# US 2014/0153268 A1 · Gear screw adjuster

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- Number: US 2014/0153268 A1
- Document ID: US20140153268A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 14/084,375
- Filed: 2013-11-19
- Published: 2014-06-05
- Earliest claimed: 2007-12-13
- Assignees: Burton Technologies, LLC
- Applicants: Burton Technologies, LLC
- Inventors: John Burton
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140153268A1

## CPC

- B60Q 1/068: by mechanical means
- B60Q 1/0683: {Adjustable by rotation of a screw}
- F21S 41/675: by moving reflectors
- B60Q: ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- F21S: NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS

## Abstract

A headlamp assembly includes a simplified adjusting mechanism for adjusting the aim of a headlamp. The mechanism includes a gear screw that is snap-fit into the headlamp housing, a grommet that is positioned around the gear screw and snap-fit into the headlamp reflector, and an O-ring to ensure a good seal.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A gear screw adjuster assembly for use in an automotive headlamp having a reflector, the adjuster assembly comprising:
a gear screw operably engaged to the reflector for positioning the reflector;
a snap-fit grommet having a clutch, positioned at least partially around the gear screw and attached to the reflector; and
wherein the clutch prevents over-travel of the gear screw.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The gear screw adjuster assembly of claim 1, further comprising a retaining clip capable of compression as the gear screw is snap-fitted into the headlamp and expansion so as to retain the gear screw in position in the headlamp.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The gear screw adjuster assembly of claim 1, wherein the snap-fit grommet is capable of compression as the gear screw adjuster assembly is snap-fitted into the headlamp and is also capable of expansion so as to retain the gear screw adjuster assembly in position in the headlamp.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The gear screw adjuster assembly of claim 1, wherein the snap-fit grommet has a threaded portion and the gear screw has a threaded portion, wherein the threaded portion of the snap-fit grommet engages the threaded portion of the gear screw.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The gear screw adjuster assembly of claim 4 wherein the snap-fit grommet further comprises a nonthreaded portion.

### Claim 6 (depends on 4)

The gear screw adjuster assembly of claim 4 wherein rotation of the gear screw and movement of the snap-fit grommet repositions the reflector in multiple directions.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The gear screw adjuster assembly of claim 1 wherein the gear screw adjuster assembly can be snap-fit into the headlamp and simultaneously into operative engagement with the reflector.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The gear screw adjuster assembly of claim 1, further comprising a flexible ring around the gear screw.

### Claim 9 (depends on 4)

The gear screw adjuster assembly of claim 4, wherein the clutch slips when a predetermined amount of force is placed on the clutch between the threaded portion of the snap-fit grommet and the threaded portion of the gear screw.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The gear screw adjuster assembly of claim 9, wherein the threaded portion of the snap-fit grommet has angled teeth, the angle of the teeth determining the amount of force required to activate the clutch.