Illumination – Supported by vehicle structure – Portable
Reexamination Certificate
1998-02-23
2001-03-20
Sember, Thomas M. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Supported by vehicle structure
Portable
C362S496000, C362S503000, C362S545000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06203181
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a car locator and, more specifically, to a highly visible, illuminated car locator that mounts to and projects from a car in a conspicuous position to assist a user in locating his or her car in a parking area.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various types of markers have been used over the years to help people locate their vehicles in a variety of parking areas. Typically, a car marker, such as a ribbon or a ball, is attached to a radio antenna or in some other conspicuous location on a car to provide enhanced visibility of the car in parking areas.
One of the problems frequently encountered in utilizing conventional marking devices has been the difficulty of securing such devices to a car to prevent inadvertent detachment while at the same time enabling the devices to be conveniently reoriented or removed if necessary. In many instances, for example, tools may be required to affix or remove the devices. While not an overwhelming problem, the need for tools becomes most inconvenient if the marking device must be removed at remote locations. For example, the need for tools becomes a particular nuisance if the car marker must be temporarily removed at a location such as an automatic car wash.
In other instances, suction cup mounting has been employed to eliminate the need for tools. However, the use of suction cups is not always satisfactory because suction cups require a suitable mounting surface—one that is dry, clean and relatively flat, to permit secure attachment. The tendency of suction cups to prematurely release due to temperature or pressure changes is also a problem. As a result, the marking device might be damaged or lost in the event that a user neglects to remove the device prior to driving the car.
Other conventional devices suffer from the drawback that, once mounted, such devices cannot be easily repositioned into less conspicuous orientations. In accordance with the present invention, a car locator is provided that is capable of being moved into a highly visible orientation to facilitate in the location of a car, but is also capable of being conveniently repositioned or partially disassembled if the need arises.
Another major disadvantage of conventional car markers is that they are difficult to see in darkened parking areas. Although many are brightly colored, they are still hard to discern in poorly lit parking lots. In accordance with the present invention, an illuminated car locator is provided thereby facilitating car location at night or in dimly lit areas.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a car locator is provided. The car locator may be positioned to project above the top of a vehicle to enable visibility at a distance. The car locator includes a base for mounting the locator to the car. The base has a mounting section that generally conforms to the mounting surface of the car and is secured to the car using a mounting attachment such as a two-sided adhesive or a magnet attached to the base. In addition, the base includes a rod support in the form of two opposing support ribs projecting from the base to form an intermediate groove.
A cantilevered support rod having a mounting end and a free end is mounted on the base. The mounting end of the rod is pivotally connected to the rod support of the base on a pin that passes through a hole in the mounting end of the rod. The pin traverses the groove of the base and is supported at opposite ends by the opposing support ribs of the base. The pin allows pivotal movement of the rod relative to the base. An end portion of the mounting end of the rod is disposed in the groove between the support ribs and moves within the groove during pivotal movement of the rod. The free end of the rod projects from the base to provide a cantilevered support arm. The rod may be pivotally moved between selected positions relative to the base. The rod remains in position relative to the base after the rod is moved to selected positions.
In one embodiment, a highly visible fluorescent post in the form of a marking sleeve is mounted on the support rod to mark the car in a highly conspicuous manner. For this purpose, the sleeve includes bold markings, such as fluorescent colors, to enhance the visibility of the car locator. The sleeve has an opening at one end to permit slidable mounting of the sleeve onto the free end of the rod. The open end of the sleeve has a predetermined inside width that is generally the same as the outside width of the free end of the rod so that cooperating contact between the sleeve and the rod retains the sleeve in position on the rod. The sleeve sufficiently engages the free end of the rod to hold the sleeve in position on the rod.
In another embodiment of the invention, the visibility of the car locator is enhanced by illumination. In this embodiment, the locator comprises a bar or rod pivotally connected to a base. One or more conventional light bulbs or light emitting diodes (LEDs) are positioned along the length of the bar. The bulbs or LEDs are connected via electrical conductor wires to a power source. The LEDs may be connected directly to the conductor wires. Alternatively, the LEDs may be plug-in type LEDs which are connected to the conductors through a socket, thereby enabling the LEDs to be easily replaced. In a preferred embodiment, the power source is in the form of a battery housed within a base. Alternatively, the power source may be mounted directly to the base. In another embodiment, the power source, in the form of a battery or solar panel, is located within the car. In yet another embodiment, the power source is the car battery. A switch may be included for the purpose of turning the bulbs or LEDs on when the locator is in use and off when the locator is not being used. In one embodiment, the bulbs or LEDs produce colored light and are arranged to produce a recognizable pattern of colors. Further, the pattern of colors may be altered by the user by successive switch actuation. For example, an initial switch actuation may produce one color while another switch actuation produces another color. In yet another embodiment, the bulbs or LEDs are caused to flash or blink on and off in a predetermined pattern.
In yet another embodiment, LED light bars may plug in and out of a base unit containing or connectable with a power source. A switch may be provided to effect illumination or different patterns of illumination. In yet another embodiment, the light bar may plug into a switch and thereby serve as an external handle of the switch.
In still yet another embodiment, different LED light bars may plug into a base unit to effect illumination without the use of a switch. Different colored LED light bars may be utilized to effect different colors of illumination.
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Dann Dorfman Herrell and Skillman, P.C.
Enterprises, Inc.
Sember Thomas M.
LandOfFree
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