US4034338A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Operating condition signal light for an automotive vehicle
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-11-04
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Granted: 1977-07-05
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Expires: 1995-11-04
Abstract
Abstract A signal light system is provided for vehicles to indicate the operative condition of the vehicle to another motorist. The signal light system is responsive to acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle in addition to actuation of the braking mechanism in selectively responsive energization of respective indicator lights for each of the three conditions. An electronic control circuit uniquely capable of providing error-free signals responds to a signal input from the brake mechanism for primary control and secondarily responds to actuation of the accelerator pedal for indicating acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. A pressure responsive switch mechanism is provided for assembly with the accelerator pedal and is the condition-responsive element capable of producing an input signal that effectively eliminates the possibility of generation of error signals by the control circuit. The signal light system is uniquely designed for easy installation into a vehicle by personnel having only minimal skill and knowledge in the technical aspects of a vehicle's systems and components and requiring minimal effort for installation of the accelerator pressure switch.
Inventors
- 👤 Leno L. Bevilacqua
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 06:17
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/26; B60Q1/50; B60Q1/54; B60Q1/44
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
240 words
An automotive vehicle signal light system comprising: A. a plurality of visually distinguishable electric lamps positionable on a vehicle for observation from a position relatively rearward of the vehicle, and B. a control circuit having an output connected with said electric lamps and operable for energization of a selected one of said electric lamps in accordance with predetermined vehicle operating conditions, said control circuit including; (1) a first input connectable with an electrical power source suitable for energization of said lamps, (2) a second input connectable with the vehicle's brake system and responding to actuation thereof in providing a signal to the control circuit resulting in energization of a first one of said lamps, (3) a pressure responsive electrical switch connected in the control circuit for effecting energization of a second one of said lamps in response to application of a pre-determined compressive force to said switch and effecting energization of a third one of said lamps when said pre-determined compressive force is not applied to said switch, said switch adapted for mounting on a surface of the vehicle's accelerator pedal in fixed relationship thereto and responding to application of a pre-determined compressive force by the vehicle operator in actuating the accelerator, and (4) interlock circuit means preventing energization of either said second or third lamps when actuation of the brake system has energized said first lamp and preventing energization of said third lamp when said second lamp is energized.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
240 words
An automotive vehicle signal light system comprising: A. a plurality of visually distinguishable electric lamps positionable on a vehicle for observation from a position relatively rearward of the vehicle, and B. a control circuit having an output connected with said electric lamps and operable for energization of a selected one of said electric lamps in accordance with predetermined vehicle operating conditions, said control circuit including; (1) a first input connectable with an electrical power source suitable for energization of said lamps, (2) a second input connectable with the vehicle's brake system and responding to actuation thereof in providing a signal to the control circuit resulting in energization of a first one of said lamps, (3) a pressure responsive electrical switch connected in the control circuit for effecting energization of a second one of said lamps in response to application of a pre-determined compressive force to said switch and effecting energization of a third one of said lamps when said pre-determined compressive force is not applied to said switch, said switch adapted for mounting on a surface of the vehicle's accelerator pedal in fixed relationship thereto and responding to application of a pre-determined compressive force by the vehicle operator in actuating the accelerator, and (4) interlock circuit means preventing energization of either said second or third lamps when actuation of the brake system has energized said first lamp and preventing energization of said third lamp when said second lamp is energized.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A signal light system according to claim 1 wherein said electrical switch comprises a thin, planar structure mountable on the foot contacting surface of the accelerator pedal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
A signal light system according to claim 1 wherein said electrical switch comprises a resilient structure and a normally open set of switch contacts, said switch contacts being closed upon application of a compressive force to said resilient structure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A signal light system according to claim 1 wherein said second input is connectable to the electrical circuit of the vehicle's brake system and receives a voltage signal therefrom upon actuation of the brake system.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
A signal light system according to claim 1 wherein said control circuit includes time-responsive switch for intermittent energization of said lamps when either the brake system is actuated or said pressure responsive electrical switch is operated.
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) | 1980-07-04 | 1981-01-03 | 1981-07-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-07-04 | 1985-01-03 | 1985-07-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-07-04 | 1989-01-03 | 1989-07-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |