Patent US5276594A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5276594A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Add-on vehicle safety light monitor
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1992-09-22
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Granted: 1994-01-04
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Expires: 2012-09-22
Abstract
Abstract An add-on vehicle light monitor includes a light pipe formed of a light coupling transparent material and having an input end and an output end. The light pipe is configured to be supported upon the vehicle body at a position in which the input end is approximate to the to-be-monitored light source and the output end is viewable by the vehicle driver or operator. In one embodiment, an aperture is formed within the vehicle taillight lens to permit the input end to be inserted into the vehicle light assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the input end is fabricated so as to be flush mountable to the light assembly lens without the need for forming an aperture therein.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark E. Burkett
- 👤 Eldon G. Burkett
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 15:27
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/26; B60Q1/2657; B60Q1/0011; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S116/00; Y10S116/05
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
For use in combination with a vehicle having a body, a driver's seat and a signal light, an add-on light monitor comprising: a light pipe having an input end, a filter supported thereon an output end and a light coupling body therebetween; and attachment means for securing said light pipe to said body such that said input end is optically coupled to said signal light and said output end is viewable from said driver's seat, said light pipe being installable upon said body following complete fabrication and assembly of said vehicle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
91 words
For use in combination with a vehicle having a body, a driver's seat and a signal light, an add-on light monitor comprising: a light pipe having an input end, a filter supported thereon an output end and a light coupling body therebetween; and attachment means for securing said light pipe to said body such that said input end is optically coupled to said signal light and said output end is viewable from said driver's seat, said light pipe being installable upon said body following complete fabrication and assembly of said vehicle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
An add-on light monitor as set forth in claim 1 wherein said light pipe is formed of a rigid clear material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
An add-on light monitor as set forth in claim 2 wherein said light pipe is generally L-shaped.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
An add-on light monitor as set forth in claim 2 wherein said output end is generally spherical.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
An add-on light monitor as set forth in claim 4 wherein said coupling body defines a generally circular cross section.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
An add-on light monitor as set forth in claim 3 wherein said coupling body defines a generally rectangular cross section.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
An add-on light monitor as set forth in claim 1 wherein said attachment means includes an aperture formed in said signal light and a sealing gasket supported within said aperture and receiving said input end.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
An add-on light monitor as set forth in claim 2 wherein said light coupling body defines a pair of coupling elements having a pair of isolated input ends and a pair of output ends coupled to said output end of said light coupling body.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
101 words
For use in combination with a vehicle having a body, a driver's seat and a signal light, an add-on light monitor comprising: a light pipe formed of a rigid clear material and having an input end, an output end, a light coupling body therebetween and a filter supported upon said input end; and attachment means for securing said light pipe to said body such that said input end is optically coupled to said signal light and said output end is viewable from said driver's seat, said light pipe being installable upon said body following complete fabrication and assembly of said vehicle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
101 words
For use in combination with a vehicle having a body, a driver's seat and a signal light, an add-on light monitor comprising: a light pipe formed of a rigid clear material and having an input end, an output end, a light coupling body therebetween and a filter supported upon said input end; and attachment means for securing said light pipe to said body such that said input end is optically coupled to said signal light and said output end is viewable from said driver's seat, said light pipe being installable upon said body following complete fabrication and assembly of said vehicle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
102 words
For use in combination with a vehicle having a body, a driver's seat and a signal light, an add-on light monitor comprising: a light pipe formed of a rigid clear material and having an input end, an output end and a light coupling body therebetween, said output end defining a generally spherical lens; and attachment means for securing said light pipe to said body such that said input end is optically coupled to said signal light and said output end is viewable from said driver's seat, said light pipe being installable upon said body following complete fabrication and assembly of said vehicle.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
102 words
For use in combination with a vehicle having a body, a driver's seat and a signal light, an add-on light monitor comprising: a light pipe formed of a rigid clear material and having an input end, an output end and a light coupling body therebetween, said output end defining a generally spherical lens; and attachment means for securing said light pipe to said body such that said input end is optically coupled to said signal light and said output end is viewable from said driver's seat, said light pipe being installable upon said body following complete fabrication and assembly of said vehicle.
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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) | 1997-01-03 | 1997-07-05 | 1998-01-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-01-03 | 2001-07-05 | 2002-01-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-01-03 | 2005-07-05 | 2006-01-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |