Communications: electrical – Land vehicle alarms or indicators – Of relative distance from an obstacle
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-09
2001-03-06
Lee, Benjamin C. (Department: 2736)
Communications: electrical
Land vehicle alarms or indicators
Of relative distance from an obstacle
C340S436000, C340S961000, C033S264000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06198386
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a vehicle guidance assembly and method. The invention is especially applicable for use on large vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, buses, vans, RVs, and the like, to enhance the ability of the driver to maintain the vehicle on its proper course over a roadway. The invention creates visible reference marks on the road surface which clearly and distinctly define, for example, the outermost side edges of the vehicle.
One common problem recognized by drivers of trucks and other large vehicles is the ability to maintain the vehicle in the center of the lane, particularly at night and after several hours of constant driving. Many “long haul” truck drivers suffer mental fatigue and stress, and often drive tired putting their own safety and the safety of others on the road at risk. These drivers must constantly make split-second decisions concerning the actual and anticipated path of their vehicle. Driving a truck involves performing many complex sensory-motor tasks, and determining and making adjustments in lane position is one of the most critical. The present invention provides immediate and constant feedback of this critical information thereby reducing demands on the brain and fatigue levels. One small error in judgement by the driver can cost lives.
The present invention addresses the above and other problems by locating reference marks on the road surface which are readily visible by the driver and which are laterally spaced-apart a precise distance corresponding to the width of the vehicle. The reference marks indicate the anticipated path of the vehicle by showing the space through which the vehicle would travel were the driver to maintain the vehicle's present course. The path identified by the reference marks is further applicable for determining the instant position of the vehicle on the road surface. For example, if one reference mark falls outside of the driver's lane, the driver has sufficient opportunity to correct the path of the vehicle before heading off the road or encroaching upon the adjacent lane. In addition, a second set of reference marks may be located to the rear of the vehicle to assist the driver when moving in reverse.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a vehicle guidance assembly which utilizes an image projecting device, such as a laser module or other high-intensity light source, to project a visual image downwardly from the vehicle and outwardly onto the road surface for being readily viewed by the driver.
It is one object of the invention to provide a guidance assembly which continuously marks the width of a moving vehicle directly on the road surface such that the driver can readily determine the position of the vehicle without diverting his view.
It is another object of the invention to provide a guidance assembly which visually indicates the anticipated path of a moving vehicle.
It is another object of the invention to provide a guidance assembly which is particularly applicable for use on large vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, buses, RVs, and the like.
It is another object of the invention to provide a guidance system which will not disrupt the view of those traveling in oncoming vehicles.
It is another object of the invention to provide a guidance system which will automatically deactivate at a predetermined low speed of the vehicle.
It is another object of the invention to provide a guidance system which is operatively connected to the steering wheel of the vehicle, and which automatically adjusts the location of the reference mark on the road surface when the vehicle is turned.
It is another object of the invention to provide a guidance assembly which can be installed during or after manufacture of the vehicle.
It is another object of the invention to provide a guidance assembly which is relatively easy to manufacture and install.
It is another object of the invention to provide a guidance assembly which helps the driver guide the vehicle while moving in reverse.
It is another object of the invention to a guidance assembly which is applicable for use on farm equipment, snow plows, military vehicles including self-propelled combat equipment, air planes, boats, and the like.
It is another object of the invention to provide a guidance assembly which can be reset by the driver within the cab of the vehicle.
It is another object of the invention to provide a guidance assembly which is adapted for being attached to an object being towed by a vehicle.
It is another object of the invention to provide a guidance assembly which is usable during the day.
It is another object of the invention to provide a guidance assembly which identifies to the driver instant position of the vehicle on the road surface.
It is another object of the invention to provide a guidance assembly which is applicable for use on a forklift to determine the location of the forks relative to an item to be lifted.
It is another object of the invention to provide a guidance assembly which assists the driver when parking the vehicle.
It is another object of the invention to provide a guidance assembly which may be used to identify width of an object, such as a boat or trailer, being towed behind the vehicle.
It is another object of the invention to provide a method of guiding a vehicle on a road surface.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing a vehicle guidance assembly which visually indicates the anticipated path of a moving vehicle to a driver of the vehicle. The assembly includes an image projection device for projecting a visual image outwardly from the vehicle and downwardly onto a surface to be travelled by the vehicle. The image defines a reference mark on the surface for being readily viewed by the driver. Mounting means mounts the image projection device on a surface of the vehicle.
According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the image projection device includes a laser module for emitting a beam in the direction of the surface to be travelled by the vehicle.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the laser module includes a power cable for being electrically connected to a battery of the vehicle.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, an adjustable laser holder carries the laser module in a selected fixed position relative to the vehicle.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the laser holder includes a swivel base for allowing swivel adjustment of the laser module relative to the vehicle.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a protective housing covers the laser holder and the laser module, and includes a mounting plate for mounting said housing to the vehicle.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting plate includes a magnetic surface for cooperating with a metal surface of the vehicle to removably mount the housing to the vehicle.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the protective housing includes a window arranged adjacent a beam-emitting end of the laser module.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a moisture sensor determines the amount of moisture outside of the vehicle. An electrical interrupter is connected to the moisture sensor and to the image projection device for deactivating the image projection device upon sensing a predetermined amount of moisture.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrical interrupter includes a ground fault interrupter.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, position sensing means is electrically connected to the image projection device for deactivating the image projection device when tilted upwardly beyond a predetermined angle.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the position sensing means is a mercury switch.
According to yet another prefe
Adams, Schwartz & Evans P.A.
Lee Benjamin C.
LandOfFree
Vehicle guidance assembly and method does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Vehicle guidance assembly and method, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Vehicle guidance assembly and method will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2506708