US4021775A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Signal device indicating driving status of a car
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1976-04-29
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Granted: 1977-05-03
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Expires: 1996-04-29
Abstract
Abstract Signal device indicating driving status of a car comprising two series of rear lights with different color and lined up alternatively with each other characterized in that lighting and extinguishing of each series responds to the up/down movement of the accelerator pedal. Connected under the spring biased pedal is a sliding cylinder with a pair of cam means disposed at opposite sides to serve as switch actuators to two rows of switches for signal lights of different colors during respective accelerating and decelerating travels of the pedal. In the sliding cylinder, a normally open gravity switch means is further provided to give an instantaneous warning signal to alert the following car when the pedal is suddenly released for an emergency braking.
Inventors
- 👤 Shih-Chin Leu
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 20:52
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/26; B60Q1/44; B60Q1/445; B60Q1/447; B60Q1/50; B60Q1/54; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/20; Y10T74/20576; Y10T74/20888
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
206 words
A signal device for indicating the driving status of a motor vehicle comprising: a pair of signal means affixed to said vehicle each having a plurality of different colored lights with the lights of different colors alternately positioned; a spring biased accelerator pedal affixed to said vehicle; an elongated switch operating member adapted for connection to said pedal and reciprocally movable in response to up and down movement thereof; a switch casing mounted on said vehicle and receiving said operating member for reciprocal movement therein; two cams disposed on opposite outside walls of said member and longitudinally offset from one another; two rows of switches disposed in opposite inside walls of said casing each row of switches aligned with one of said cams and operable in response to a respective one of said cams to control the actuation of the signal lights of one color in sequence as said operating member moves in response to accelerating and decelerating travel of the pedal; and, emergency signal means disposed in said member and including gravity operated switch means operable in response to movement of said operating member due to a sudden release of the pedal, and a signal light responsive to the operation of said gravity operated switch.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
206 words
A signal device for indicating the driving status of a motor vehicle comprising: a pair of signal means affixed to said vehicle each having a plurality of different colored lights with the lights of different colors alternately positioned; a spring biased accelerator pedal affixed to said vehicle; an elongated switch operating member adapted for connection to said pedal and reciprocally movable in response to up and down movement thereof; a switch casing mounted on said vehicle and receiving said operating member for reciprocal movement therein; two cams disposed on opposite outside walls of said member and longitudinally offset from one another; two rows of switches disposed in opposite inside walls of said casing each row of switches aligned with one of said cams and operable in response to a respective one of said cams to control the actuation of the signal lights of one color in sequence as said operating member moves in response to accelerating and decelerating travel of the pedal; and, emergency signal means disposed in said member and including gravity operated switch means operable in response to movement of said operating member due to a sudden release of the pedal, and a signal light responsive to the operation of said gravity operated switch.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
72 words
A signal device as recited in claim 1 wherein said operating member is, at least in part, substantially cylindrical and includes outwardly extending longitudinal ribs disposed on the outside wall thereof, wherein the casing includes a pair of flanged, generally semi-cylindrical members joined together at said flanges and having, in the inside walls thereof, recesses for housing said rows of switches and longitudinal grooves for receiving said ribs to serve as guides.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
78 words
A signal device as recited in claim 1 wherein said operating member includes: a cylinder with said cams thereon slidable in said casing and having a passage therein with female threads; an upper rod section having male threads adjustably threaded in said passage and a pivotal joint for connection to the accelerator pedal; and a lower rod section threaded in said passage and having a swivel element for connecton to linkage means operating a carburetor in the vehicle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
84 words
A signal device according to claim 3 wherein said upper rod section has a cylindrical recess inside and near its lower end and further including: a weight piece disposed and freely slideable in said upper rod section recess; said weight piece having a projected lower end to keep said gravity operated switch means normally open; and, said weight piece lifted with said upper rod upon sudden release of said pedal so as to permit said gravity switch to close and activate a warning light.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
A signal device as recited in claim 1 wherein said switch operating member is operable from the accelerator pedal independently of any connection between the accelerator pedal and the carburetor of the motor vehicle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-05-02 | 1980-11-01 | 1981-05-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-05-02 | 1984-11-01 | 1985-05-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-05-02 | 1988-11-01 | 1989-05-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |