WO2014066029A1

WO2014066029A1 - Interior illumination system

Info

Publication number: WO2014066029A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/063782
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joel R. Lee; Umesh Mishra
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2012-10-23
Filing date: 2013-10-08
Publication date: 2014-05-01
Anticipated expiration: 2015-04-23

Abstract

An illumination system in which a light source is in operative communication with a solid state light dispersion element integrated into a handle or other moveable component being illuminated. During operation, the light dispersion element is illuminated through localized operative projection of a light beam from the light source to the dispersion element. The dispersion element accepts the localized light beam and disperses the light along an extended exposed surface which may be remote from the light source.

Description

INTERIOR ILLUMINATION SYSTEM CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of, and priority from, United States provisional application 61/717,382 filed 23 October 2012. The contents of such prior application and all other patent documents referenced herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to illumination systems, and more particularly, to illumination systems which may be incorporated into functional components used in

environments such as automotive and residential interiors where illumination in the region of the functional component may be desirable. By way of example only, aspects of the present disclosure may find particular application in pivoting or rotatable components such as rotatable handles and the like used in automotive interiors. However, other functional components and environments of use are likewise possible.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] Many functional components such as handles, knobs and the like may be required to rotate or pivot during use. One such common structure is a low profile passenger assist handle as may be present generally above doors at the roofline of automotive interiors. Such low profile handles are often housed in shallow wells of plastic or the like to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance and to facilitate hand access by a user. Passenger assist handles are installed in automobiles to provide a stabilizing grip location for vehicle occupants while entering and exiting the vehicle or while moving about in the vehicle. Assist handles are known in the forms of loops or bars that can be grasped by the individuals. In a further known design for passenger assist handles, the handle comprises a substantially rigid bar having legs at the ends thereof, with the legs being pivotally connected to mounting blocks attached to the frame, door posts or other interior structures of the vehicle. The handle can be free swinging from the mounting blocks or can be provided with a spring urging the handle toward a closed, stowed position. It is known to use dampers to control the movement of the handle that results from the force applied by the spring.

[0004] One issue with existing handles and other rotatable components is illumination in low light conditions. While lighting may be placed in the surrounding well or other support structure, such lighting may add substantial cost and complexity. Moreover, the light intensity from such traditional lights may be excessive. Solid state light guides formed from translucent materials such as polycarbonates and the like which are operatively coupled to light sources such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) or the like are known. However, as best understood, there has been no practical use of such light guides in rotating handle structures and the like.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a simplified illumination system used to illuminate a handle or other rotating functional component with a light intensity adequate to illuminate the component without being excessive.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] The present disclosure provides advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing an illumination system in which a light source is in operative communication with a solid state light dispersion element integrated into a handle or other moveable component being illuminated. During operation, the light dispersion element is illuminated through localized operative projection of a light beam from the light source to the dispersion element. The dispersion element accepts the localized light beam and disperses the light along an extended exposed surface which may be remote from the light source element.

[0007] By way of example only, and not limitation, the instant disclosure is described in terms of a pin-less articulating handle assembly suitable for use in a handle pocket of an automotive interior. Exemplary pin-less articulating handles are described in commonly owned United States patents 7,617,571 and 7,103,939 the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein. However, it is to be understood that illumination systems consistent with the present disclosure may be used in any number of alternative environments and components.

[0008] In accordance with one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure provides rotatable structure adapted to be illuminated along a portion of its surface. The rotatable structure includes at least one hinge assembly pivotally connected at a position on the rotatable structure. The hinge assembly includes a pair of mounting supports adapted to lockingly engage opposing surfaces of the rotatable structure. A light module is disposed in non-rotating relation to the mounting supports at a position between the mounting supports. The light module includes a hollow interior adapted to receive and retain a light engine. The light module includes an outlet opening axially aligned with a hollow protrusion extending away from a first one of the mounting supports such that a light beam emitted by the light engine travels through the outlet opening and through an exit opening in the hollow protrusion projecting away from the light module. A solid state light dispersion element is secured within the rotatable structure and is visible along a surface of the rotatable structure. A proximal end of the light dispersion element is disposed adjacent to the opening in the hollow protrusion adapted for localized collection of the light beam and illumination of the light dispersion element from the proximal end along the length of the light dispersion element.

[0009] Other objects and advantages of an illumination system consistent with the present disclosure will become apparent from a description of certain non-limiting embodiments thereof which are described and shown in the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assist grip handle assembly in a raised or stowed position incorporating an exemplary illumination system consistent with the present disclosure; [0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 1, but illustrating the handle in the down or use position;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a front view of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 1 taken generally along line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 1 taken generally along line 5-5 in FIG. 3;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a first exploded, perspective view of the handle assembly shown in FIGS. 1- 5;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, but from a different perspective;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of the handle assembly shown in FIGS. 1-5 with the handle assembly in a raised or stowed position;

[0018] FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken generally along line 9-9 in FIG. 8;

[0019] FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken generally along line 10-10 in FIG. 8;

[0020] FIG. 11 is a first exploded perspective view illustrating the mounting of a light module in the hinge assembly of the handle shown in FIGS. 1-5;

[0021] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 from a different perspective illustrating the mounting of a light module in the hinge assembly of the handle shown in FIGS. 1-5;

[0022] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the handle assembly taken generally along line 13-13 in FIG. 7 illustrating the position of the light dispersing element; and [0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a hinge assembly incorporating an integral light module.

[0024] Before the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is in no way limited in its application or construction to the details and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the disclosure is capable of other embodiments and being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for purposes of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of terms such as "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein to the extent possible, like elements are designated by like reference numerals within the various views. Referring now specifically to FIGS. 1-5, an exemplary handle assembly 20 consistent with the present disclosure includes a handle 22 of suitable shape and contour for grasping by vehicle occupants while entering a vehicle, exiting a vehicle or while moving about within the vehicle. In the illustrated exemplary construction, the handle 22 defines first leg 24 and a second leg 25 at opposite ends thereof. In the illustrated construction, each of the legs 24, 25 includes a cavity 26, 27 respectively, formed therein.

[0026] A first hinge assembly 28 is operatively connected to the handle 22, at the cavity 26 on the first leg 24. Likewise, a second hinge assembly 29 is operatively connected to the handle 22, at the cavity 27 on the second leg 25. Thus, the first hinge assembly 28 is associated with the first leg 24 via cavity 26, and the second hinge assembly 29 is associated with the second leg 25 via cavity 27. The hinge assemblies 28, 29 include mounting bases 30, 31 respectively, configured for attachment to the handle 22 within corresponding cavities 26, 27, respectively. As will be appreciated, the mounting bases 30, 31 are used for attachment to the interior of a handle well or other trim component (not shown) in a manner as will be well known to those of skill in the art.

[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, in accordance with the present disclosure, the first hinge assembly 28 may be associated with biasing spring assembly 32 as will be described further hereinafter. As will be appreciated, in operation, the spring assembly 28 acts to bias the handle 22 towards the retracted, stowed position. Thus, after the handle is accessed, it will automatically return to the stowed position shown in FIG. 1.

[0028] In the illustrated exemplary construction, each of the mounting bases 30, 31 includes a pair of outwardly extending, spaced apart, flexible mounting tabs 34 that are used to secure the corresponding hinge assembly to a mating opening in the vehicle interior. The mounting tabs 34 permit the hinge assemblies to be snap fit to the mating opening in the vehicle by deflecting inwardly as the tabs pass through the opening. In this regard, each of the tabs 34 defines a tapered end 36 having an angular face 38 to facilitate the insertion of tabs 34 into the mating opening. Each of the tabs also defines an undercut 40 on the outside at the base of angular face 38, such that undercut 40 defines a mounting recess to assist in holding and securing tabs 34 within a mating opening (not shown). As will be understood by those skilled in the art, an edge of structure defining an opening in which mounting tabs 34 will be installed can seat against undercut 40 to hinder inward and outward movement relative to the opening after installation is completed. A hole or aperture is provided in mounting base 30 between the base ends of mounting tabs 34 for inserting a pin 42 projecting away from a cavity cover 44 adapted for disposition in covering relation to the corresponding cavity in the handle 22. As will be appreciated, by inserting a pin 42 through the aperture in the space between mounting tabs 34, the pin limits inward deflection of the tabs 34, thereby preventing withdrawal of the tabs from the receiving aperture (not shown) unless and until the lock pin is withdrawn.

[0029] In the illustrated exemplary construction, the mounting bases 30, 31 of the hinge assemblies 28, 29 each further include a pair of opposed mounting ears 50 defining mounting supports used to pivotally connect the mounting bases to the handle 22. At the mounting base 30 of the first hinge assembly 28, the mounting ears 50 are spaced apart for receipt therebetween of a spring barrel 52 and related torsion spring 54 to define the spring assembly 32 as previously referenced. As shown, in the exemplary construction, each mounting ear 50 includes an outwardly extending hollow boss element 56. In use, the mounting ears 50 may be snap fit into opposing slot features at the interior of the corresponding cavities 26, 27 in the handle 22. Lead in tracks 58 in the form of ramps may be provided to allow for guided insertion of the boss elements 56 into the opposing slot features.

[0030] As illustrated, the spring assembly includes a spring barrel 52 (also referred to as a canister) and a helical torsion spring 54. The torsion spring 54 is contained within the spring barrel 52 with a first end segment of the spring seated against the spring barrel 52, such as against a ledge or shelf in the barrel 52, to limit relative rotation between the barrel 52 and the spring 54. A second end segment of the spring 54 projects outwardly from the barrel 52 through a slot and engages a ledge or other contact surface in the handle 22 to thereby impart spring force against a position of handle 22 relative to the fixed position of the barrel 52 between mounting ears 50. Thus, the spring 54 biases the handle 22 toward the stowed position.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, it may be seen that in the illustrated exemplary construction the boss elements 56 on each side of the hinge assemblies 28, 29 are retained appositionally in the slot features 64 on the handle 22. In this regard, while the sectional view shown in FIG. 9 is directed specifically to the second hinge assembly 29, it will be understood that the same mounting arrangement may be used with respect to the first hinge assembly 28 as well. With the hinge assemblies 28, 29 in the illustrated mounted condition, the handle component is permitted to rotate relative to the stationary mounting bases 30, 31.

[0032] Referring jointly to FIGS. 9, 11 and 12, a substantially disc-shaped light module 66 may be inserted at a position inboard to one of the mounting ears 50 of the second hinge assembly 29. As best seen through joint reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, in the exemplary construction the light module includes a hollow extended nipple feature 68 projecting away from one face and a raised detent feature 69 projecting away from an opposing face. As best seen in FIG. 9, in the exemplary construction the light module is substantially hollow at its interior and includes a perimeter acceptance slot 70 for receipt of a light emitting element as will be described hereinafter.

[0033] During assembly, the extended nipple feature 68 of the light module 66 may be inserted in mating relation into the interior of the inboard boss element 56 of the hinge assembly 29. In this engaged relationship, a tunnel 72 extending axially along the length of the nipple feature 68 is disposed in substantially coaxial relation to the hollow interior of the boss element. Accordingly, a proximal end of the tunnel 72 opens into the interior of the light module 66 and a distal end of the tunnel 72 opens into the interior of the surrounding hollow boss element 56. In this arrangement light may pass from the interior of the light module, through the tunnel 72 and then exit through a distal axial boss opening 73. In this regard, it will be noted that the nipple feature 68 is not required to extend the full length of the boss element 56. However, it may extend the full length if desired.

[0034] As shown, the outer diameter of the extended nipple feature 68 substantially matches the inner diameter of the surrounding boss element 56 thereby promoting the maintenance of a substantially coaxial relationship during use. As best seen through joint reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the light module 66 may be held against inadvertent axial rotation by a rib 74 (FIG. 12) which is seated in an alignment slot 75 (FIG. 11). Thus, when the handle 22 is rotated, the light module 66 will be blocked from rotation by the engagement between the rib 74 and the alignment slot 75 on the hinge assembly 29. That is, since the hinge assembly is held in a static condition, the light module 66 is also held in a static condition.

[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 9, it may be seen that in the illustrated exemplary construction, the raised detent 69 on the face of the light module projecting outboard (i.e. away from the extended nipple feature 68) may be seated in nesting relation in a depression at the inboard end of a damper 76 such as a rotary damper of the like. As will be well understood by those of skill in the art, the body of the damper 76 remains stationary but typically includes internal rotating vanes (not shown) which are operatively connected to the handle 22. As the handle 22 is rotated, a corresponding rotation is applied to the vanes. The vanes are typically immersed in a viscous oil or other damping fluid such that the rate of handle rotation is slowed, but rotation is not prevented. Of course, virtually any form of damper may be used as may be desired.

[0036] As best seen through joint reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, a light engine 80 such as an LED or the like may be inserted into the light module 66 through the perimeter acceptance slot 70 and snapped into place. In this regard, engagement of angled lateral sides 82 of the light engine with raised circumferential detent features 84 projecting away from the interior circumferential perimeter of the light module ensure proper axial location of the light engine 80 (FIG. 10). A tight fit is promoted by raised axial detent features 86 projecting away from an interior face of the light module 66 and adapted to press against a surface of the light engine to maintain a tight fit. Power may be supplied through wires 88 which may be located in position by harness features 90, 92 . Of course, other mounting arrangements may likewise be used. As will be readily appreciated, since the light engine 80 is held securely in the light module 66, which is blocked from rotation by the mounting base, the light engine itself is likewise blocked from rotation.

[0037] Regardless of the mounting arrangement used, the light engine 80 may emit a beam of light which is channeled along the tunnel 72 and the coaxial boss element 56 for exit at the axial boss opening 73. As best illustrated through joint reference to FIGS. 9 and 13, a proximal end of an elongated illuminating light dispersion element 95 may be positioned in adjacent opposing relation to the light output position for collection of the light emission. In operation, the light dispersion element 95 carries the light collected from the light engine 80 along its length such that the light dispersion element is illuminated and externally visible. This illumination may result in emission of a relatively low intensity light to adjacent surfaces. As shown in FIG. 13 the light dispersion element 95 may be shaped to substantially conform to the interior edge profile of the handle 22. In this regard, while various geometries may be used, it may be desirable for a proximal segment 96 of the light dispersion element 95 to be substantially axially aligned with the tunnel 72 to facilitate efficient light collection. As will be appreciated, although the light dispersion element "F" is illustrated as being located on the inner portion of the handle, such an element may likewise be disposed along the outer portion as well if desired. [0038] By way of example only, and not limitation, it is contemplated that the light dispersion element 95 may be a separate component from the exterior material of the handle 22 formed from moldable translucent polymeric materials such as translucent polycarbonate or the like. Such a separate component may be snapped into a molded-in slot on the handle 22. It is also contemplated that the light dispersion element 95 may be a second shot or overmolded component if desired such that it forms a substantially unitary structure with the remainder of the handle 22.

[0039] As will be appreciated, a significant benefit of a system in accordance with the present disclosure is that all wiring may be statically positioned after installation such that there are no flexing or rotating wires which may wear out over time. Nonetheless, the handle retains its full rotational operability. In operation, an illumination system in accordance with the present disclosure may be useful in providing a desired level of illumination in low light conditions. According to one exemplary practice, in an automotive interior environment the light engine 80 may be linked to the instrument panel lighting controls such that illumination takes place in conjunction with instrument panel illumination under darkened conditions while remaining inactive in bright light.

[0040] It is also contemplated that an illumination system in accordance with the present disclosure may be used as part of a system providing a vehicle lighting theme or so called "mood" lighting which is gaining popularity. In some environments of use it may be desirable to emit light only at defined, controlled positions. In those situations, it is contemplated that masking components which cover portions of the light dispersion element 95 may be pressed or snapped into the handle 22. Such masking components may facilitate the controlled bending of the light dispersion element 95 in extreme styling situations, while also masking light emission in zones where no illumination is desired.

[0041] It is also contemplated that the light module 66 may be molded integrally with the mounting base rather than being a separate component. By way of example only, and not limitation, FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary alternative embodiment for a mounting base 131 wherein elements corresponding to those described previously are designated by like reference numerals within a 100 series. As shown, in this embodiment, the inboard mounting ear 150 is molded to include a substantially hollow light module 166 with a perimeter acceptance slot 170 adapted to receive and retain a light engine (not shown). As will be appreciated, the interior of the light module 166 may be molded to include substantially identical internal features as previously described. However, due to the integral molding, the extended nipple feature and anti-rotation rib features are no longer needed.

[0042] Of course, variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, it is to be understood that the disclosure disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the disclosure and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments and equivalents to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Claims

CLAIM(S):

1. A rotatable structure adapted to be illuminated along a portion of its surface, the rotatable structure comprising:

at least one hinge assembly pivotally connected at a position on the rotatable structure, said at least one hinge assembly including a pair of mounting supports adapted to lockingly engage opposing surfaces of the rotatable structure;

a light module disposed in non-rotating relation to the mounting supports at a position between the mounting supports, the light module including a hollow interior adapted to receive and retain a light engine, wherein the light module includes an outlet opening axially aligned with a hollow protrusion extending away from a first one of the mounting supports such that a light beam emitted by the light engine travels through the outlet opening and through an exit opening in the hollow protrusion projecting away from the light module; and

a solid state light dispersion element secured within the rotatable structure and visible along a surface of the rotatable structure, wherein a proximal end of the light dispersion element is disposed adjacent to the opening in the hollow protrusion adapted for localized collection of the light beam and illumination of the light dispersion element from the proximal end along the length of the light dispersion element.

2. The rotatable structure as recited in Claim 1, wherein the outlet opening in the light module is oriented in transverse relation to the light engine.

3. The rotatable structure as recited in Claim 1, wherein the light module is substantially disc shaped and includes an extended nipple extending away from one side of the light module, the extended nipple being disposed in mating relation within the hollow protrusion and defining a light transmission tunnel oriented in substantial alignment between the outlet opening in the light module and the exit opening in the hollow protrusion.

4. The rotatable structure as recited in Claim 3, wherein the extended nipple includes a rib projecting outwardly away from a surface of the nipple, and wherein the hollow protrusion includes a slot adapted to receive the rib in aligned relation when the nipple is inserted into the hollow protrusion, such that the nipple and the hollow protrusion are substantially restricted from relative rotation when the nipple is in the inserted condition.

5. The rotatable structure as recited in Claim 3, wherein a damper is disposed between the light module and a second one of the mounting supports.

6. The rotatable structure as recited in Claim 5, wherein the light module further includes a raised detent axially aligned with the nipple and extending from the side of the light module facing away from the nipple and wherein the raised detent is disposed in nested relation within an indentation at one end of the damper.

7. The rotatable structure as recited in Claim 6, wherein the light engine is an LED.

8. A rotatable structure adapted to be illuminated along a portion of its surface, the rotatable structure comprising:

a handle assembly including first and second legs at opposite ends of the handle assembly;

first and second hinge assemblies pivotally connected at the first and second legs;

a first one of the hinge assemblies including first and second mounting supports and a biasing spring assembly disposed between the first and second mounting supports;

a second one of the hinge assemblies including third and fourth mounting supports and a light module disposed in non-rotating relation at a position between the third and fourth mounting supports, the light module including a hollow interior adapted to receive and retain a light engine, wherein the light module includes an outlet opening axially aligned with a hollow protrusion extending away from one of the mounting supports;

a solid state light engine disposed within the light module, such that a light beam emitted by the light engine travels through the outlet opening in the light module and through an exit opening in the hollow protrusion projecting away from the light module; and

a solid state light dispersion element secured within the handle assembly and visible along a surface of the handle assembly, wherein a proximal end of the light dispersion element is disposed adjacent to the opening in the hollow protrusion adapted for localized collection of the light beam and illumination of the light dispersion element from the proximal end along the length of the light dispersion element.

9. The rotatable structure as recited in Claim 8, wherein the outlet opening in the light module is oriented in transverse relation to the light engine.

10. The rotatable structure as recited in Claim 8, wherein the light module is substantially disc shaped and includes an extended nipple extending away from one side of the light module, the extended nipple being disposed in mating relation within the hollow protrusion and defining a light transmission tunnel oriented in substantial alignment between the outlet opening in the light module and the exit opening in the hollow protrusion.

11. The rotatable structure as recited in Claim 10, wherein the extended nipple includes a rib projecting outwardly away from a surface of the nipple, and wherein the hollow protrusion includes a slot adapted to receive the rib in aligned relation when the nipple is inserted into the hollow protrusion, such that the nipple and the hollow protrusion are substantially restricted from relative rotation when the nipple is in the inserted condition.

12. The rotatable structure as recited in Claim 11, wherein a damper is disposed between the light module and a second one of the mounting supports.

13. The rotatable structure as recited in Claim 12, wherein the light module further includes a raised detent axially aligned with the nipple and extending from the side of the light module facing away from the nipple and wherein the raised detent is disposed in nested relation within an indentation at one end of the damper.

14. The rotatable structure as recited in Claim 13, wherein the light engine is an LED

15. A rotatable handle structure adapted to be illuminated along a portion of its surface, the rotatable structure comprising: a molded polymer handle assembly including first and second legs at opposite ends of the handle assembly;

the other of the hinge assemblies including third and fourth mounting supports and a light module disposed in non-rotating relation at a position between the third and fourth mounting supports, the light module including a hollow interior adapted to receive and retain a light engine, wherein the light module includes an outlet opening axially aligned with a hollow protrusion extending away from one of the mounting supports;

a solid state light dispersion element of translucent polymer secured within the handle assembly between the first and second legs along a bottom surface of the handle assembly, wherein a proximal end of the light dispersion element light dispersion element is disposed adjacent to the opening in the hollow protrusion for localized collection of the light beam and illumination of the light dispersion element from the proximal end along the length of the light dispersion element.

16. The rotatable structure as recited in Claim 15, wherein the outlet opening in the light module is oriented in transverse relation to the light engine.

17. The rotatable structure as recited in Claim 15, wherein the light module is substantially disc shaped and includes an extended nipple extending away from one side of the light module, the extended nipple being disposed in mating relation within the hollow protrusion and defining a light transmission tunnel oriented in substantial alignment between the outlet opening in the light module and the exit opening in the hollow protrusion.

18. The rotatable structure as recited in Claim 17, wherein the extended nipple includes a rib projecting outwardly away from a surface of the nipple, and wherein the hollow protrusion includes a slot adapted to receive the rib in aligned relation when the nipple is inserted into the hollow protrusion, such that the nipple and the hollow protrusion are substantially restricted from relative rotation when the nipple is in the inserted condition.

19. The rotatable structure as recited in Claim 17, wherein a damper is disposed between the light module and a second one of the mounting supports and wherein the light module further includes a raised detent axially aligned with the nipple and extending from the side of the light module facing away from the nipple and wherein the raised detent is disposed in nested relation within an indentation at one end of the damper.

20. The rotatable structure as recited in Claim 15, wherein the light module is integral with a mounting support.