Abstract:
A boat trailer has a plurality of light sources housed within a sealed enclosure. The sources are electrically connected to a towing vehicle&#39;s lighting system and optically coupled through light condensing means to fiber-optic connecting fittings. Electrical circuitry for light source emitting elements is disposed within the enclosure and a multi-conductor electrical bulk-head connector is on the enclosure. A plurality of fiber-optic cables have environmentally securing end connectors. Fiber-optic cable tap devices function to extract a specific percentage of the light transmitted through a fiber-optic cable to a side outlet for distribution among a plurality of emitting apertures performing similar lighting functions. Light emitting apertures with light diffusion and control from the entering beam to the full area of the light emitting aperture is accomplished through lenses and/or critical angle reflectors.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application is based upon Provisional Application No. 60/370,036 filed Apr. 4, 2002. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to lighting systems for boat trailer vehicles, and more specifically, to lighting systems for “float-on” type trailers whereby light emitting elements are subject to immersion in water.  
           [0003]    The use of conventional boat trailer lighting systems is known in the prior art. More specifically conventional boat trailer lighting systems used for running, stop, turn signal, hazard, license tag, side marker, and back-up lights typically use light fixtures comprising an incandescent lamp, a reflector, and a lens. The light fixtures are disposed at desired and/or required light output locations. The lamps are electrically connected to a towing vehicle&#39;s respective lighting circuits via a male-female “pig-tail” connector, a wiring harness, and a lamp holder within the light fixture.  
           [0004]    A lamp and reflector light source typically has the lamp filament disposed at the focal point of a parabolic reflector. A portion of the light emitted by the filament is reflected outward toward the lens as a roughly coherent beam. The lens is used to color filter and to shape the beam to meet vehicle lighting requirements. Typically, in a lamp reflector system, only about thirty percent of the visible light emitted from the lamp filament is collected and directed into the useful lighting area; furthermore, in incandescent lamps only about 1.5% of the input power is converted to red light. The majority of the input power is converted to detrimental heat and infrared radiation, and a proportionally small amount of ultraviolet radiation.  
           [0005]    Conventional boat trailer lighting systems are problematic due to submergence of the electrical components and light emitting elements commensurate with exposure to physical damage during boat launching, recovery, and trailer maneuvering.  
           [0006]    The aforesaid conventional boat trailer lighting systems have been and are particularly troublesome in the following ways. Short-lived incandescent lamps necessitate frequent replacement commensurate with failures during operation that result in a user&#39;s violation of traffic regulations. Lamp failures result from shock and vibration, water intrusion into lighting fixtures yielding thermal shock rupture of lamp glass envelopes, electrical shorting and/or contact failures from corrosion and/or water conductance at lamp base/socket interfaces. These intrusions are typically due to, fractured lenses and/or housings, lens-to-housing gasket failures and/or misassembly, and/or fixture entrance wire seal deterioration, Electrical shorts result from wire chaffing and/or insulation damage. Finally, corrosion of electrical connector and wire splicing devices occurs, particularly the traditional pig-tail electrical connector coupled to the towing vehicle.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,811,171 to Viola discloses an electrical to optical boat trailer lighting distribution system. In an attempt to address the deficiencies of conventional boat trailer lighting systems, Viola teaches an optically compartmented enclosure, with each compartment housing an incandescent lamp assembly. Each compartment is intended as an illumination source for a particular lighting function. The housing is attached to the ubiquitous winch post of the trailer structure and has a traditional “pig-tail” type electrical input connector portion shown to mate with a corresponding output connector portion, wired to the towing vehicle&#39;s electrical signal lighting circuits.  
           [0008]    Viola includes a device purposed to turn light through a 90 degree angle, consisting of an enclosure and a flat reflector disposed 45 degrees to the entering and exiting light paths.  
           [0009]    In Viola, a multitude of rigid, optionally coated, plastic rods are proposed to function as light pipes or waveguides. The rods are hot formed to conform and attach to the trailer frame. One end of the rods is shown to protrude into a compartment of the aforesaid light source enclosure with the other ends shown to protrude into the light turning device and/or a taillight assembly.  
           [0010]    Viola&#39;s disclosure does not indicate reflectors, condensing lenses, or other means for concentrating and directing the light from the aforementioned incandescent lamp filaments into the plastic rods. Without such means, only a small portion of the lamps&#39; usable light will enter the plastic rods. Likewise, no light guiding means is shown within the aforementioned turning device; therefore, through scattering, only a small portion of the usable light will transit the device. Additionally, most plastics attenuate light with wavelengths greater than 580 nanometres. Running, turning, and stop signaling requires light with wavelengths of about 630 nanometres. Commensurate with up to 80 percent entrance and internal light losses of the specified plastic rods, to meet vehicular regulatory lighting illumination specifications, the disclosure&#39;s lamps must produce usable light intensities of more than one order of magnitude greater than the lamps of the aforesaid conventional lighting system. Furthermore, Viola&#39;s disclosure teaches no means of heat removal from the light source enclosure. As taught in European Patent Number EP 0 911 578 A2, 1999, degradation of plastic rods and fibers from heat, infrared, and ultra-violet radiation will occur with conventional incandescent lamps as small as 30 watts. With the much larger lamps indicated for Viola&#39;s system, the degradation of the plastic rods is exacerbated, with melting and burning of the rod ends a near certainty. Such large wattage lamps may also place an unacceptable burden on the towing vehicle&#39;s electrical system.  
           [0011]    Viola discloses no mechanical connection or sealing means for interfacing the plastic rods to either the light source enclosure, the light turning devices, or the taillight assemblies, though the latter two are proposed as submersible. Furthermore, there is no means presented for the control of the light exiting the rods to fill the area of the emitting aperture of the taillights, nor are provisions shown for the required license plate illumination, white light, and side markers, amber light.  
           [0012]    Viola&#39;s disclosure teaches that the plastic rods are to be hot-formed to conform to the trailer frame, which is an expensive, custom, process particular to each trailer type and size. Further, any desired coating and/or sheathing of the plastic rods would have to be applied subsequent the forming process, which those skilled in the art will recognize as a difficult and expensive process. The rigid, inflexible rods are shown attached to the top, and side portions of the trailer frame, and are thus subject to physical damage during normal operations associated with boat trailers, and if not coated or sheathed will suffer degradation from exposure to sunlight. The acquisition of replacements of damaged rods, due to custom forming and manufacture, would be difficult and expensive for the user, especially when bundled rods at the light source separate and diverge to opposite sides of the trailer.  
           [0013]    Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved boat trailer with an energy efficient, economical, watertight lighting system utilizing standard manufacture, flexible, readily replaceable, fiber-optic cable assemblies with environmentally secure connectors; a remote, efficiently coupled, long-lived, high brightness, low electrical power consuming, low heat generating light sources, disposed on either the trailer or the towing vehicle.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0014]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of boat trailers now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved boat trailer employing immersible fiber-optic lighting means. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved boat trailer employing immersible fiber-optic lighting means and method which has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.  
           [0015]    Obviating the deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides for a boat trailer incorporating an optical distribution system for marker, tail/running, stop, turn signal, hazard, and backup lighting functions. Herein, the word “conductor”, unless otherwise specified, shall mean a bundle of a multiplicity of glass or plastic optical fibers for the low loss transmission of light.  
           [0016]    First provided is a plurality of remote, high output, low power consuming, solid state, light sources, housed within an environmentally sealed enclosure. The enclosure is disposed at either the forward end of the trailer or the aft end of a towing vehicle. The light sources provide for each of the above stated lighting functions for each side of the trailer. The light sources are electrically connected to a towing vehicle&#39;s lighting system and optically coupled, either directly, or through light condensing means, to environmentally sealed, bulkhead type, fiber-optic connecting fittings. Electrical circuitry, to drive and provide current limiting for the light source emitting elements is disposed within the enclosure. Provided on the enclosure is a multi-conductor, environmentally sealing, electrical bulk-head connector, such as those manufactured by the Molex Corporation.  
           [0017]    Next provided is a plurality of flexible, reflectively clad, sheathed, glass and/or plastic fiber-optic cables, made-up to length, with environmentally securing end connectors. The cable is constructed of standard manufacture, communications grade fiber-optic cable.  
           [0018]    Next provided are fiber-optic cable tap devices, known to the art, utilizing either total internal reflection (TIR) means, or the redirection of a proportionate quantity of the multitude of fibers comprising a conductor. The tap devices function to extract a specific percentage of the light transmitted though a fiber-optic cable to a side outlet for distribution among a plurality of emitting apertures performing similar lighting functions, such as side markers.  
           [0019]    Next provided are light emitting apertures in the form of fully sealed fixtures ensuring environmental integrity. The fixtures incorporate light fittings for side, top, or bottom inlets. Light diffusion and control from the entering beam to the full area of the light emitting aperture is accomplished through lenses and/or critical angle reflectors. Appropriate beam shaping lenses are disposed at the emitting apertures to meet regulatory specifications. Some fixtures may be a combination type, having multiple light input sources and multiple light emitting apertures, to serve diverse requirements such as tail, running, stop, turn signal, hazard, side marker, and license plate lighting.  
           [0020]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.  
           [0021]    In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.  
           [0022]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
           [0023]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved boat trailer employing immersible fiber-optic lighting means which has all of the advantages of the prior art boat trailers and none of the disadvantages.  
           [0024]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved boat trailer employing immersible fiber-optic lighting means which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.  
           [0025]    It is further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved boat trailer employing immersible fiber-optic lighting means which is of durable and reliable constructions.  
           [0026]    An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved boat trailer employing immersible fiber-optic lighting means which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such boat trailer employing immersible fiber-optic lighting means economically available to the buying public.  
           [0027]    Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a boat trailer employing immersible fiber-optic lighting means incorporating an optical distribution system for market, tail/running, stop, turn signal, hazard, and backup lighting functions.  
           [0028]    Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved a boat trailer with a plurality of light sources housed within a sealed enclosure in which the sources are electrically connected to a towing vehicle&#39;s lighting system and optically coupled through light condensing means to fiber-optic connecting fittings. Electrical circuitry for the light source emitting elements is disposed within the enclosure and a multi-conductor electrical bulk-head connector is on the enclosure. A plurality of fiber-optic cables have environmentally securing end connectors. Fiber-optic cable tap devices function to extract a specific percentage of the light transmitted through a fiber-optic cable to a side outlet for distribution among a plurality of emitting apertures performing similar lighting functions. Light emitting apertures with light diffusion and control from the entering beam to the full area of the light emitting aperture is accomplished through lenses and/or critical angle reflectors. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0029]    The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. In the drawings wherein closely related figures may have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes. For clarity, elements of the invention may be expanded in proportional scale and/or in forms simplified for assembly views. After once illustrated and delineated in text, similar components differing only in parametric dimensions may not be shown again, for clarity of this teaching. The drawings and expositions assume a right or starboard-side, roadway, driving lane. It is expected that the reader will envision the transpositions of elements and assemblies required for the invention to be applicable in countries wherein the left or port-side of the roadway is the accepted norm. Unless otherwise specified in the drawing descriptions, “forward” and “fore” shall mean the direction toward the right side of the drawing, and in the case of a mirror-imaged, interrupted assembly drawing, the items to the right shall be construed as the primary object being described, although the items to the left may be referenced.  
         [0030]    The description that follows makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:  
         [0031]    [0031]FIGS. 1 and 1A show isometric views of a typical embodiment of the invention as a float-on boat trailer assembly.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIGS. 2 and 2A show front and edge views of encapsulated, multi-function, large arrays of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for high illumination level requirements such as stop and turn signaling, and back-up lighting.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIGS. 3 and 3A show, in plan and side views, encapsulated, small arrays of white LEDs for lessor light level requirements such as license plate illumination.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 4 shows a partial section view through a fiber-optic cable assembly.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 5 shows a section view through a light condensing/collimating fitting mated with a fiber optic cable end.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 6 shows a section view through a light dispersion fitting, loosely made-up to a fiber-optic cable end.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 7 shows a section view through a 90° light turning/dispersion fitting.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 7A shows an end view of the 90° light turning/dispersion fitting.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 8 shows a vertical section view through the port side of a light source assembly.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of the starboard taillight assembly.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 10 shows an isometric view of a port side taillight assembly.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 11 shows a section view through a port side taillight module.  
     
    
       [0043]    Similar reference numerals designate similar parts throughout the several figures. Following is a list of the drawing reference numerals.  
       DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS  
       [0044]    [0044]                                               22   Boat Trailer Frame   22A   Port Girder       22B   Starboard Girder   22C   Tongue       22D   Trave   22E   Frame Hitch Coupler       22F   Hull Support Beam   22G   Keel Roller       22H   Hull support Rail   23   Running Gear Assembly       23A   Axle   23B   Wheel &amp; Tire Assembly       23C   Trailer Suspension   24   Winch Post Fabrication       24A   Post Support Stanchion   24B   Post       24C   Base Plate   25   Winch Post Assembly       26   Winch Assembly   26A   Winch Mechanism       26B   Hull Stop Roller   26C   Winch Assembly Bracket       30   Light Source Assembly   30A   Light Source Assembly Housing       30B   Light Source Assembly Cover   30C   Housing Threaded Boss       30D   Alignment Bore   30E   Backplane       31   Electrical Bulkhead Connector   31A   Cable Parking Connector       35   Module Encapsulation   35A   Module Mounting Hole       35B   Encapsulation Riser   35C   Module Condensing Lens       35D   Module Mounting Holes   36   Taillight Source Module       36A   Red Light Emitting Diode   36B   Taillight Circuit Board       37   Marker Source Module   37A   Amber LED       37B   Marker Circuit Board   38   License Source Module       38A   License Source Circuit Board   39   Backup Light Module       39A   White LED   39B   Backup Circuit Board       40   O-Ring Seal   41   Electrical Cable Assembly       41A   Electrical Cable   41B   Cable End Female Contact       41C   Cable End Female Contact       Connector           Connector   42   Bearing Washer       43   Fitting Retaining Nut   46   Light Condensing Fitting       46A   Fitting Body   46B   Body Hex Flange       46C   Alignment Boss   46D   Fitting Nosepiece       46E   Cable Nut Mating Boss   46F   Cable End Receiving Cavity       46G   Rod Bore   46H   Collimating Lens Socket       46I   Condensing Lens Socket   46J   Condensing Lens Outlet       46K   Light Coupling Rod       Aperture       46M   Collimating Lens   46L   Elastomeric Retainer       46P   Condensing Lens   46N   Collimating Lens Retainer       47   Light Dispersion Fitting   46Q   Condensing Lens Retainer       47B   Body Hex Flange   47A   Fitting Body       47D   Fitting Nosepiece   47C   Alignment Boss       47F   Cable End Receiving Cavity   47E   Cable Nut Mating Boss       47H   Dispersion Lens   47G   Diffuser Lens Cavity       47J   Primary Light Diverging   47I   Lens Cylindrical Section           Surface   47K   Secondary Light Diverging       47L   Dispersion Lens Retainer       Surface       48A   Fitting Body   48   Rt. Angle Dispersion Fitting       48D   Mounting Thread   48B   Body Hex Flange       48E   Cable Nut Mating Boss   48C   Alignment Boss       48G   Rod Bore   48F   Cable End Receiving Cavity       48I   Positioning Slot   48H   Rod Clearance Bore       48K   Light Diverging Surface   48J   Light Guide Outlet Arm       48M   Light Guide Inlet Arm   48L   Critical Angle Surface       49   Light Guide Retainer   48N   Extended Nosepiece       52   Backup Light Module   50   Side Marker Fixture       53   Port Taillight Assembly   52A   Backup Module Lens       53B   License Plate (Tag)   53A   Port Taillight Assembly       54A   Port Taillight Housing       Bracket       54C   Taillight Marker   54   Port Taillight Module           Lens/Reflector   54B   Taillight Aft Lens       54E   Dispersion Fitting Orifice   54D   License Illumination Lens       54G   License Illumination Aperture   54F   Turning Fitting Orifice       54I   Side Lens Seal   54H   Aft Taillight Aperture       54K   License Lens Seal   54J   Aft Lens Seal       57   Starboard Taillight Assembly   54L   Marker Lens Aperture       58   Starboard Taillight Module   57A   Starboard Taillight Bracket       60   Fiber-Optic Cable Assembly   58A   Taillight Fixture Housing       60B   Fiber Optic Bundle   60A   Fiber-Optic Cable       60D   Bundle End, Optical Flat   60C   Fiber Optic Cable Sheathing       61A   Ferrule Nosepiece   61   Fiber Optic Cable End Ferrule       61C   Ferrule Bearing Flange   61B   Ferrule Crimp Barrel       61E   Fiber Bundle Bore   61D   Cable Bore       61G   Flange Seal Bearing Face   61F   Flange Spring Bearing Face       62A   Nut Jam Boss   62   Fiber Optic Cable End Nut       62C   Nut Spring Bearing Face   62B   Nut Mating Thread       64   O-Ring Seal   63   Wave Tension Spring       72   90° Beam Turning Elbow   70   Beam Splitting Tee                    
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0045]    With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1 which is a starboard, aft or stern, isometric view and FIG. 1A which is a port, forward or bow, isometric view, the preferred embodiment of the boat trailer employing immersible fiber-optic lighting means. These drawings indicate the principle assemblies and components, along with their dispositions, that comprise the invention, typically, however, the functional description of the invention may not be set forth in the description of the aforesaid drawings. The functionality description of the invention may be revisited, after teaching the means and purpose of the components and assemblies through the descriptions of the subsequent drawings.  
         [0046]    First provided is a boat trailer comprising a frame  22 , a running gear assembly  23 , and a winch post assembly  24 .  
         [0047]    The frame  22  is composed of a hitch coupler  22 E, for attachment to a towing vehicle, not shown, disposed at the forward end of a tongue  22 C dispositioned forward on the frame longitudinal axis with the tongue affixed to the midpoint of a trave  22 D. An angle formed port girder  22 A and an angle formed starboard girder  22 B are joined to the ends of the trave  22 D just forward of the midpoint of the angled portion of the girders. The aft portions of the girders  22 A  22 B, are aligned parallel to the frame longitudinal axis. With the forward angled portions thereof converging and affixed to an intermediate point of the tongue  22 C and the respective vertical faces of thereof, a wishbone shaped carriage results.  
         [0048]    Next provided are at least two hull support beams  22 F affixed mesial the interior vertical faces of the girders  22 A  22 C; one just aft of the bend forming the angularity of the girders, and one just forward of the aft end of the girders. For trailers accommodating larger boats, additional beams  22 F may provided between those shown. Attached to the midpoint of the beams, and protruding above, are keel roller assemblies  22 G for guiding the boat onto the trailer.  
         [0049]    Next provided, affixed to the beams  22 F, are appropriately shaped, spaced, and cushioned, rails  22 H for the support of a boat during transit.  
         [0050]    Next provided is a running gear assembly  33 . The running gear assembly is attached to the frame  22 , via a suspension means  23 C, and disposed longitudinally such that the weight distribution of the loaded trailer has roadworthy handling characteristics when attached to a towing vehicle. The assembly comprises; an axle  23 A, and a wheel and tire assembly  23 B, two of which are diametrically positioned about the center of the axle  23 A, and a suspension means  23 C such as a spring or a spring and damper combination.  
         [0051]    Next provided is a winch post assembly  25 . The winch post assembly is disposed and attached to the frame structure proximate the juncture of the girders  22 A  22 B with the tongue  22 C. The winch post assembly comprises: a welded fabrication  24  of a base plate  24 C, a post  24 B, and a post support stanchion  24 A; and a winch assembly  26 . The winch assembly, disposed at the top of the winch post  24 B positioned aft, comprises a winch bracket  26 C attached to the post whereupon a winch mechanism  26 A resides top and forward thereon, and a hull stop roller  26 B resides aft.  
         [0052]    Next provided is a light source assembly  30 . The light source assembly is attached to the stanchion  24 A, forward apposition. The light source assembly has a multitude of light condensing fittings  46  protruding from the port and starboard sides of the aft face thereof. Note FIGS. 5 and 8. A multitude of side marker fixtures  50  are disposed along the outboard port and starboard faces of the frame  22 , with quantities and locations being in accord with regulatory requirements. The aft most side markers have a prism-type 90 degree beam turning elbow  72 , known to the art, fitted thereto. The fixtures forward of the aforementioned are fitted with a percentage beam splitting tee  70 , also known to the art.  
         [0053]    Next provided is a fiber optic cable assembly  60 . The cable assembly is on the port side of the trailer and is connected to a respective light condensing fitting  46 , routed and connected to a beam splitting tee  70  of the forward most side marker  50 . As required, additional cable assemblies  60  inter-connect the light control fittings  70   72  of the port side markers  50 . The cable assembly  60 , being somewhat flexible, is secured to the trailer frame, not shown, for clarity with clamps, straps or other means common to the art. The starboard side marker requirements are provided through the same means as the port side.  
         [0054]    Next provided is a port taillight assembly  53 . Note FIG. 1A. The port taillight assembly is disposed at and attached to the aft, outboard end of the port frame girder  22 A via a bracket  53 A. Likewise, a starboard taillight assembly  57  is attached to the starboard frame girder  22 B via a bracket  57 A. A multitude of specific function fittings  47 ,  48  of the aforementioned assemblies  53 ,  57  are connected to the respective condensing fittings  46  of the light source assembly  30  with fiber optic cable assemblies  60 , not shown.  
         [0055]    An environmentally sealing, keyed, multi-conductor, bulkhead type, electrical connector  31  is next provided. The electrical connector  31  has male contacts and threads, such as manufactured by the Molex Corporation. The electrical connector is through mounted proximate the face center of a light source assembly cover  30 B. An electrical cable assembly  41  electrically connects the light source assembly  30  to the towing vehicle&#39;s electrical system. The cable assembly comprises a sheathed multi-conductor, self-coiling cable  41 A terminated at one end with a keyed connector  41 B, having female electrical contacts and an internally threaded coupling nut for mating with the aforesaid connector  31 . The other end has a keyed, connector  41 C with male electrical contacts and an internally threaded nut for mating with a matching receptacle on the towing vehicle, not shown. A non-active bulkhead connector  31 A, that mates with the cable end connector  41 C, is provided on the cover  30 B for parking and storage of the cable assembly when not connected to the towing vehicle.  
         [0056]    A taillight source module  36  is next provided. Note FIGS. 2 and 2A. The taillight source module comprises an array of ultra-high intensity, narrow angle light emitting diodes  36 A having a dominant emission wavelength of about 630 nanometres, is disposed upon a circuit board  36 B, and is fully encapsulated within a molding  35  of transparent polymer. The molding is composed of a square flange base  35 A, with mounting holes  35 D arrayed proximate the corners thereof, and upon which a cylindrical riser  35 B, crowned by a specifically shaped dome forming a concentrating lens aperture  35 C, is centrally disposed. With the exception of the lens aperture  35 C, the entire molding is metallized to create a reflective coating for control of internally reflected light.  
         [0057]    Next, a marker light source module  37  is provided. The marker source module utilizes an array of ultra-high intensity, narrow angle, amber light emitting diodes  37 A having a dominant emission wavelength of about 595 nanometres disposed on a unique circuit board  37 B. In all other respects it is identical with the aforesaid module  36 .  
         [0058]    Next, a backup-light source module  39  is provided. The backup-light source employs an array of high intensity white light emitting diodes  39 A on a unique circuit board  39 B. In all other respects it is identical to the aforementioned module  36 .  
         [0059]    A license light source module  38  is next provided. Note FIGS. 3 and 3A. The license light source module employs a smaller array of white light emitting diodes  39 A on a unique circuit board  38 A. With the exception of parametrically smaller dimensions, it is identical to the aforementioned module  36 .  
         [0060]    A flexible, fiber optic cable assembly  60  is next provided. Note FIG. 4. The flexible, fiber optic cable assembly is composed of an appropriate length of standard-manufacture, environmentally-sheathed  60 C, fiber optic cable  60 A, employing a bundle of reflectively clad, bonded, light conducting fibers  60 B, with cut and polished ends such that an optical flat  60 D results. The ends of the fiber optic cable  60 A are disposed within a cable-end ferrule  61 . The ferrule is of one-piece construction with a cylindrical nosepiece  61 A portion, chamfered at the forward end, and terminating aft, in, and coaxial with a cylindrical flange  61 C portion. The flange portion has a sealing face  61 G forward, and a spring bearing face  61 F aft, from which a cylindrical crimping barrel  61 B, concentrically disposed, protrudes aft. Within the ferrule, an axial bore  61 E, diametrically sized to receive the fiber bundle  60 B, extends aft from the forward most end of the nosepiece  61 A until about coincident with the spring bearing face  61 F of the flange  61 C. A larger axial bore  61 D within the ferrule, diametrically sized for the sheathed cable  60 A, extends aft from the interior terminus of the bore  61 E to the end of the barrel portion  61 B. The optically flat end  60 D of the fiber bundle  60 B is axially positioned within the bore  61 E of the ferrule by the end of the sheathing  60 C engaging the interior terminus of the bore  61 D. Hexagonal crimping, well known to the art, of the ferrule barrel  61 B retains and secures the disposition of the cable  60 A within the ferrule  61 .  
         [0061]    A compression type wave spring  63  is next provided. The compression type wave spring is concentrically disposed over the barrel  61 B portion, immediately aft, of the flange  61 C portion of the aforesaid ferrule.  
         [0062]    Next provided is a cable-end hex-nut  62 . The cable-end hex-nut is configured similar to a typical compression-type tubing nut, well known to the art, having an interior thread  62 B to mesh with the external threads of various connection devices, hereinafter described, is concentrically disposed over the crimping barrel  61 B of the ferrule  61 . The nut is disposed such that the spring  63  is mesial the aft interior bearing face  62 C of the aforesaid nut and the spring bearing face  61 F of the flanged portion of the aforesaid cable end ferrule  61 . The nut  62 , having a forward boss  62 A, through frictional forces with a face element of mating device, disposes and secures the end elements of the cable assembly  60 .  
         [0063]    A light condensing/collimating fitting  46  is next provided. Note FIG. 5. The light condensing/collimating fitting comprises: a one-piece body  46 A, a double convex condensing lens  46 P with a retainer  46 Q, a double concave collimating lens  46 M with a retainer  46 N, light coupling rod  46 K, and a rod retention means  46 L. The body  46 A exteriorly has a cylindrical nosepiece portion  46 D with threads forward and an unthreaded alignment boss  46 C aft. The nosepiece portion extends aft from the forward end of the body into a hexagonal mounting flange portion  46 B, which extends aft into a cylindrical cable connection boss  46 E, which protrudes aft, and is threaded to mate with the aforesaid nut  62 . The nosepiece  46 A, flange  46 B, and connection boss  46 E is concentric about the longitudinal axis of the aforesaid body.  
         [0064]    Extending co-axially aft from, and concentric with, the forward end of the nosepiece  46 D is a four-step counter-bore. A condenser lens inlet socket  461  disposing the condenser lens  46 P between the aft terminus of the socket and the retainer  46 Q comprises the first step of the counter-bore, whilst a lens outlet aperture  46 J comprises the second. A collimating lens socket  46 H disposing the collimating lens  46 M, between the aft terminus of the socket and the retainer  46 N, constitutes the third step of the aforesaid counter-bore. A light outlet bore  46 G, continuous aft, diametrically and concentrically matched to the aft light control surface of the aforesaid lens  46 M comprises the final step of the aforesaid counter-bore. A reflectively clad, light coupling rod  46 K, each end configured to an optical flat, is disposed within the aforesaid bore  46 G with the forward end abutting the collimating lens  46 M, and the aft end protruding into an cylindrical cavity  46 F. The rod may be frictionally retained by an elastomeric ring  46 L, cemented in place, or secured by other means known to the art.  
         [0065]    The cavity  46 F, extending forward from the aft most end of the body  46 A to about coincident the aft face of the flange  46 B, is configured to match, guide, and receive the ferrule nosepiece  61 B of an aforesaid cable assembly  60 .  
         [0066]    A light dispersion fitting  47  is next provided. Note FIG. 6. The light dispersion fitting comprises a one-piece body  47 A, a double concave light dispersing lens  47 H, and a lens retainer  47 L. The body  47 A, exteriorly similar to the aforesaid body  46 A, has a nosepiece portion  47 D, a hexagonal flange portion  47 B, and cable connection boss  47 E. A cavity  47 F is identical in form and disposition to the cavity  46 F.  
         [0067]    The light dispersing lens  47 H is next provided. The light dispersing lens is a diverging type and has a truncated conical structure with a cylindrical structure  47 I diametrically equivalent to an optical flat  60 B of the fiber-optic cable assembly  60 . The light dispersing lens protrudes from a truncated apex of the aforesaid conical structure. Whereby, the base of the aforesaid conical structure faces forward and is concentrically disposed with the cylindrical structure of the lens and the longitudinal axis of the fitting body  47 A. A concave light refractive surface  47 J, residing within the aft end of the aforesaid cylindrical structure, and concentric therewith, serves to disperse the nearly co-linear light exiting the aforesaid fiber bundle, throughout the conical portion of the lens. A second, concave, refractive surface  47 K, residing concentrically at the forward end of the aforesaid lens, serves to further disperse the exiting light throughout a desired solid angle. The lens is disposed within a cavity  47 G of the fitting body  47 A. The lens may be secured by a retainer  47 L being a snap-ring or similar retainer, or other means known to the art.  
         [0068]    The nut  62  is loosely threaded onto the boss  47 E with the compression spring  63  and an o-ring seal  64 , disposed over the ferrule nosepiece  61 B, shown in their relaxed state. Note FIG. 6. As the cable end assembly is made up to a fitting, the cylindrical wall of the cavity  47 F guides the nosepiece  61 B over the cylindrical portion  47 I of the lens  47 H or, as shown in FIG. 5, the aft end of the rod  46 K. In FIG. 5, the nut  62  is fully threaded on the boss  46 E with the nut boss  62 A jammed against the aft face of the fitting flange  46 B. The spring  63 , being compressed between the forward interior face  62 C of the nut and the aft face of the ferrule flange  61 C, provides a constant force to the optical flat end of the fiber bundle  60 B, against the optical flat end of the rod  46 K, or in FIG. 6, the aft face of the lens  47 H. The o-ring  64  is compressed between the forward face of the ferrule flange  61 C and the aft face of the fitting boss  46 E thus affecting a secure environmental seal. The aforesaid arrangement being typical of all connections between a cable assembly  60  and the various fittings and devices of the invention.  
         [0069]    Referring to FIGS. 7 and 7A. A 90° light turning and dispersion fitting assembly  48  comprising a one-piece body  48 A, a light guide rod  48 G, and a rod retention device  49 . Describing the body  48 A, from fore to aft, as having: an extended, cylindrical nosepiece  48 N with a radial array of at least four slots  48 I, a threaded portion  48 D, and an alignment boss  48 C. And with a flange  48 B, a cable connection boss  48 E, and a cavity  48 F, being identical to those features of the aforesaid fittings,  46  and  47 .  
         [0070]    An “L” shaped, cylindrical, reflectively clad, light guide  48 G is next provided. The light guide has a long arm  48 M and a short arm  48 J perpendicular to the long arm. A 45 degree, polished flat  48 L, affecting an internal light reflecting surface, is positioned at the intersection of, and perpendicular to, the longitudinal axes of the aforesaid arms. The short arm has a concave, light diverging surface  48 K in the outboard end, and the long arm terminating aft in a light input optical flat. The long arm is disposed within a coaxial throughbore of the body  48 A with the short arm in one of the radial slots  48 I in accord with a desired light discharge direction relative to the body threads  48 D. A retaining means  49 , such as the snap-ring shown, secures the deposition of the light guide. Light entering the aft end of the light guide rod is reflected 90 degree to the concave light diverging surface  48 K whereby it exits being dispersed through a desired solid angle.  
         [0071]    Shown is FIG. 8 is a vertical section view through the light source assembly  30  serving the trailer port side light fixtures. A housing  30 A has a multitude of threaded bosses  30 C in the aft face. The bosses have an entry bore  30 D, chamfered aft. Disposed within each of the housing bosses is a light condensing/collimating fitting  46  to which a fiber-optic cable assembly  60  is connected. Predisposed over the fitting boss  46 C is an o-ring seal  40 , compressed into the chamfer of the bore  30 D by the flange  46 B to affect a secure, water tight seal. An interference fit of the fitting boss  46 C and the housing bore  30 D further ensures environmental sealing, precisely aligns the fitting axes with those of the aforesaid bosses, and obviates loosening of the fittings.  
         [0072]    A subassembly, comprising a housing cover  30 B and a backplane  30 E attached to the aft side thereof is disposed over a forward opening of the housing  30 A. Disposed on the aft face of the backplane, coaxial and concentric with an aforesaid fitting  46 , is the back-up light source module  39 , the taillight source module  36 , the marker light source module  37 , and the license tag light source module  38 , with the module converging lens surfaces  35 C being in apposition to the fitting converging lens  46 P.  
         [0073]    Considering the arrangement of the back-up module  39  and a respective, opposing fitting  46  as a functional example of the other light source module and fitting arrangements, light from the light emitting diode array  39 A passing through the convex, refractive surface  35 C of the module converges is focused upon the forward aperture of the double convex, converging lens  46 P of the fitting  46 . Whereby, the light is focused upon the forward, active, concave surface of the diverging, collimating lens  46 M and exits same as a nearly coherent beam which enters the forward end optical flat of the coupling rod  46 K and subsequently the fiber bundle  60 B of a fiber-optic cable assembly  60 . The other end of the cable connects to a port side back-up fixture  52  via an aforesaid dispersion fitting  47 . Note FIG. 9. The coherent beam of light is desirable for transmission loss minimization through the cable assembly  60  and, as light exits a fiber-optical cable essentially at the same angle in which it enters, for a predicable light input configuration to the aforesaid light control output fittings  47 ,  48 . A similar arrangement, not shown, in the starboard, aft face of the light source assembly  30  serves the starboard side light fixtures.  
         [0074]    A starboard taillight assembly  57  is next provided. Note FIG. 9. The starboard taillight assembly is composed of a mounting bracket  57 A, a back up light fixture  52 , a starboard taillight fixture  58 , and two light dispersion fittings  47 , shown connected to the ends of a cable assembly  60 .  
         [0075]    A frame attachment flange  57 B of the bracket  57 A protrudes forward, and the lens  52 B of the backup light fixture  52  faces aft. The starboard taillight fixture  58  is disposed outboard on the aft surface of the bracket  57 A, with the backup light fixture being likewise disposed inboard. The back-up light fixture comprises a housing shell  52 A, fully open aft; and a prismatic lens  52 B, disposed over the open end of the housing. A light dispersion fitting  47  is centrally disposed within the forward face of the aforesaid housing, through an opening in the bracket  57 A. The starboard taillight fixture  58  composes a housing shell  58 A, fully open aft and with an opening in the starboard housing face; a lenticular taillight lens  54 B, disposed over the aft opening of the housing; a prismatic marker lens/reflector disposed over the starboard opening of the housing. A light dispersion fitting  47  is centrally disposed within the forward face of the housing through an opening in the bracket  57 A. The light dispersion fittings are each connected forward with a cable assembly  60  to their respective starboard fittings of the light source assembly  30 .  
         [0076]    A port taillight assembly  53  is next provided. Note FIG. 10. The port taillight assembly comprises a bracket  53 A, an aforesaid back-up light fixture  52 , a port taillight fixture  54 , a license plate tag  55 , two light dispersion fittings  47 , and a 90 degree light dispersion fitting  48 .  
         [0077]    When referencing a frame attachment flange  53 B of the bracket  53 A as protruding forward, and the lens  52 B of the backup light fixture  52  as facing aft, the port taillight fixture  54  is disposed outboard on the aft surface of the bracket  53 A, with the backup light fixture being likewise disposed inboard.  
         [0078]    A port taillight fixture  54  is next provided. The port taillight fixture comprises a housing shell  54 A, fully open aft, with openings in the port and bottom housing faces. A lenticular taillight lens  54 B is disposed over the aft opening. A prismatic marker lens/reflector  54 C is disposed in the starboard opening. Finally, a lenticular license tag lens  54 D disposed in the bottom opening.  
         [0079]    Two light dispersion fittings  47  are next provided. The light dispersion fittings are centrally disposed, through openings in the bracket  53 A, in the forward housing faces of the backup light fixture and the port taillight fixture. A 90 degree light dispersion fitting  48  is positioned in the forward face of the port taillight fixture, below, and vertically inline with the fitting  47 . The light dispersion fittings are each connected forward with a cable assembly  60 , to their respective port fittings  46  of the light source assembly  30 .  
         [0080]    A vertical section view looking outboard, through the center of the port taillight fixture  54 , and associated components is shown in FIG. 11. A fixture assembly is shown comprising a housing shell  54 A, reflectively coated within. The shell has an aft tail lens aperture  54 H with an exterior lens recess, a side marker lens aperture  54 L with an exterior recess, not shown, a license illumination aperture  54 G with an exterior recess, and an exteriorly chamfered dispersion fitting orifices  54 E  54 F. A lenticular taillight lens  54 B has an interior recess and is disposed over the aperture  54 H, compressing an elastomeric gasket  54 J to affect a water-tight seal. A prismatic marker lens/reflector is disposed within the exterior recess of the aperture  54 L, compressing an elastomeric gasket  54 I not shown within the aforesaid recess to affect a water-tight seal. A two-way lenticular license illumination lens  54 D is disposed within the external recess of the aperture  54 G, compressing an elastomeric gasket  54 K to affect a water-tight seal. A light dispersion fitting  47 , shown mated with a fiber-optic cable assembly  60 , is disposed, with the lens outlet surface  47 K facing aft, in the aforesaid orifice  54 E, and retained by a nut  43  drawn up to a bearing washer  42  and the flange  47 B. An o-ring gasket  40  is compressed into the aforesaid chamfer by the fitting flange to affect a water-tight seal. Light entering the fitting from the attached cable assembly  60  exits through the diverging lens surface  47 K at a solid angle greater than that required to fully illuminate the beam shaping taillight lens  54 B. Whereby, a portion of the light impinges upon, and is reflected by the interior surfaces of the housing such that the marker lens/reflector  54 C receives illumination.  
         [0081]    A 90 degree light dispersion fitting  48  is next provided. The light dispersion fitting is shown mated with a fiber-optic cable assembly  60 , is disposed in the aforesaid orifice  54 F, with the lens outlet surface  48 K being aft and facing downward, retained as in the previous exposition for the fitting  47 . An o-ring gasket  40  is compressed into the aforesaid chamfer by the fitting flange  48 B to affect a water-tight seal. Light entering the fitting from the attached cable assembly  60 , exits through the diverging lens surface  48 K, at a solid angle such as to fully illuminate the license illumination lens  54 D. Whereby, the lens directs the light forward, horizontally, and downward to provide illumination for the license  55  in accord with regulatory requirements.  
         [0082]    As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.  
         [0083]    With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.  
         [0084]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.