 memberis 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
`
`wherein a second engagement memberis releasably dis-
`posed at least partially within one of the second plu-
`rality of locking apertures and one of 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;
`
`a support member having a first aperture, the support
`member being rotatably attached to the mounting
`bracket so that the light can be aimed at a selected
`orientation; and
`
`a lock releasably engaging the 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 one of the
`plurality of locking apertures.
`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
`membercan berotated as a unit relative to the support
`member about the axis of rotation; and
`
`the lock releasably engages the mounting member to
`selectively restrict the mounting memberfrom rotating
`relative to the support member whenthe lock is placed
`into the first aperture in the support memberand oneof
`the plurality of locking apertures in the mounting
`member, thereby restricting rotation of the mounting
`member about the axis of rotation.
`
`9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the mounting b