US4909178A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automobile route indicator
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1988-03-24
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Granted: 1990-03-20
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Expires: 2008-03-24
Abstract
Abstract A route indicator for use in automobiles and other motor vehicles uses a route instruction card of a flexible material maintained in a coaxial position within a transparent hollow cylinder by hoop tension produced by the natural elasticity of the card. One end of the cylinder is fastenable by an interference fit to a cup-shaped cap rotatably fastened to the upright portion of a bracket fastenable to a structural member within the vehicle. The cylinder is readily removable from the cap to permit replacement of an instruction card through an open end of the transparent cylinder.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter Le Brocq
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 18:56
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F11/00; G09F11/02; G09F21/00; G09F21/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
A route indicator for motor vehicles comprising; a. a hollow cylinder having an open end and a closed end and at least partially transparent side walls, said cylinder being adapted to removably hold a selected route instruction card, b. a single cantilevered bracket having a base section adapted to fasten to a structure, and an upright member, and c. a cup-shaped cap member rotatably fastened to said upright member of said bracket and adapted to removably support said open end of said cylinder at one transverse end of said cylinder for rotation in unison of said cylinder and said cup-shaped cap member about the longitudinal axis of said cylinder relative to said upright member of said bracket, whereby said cylinder may be rotated to bring a desired portion of said route information into the field of vision of a user of said route indicator, and whereby said cylinder can be withdrawn from said cap member, said card replaced, and said cylinder re-fastened to said cap member, all with one hand.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
A route indicator for motor vehicles comprising; a. a hollow cylinder having an open end and a closed end and at least partially transparent side walls, said cylinder being adapted to removably hold a selected route instruction card, b. a single cantilevered bracket having a base section adapted to fasten to a structure, and an upright member, and c. a cup-shaped cap member rotatably fastened to said upright member of said bracket and adapted to removably support said open end of said cylinder at one transverse end of said cylinder for rotation in unison of said cylinder and said cup-shaped cap member about the longitudinal axis of said cylinder relative to said upright member of said bracket, whereby said cylinder may be rotated to bring a desired portion of said route information into the field of vision of a user of said route indicator, and whereby said cylinder can be withdrawn from said cap member, said card replaced, and said cylinder re-fastened to said cap member, all with one hand.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
The route indicator of claim 1 wherein said route instruction card comprises a flexible rectangular card of sufficient elasticity to remain in a fixed position relative to the interior surface of said cylinder when said card is rolled into a generally cylindrical shape and inserted into said cylinder.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
The route indicator of claim 1 further including an index pointer fastened in a fixed position relative to said bracket, said index pointer lying over the outer cylindrical wall surface of said cylinder in parallel alignment therewith, whereby a desired portion of said instruction card bearing route instructions may be rotated into alignment with said index pointer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The article of claim 1 wherein said open end of said hollow cylinder is adapted to be held within said cap by an interference fit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The article of claim 4 wherein said open end of said hollow cylinder contains on its outer surface an annular ridge adapted to snappingly engage the interior surface of said cap.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The article of claim 4 further including an illumination source within said cylinder.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-03-19 | 1993-09-18 | 1994-03-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-03-19 | 1997-09-18 | 1998-03-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-03-19 | 2001-09-18 | 2002-03-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |