Communications: electrical – Land vehicle alarms or indicators – External signal light system
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-01
2001-10-16
Tweel, Jr., John (Department: 2632)
Communications: electrical
Land vehicle alarms or indicators
External signal light system
C340S474000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06304175
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to vehicle turn signal indication systems, and more particularly to an add-on audible alarm for an existing vehicle turn signal indication system.
Motor vehicles are typically equipped with a turn signal indication system generally including: front and rear, left and right turn signal light indicators; a turn signal actuator mounted on the steering column and a turn signal indication flasher. A conventional vehicle turn signal indication system powered from the vehicle's DC electrical system, is energized in response to movement of the turn signal actuator from its neutral “off” position to its right or left turn position, to send an electrical pulse to flash the corresponding turn signal indicators. The turn signal actuator is mechanically coupled to the vehicle steering mechanism in such a way that return of the steering wheel to the straight ahead position following completion of a turn, resets the turn signal actuator to its “off” position. The steering wheel must be rotated through at least a substantial turning angle from its straight-ahead position to effect resetting of the turn signal actuator to the neutral position during subsequent return of the steering wheel to its straight-ahead position following completion of a turn. This is to prevent small movements of the steering wheel during an approach to a turn from prematurely resetting the turn signal actuator. The minimum turning angle of the steering wheel from its straight-ahead position, necessary to effect resetting of the turn signal actuator, is referred to herein as the “turn signal cancel angle”.
Conventional systems have a problem in that if a right or left turn is executed by rotation of the steering wheel through an angle less than the turn signal cancel angle, return of the steering wheel to the straight ahead position following completion of the turn will not reset the turn signal actuator. Unless the driver remembers to reset the turn signal actuator to its neutral position, the turn signal indicators will continue to flash, presenting a safety hazard, as the driver may be wrongly signaling fellow motorists.
Solutions to the turn signal problem have been devised, wherein an audible turn signal alarm alerts the driver to manually cancel the turn signal. In one solution, the audible alarm is activated after a preset time lapse following actuation of the turn signal indication system. This preset time lapse is greater than the time generally required to complete a turn so that the alarm activates after completion of a turn only if the turn indicators remain operating.
Another solution to the turn signal problem discussed above, provides an audible turn signal alarm that commences immediately upon movement of the turn signal actuator from its neutral position and continues until the actuator is returned to its neutral position, canceling the turn indication.
The problems with the prior art audible turn signal alarm systems lie in physical installation. Existing systems require additional wiring and must be connected to the vehicle's electrical system as well as the vehicle's turn signal indication system. Such installation is often beyond the ability of the vehicle owner, facilitating the additional expense of installation personnel. Also, mounting such systems is cumbersome as the amount of space available to mount the system, which is generally located under the dashboard, is limited.
Because of these drawbacks, audible turn signal alarm systems are rarely installed, or used. Or, if they are installed, after a period of time, a driver will disconnect the alarm, as a result of annoyance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention a modular turn signal alarm is provided that includes an alarm generator, and sockets or pass through apertures that receive the connector prongs of an existing flasher unit therein. The alarm is thereby powered by the existing vehicle electrical system and generates an alarm, which may be audio or visual, while the turn signal is operational.
Other embodiments include timer operation, wherein the alarm does not activate until a period of time has passed.
It is an object of the invention to provide an improved turn signal alarm to alert the driver of a vehicle that the turn signal indication system is operating.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved turn signal alarm that may be installed without any electrical wiring or special adapters yet has all the electrical protection of conventional vehicular electrical circuits.
It is still a further object of the invention to provide an improved turn signal alarm with physical dimensions small enough to fit adjacent to any vehicle's signal flasher unit, and within the confines of the vehicle's under-dash area.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved turn signal alarm that is easily installed by motorists without any installation expertise.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved turn signal alarm that is low cost to produce.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an improved turn signal alarm that functions independently from the vehicle.'s existing turn signal indication system, but makes use of existing circuitry in vehicles which employ a conventional turn signal flasher.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved modular turn signal alarm that can be easily replaced in case of failure.
The subject matter of the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. However, both the organization and method of operation, together with further advantages and objects thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like elements.
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Dellett and Walters
Tweel , Jr. John
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