WO2016028283A1

WO2016028283A1 - Improved vehicle rear-lighting augmentation device for cargo racks and trailers and methods of use

Info

Publication number: WO2016028283A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/051762
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Knox
Original assignee: Knoxious Enterprises Llc
Priority date: 2014-08-19
Filing date: 2014-08-19
Publication date: 2016-02-25

Abstract

A portable and lightweight tail/brake-light assembly removably attached to a bicycle/cargo rack mounted to the rear portion of a vehicle, such that when bicycle(s)/cargo are loaded onto the rack, the associated vehicle will still have operable rear lighting, including signal/brake lighting, that is unobstructed by the cargo or bicycles. In one embodiment, the tail/brake lights are integrated directly into the ends of a elongated, tubular, lamp-mount member that incorporates position-lockable telescoping portions on each end that can be fixedly adjusted by an end user to vary the width of the apparatus and thus the lamp positions relative to an associated vehicle and/or to match the width of cargo. The lamps on each end of the lamp-mount member are adapted to receive electrical power and signals from an associated vehicle's tail-lighting system via the vehicle's trailer-power adapter.

Description

IMPROVED VEHICLE REAR-LIGHTING AUGMENTATION DEVICE FOR CARGO RACKS AND TRAILERS AND METHODS OF USE BACKGROUND

As the sport of bicycling (e.g., touring, racing, mountain biking, etc.) has increased amongst the adult population, so has the frequency of the use of bicycle racks on motor vehicles, especially those racks that are installed on the rear of a given motor vehicle.

Unfortunately, when such rear-disposed bicycle racks ("bike racks") are loaded with one or more bicycles, the bicycles obfuscate the viewability of the vehicle's rear-disposed external lighting, including brake lights, turn signals, backing lights, and general tail lights, which in turn compromises traffic safety. A similar situation arises for vehicles have a rear-mounted cargo holder/rack.

A few solutions to the aforementioned problem exist in the form of cargo/bike racks with built-in, fixedly mounted auxiliary lighting systems. However those solutions typically feature lights that are not aligned or even reasonably closely aligned with the obfuscated vehicle tail lights they are supposed to augment. Even for solutions that do make some attempt to space-apart the lights to coincide with vehicle, such spacing is fixed and not readily adjustable by an end user. Moreover, existing solutions are generally of complex construction, fixedly mounted/integrated to bike racks, and/or unnecessarily heavy.

What is needed is a more -robust, relatively lightweight, portable, and width- adjustable rear- vehicle-lighting augmentation system that can be easily detachably coupled to a vehicle's rear-mounted cargo/bike rack and/or to the rear of a trailer towed by a vehicle.

BRIEF SUMMARY The present inventive disclosure is generally directed to a portable and lightweight tail/brake-light assembly that is removably attached to a bicycle rack or cargo rack mounted to the rear portion of a vehicle, such that when bicycle(s) and/or cargo is loaded onto the rack, the associated vehicle will still have operable rear lighting, including signal/brake lighting, that is unobstructed by the loaded cargo or bicycles. In the current art, rear-mounted loads on a vehicle often obscure brake/tail lights and/or any augmented lighting is not aligned with the vehicle's tail lighting, causing a safety hazard— especially at night.

In one exemplary embodiment, the tail/brake lights are integrated directly into the ends of an elongated, tubular (often made of aluminum, aluminum alloy, or some other lightweight, rigid material), lamp-mount member that incorporates telescoping portions on each end that can be fixedly adjusted by an end user to vary the width of the apparatus and thus the lamp positions relative to an associated vehicle and/or to match the width of a cargo load. The lamps on each end of the lamp-mount member are adapted to receive electrical power and signals from an associated vehicle's tail-lighting system (usually via the vehicle's trailer-power adapter).

The elongated lamp-mount member's exterior surface can be covered in a high- friction material such rubber (even textured with mountain-bike tire tread features), which provides enhanced gripability when securely strapping the apparatus to a cargo/bike rack, provides some protection to the loads (i.e., bicycles and/or cargo) that are in immediate proximity to the lighting apparatus, provides weather/moisture resistance, and even can provide an ornamental enhancement. Further, in variations, the elongated lamp-mount member may have a plurality of sleeving that is of bright, reflective materials/colors (e.g., reflective-red polymeric sleeving) for enhanced visual communication/notification to drivers of other vehicles.

The overall inventive concept described herein can be applied to any rear-load scenario where a vehicle's tail/brake lights are obscured and the lighting apparatus attaches to a rear mounting, providing visible tail/brake light solutions. Similarly, some of the inventive concepts described herein can be applied to a towed trailer that has no built-in tail lighting. The foregoing Brief Summary is intended to merely provide a short, general overview of the inventive disclosure described throughout this document, and therefore, is not intended to limit the scope of the inventive disclosure contained throughout the balance of this document and its appended claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 depicts one embodiment of a removable light assembly for augmenting the rear lighting of a vehicle that has a rear-disposed cargo or bicycle rack containing cargo and/or bicycles, said light assembly shown attached to a vehicle bicycle rack, and as viewed from the rear of a vehicle.

Figure 2 provides an isometric view of the embodiment depicted in Figure 1. Figure 3 depicts one embodiment of a front and/or rear view (each being substantially the same) of a removable light assembly for augmenting the rear lighting of a vehicle that has a rear-disposed cargo or bicycle rack containing cargo and/or bicycles. Figure 4 depicts one embodiment of a top view of a removable light assembly for augmenting the rear lighting of a vehicle that has a rear-disposed cargo or bicycle rack containing cargo and/or bicycles.

Figure 5 depicts one embodiment of a top view of a removable light assembly, featuring an added photovoltaic cell assembly (which in some embodiments can wrap-around the rounded- top surface) for charging any internal rechargeable batteries, for augmenting the rear lighting of a vehicle that has a rear-disposed cargo or bicycle rack containing cargo and/or bicycles.

Figure 6 depicts one embodiment of a bottom view of a removable light assembly for augmenting the rear lighting of a vehicle that has a rear-disposed cargo or bicycle rack containing cargo and/or bicycles. This view features the power-cable harness-and-plug assembly for coupling to a vehicle's trailer-power adapter.

Figure 7 depicts one embodiment of a top view of a removable light assembly for augmenting the rear lighting of a vehicle that has a rear-disposed cargo or bicycle rack containing cargo and/or bicycles. This view features an alternative means to power the light assembly by way of one or more internally-disposed batteries, which in some variations can be rechargeable and can also be combined in other embodiments with a power-cable harness configuration as depicted in Figure 6.

Figure 8 depicts one embodiment of a left and/or right end view (each being substantially the same) of a removable light assembly for augmenting the rear lighting of a vehicle that has a rear-disposed cargo or bicycle rack containing cargo and/or bicycles.

Figure 9 depicts one embodiment of a typical cut-away internal view of the slidable and position-lockable interface between a central lamp-mount tube and one of the slidable end tubes used to vary the length of a removable light assembly for augmenting the rear lighting of a vehicle that has a rear-disposed cargo or bicycle rack containing cargo and/or bicycles.

Figure 10 depicts one embodiment of a rear view of a removable light assembly for augmenting the rear lighting of a vehicle that has a rear-disposed cargo or bicycle rack containing cargo and/or bicycles, said light assembly featuring the mounting of gang boxes and associated lamps instead of longitudinally mounted end lamps/lenses as depicted in the embodiment of Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

The present disclosure is directed generally to a light assembly for attachment to a vehicle cargo or bicycle rack attached to the rear of a vehicle. Many commercially available vehicle cargo and bicycle racks obscure the rear lights of the vehicle to which they are mounted. In obscuring these lights, it is difficult for an observer to determine from the rear when the vehicle's brake lights, turn signals, or reverse indicator lights are in operation and pose a safety hazard for other vehicles operating behind the subject vehicle.

A typical embodiment of the present disclosure solves this problem by providing a lighting system that attaches to a cargo or bike rack with one or more lights that are visible from the rear. These lights operate in parity with the vehicle's rear lighting system.

In some embodiments, the tail/brake lights are integrated directly into the ends of a horizontal tube made of a rigid and relatively lightweight material (aluminum is preferred because of weight, but other light-weight, sturdy materials, such as chrome-moly, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe or other rigid plastic, carbon fiber composite, titanium, or other appropriate metal alloys could be used) for a more streamlined and less bulky appearance. In some other embodiments, lamps are positioned and mounted towards each end of the apparatus via gang boxes. In a typical embodiment, the ends of the aluminum tube have a flange attachment with an aperture that holds the integrated "bee-hive style" tail/brake light- and-wire assembly. Of course, in various embodiments, a variety of lamp types (e.g., LED, incandescent, halogen, etc.), shapes, mountings, and housings can be accommodated at each end of the apparatus. In some embodiments, the lamp configurations can include an array of LED lamps with colors and types strategically placed along the length of the apparatus.

In many embodiments, the power for the lamps in the apparatus originates with a vehicle's electrical-power system, and is supplied via a wire harness coupled on one end to a vehicle's trailer-power adapter that places the apparatus and the vehicle in electrical communication with each other. In alternate variations, the apparatus is powered by batteries disposed within the central portion of the lamp-mount member (tube) and/or the power provided by a vehicle via the aforementioned wire harness is supplemented by one or more rechargeable batteries, wherein said batteries can always ensure that at least continuous tail lights can be illuminated, even if the brake and signal information from the associated vehicle is interrupted. In many embodiments, the elongated lamp-mount member of the apparatus is securely, but detachably, coupled to a bike/cargo rack via straps or cords (preferably of elastomeric/resilient materials), which can be the straps of cords that are already attached to the associated bike/cargo rack or can be stand-along straps/cords (e.g., bungee cords, ratchet straps, hook-and-loop strapping, etc.)

To aid in the ability to securely position the apparatus on a bike/cargo rack and to minimize travel as the associated vehicle vibrates during travel, the exterior of the elongated lamp-mount member is substantially covered with a relatively high-friction or tactile material. One of many examples of such materials is a treaded rubber surface. This covering also serves to protect the surfaces of any cargo or bicycles that are in close proximity to the lighting apparatus, provides weather/moisture resistance, and helps protect the apparatus itself from corrosive and/or wearing environmental elements.

More- specific details of embodiment and variations are discussed below. Terminology

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotes (" ") in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

The term "or", as used in this specification and the appended claims, is not meant to be exclusive; rather, the term is inclusive, meaning "either or both". References in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "a preferred embodiment", "an alternative embodiment", "a variation", "one variation", and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The

appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" and/or "in one variation" and similar phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment.

The term "couple" or "coupled", as used in this specification and the appended claims, refers to either an indirect or a direct connection between the identified elements, components, or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.

The term "removable", "removably coupled", "readily removable", "readily detachable", and similar terms, as used in this patent application specification (including the claims and drawings), refer to structures that can be uncoupled from an adjoining structure with relative ease (i.e., non-destructively and without a complicated or time-consuming process) and that can also be readily reattached or coupled to the previously adjoining structure. Directional and/or relational terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front, and lateral are relative to each other, are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments, and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting in this specification and the appended claims. As applicable, the terms "about" or "generally", as used herein unless otherwise indicated, means a margin of +- 20%. Also, as applicable, the term "substantially" as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +- 10%. It is to be appreciated that not all uses of the above terms are quantifiable such that the referenced ranges can be applied.

First Embodiment: A Vehicle-Lighting Augmentation Device for Attachment to a Rear-Mounted Vehicle Cargo/Bicycle Rack

This embodiment is directed generally to a portable, lightweight, vehicle-lighting augmentation device that is adapted to be easily detachably coupled to a cargo rack or bicycle rack (hereinafter, collectively referred to as a "cargo rack") attached to the rear of an associated vehicle. In most embodiments, the light assembly is equipped with one or more lamps that, when in electrical communication with an associated vehicle, track an associated vehicle's real-time rear- light functions to overcome the common problem where many loaded cargo racks obscure the rear lights of the associated vehicle.

Refer to Figures 1-10. In an embodiment, the light assembly 3 comprises an elongated lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C adapted to be removably attached to a vehicle's rear cargo rack 3 and at least one lamp 5A/6A, 5B/6B (usually two) capable of being electrically powered and attached to the lamp-mount-member 2A, 2B, 2C, wherein said at least one lamp 5A/6A, 5B/6B is adapted to function in parity with an associated vehicle rear- lighting system. In a typical use, the lamp-mount member is detachably coupled in a horizontal orientation to the cargo rack 3 via cords and/or strapping 7A, 7B, wherein the cords or strapping 7A, 7B can be those fixedly attached to a cargo rack 3 or additional, standalone cords or strapping 7A, 7B.

In variations, a substantial portion of the exterior surface of the light-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C is covered by a high-friction gripping surface material, wherein the gripping surface material is used to minimize travel of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C in any direction during vehicle movement, as well as serve as a protective covering to minimize wear and corrosion from environmental factors.

In an embodiment, the lamps 6A, 6B and their respective housings/flanges 5A, 5B are attached to or near the opposite ends of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C. In some variations, flanges 5A, 5B are integrated into the ends of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C, with the flanges 5A, 5B configured with wiring and lamp receptacles that are already known in the art, and the flanges 5A, 5B adapted to receive a lamp cover/lens 6A, 6B. It would be appreciated by one skilled in the art that such flanges 5A, 5B can be adapted to receive any number of shapes, sizes, and types of lamps/lamp covers/lenses 6A, 6B, such as beehive, conical, cylindrical, pyramidal, cuboid, capsule-shaped, rectangular, triangular, circular, or any number of commonly available lamp shapes.

In another variation, the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C is equipped with gang boxes (or similar structures) that are attached near each end of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C and house lamps 6A, 6B, which are often square or rectangular in shape (though not limited to those shapes). See Figure 9 for an example.

In most embodiments, the internal wiring 11 of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C is such to facilitate the illumination of the lamps 6A, 6B to track the signals from an associated vehicle's rear lighting, including brake signals, turn signals, backing signals, and general illumination.

In some embodiments, the lamps 6A, 6B are powered via a wiring harness 9A, 9B threaded through lamp mount member 2A, 2B, 2C to lamps 6A, 6B. The wiring harness 9A, 9B exits lamp mount member 2C through an aperture in center portion 2C and plugs 9B into a trailer-power adapter 10 disposed at the rear of the associated vehicle. In some variations, the wiring harness 9A terminates with an electrical adapter configured to receive a second wiring-harness adapter (not shown) whose termination end is configured to electrically couple with a specific type of trailer-power adapter 10 (e.g., four-way connector [flat or round], five- way connector [flat or round], six- way connector [flat, square or round], or seven- way connectors [flat or round], etc.) for a vehicle. In such variations, an end-user can use his or her lighting apparatus 1 with any number of trailer-power adapters 10. In alternative variations, lamps 6A, 6B may be powered by electrical batteries 9D housed in lamp-mount- member 2C, 9C. In this scenario, wiring would extend from the batteries housed in lamp-mount-member 2A, 2B, 2C to power lamps 6A, 6B and turned on by an electrical switch (not shown) disposed on or near the battery housing 9C. In a related variation, the switch can allow a user to select between powering the lighting assembly 1 via the associated vehicle or from the batteries 9D. If from the batteries 9D, then because no signals would be coming from the vehicle, the red lamps 6A, 6B on the lighting assembly 1 would remain on continuously until the switch is positioned to de-energize the lamps 6A, 6B or the batteries 9D are depleted. In variations of a battery-powered lighting assembly 1, the lamps 6A, 6B can be configured to flash/blink at a predetermined time interval to serve as a road-hazard/emergency- flasher alert to other vehicles. Said blinking functionality can be accomplished by many solid-state blinker-circuit schemes well-known in the art (e.g., use of transistors, timer chips, boost converters, solid-state relays, microcontrollers, and/or dedicated LED driver chip), or even by simply using "blinker" incandescent light bulbs that are equipped with an internal bimetallic metal strip.

Still another embodiment involves having rechargeable batteries 9D (e.g., lithium- sulfur, lead-acid, nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li- ion), and lithium-ion-polymer (Li-ion polymer) as a backup power source (typically a 12- VDC source) to the wiring harness 9A, 9B, and are recharged by via wiring harness 9A, 9B that is plugged 10 into an associated vehicle. Typically, in many variations, the wiring harness 9A, 9B also provides signals from an associated vehicle's lighting system to provide signals for braking, turns, and backing. In still more variations, the surface of the lamp- mount member 2A, 2B, 2C can include one or more photovoltaic cells 9E (i.e., solar cells) that can power/recharge the batteries 9D.

In an embodiment, lamps 6A, 6B are attached to lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C by flanges 5A, 5B, respectively. These flanges may be comprised of metal, plastic, or many other commonly available materials and are fitted into the ends of lamp-mount member 2A. 2B, 2C. The type of lamps 6A, 6B can be incandescent, halogen, light emitting diode (LED), or any other commercially available vehicle lamp.

The lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C can be primarily comprised of a single hollow tube, preferably of a lightweight material. However, because it is preferable to be able to easily adjust the length of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C, in most embodiments, the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C is comprised of a minimum of two hollow tubes that can be slidably/telescopically (and lockably) engaged with one another and secured into a user- specified position with respect to each other. In a preferred embodiment, two end hollow tubes 2A, 2B are each slidably/telescopically (and lockably) engaged with a central, larger- diameter hollow tube. In variations, this telescoping lamp-mount-member 2A, 2B, 2C is substantially comprised of a relatively lightweight, hollow aluminum inner and outer telescoping tubes; however, the tubes can also may be comprised of other lightweight, rigid materials such as aluminum alloy, steel, chromium-molybdenum alloy, polyvinyl chloride pipe, titanium, carbon fiber composite, or wood, or a composite material using a combination of one or more of these materials. Lamp-mount- member 2A, 2B, 2C is not limited to a circular cross section, but may be square, rectangular, triangular, or other cross sectional shape, and the diameter may vary to accommodate different sized lamps and applications. In a variation, the positions of the slidably/telescopically engaged tube positions are lockable by way of a thumb screw (or similar fastener) 8A, 8B that is disposed through a threaded hole in the wider middle tube section 2C that can be tightened enough against the outer surface of the inserted tube section 2A, 2B to prevent movement once the desired length and lamp 6A, 6B positions are obtained. Other schemes to positionally lock the telescoping tube sections are possible (and contemplated) in other embodiments; e.g., locking pin inserts through both tubes, a ball-and-detent configuration, an array of predrilled positioning holes/depressions into the interior tube 2A, 2B for engagement with said thumb screw, etc.

In many embodiments, a gasket or O-ring 12 disposed within a groove located on the inner surface and toward the opening of the larger-diameter tube is used to provide a seal between the slidable interface of the tubes in order to prevent or minimize the introduction of moisture and dirt within the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C. In many cases, the gasket or O-ring 12 is made of an elastomeric/resilient material such as neoprene or rubber.

In some embodiments, portions of the external surfaces of the lamp-mount-member 2A, 2B, 2C are covered with high-friction, gripable sleeve materials that allow a user to easily grip the lighting assembly 1. In a typical embodiment, a user may hold gripable sleeve portions 2A, 2B, 2C and apply pressure in either direction to adjust the length of lamp- mount-member 2A, 2B, 2C and the position of the lamps 6A, 6B laterally with respect to the cargo rack 3 and its associated vehicle for optimal viewing of lamps 6A, 6B. Center gripable sleeve portion 2C also prevents slippage of lamp-mount-member 2A, 2B, 2C in any direction by providing a non-slip substrate for placement of lamp-mount-member 2A, 2B, 2C to a cargo rack's 3 frame supports and securely fastened by straps or clips 7A, 7B. Such sleeve portions 2A, 2B, 2C also help protect loads in immediate proximity to the lighting apparatus 1, help provide weather/moisture resistance for the lighting apparatus 1, and help protect the lighting apparatus 1 itself from corrosive and/or wearing environmental elements. In this embodiment, the gripable sleeve portions 2A, 2B, 2C can be comprised of relatively high- friction, tactile materials such as rubber, molded plastic, latex, silicone, or impregnated fabric. Complete coverage of the external lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C is not necessary, and in one variation, a common treaded mountain-bike tire can be cross-sectionally sliced into sections of appropriate sizes and the cut sections ("sleeves") fit over the tubular sections of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C, which leaves each sleeve with a longitudinal opening that allows the easy installation and removal of a sleeve. In an embodiment, the sleeve portions have treaded projections to aid the user in gripping lamp-mount-member 2A, 2B, 2C, as well as to add an ornamental feature of the apparatus 1. Alternatively, the gripping sleeve portions may have a variety of different tread designs to not only enhance the ease of grip for the user, but to enhance the durable, yet aesthetic appearance of light assembly 1.

In additional embodiments, the lamp-mount-member 2A, 2B, 2C has additional indicator sleeving 4A, 4B covering portions of the external surface of the lamp-mount- member 2A, 2B, 2C, which are typically used to (1) cover telescopic- sliding interfaces between the lamp-mount-member sections 2A, 2B, 2C and (2) provide color-based

(preferably reflective) visual cues to other motorists of the existence of the augmented lighting and cargo transport. In some variations, the indicator sleeving is an accordion- style sleeve covering comprised of an expandable plastic, but may be comprised of other elastomeric/resilient materials, like rubber. In addition, the indicator sleeving can also be configured from other foldable designs that allow for expansion and collapsing lengthwise as adjustment of the length using telescoping inner and outer tubes of lamp-mount-member 2A, 2B, 2C is made to optimally position the lamps 6A, 6B. In a preferred embodiment, the indicator sleeving is of a reflective, red color, which helps comply with various traffic regulatory requirements for transporting trailers and oversized loads.

In yet more embodiments, the light assembly's telescoping tubing are spring-loaded, allowing for compression and expansion of the length of said lamp-mount member. In some variations, the spring-loaded assembly has at least two cargo-rack-engagement arms substantially orthogonally from the tubing such that the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C can be disengagably coupled to a portion of a cargo rack 3 by way of the force of said spring- loading between said slidably/telescopically engaged tubes. Second Embodiment: A Method of Making a Vehicle-Lighting Augmentation Device for Attachment to a Rear- Mounted Vehicle Cargo/Bicycle Rack

This embodiment is directed generally to a method of making a portable, lightweight, vehicle-lighting-augmentation device that is adapted to be easily detachably coupled to a cargo rack or bicycle rack. Refer to Figures 1-10. The method comprises the steps of:

• providing an elongated lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C adapted to be removably attached to a vehicle's rear cargo rack 3; and

• providing at least one lamp 6A, 6B capable of being electrically powered attached to the lamp-mount- member 2A, 2B, 2C, wherein the at least one lamp 6A, 6B is adapted to function in parity with an associated vehicle rear-lighting system.

This embodiment can be enhanced by further comprising the step of providing a gripping surface covering the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C, the gripping surface adapted to minimize the travel of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C in any direction during vehicle movement. Moreover, this embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the gripping surface covering the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C has a plurality of treaded projections. In addition, in variations the gripping surface is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, latex, and plastic.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the at least one lamp 6A, 6B is disposed at one end of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C to substantially mirror the position of an associated vehicle tail light.

This embodiment can be enhanced by further comprising the steps of:

• providing at least one lamp-mount adapter 5A, 5B fixedly attached at or near each at least one end of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C, adapted to fixedly hold the at least one lamp lens 6A, 6B; and · providing electrical wiring disposed within the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C to facilitate the provision of electrical power for the at least one lamp 6A, 6B.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the lamp-mount adapter 5A, 5B is selected from the group consisting of a flange and a gang box. In variations, the at least one lamp-mount adapter 5A, 5B is substantially comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, rigid plastic, fiberglass composite, and carbon fiber composite.

This embodiment can be enhanced by further comprising the step of providing housing 9C for at least one electrical battery 9D to facilitate supplying electrical power to said at least one lamp 6A, 6B via electrical wiring 11.

This embodiment can be enhanced by further comprising the step of providing at least one electrical battery 9D. In variations, the battery 9D is rechargeable.

This embodiment can be enhanced by further comprising the step of providing an electrical adapter 9A, 9B to facilitate the recharging of the at least one electrical battery 9D.

This embodiment can be enhanced by further comprising the step of providing a wiring harness 9A, 9B in electrical communication with the electrical wiring 11 and adapted to be plugged into a trailer- light power adapter 10 installed on a vehicle, whereby the at least one lamp 6A, 6B can be electrically powered by a vehicle's electrical system. In some variations, the wiring harness 9A terminates with an electrical adapter configured to receive a second wiring-harness adapter (not shown) whose termination end is configured to electrically couple with a specific type of trailer-power adapter 10 (e.g., four-way connector [flat or round], five- way connector [flat or round], six- way connector [flat, square or round], or seven- way connectors [flat or round], etc.) for a vehicle. In such variations, an end-user can use his or her lighting apparatus 1 with any number of trailer-power adapters 10.

This embodiment can be enhanced by further comprising the step of providing at least one rechargeable electrical battery 9D configured to receive electrical energy via the wiring harness 9A, 9B, wherein the at least one rechargeable electrical battery 9D can serve as a backup power source, or in lieu of, electrical energy supplied from a vehicle via the wiring harness 9A, 9B. In still more variations, the surface of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C can include one or more photovoltaic cells 9E (i.e., solar cells) that can power/recharge the batteries 9D.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the at least one lamp 6A, 6B attached to the lamp-mount adapter 5A, 5B is comprised of a lens selected from the group consisting of a "beehive" style lens, a cylindrical lens, a cuboidal shaped lens, a conically- shaped lens, prism lens, a dome-shaped lens, a square lens, a rectangular lens, a circular lens, a triangular lens, and a capsule shaped lens.

This embodiment can be enhanced, wherein the lamp-mount adapter 5A, 5B is configured for receiving at least one removably coupled light-emitting bulb. In variations, the at least one light-emitting bulb is selected from the group consisting of incandescent bulb, halogen bulb, fluorescent bulb, and LED (Light-Emitting Diode).

This embodiment can be further enhanced, wherein the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C comprises at least one hollow tube, said tube substantially made from a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, rigid plastic, steel, chromium-molybdenum steel, carbon-fiber composite, titanium, and a composite material comprised of a combination of one or more of the aforementioned materials.

This embodiment can be further enhanced, wherein the at least one hollow tube 2A, 2B, 2C is comprised of a first tube and a second tube, the second tube adapted to be slidably insertable into the first tube; and the second tube can be slidably repositioned to adjust the effective length of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C in order to allow a user to position the at least one lamp 6A, 6B to positionally correspond with at least one of an associated vehicle's rear lamps. In many embodiments, a gasket or O-ring 12 disposed within a groove located on the inner surface and toward the opening of the larger-diameter tube is used to provide a seal between the slidable interface of the tubes in order to prevent or minimize the introduction of moisture and dirt within the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C. In many cases, the gasket or O-ring 12 is made of an elastomeric/resilient material such as neoprene or rubber. This embodiment can be enhanced by further comprising the step of providing an elastomeric/resilient, accordion- style sleeve 4A, 4B covering the external interface between the first tube and the second tube 2A, 2B, 2C, wherein the accordion- style sleeve 4A, 4B expands or collapses as the length of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C is adjusted.

This embodiment can be enhanced by further comprising the step of providing a means 8A, 8B for adjustably fixing the position of the first and second tubes 2A, 2B, 2C relative to each other to cause the lamp-mount member to be at a user-specified length.

This embodiment can be further enhanced, wherein the first tube and the second tube assembly has a spring mechanism that allows for compression and expansion of the length of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C. This embodiment can be further enhanced, wherein the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B,

2C has at least one rack-engagement arm projecting therefrom, and where the rack- engagement arm can be disengagably coupled to a portion of a cargo rack 3 by way of the force of the spring-loading between the slidably engaged tubes 2A, 2B, 2C.

This embodiment can be further enhanced, wherein the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C is adapted to be attached to a cargo rack 3 with tie-down straps or cords 7A, 7B. In variations, the tie-down straps or cords 7A, 7B are selected from the group consisting of elastomeric/resilient straps, elastomeric/resilient cords, bungee cords, straps or cords that are already attached to a cargo rack, and ratchet-strap tie-downs. Third Embodiment: A Method of Using a Vehicle-Lighting Augmentation Device for

Attachment to a Rear-Mounted Vehicle Cargo/Bicycle Rack

This embodiment is directed generally to method of using a portable, lightweight, vehicle-lighting-augmentation device that is adapted to be easily detachably coupled to a cargo rack or bicycle rack, as described in the First Embodiment, supra. Refer to Figures 1-10. The method comprises the steps of:

• obtaining a light assembly 1 according to the First Embodiment, supra;

• removably attaching the light assembly's elongated lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C to a user-selected vehicle's cargo rack 3, securing the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C to the cargo rack 3 with elastomeric/resilient strapping or cords 7A,

7B;

• electrically powering at least one lamp 6A, 6B attached to the lamp-mount

member 2A, 2B, 2C, and

• sending signals to the at least one lamp 6A, 6B for functioning in parity with a vehicle's rear lighting system.

This embodiment can be enhanced wherein the light assembly 1 further comprises a gripping surface covering the lamp-mount member, the gripping surface adapted to minimize the travel of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C in any direction during vehicle movement.

This embodiment can be enhanced wherein the gripping surface covering at least a portion of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C has a plurality of treaded projections. In variations, the gripping surface is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, latex, and plastic.

This embodiment can be enhanced wherein the at least one lamp 6A, 6B is disposed at one end of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C to substantially correspond to the position of an associated vehicle tail light.

This embodiment can be enhanced wherein the light assembly 1 further comprises at least one lamp-mount adapter 5A, 5B fixedly attached at or near each said at least one end of the lamp-mount member 6A, 6B, adapted to fixedly hold the at least one lamp lens 6A, 6B, and electrical wiring 11 disposed within the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C to facilitate the provision of electrical power for the at least one lamp 6A, 6B. In variations, the lamp-mount adapter 5A, 5B is selected from the group consisting of a flange and a gang box.

This embodiment can be enhanced wherein the light assembly 1 is powered by a vehicle in electrical communication with the light assembly 1. In variations, the at least one rechargeable electrical battery 9D is configured to receive electrical energy from a vehicle that is in electrical communication with the light assembly 1 through a wiring harness 9A, 9B, wherein the at least one rechargeable electrical battery 9D can serve as a backup power source, or in lieu of, electrical energy supplied from a vehicle via the wiring harness 9A, 9B. In still more variations, the surface of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C can include one or more photovoltaic cells 9E (i.e., solar cells) that can power/recharge the batteries 9D.

In some variations of this embodiment, the lighting apparatus' 1 wiring harness 9A terminates with an adapter electrical adapter configured to receive a second wiring-harness adapter (not shown) whose termination end is configured to electrically couple with a specific type of trailer-power adapter 10 (e.g., four-way connector [flat or round], five- way connector [flat or round], six-way connector [flat, square or round], or seven- way connectors [flat or round], etc.) for a vehicle. In such variations, an end-user can use his or her lighting apparatus 1 with any number of trailer-power adapters 10. Accordingly, this embodiment can be enhanced by including the step of obtaining a second wiring harness-harness adapter (not shown) whose termination end is configured to electrically couple with a user-selected type of trailer-power adapter 10 for a vehicle.

This embodiment can be enhanced wherein the at least one lamp 6A, 6B attached to the lamp-mount adapter 2A, 2B, 2C is comprised of a lens selected from the group consisting of a "beehive" style lens, a cylindrical lens, a cuboidal shaped lens, a conically-shaped lens, prism lens, a dome-shaped lens, a square lens, a rectangular lens, a circular lens, a triangular lens, and a capsule shaped lens. In variations, the lamp-mount adapter 5A, 5B is configured for receiving at least one removably coupled light-emitting bulb. In some cases, the at least one light-emitting bulb is selected from the group consisting of incandescent bulb, halogen bulb, fluorescent bulb, and LED (Light-Emitting Diode).

This embodiment can be enhanced wherein the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C comprises at least one hollow tube, said tube substantially made from a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, rigid plastic, steel, chromium-molybdenum steel, carbon-fiber composite, titanium, and a composite material comprised of a combination of one or more of the aforementioned materials.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the at least one hollow tube 2A, 2B, 2C is comprised of a first tube and a second tube, the second tube adapted to be slidably insertable into the first tube; and the second tube can be slidably repositioned to adjust the effective length of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C in order to allow a user to position the at least one lamp 6A, 6B to positionally correspond with at least one of an associated vehicle's rear lamps.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the light assembly 1 further comprises an elastomeric/resilient, accordion- style sleeve 4A, 4B covering the external interface between the first tube and the second tube of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C, wherein the accordion-style sleeve 4A, 4B expands or collapses as the length of the lamp- mount member 2A, 2B, 2C is adjusted.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the light assembly 1 further comprises a means 8A, 8B for adjustably fixing the position of the first and second tubes 2A, 2B, 2C relative to each other to cause the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C to be at a user- specified length. In variations, the adjustable means of fixing the position of the first and second tubes 2A, 2B, 2C relative to each other to cause the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C to be at a user- specified length is at least one threaded fastener 8A, 8B engaged through the wall of the first tube 2C and tightenable against the surface of the second engaged tube 2A, 2B, the threaded fastener 8A, 8B accessible to a user from the exterior of the lamp-mount member 2A, 2B, 2C. With such enhancements, the method can further comprise the step of positioning the at least one slidably engaged tubes 2A, 2B, 2C such that at least one of the light assembly's lamps 6A, 6B positionally corresponds with at least one of an associated vehicle's rear lamps.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the strapping or cords 7A, 7B are selected from the group consisting of elastomeric/resilient straps, elastomeric/resilient cords, bungee cords, straps or cords that are already attached to a cargo rack, and ratchet-strap tie- downs. This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the at least one lamp-mount adapter 5A, 5B is substantially comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, rigid plastic, fiberglass composite, and carbon fiber composite. Alternative Embodiments and Other Variations

The various embodiments and variations thereof described herein, including the appended claims and accompanying Figures, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the inventive disclosure. It should be appreciated that numerous variations of the invention have been contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. Hence, those ordinarily skilled in the art will have no difficulty devising myriad obvious variations and improvements to the invention, all of which are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the Description, Claims, and Figures herein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A light assembly for use with a cargo rack for bicycles or other cargo mounted to the rear of a vehicle, wherein said cargo rack may obscure rear lights of a vehicle, comprising: an elongated lamp-mount member adapted to be removably attached to a vehicle's rear cargo rack; and at least one lamp capable of being electrically powered attached to said lamp-mount- member, wherein said at least one lamp is adapted to function in parity with an associated vehicle rear-lighting system.

2. The light assembly of claim 1, further comprising a gripping surface covering at least a portion of said lamp-mount member, said gripping surface adapted to minimize the travel of said lamp-mount member in any direction during vehicle movement.

3. The light assembly of claim 2, wherein said gripping surface covering at least a portion of said lamp-mount member has a plurality of treaded projections.

4. The light assembly of claim 3, wherein said gripping surface is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, latex, and plastic.

5. The light assembly of any of claims 1 through 4, wherein said at least one lamp is disposed at one end of said lamp-mount member to substantially mirror the position of an associated vehicle tail light.

6. The light assembly of any of claims 1 through 4, further comprising: at least one lamp-mount adapter fixedly attached at or near each said at least one end of said lamp-mount member, adapted to fixedly hold said at least one lamp lens, and electrical wiring disposed within said lamp-mount member to facilitate the provision of electrical power for said at least one lamp.

7. The light assembly of claim 6, wherein said lamp-mount adapter is selected from the group consisting of a flange and a gang box.

8. The light assembly of any of claims 1 through 4, further comprising housing for at least one electrical battery to facilitate supplying electrical power to said at least one lamp via said electrical wiring.

9. The light assembly of claim 8, further comprising at least one electrical battery.

10. The light assembly of claim 9, wherein said at least one electrical battery is

rechargeable.

11. The light assembly of claim 10, further comprising an electrical adapter to facilitate the recharging of said at least one electrical battery.

12. The light assembly of any of claims 1 through 4, further comprising a wiring harness in electrical communication with said electrical wiring and adapted to be plugged into a trailer-light power adapter installed on a vehicle, whereby said at least one lamp can be electrically powered by a vehicle's electrical system.

13. The light assembly of claim 12, wherein said wiring harness terminates with an

electrical adapter that is configured to receive a second wiring-harness adapter whose termination end is configured to electrically couple with a specific type of trailer-power adapter for a vehicle.

14. The light assembly of claim 12, further comprising at least one rechargeable electrical battery configured to receive electrical energy via said wiring harness, wherein said at least one rechargeable electrical battery can serve as a backup power source, or in lieu of, electrical energy supplied from a vehicle via said wiring harness.

15. The light assembly of claim 6, wherein said at least one lamp attached to said lamp- mount adapter is comprised of a lens selected from the group consisting of a "beehive" style lens, a cylindrical lens, a cuboidal shaped lens, a conically-shaped lens, prism lens, a dome-shaped lens, a square lens, a rectangular lens, a circular lens, a triangular lens, and a capsule shaped lens.

16. The light assembly of claim 6, wherein said lamp-mount adapter is configured for

receiving at least one removably coupled light-emitting bulb.

17. The light assembly of claim 16, wherein said at least one light-emitting bulb is selected from the group consisting of incandescent bulb, halogen bulb, fluorescent bulb, and LED (Light-Emitting Diode).

18. The light assembly of any of claims 1 through 4, wherein said lamp-mount member comprises at least one hollow tube, said tube substantially made from a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, rigid plastic, steel, chromium- molybdenum steel, carbon-fiber composite, titanium, and a composite material comprised of a combination of one or more of the aforementioned materials.

19. The lighting assembly of claim 18, wherein: said at least one hollow tube is comprised of a first tube and a second tube, said second tube adapted to be slidably insertable into said first tube; and said second tube can be slidably repositioned to adjust the effective length of said lamp- mount member in order to allow a user to position said at least one lamp to positionally correspond with at least one of an associated vehicle's rear lamps.

20. The lighting assembly of claim 19, further comprising an elastomeric, accordion-style sleeve covering the external interface between said first tube and said second tube, wherein said accordion- style sleeve expands or collapses as the length of said lamp- mount member is adjusted.

21. The light assembly of claim 19, further comprising a means for adjustably fixing the position of said first and second tubes relative to each other to cause said lamp-mount member to be at a user- specified length.

22. The light assembly of any of claims 1 through 4, wherein said lamp-mount member is adapted to be attached to a cargo rack with tie-down straps or cords.

23. The light assembly of claim 22, wherein said tie-down straps or cords are selected from the group consisting of elastomeric straps, elastomeric cords, bungee cords, straps or cords that are already attached to a cargo rack, and ratchet-strap tie-downs.

24. The light assembly of claim 6, wherein said at least one lamp-mount adapter is

substantially comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, rigid plastic, fiberglass composite, and carbon fiber composite.

25. A method of making a light assembly for use with a cargo rack for bicycles or other cargo mounted to the rear of a vehicle, wherein said cargo rack may obscure rear lights of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: providing an elongated lamp-mount member adapted to be removably attached to a vehicle's rear cargo rack; and providing at least one lamp capable of being electrically powered attached to said lamp- mount-member, wherein said at least one lamp is adapted to function in parity with an associated vehicle rear-lighting system.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of providing a gripping surface covering at least a portion of said lamp-mount member, said gripping surface adapted to minimize the travel of said lamp-mount member in any direction during vehicle movement.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein said gripping surface covering at least a portion of said lamp-mount member has a plurality of treaded projections.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein said gripping surface is comprised of a material

selected from the group consisting of rubber, latex, and plastic.

29. The method of any of claims 25 through 28, wherein said at least one lamp is disposed at one end of said lamp-mount member to substantially mirror the position of an associated vehicle tail light.

30. The method of any of claims 25 through 28, further comprising the steps of: providing at least one lamp-mount adapter fixedly attached at or near each said at least one end of said lamp-mount member, adapted to fixedly hold said at least one lamp lens, and providing electrical wiring disposed within said lamp-mount member to facilitate the provision of electrical power for said at least one lamp.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein said lamp-mount adapter is selected from the group consisting of a flange and a gang box.

32. The method of any of claims 25 through 28, further comprising the step of providing housing for at least one electrical battery to facilitate supplying electrical power to said at least one lamp via said electrical wiring.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of providing at least one electrical battery.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein said at least one electrical battery is rechargeable.

35. The method of claim 34, further comprising an electrical adapter to facilitate the

recharging of said at least one electrical battery.

36. The method of any of claims 25 through 28, further comprising the step of providing a wiring harness in electrical communication with said electrical wiring and adapted to be plugged into a trailer-light power adapter installed on a vehicle, whereby said at least one lamp can be electrically powered by a vehicle's electrical system.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein said wiring harness terminates with an electrical adapter that is configured to receive a second wiring-harness adapter whose termination end is configured to electrically couple with a specific type of trailer-power adapter for a vehicle.

38. The method of claim 36, further comprising the step of providing at least one

rechargeable electrical battery configured to receive electrical energy via said wiring harness, wherein said at least one rechargeable electrical battery can serve as a backup power source, or in lieu of, electrical energy supplied from a vehicle via said wiring harness.

39. The method of claim 30, wherein said at least one lamp attached to said lamp-mount adapter is comprised of a lens selected from the group consisting of a "beehive" style lens, a cylindrical lens, a cuboidal shaped lens, a conically-shaped lens, prism lens, a dome-shaped lens, a square lens, a rectangular lens, a circular lens, a triangular lens, and a capsule shaped lens.

40. The method of claim 30, wherein said lamp-mount adapter is configured for receiving at least one removably coupled light-emitting bulb.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein said at least one light-emitting bulb is selected from the group consisting of incandescent bulb, halogen bulb, fluorescent bulb, and LED (Light- Emitting Diode).

42. The method of any of claims 25 through 28, wherein said lamp-mount member comprises at least one hollow tube, said tube substantially made from a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, rigid plastic, steel, chromium- molybdenum steel, carbon-fiber composite, titanium, and a composite material comprised of a combination of one or more of the aforementioned materials.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein: said at least one hollow tube is comprised of a first tube and a second tube, said second tube adapted to be slidably insertable into said first tube; and said second tube can be slidably repositioned to adjust the effective length of said lamp- mount member in order to allow a user to position said at least one lamp to positionally correspond with at least one of an associated vehicle's rear lamps.

44. The method of claim 43, further comprising the step of providing an elastomeric,

accordion-style sleeve covering the external interface between said first tube and said second tube, wherein said accordion-style sleeve expands or collapses as the length of said lamp-mount member is adjusted.

45. The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of providing a means for

adjustably fixing the position of said first and second tubes relative to each other to cause said lamp-mount member to be at a user-specified length.

46. The method of any of claims 25 through 28, wherein said lamp-mount member is

adapted to be attached to a cargo rack with tie-down straps or cords.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein said tie-down straps or cords are selected from the group consisting of elastomeric straps, elastomeric cords, bungee cords, straps or cords that are already attached to a cargo rack, and ratchet- strap tie-downs.

48. The method of claim 30, wherein said at least one lamp-mount adapter is substantially comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, rigid plastic, fiberglass composite, and carbon fiber composite.

49. A method of using a light assembly for use with a cargo rack for bicycles or other cargo mounted to the rear of a vehicle, wherein said cargo rack may obscure rear lights of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a light assembly according to any one of claims 9 through 14; removably attaching said light assembly's elongated lamp-mount member to a user- selected vehicle's cargo rack, securing said lamp-mount member to said cargo rack with elastomeric strapping or cords; electrically powering at least one lamp attached to said lamp-mount member, and sending signals to said at least one lamp for functioning in parity with a vehicle's rear lighting system.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein said light assembly further comprises a gripping surface covering at last a portion of said lamp-mount member, said gripping surface adapted to minimize the travel of said lamp-mount member in any direction during vehicle movement.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein said gripping surface covering at least a portion of said lamp-mount member has a plurality of treaded projections.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein said gripping surface is comprised of a material

selected from the group consisting of rubber, latex, and plastic.

53. The method of claim 49, wherein said at least one lamp is disposed at one end of said lamp-mount member to substantially mirror the position of an associated vehicle tail light.

54. The method of claim 49, wherein said light assembly further comprises: at least one lamp-mount adapter fixedly attached at or near each said at least one end of said lamp-mount member, adapted to fixedly hold said at least one lamp lens, and electrical wiring disposed within said lamp-mount member to facilitate the provision of electrical power for said at least one lamp.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein said lamp-mount adapter is selected from the group consisting of a flange and a gang box.

56. The method of claim 49, wherein said light assembly is powered by said vehicle in electrical communication with said light assembly.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein said at least one rechargeable electrical battery is configured to receive electrical energy from said vehicle that is in electrical

communication with said light assembly through a wiring harness, wherein said at least one rechargeable electrical battery can serve as a backup power source, or in lieu of, electrical energy supplied from a vehicle via said wiring harness.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein said wiring harness terminates with an electrical adapter that is configured to receive a second wiring-harness whose termination end is configured to electrically couple with a specific type of trailer-power adapter for a vehicle, the method further comprising the steps of: selecting and obtaining a second wiring-harness adapter whose termination end is configured to electrically couple with a specific type of trailer-power adapter for a vehicle, as determined by the user; coupling the first end of said second wiring harness to said electrical adapter of said light assembly's wiring harness; and coupling the second end of said second wiring harness to said trailer-power adapter for said user-selected vehicle.

59. The method of claim 51, wherein said at least one lamp attached to said lamp-mount adapter is comprised of a lens selected from the group consisting of a "beehive" style lens, a cylindrical lens, a cuboidal shaped lens, a conically-shaped lens, prism lens, a dome-shaped lens, a square lens, a rectangular lens, a circular lens, a triangular lens, and a capsule shaped lens.

60. The method of claim 49, wherein said lamp-mount adapter is configured for receiving at least one removably coupled light-emitting bulb.

61. The method of claim 57, wherein said at least one light-emitting bulb is selected from the group consisting of incandescent bulb, halogen bulb, fluorescent bulb, and LED (Light- Emitting Diode).

62. The method of claim 49, wherein said lamp-mount member comprises at least one hollow tube, said hollow tube substantially made from a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, rigid plastic, steel, chromium-molybdenum steel, carbon-fiber composite, titanium, and a composite material comprised of a combination of one or more of the aforementioned materials.

63. The method of claim 62, wherein: said at least one hollow tube is comprised of a first tube and a second tube, said second tube adapted to be slidably insertable into said first tube; and said second tube can be slidably repositioned to adjust the effective length of said lamp- mount member in order to allow a user to position said at least one lamp to positionally correspond with at least one of an associated vehicle's rear lamps.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein said light assembly further comprises an elastomeric, accordion-style sleeve covering the external interface between said first tube and said second tube, wherein said accordion-style sleeve expands or collapses as the length of said lamp-mount member is adjusted.

65. The light assembly of claim 64, wherein said light assembly further comprises a means for adjustably fixing the position of said first and second tubes relative to each other to cause said lamp-mount member to be at a user-specified length.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein said adjustable means of fixing the position of said first and second tubes relative to each other to cause said lamp-mount member to be at a user-specified length is at least one threaded fastener engaged through the wall of said first tube and tightenable against the surface of said second engaged tube, said threaded fastener accessible to a user from the exterior of said lamp-mount member.

67. The method of claim 66, further comprising the step of positioning said at least one slidably engaged tube such that at least one of said light assembly's lamps positionally corresponds with at least one of an associated vehicle's rear lamps.

68. The method of 49, wherein said strapping or cords are selected from the group

consisting of elastomeric straps, elastomeric cords, bungee cords, straps or cords that are already attached to a cargo rack, and ratchet-strap tie-downs.

69. The method of claim 49, wherein said at least one lamp-mount adapter is substantially comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, rigid plastic, fiberglass composite, and carbon fiber composite.