US6812833B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Turn signal assembly with tactile feedback
Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America Inc
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Filing: 2003-03-21
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Granted: 2004-11-02
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Expires: 2023-03-21
Abstract
Abstract A turn signal assembly for use in a first vehicle having a vehicle proximity sensor system for detecting the proximity of a second vehicle. The turn signal assembly includes a stalk or handle movable between a first position, an intermediate position, and a second position. The assembly further includes a turn signal actuation device connected to the handle. The device is operable to actuate a light in response to the handle moving to one of the first and second positions from the intermediate position. A tactile feedback mechanism is mounted on the handle. The tactile feedback mechanism is adapted to provide a tactile response upon detection of a signal from the vehicle proximity sensor system of the presence of a second vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 Jaron Rothkop
- 👤 H. Winston Maue
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 10:47
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q9/00; B60Q9/008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
113 words
A turn signal assembly for use in a first vehicle having a vehicle proximity sensor system for detecting the proximity of a second vehicle, said turn signal assembly comprising: a handle movable between a first position, an intermediate position, and a second position; a turn signal actuation device connected to said handle and operable to actuate a light in response to said handle moving to one of said first and second positions from said intermediate position; and a tactile feedback mechanism mounted on said handle, said tactile feedback mechanism adapted to provide a tactile response upon detection of a signal from the vehicle proximity sensor system of the presence of a second vehicle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
113 words
A turn signal assembly for use in a first vehicle having a vehicle proximity sensor system for detecting the proximity of a second vehicle, said turn signal assembly comprising: a handle movable between a first position, an intermediate position, and a second position; a turn signal actuation device connected to said handle and operable to actuate a light in response to said handle moving to one of said first and second positions from said intermediate position; and a tactile feedback mechanism mounted on said handle, said tactile feedback mechanism adapted to provide a tactile response upon detection of a signal from the vehicle proximity sensor system of the presence of a second vehicle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
The assembly of claim 1 , wherein said tactile feedback mechanism is controllable to alter the tactile response dependent on the signal from the vehicle proximity sensor system corresponding to one of the proximity of the second vehicle relative to the first vehicle and the speed of the second vehicle relative to the first vehicle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The assembly of claim 1 , wherein said tactile response is a vibration of said handle provided by a vibrating mechanism mounted in said handle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The assembly of claim 3 , wherein said vibrating mechanisms includes a motor driving an output shaft, said output shaft having a weight mounted off center of an axis defined by said output shaft.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The assembly of claim 3 , wherein said vibrating mechanism is controllable to alter the amplitude of the vibration.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
56 words
The assembly of claim 5 , wherein said vibrating mechanism is controllable to alter the amplitude of the vibration dependent on the signal from the vehicle proximity sensor system corresponding to one of the proximity of the second vehicle relative to the first vehicle and the speed of the second vehicle relative to the first vehicle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The assembly of claim 3 , wherein said vibrating mechanism is controllable to alter the frequency of the vibration.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
56 words
The assembly of claim 7 , wherein said vibrating mechanism is controllable to alter the frequency of the vibration dependent on the signal from the vehicle proximity sensor system corresponding to one of the proximity of the second vehicle relative to the first vehicle and the speed of the second vehicle relative to the first vehicle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The assembly of claim 1 , wherein said tactile response is provided by a physical change in the surface texture of said handle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The assembly of claim 1 , wherein said tactile response is provided by a change in temperature of said handle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The assembly of claim 1 , wherein said light is an interior light adapted to indicate activation of the turn signal system to a driver of the first vehicle.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
The assembly of claim 1 , wherein said light is an exterior lights adapted to indicate activation of the turn signal system to persons outside of the first vehicle.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
156 words
A system for use in a first vehicle comprising: a vehicle proximity sensor system for detecting the proximity of a second vehicle relative to the first vehicle, said proximity sensor system including: at least one sensor for emitting a signal responsive to the proximity of the second vehicle relative to the first vehicle; and a controller for receiving the signal from said sensor; and a turn signal assembly including: a handle movable between a first position, an intermediate position, and a second position; a turn signal actuation device connected to said handle and operable to actuate a light in response to said handle moving to one of said first and second positions from said intermediate position; and a tactile feedback mechanism mounted on said handle, wherein said controller actuates said tactile feedback mechanism to provide a tactile response upon detection of a signal from the vehicle proximity sensor system of the presence of a second vehicle.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
156 words
A system for use in a first vehicle comprising: a vehicle proximity sensor system for detecting the proximity of a second vehicle relative to the first vehicle, said proximity sensor system including: at least one sensor for emitting a signal responsive to the proximity of the second vehicle relative to the first vehicle; and a controller for receiving the signal from said sensor; and a turn signal assembly including: a handle movable between a first position, an intermediate position, and a second position; a turn signal actuation device connected to said handle and operable to actuate a light in response to said handle moving to one of said first and second positions from said intermediate position; and a tactile feedback mechanism mounted on said handle, wherein said controller actuates said tactile feedback mechanism to provide a tactile response upon detection of a signal from the vehicle proximity sensor system of the presence of a second vehicle.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
55 words
The system of claim 13 , wherein said tactile feedback mechanism is controllable to alter the tactile response dependent on the signal from the vehicle proximity sensor system corresponding to one of the proximity of the second vehicle relative to the first vehicle and the speed of the second vehicle relative to the first vehicle.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 13 , wherein said tactile response is a vibration of said handle provided by a vibrating mechanism mounted in said handle.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 15 , wherein said vibrating mechanism is controllable to alter the amplitude of the vibration.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 15 , wherein said vibrating mechanism is controllable to alter the frequency of the vibration.
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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) | 2007-11-02 | 2008-05-03 | 2008-11-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-11-02 | 2012-05-03 | 2012-11-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-11-02 | 2016-05-03 | 2016-11-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |