Abstract:
A system is provided for causing audible sounds, and/or visible actions, and/or an electronic visual image, and/or motion to occur by, or in relation to, a vehicle&#39;s mark emblem. The system may cause such actions to be initiated manually or automatically as a result of vehicle operation or operator action. Controls may be provided to prevent the audible sound, visible action, visual image, or motion to occur if the vehicle speed is above a selected speed limit. In addition, when operated from a position remote from the vehicle, the audible sound associated with the mark emblem may be adjusted to a volume that will prevent persons from becoming startled when they are in proximity to the vehicle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a continuation-in-part of, is related to, and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/466,815, filed May 15, 2009, issued as U.S. Pat. No.: 8,188,850. The entire disclosure of which is specifically incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a system for drawing attention to a vehicle and a mark emblem on a vehicle for allowing the driver to associate more closely with the brand and goodwill associated with the vehicle. By the term “vehicle” is meant all types of vehicles and can include and is not limited to, personal cars, personal trucks, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, hobby vehicles and other like vehicles. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Mark emblems have been closely associated with motor vehicles since their inception. More specifically, mark emblems are often indicators of an individual&#39;s status depending on the specific mark emblem and the vehicle upon which the mark emblem is attached. More particularly, mark emblems serve as trademarks representative of the quality of the vehicle, as well as the goodwill associated therewith. As a result, depending on the mark emblem, there is often a positive effect associated with the mark emblem, and mark emblems contribute to the sale of such vehicles. 
     In the past, various systems have been developed to attempt to customize an owner&#39;s experience with their vehicle. One such system includes a vehicle remote control locking and unlocking device which is more intricate than a horn or beep tone. Such systems provide sounds that are unique and can be used to help an owner locate their motor vehicle, but which can also be personalized to reflect various aspects of importance to the owner. One example of such a system, of which there are numerous such systems, includes the ability to customize the sounds to be something of importance and relates to the owner&#39;s lifestyle, for example, a deer call, golf related sounds, etc. 
     Another prior system allows a user to customize the sound being emitted by a remote control locking/unlocking mechanism so that an operator can choose from a plurality of prerecorded sound cards, which will help in distinguishing their own vehicle from others in the area. 
     One common feature of most of these prior art devices and systems is that many are used to assist an owner to locate and identify their vehicle from among a plurality of other vehicles. Typically the sound volume is high and the operator will follow the sound until the vehicle is viewed. One problem with such a system however, is that there may be persons in close proximity to the vehicle and such loud sounds can scare or startle such persons. In the case of car horns, the sound emitted is particularly high in volume, intentionally so because of the main function of the horn as an alert mechanism when driving in traffic. 
     These problems of the prior art remote signaling devices are overcome by the present invention in which a system is provided directed primarily to enhancing the driver&#39;s experience in relation to the mark emblem of the driver&#39;s particular vehicle. The problems of startling or scaring persons in proximity to the vehicle are also avoided in accordance with the system described herein. 
     For purposes of the disclosure made herein, it is noted that by the term “mark emblem” is meant the unique emblem on a particular make of motor vehicle that functions as a trademark such as, for example, the mustang on a Ford Mustang motor vehicle. A motor vehicle as will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art can include an automobile or any other vehicle driven by a motor or engine, including but not limited to sport utility vehicles and other like vehicles. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for enhancing perception of a motor vehicle&#39;s mark emblem. The system for a motor vehicle emits audible sounds related to the vehicle&#39;s mark emblem, and/or performs a visible action(s) of the vehicle&#39;s mark emblem, and/or displays an electronic visual image related to the vehicle&#39;s mark emblem, and/or causes motion(s) of the vehicle&#39;s mark emblem. Such a system is activated manually or automatically by the vehicle operator. 
     In one specific aspect, manual switches are provided for causing the mark emblem to one or more move, and/or emit a sound, and/or create a visible action, such as emitting a specific light pattern, spraying liquid, and like actions, and/or have a visual image displayed on a visual imaging device. Such manual activation is performed when the motor vehicle operator actuates the one or more switches. 
     Automatic actuation occurs when the motor vehicle operator performs a normal vehicle action that triggers the system, such as putting the transmission into drive gear. 
     A speed sensor may be provided for detecting whether a vehicle on which the system is mounted is moving at or below a legal speed limit. 
     A controller is associated with the system. The speed sensor, if necessary, will send a signal to the controller for permitting the mark emblem to move, and/or emit a sound, and/or make a visible action, and/or have a visual image displayed on the visual imaging device only upon the vehicle moving at or below a legal speed limit. 
     By the term “legal speeds” or “legal speed limit” is meant any government, or other selected, speed limit that applies to the sound, visible action, visual image, and/or motion related to the system of the invention. For example, there may be a law in Wilmington, North Carolina that would prohibit the sound produced by the invention at speeds above  7  mph. The maximum legal vehicle speed limit would most likely be a speed greater than  7  mph. 
     A sound volume limiting device may also be provided for limiting the volume of sound emitted by the mark emblem to avoid the aforedescribed startling action to those in proximity to the vehicle. An automatic switch may also be provided for causing the mark emblem to move, and/or generate a sound, and/or make a visible action, and/or have a visual image displayed on the visual imaging device upon the vehicle door being opened, the vehicle being started, the vehicle being shut off, or the transmission being placed in gear or in park. While actions such as opening the vehicle door, starting the vehicle, shutting off the vehicle, placing the transmission in gear or in park have been described, this list is not all exhaustive and other like actions can trigger the automatic switch or switches. 
     Optionally, the audible sound(s), visible action(s), electronic visual display, and/or motion(s) associated with the vehicle&#39;s mark emblem can be adjusted by the vehicle operator. The system may avoid health hazards by limiting sound pressure output (dB) of the device when installed to be activated from a position remote from the motor vehicle. The sound pressure output may be limited to a value that will make the system not useful as an audible signaling device or vehicle locating device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Having briefly described the invention, the same will become better understood from the appended drawing in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing the general system of the invention to be associated on a vehicle, and with the vehicle, and with a mark emblem mounted on the vehicle. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate a Ford Mustang mark emblem in first and second positions resulting from rotation by an embodiment of the system of the invention. Mustang and the Mustang Running Pony logo are registered trademarks of Ford Motor Company. 
         FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  3 C illustrate an alternative embodiment of a mark emblem as a Ford Cobra emblem actuated according to an embodiment of the invention. Cobra and the Cobra Snake logo are registered trademarks of Ford Motor Company. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate a Chevrolet Bowtie mark emblem in first and second positions on an electronic visual imaging device in an embodiment of the invention. Camaro and the Chevrolet Bowtie logo is a registered trademark of General Motors Corporation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The system  11  of the invention is illustrated in block diagram in  FIG. 1 . System  11  includes a control device  13  which provides a number of different functions as described hereinafter, and the form of which can take numerous forms as will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Associated with the mark emblem on a vehicle are audible sound speakers  19 ; and/or a visible action actuator  21 , such as for example, a light source or other light visible action actuator; and/or an electronic visual imaging device  22 , such as for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen; and/or a motion actuator  23 , such as a small reciprocating motor, for example, to cause a mark emblem such as the mustang on a Ford Mustang vehicle to move. 
     The control device  13  may be actuated through one or more manual switches  15  or through one or more automatic actuators  17 , such as an automatic actuator associated with a door of the vehicle, the ignition switch, the transmission shifter, etc., so as to cause the control device  13  to cause one or more different actions with the mark emblem to occur. Either the manual switches  15  or the automatic action causing device  17  may be used to cause one or more of the types of actions selected by the user, e.g., visible actions, sounds, visual images, and/or motions associated with the mark emblem to occur. A manual switch  15  in one instance can be a key fob with a receiver mounted in the car. 
     A sound selector  25  may be associated with the control device  13  to provide signals representative of one or more of a plurality of different sounds associated with the mark emblem, and the selection of the sound can be made by the user either at the sound selector, through the manual switches, or automatic actuator device  17 , or combination of such devices. 
     As will also be readily appreciated, a speed sensor switch  27  can be provided associated with a speed signal detecting unit  29  which detects the speed of motion of the vehicle and causes the speed sensor switch  27  to switch off operation of the audible sound, and/or visible action, and or visual display, and/or motion upon the speed of the vehicle exceeding a legal speed limit. By legal speeds is meant that which has been previously defined herein. 
     With respect to the operation of the speakers, visible action actuator, electronic visual imaging device, and/or motion actuator, adjustment units  31  can be provided to control and adjust the sound volume, visual image, visible action, and/or motion associated with the mark emblem. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate a specific example of the invention in relation to  FIG. 1 . In operation, if the owner of a Ford Mustang vehicle has the system of the invention installed on the owner&#39;s vehicle so that when the owner actuates a toggle switch ( FIG. 1 ,  15 ) at speeds below a legal speed limit, e.g., 7 mph, the control device ( FIG. 1 ,  13 ) sends a signal to an electric motor ( FIG. 1 ,  23 ) that causes the Mustang mark emblem, represented by mustang  43  in  FIG. 2A , on the front grill of the car to rotate in a clockwise direction. An electric motor ( FIG. 1 ,  23 ) rotates the Mustang mark emblem to the position represented by mustang  45  in  FIG. 2B . After the Mustang mark emblem is in the position, the control device ( FIG. 1 ,  13 ) sends a signal to the audible sound speakers ( FIG. 1 ,  19 ) so that they emit the sound of a horse whinny After the horse whinny sound is completed, the control device ( FIG. 1 ,  13 ) sends a signal to the electrical motor ( FIG. 1 ,  23 ) that causes the Mustang mark emblem to rotate in a counterclockwise direction back to the original position, represented by mustang  43  in  FIG. 2A . By way of example, in the town where the owner lives, the law states that 7 mph is the maximum speed at which this system  11  can be operated. Therefore, the owner adjusts the speed sensor switch ( FIG. 1 ,  27 ) to deactivate the system  11  when the car is driven above 7 mph. After using the system  11  for six months, the owner decides to reduce the sound by using the adjustment knob ( FIG. 1 ,  31 ) associated with audible sound speakers  19 , and decides to speed up the rotation of the mark emblem by using another adjustment knob ( FIG. 1 ,  31 ) associated with motion actuator  23 . Mustang and the Mustang Running Pony logo are registered trademarks of Ford Motor Company. 
     A second specific example of the invention is illustrated by relating  FIG. 1  to  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  3 C. As an example, the owner of a Ford Cobra vehicle has a device installed on his vehicle so that after the owner starts the vehicle, an automatic action input ( FIG. 1 ,  17 ) sends a signal to the control device ( FIG. 1 ,  13 ), which sends a signal to an electric motor ( FIG. 1 ,  23 ) that causes the Cobra mark emblem  51  on the front grill of the car to rotate back and forth. The electric motor ( FIG. 1 ,  23 ) rotates the Cobra mark emblem back and forth between the positions represented by cobra  53  and  55  in  FIG. 3B  and C. While the Cobra mark emblem is rotating between the positions  53  and  55 , the control device ( FIG. 1 ,  13 ) continues to send a signal to the audible sound speakers ( FIG. 1 ,  19 ) so that they emit the sound of a snake hiss. After the Cobra mark emblem rotates between positions  53  and  55  two times, the control device ( FIG. 1 ,  13 ) sends a signal to the electric motor ( FIG. 1 ,  23 ) that causes the Cobra mark emblem to rotate back to its original position represented by cobra  51  in  FIG. 3A . The owner also has a manual toggle switch ( FIG. 1 ,  15 ) on the inside of the vehicle that when actuated, causes a visible action actuator ( FIGS. 1 ,  21 ) to expel a squirt of water from the mouth of the Cobra mark emblem. Such squirting is illustrative of a visible action which is separate and distinct from motion. Accordingly, visible action is any action by the mark emblem, such as lights, extraneous to the visible features of the mark emblem and/or any sound associated therewith. By way of further example, in the town where the owner lives, the law states that 10 mph is the maximum speed at which this system  11  can be operated. Therefore, the owner adjusts the speed sensor switch ( FIG. 1 ,  27 ) to deactivate the device when the car is driven above 10 mph. After using the device for eight months, the owner decides to increase the sound by using the adjustment knob ( FIG. 1 ,  31 ) associated with audible sound speakers  19 . The owner also decides to produce a stronger squirt of water by using another adjustment knob ( FIG. 1 ,  31 ) associated with visual action actuator  21 . Cobra and the Cobra Snake logo are registered trademarks of Ford Motor Company. 
     A third specific example of the invention is illustrated by relating  FIG. 1  to  FIGS.4A and 4B . As an example, the owner of a Chevrolet Camaro vehicle may have a device installed on her vehicle so that after the owner puts the transmission into park, or performs some other trigger action, an automatic action input ( FIG. 1 ,  17 ) sends a signal to the control device ( FIG. 1 ,  13 ) which sends a video signal to an electronic visual imaging device ( FIG. 1 ,  22 ),e.g., LCD screen  410 , that causes the Chevrolet Bowtie  420  mark emblem image to change size, back and forth, between sizes, e.g., such as shown by  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B . While the Bowtie mark emblem  420  is changing size, the control device ( FIG. 1 ,  13 ) may send signals to the audible sound speakers ( FIG. 1 ,  19 ) so that they emit the sound of a heart beat, for example, as the Bowtie mark emblem  420  changes between sizes. After the Bowtie mark emblem  420  changes between these two sizes, for example two times, the control device ( FIG. 1 ,  13 ) may send a video signal to the LCD screen  410  to display the Bowtie mark emblem  420  at its normal size. When the control device sends the video signal to display the Bowtie mark emblem  420  at its normal size, it may also send a signal to the audible sound speakers so that they emit the words, “THE HEARTBEAT OF AMERICA,” for example. The Chevrolet Bowtie logo and “THE HEARTBEAT OF AMERICA” are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. 
     Having thus generally described the invention, the same will become better understood from the appended claims in which it is set forth in a nonlimiting manner hereafter.