Retractable light and motion detector
US5513085A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 13, 1994 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF21W2131/109
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An in-ground light, motion detector, or other active element is housed in a telescopically mounted housing so that it can be retracted to ground level when not in use and positioned above the ground when in use. A motor that extends and retracts the telescopically mounted housing relative to a main housing is rotatably mounted in a nonrotatable motor housing that adjoins the main housing. A plate having electrical contacts is mounted to the motor so that the contacts rotate when the motor rotates. A second plate having electrical contacts is nonrotatably secured to the motor housing so that relative rotation of the two plates activates and deactivates the motor. Relative rotation of the plates occurs when the telescopically mounted housing is fully extended or fully retracted because the rotational energy of the motor's output shaft is transferred to the motor when full extension or retraction has been achieved. In an alternative embodiment, a magnetic strip and associated sensor are employed to precisely control the instantaneous positioning of the telescoping housing with respect to the main housing. In another embodiment, the light pivots upon deployment into any preselected ang…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.