Abstract:
A secondary brake light illumination circuit useful for storing excess power applied to a primary vehicle brake light illumination circuit during activation thereof and subsequently selectively discharging stored power to secondary illumination devices to provide a temporary decorative or informational display.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   To the fullest extent permitted by law, the present non-provisional patent application claims priority to and the full benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/814,948, filed Jun. 19, 2006, entitled “Secondary Vehicular Brake Illumination, or ‘Ghost CHMSL’”. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates generally to switched electric devices, and more specifically, to a secondary electric circuit system and method. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   In numerous and varied applications, primary electric circuits are selectively activated by selective supply of electric power. Such selective activation may be accomplished by a switch, such as a mechanical, electric, magnetic, optical or other switch. Often times, when a primary electric circuit is activated, more electric power is conveyed to the circuit than is necessary for proper operation. Unfortunately, such excess power is wastefully diverted to a ground instead of being stored or otherwise diverted to the primary, or an ancillary, application for subsequent use (i.e., as a recycled power source). 
   Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a secondary electric circuit and associated power storage system, wherein any excess power, unused by an electrically-activated primary circuit, is stored or otherwise harnessed, and, thereafter, diverted for use by the secondary electric circuit of an adjunct electric system, or the like. Accordingly, the present invention seeks to advantageously utilize this excess, and otherwise traditionally wasted, electric power as a “recycled” power source. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a secondary electric circuit system and method by providing a secondary electric circuit system that accumulates and stores excess electric power from a primary electric circuit system during activation of an electric device of the primary circuit system for subsequent beneficial use in powering an electric device thereof. 
   According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a secondary electric circuit system and method, generally comprising a means for storing electric power supplied to a primary electric circuit during activation thereof, and a control means selectively operable to discharge electric power from the storage device through at least one secondary electric device. 
   Specifically, in one selected embodiment, the invention takes the form of a brake light including an ancillary illumination device and circuit that draws power from the brake light. The ancillary illumination circuit is preferably connected to a switched power supply of a brake light circuit via a steering device, such that electric power flows to the secondary illumination circuit, where it is preferably stored on a storage device, when the brake light is activated. The power stored on the storage device is preferably selectively discharged through one or more banks of lamps according to a predetermined pattern when the brake light is deactivated, thereby creating a desired visual illumination display using recycled or diverted electric power that would otherwise be wasted. 
   The steering device, as a safety feature, preferably prevents discharge of electric power stored on the storage device through the brake light circuit, thereby preventing unwanted or accidental activation of the brake light. Additionally, a shunting circuit is preferably included in the secondary illumination device circuit which, over time, drains electric power stored on the storage device to prevent unwanted discharge. As a further safety feature, the secondary illumination circuit preferably defaults to an inactive state whenever the brake light is activated to prevent simultaneous activation of the brake light and the secondary device. 
   According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, a steering device is connected between the storage device and the switched power supply to prevent discharge of power stored on the storage means through the primary circuit, thus preventing unwanted activation thereof. 
   According to yet another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the control means selectively discharges electric power from the storage device through the at least one electric device only when sufficient power is stored on the storage means, when the power supply of the primary circuit is switched off, or both. Thus, the secondary electric circuit system is preferably responsive to an activation state and/or a duration of activation of the primary circuit. 
   According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the set pattern of the secondary electric circuit is sequenced by the voltage level of the stored charge. 
   According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, as the power stored on the storage device is used to power an electric device, the intensity of the output of the electric device preferably decreases over time to produce a fade effect. 
   According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, all power being supplied to an electric device from the storage means is cut off when the power supply of the primary circuit is switched on so as to prevent simultaneous activation of the primary and secondary circuits. 
   According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the primary circuit is a vehicle brake light circuit, wherein application of the brakes charges the storage device for subsequent activation of the secondary circuit system when the brakes are released. 
   According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the electric device is one or more illumination device and activation thereof produces a desired visual display. 
   In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a method of powering a secondary circuit preferably includes the steps of connecting an electric power storage device to a switched power supply of a primary circuit, storing electric power on the electric power storage device when the power supply of the primary circuit is switched on, sensing when the power supply of the primary circuit is switched off, sensing a value corresponding to an amount of power stored on the electric power storage device, comparing the sensed value of power with a threshold value, and discharging power from the electric power storage device through a secondary circuit. Thus, reclaimed or recycled electric power is harnessed to power the secondary circuit. 
   According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, power is discharged through the secondary circuit only when the sensed value of power is greater than the threshold value and only when the power supply of the primary circuit is switched off, thereby preventing simultaneous activation of the primary and secondary electric circuits. 
   According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the primary circuit is a vehicle brake light circuit, and the secondary circuit is an illumination circuit, whereby application of the brakes charges the storage device, and a desired visual display is created using recycled or reclaimed electric power when the brakes are released. 
   Accordingly, one feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a selectively activated secondary illumination device, wherein the selective activation is based on the activation status of a vehicle brake light circuit. 
   Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a temporary decorative, informational, or other illumination display or display pattern when a vehicle brake light circuit is switched off. 
   Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to extinguish the illumination device or pattern of the secondary circuit when the vehicle brake light circuit is switched on, thereby preventing simultaneous activation of the primary and secondary illumination circuits. 
   Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide an OEM brake light illumination device including an integrated decorative, informational, or other, secondary illumination circuit system. 
   Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a decorative, informational, or other display device including a secondary illumination circuit system capable of connection with, and accumulation of electric power from the operation of, an existing brake light illumination system without detrimental interference therewith. 
   These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reading the following Detailed Description and Claims in light of the accompanying drawing Figures. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Accordingly, the present invention will be understood best through consideration of, and reference to, the following Figures, viewed in conjunction with the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment referring thereto, in which like reference numbers throughout the various Figures designate like structure and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a secondary electric device according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the secondary electric device of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view of a circuit diagram for the secondary electric device of  FIG. 1  in a first charging mode; 
       FIG. 4  is a plan view of the circuit diagram of  FIG. 3  in a second active mode; 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of a brake light including the secondary electric device of  FIG. 1  during a primary electric device activation stage; 
       FIG. 6  is a front view of the brake light of  FIG. 5  in a first secondary electric device activation stage; 
       FIG. 7  is a front view of the brake light of  FIG. 5  in a second secondary electric device activation stage; 
       FIG. 8  is a front view of the brake light of  FIG. 5  in a third secondary electric device activation stage; and 
       FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating a method of operation of the secondary electric device of the present invention. 
   

   It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the invention to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed invention. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   In describing preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the Figures, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
   In that form of the preferred embodiment of the present invention chosen for purposes of illustration,  FIGS. 1-2  show brake light assembly  100  preferably comprising housing  110 , board  120 , primary illumination devices  130 , secondary illumination devices  140 , and connector  150 . Housing  110  is preferably designed to substantially enclose and protect board  120  and components mounted thereon, and is preferably formed of plastic or other suitable heat-resistant, water-resistant, and/or corrosion resistant material. Housing  110  preferably comprises shell  111  defining a substantially enclosed space in which board  120  and other components may be mounted. Housing  110  preferably further comprises face  113  operably connectable to shell  111 , such as by insertion of fasteners  160  through flange  111   a  of shell  111  and into posts  113   a  of face plate  113 . Face plate  113  is preferably formed of transparent or translucent material which may or may not have optical properties such as light dispersing, focusing, light diffusing, tinting, coloring, or other properties. Face plate  113  preferably allows a sufficient amount of light generated therebehind to pass therethrough such that illumination devices mounted behind face plate  113  (i.e. within shell  111 ) can be utilized as brake lights without departing from DOT regulations for such brake lights. 
   Board  120 , such as a printed circuit board, is preferably attached to housing  110 , such as by removable connection to posts  113   b  of face plate  113  via fasteners  160 . Board  120  preferably carries one or more primary illumination device  130  and one or more secondary illumination device, such as an incandescent, fluorescent, LED, laser, neon, or other illumination device connected to board  120 . Primary illumination device  130 , preferably comprising a plurality of LEDs  131 , is preferably electrically connected to a vehicle power supply (not shown), such as a battery and/or alternator, via connector  150  connected to plug  139 . Secondary illumination device  140 , preferably comprising a plurality of LEDs  141 , is preferably electrically connected to electric power storage device  135 , such as a battery, a capacitor, an inductor, or other electric power supply, via embedded or printed conductive paths. Preferably, electric power storage device  135  comprises a capacitor. Board  120  preferably further comprises controller  137  for selectively activating secondary illumination device  140  by selectively discharging electric power stored on electric power storage device  135  through secondary illumination device  140 . 
   Now referring to  FIGS. 3-4 , board  120  preferably includes circuit  300  formed thereon. Circuit  300  preferably comprises primary brake light illumination circuit  310  and secondary illumination circuit  320 . Primary brake light illumination circuit  310  preferably complies with all applicable regulations, including DOT regulations for operation of the brake lights of a motor vehicle, and preferably includes brake light switch  311  for selectively connecting primary brake light illumination circuit to electric power supply V+ or to an open circuit. When switch  311  is in the “ON” position, i.e. when switch  311  connects electric power supply V+ to primary brake light illumination circuit  310 , electricity preferably flows through primary illumination device  130 , preferably in the form of an LED array brake light device, to activate primary illumination device  130 , such as by causing red LEDs to shine. Additionally, when switch  311  is in the “ON” position, electric power preferably flows through steering device  322 , such as a diode, and is preferably accumulated and stored on electric power storage device  135 . Electric power storage device  135  is preferably configured such that a predetermined amount of electric power is accumulated and stored thereon after only a short time of activation of primary illumination device  130 . 
   When switch  311  is switched to the “off” position, i.e. when switch  311  connects primary illumination device  130  to an open circuit, a threshold switch that senses voltage  321  may detect a loss of primary circuit voltage and preferably connects charge accumulated on storage device  135  to controller  137 . Controller  137  preferably selectively distributes electric power from electric power storage device  135  to one or more of banks  140   a ,  140   b , and  140   c  of secondary illumination device  140 . Such selective distribution of electric power is preferably determined by the level of charge (as voltage) available on the electric power storage device  135 . 
   Controller  137  may distribute electric power to secondary illumination device  140 , at least in part, according to a program. One exemplary program contains instructions readable by controller  137  to activate selected ones of a plurality of LEDs to create a display corresponding to a selected icon, such as a logo, mascot, or the like, of a desired sports team, educational institution, state, nationality, or the like. The program may further include additional instructions, such as how to activate such selected ones of a plurality of LEDs. For example, the program may instruct controller  137  to activate selected LEDs for a predetermined amount of time, in a predetermined sequence or combination, with a predetermined intensity, with a predetermined color, or the like. The program may be stored within controller  137  or on any suitable storage medium. As such, one or more programs may be stored and accessed selectively, randomly, sequentially, alternatingly, or the like. Thus, a image, icon, logo, mascot, or the like may be replaced, supplemented, or combined with alternative or additional icons, logos, mascots, or the like created by additional, alternative, or combined programs. Such programs are preferably provided by owners or licencees of the designs, patterns, images, logos, mascots, names, or the like, such as by download from the internet of a program, available on a free or pay basis. Controller  137  preferably distributes electric power to illumination device  140  based on the voltage remaining in electric power storage device  135 . Threshold Switch  321  is preferably operably coupled to primary illumination device  130  such that when primary illumination device is activated, switch  321  is set to the “off” position, whereby no electric power may flow from electric power storage device  135  to controller  137 . Such coupling may be accomplished by detecting the primary circuit voltage such that when primary circuit voltage is present, the threshold switch  321  is set to “OFF”. Thus, switch  321  ensures that secondary illumination device  140  is not activated whenever primary illumination device  130  is activated. When primary circuit voltage is removed, switch  321  biases to “ON”, closing the connection between electric power storage device  135  and controller  137 . Upon the deactivation of the primary electric circuit, the accumulated charge is routed to controller  137  and utilized until charge exhaustion, or until such time as the primary circuit is again activated, whichever occurs first. This provides for a bright flash of the secondary illumination device, followed by a fade or “ghost” effect until the power is dissipated. Electric power storage device  135  is preferably additionally connected to ground through resistor  340 , or other suitable charge dissipating or bleeding device. Thus, if electric power is accumulated and stored on electric power storage device  135  but is not distributed, e.g. because brakes are re-applied causing switch  321  to prevent secondary illumination device  140  from being activated, such accumulated and stored charge will safely dissipate or bleed off, thereby preventing unwanted accumulation of electric power and reducing the risk of electric shock or malfunction. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 5-8 , when switch  311  is switched to the “on” position, such as when a brake pedal is depressed, red LEDs  510  of primary illumination circuit  130  are preferably activated, thereby producing bright red light to indicate that brakes are being applied. When switch  311  is switched to the “off” position, such as when the brake pedal is released, switch  321  is preferably switched to the “on” position, allowing electric power to flow from electric power storage device  135  to controller  137 . As discussed above, controller  137  preferably selectively distributes electric power to banks  140   a ,  140   b , and/or  140   c.    
   Now referring to  FIG. 9 , method  900  of operation of an electric device including a secondary circuit preferably begins with step  901  in which a primary electric circuit is switched “on”, thereby allowing electric power to reach a primary electric device, activating a primary electric device. While the primary device is activated, a storage device preferably accumulates and stores electric power in step  903 . At step  905  the primary electric device is preferably switched “off”, thereby preventing electric power from reaching the primary electric device, thereby deactivating the primary electric device, as well as preferably preventing further accumulation and storage of electric power on the storage device. An amount of electric power stored, such as a voltage, is then measured at step  907 . The measured amount of electric power is then preferably compared to a first threshold value at step  911  to determine how to distribute the electric power stored on the storage device. If the measured amount of power is greater than the first threshold value, then the method proceeds to step  913 , wherein at least a portion of a secondary electric device is activated, such as a first bank of lights. The first bank of lights is preferably activated until a predetermined amount of time has passed, determined, for example, by comparing an elapsed time to a threshold at step  915 . When the elapsed time reaches the threshold, the method preferably activates a different portion of the secondary device, such as a second bank of lights, or activates a tertiary electric device at step  917 . Preferably, the first bank of lights is deactivated at step  917 . A similar comparison is then conducted at step  919  to determine whether a predetermined amount of time has passed. When the predetermined amount of time has passed, the second bank of lights is preferably deactivated and another different portion of the secondary device, such as a third bank of lights, or a quaternary electric device is preferably activated at step  921 . The third bank of lights is preferably activated until it is determined at step  923  that a predetermined amount of time has passed. The method then preferably ends at step  925 . 
   If, at step  911 , it is instead determined that the measured amount of electric power is less than the first threshold, then the method preferably determines whether the stored amount of power is more than a second, lower, threshold at step  951 . If the measured value is greater than the second threshold, then the method preferably goes to step  917 . If the measured value is lower than the second threshold, the measured value is preferably compared to a third, even lower, threshold at step  953 . If the measured value is greater than the third threshold, then the method preferably goes to step  921 . If the measured value is less than the third threshold, the method preferably ends at step  925 . 
   According to one embodiment, controller  137  preferably first distributes electric power to bank  140   a  to light yellow LEDs  520 . Controller  137  preferably reduces an amount of power distributed to bank  140   a  over time in order to produce a fade effect, whereby the intensity of yellow light emitted by yellow LEDs  520  is reduced over time. After a predetermined decay in stored charge controller  137  preferably ceases to distribute electric power to bank  140   a  and begins to distribute electric power to bank  140   b  to activate green LEDs  530 . Controller  137  preferably similarly reduces an amount of electric power distributed to bank  140   b  over time in order to produce a fade effect, whereby the intensity of green light emitted by green LEDs  530  is reduced over time. 
   According to an alternative embodiment, when switch  321  is switched to the “on” position, controller  137  preferably distributes electric power from electric power storage device  135  to bank  140   c  to activate blue LEDs  540 . Controller  137  preferably reduces an amount of electric power distributed to bank  140   c  over time to produce a fade effect, whereby an intensity of blue light emitted by blue LEDs  540  is reduced over time. 
   It will be understood that controller  137  may distribute electric power according to alternative patterns, which may involve activation of one or more banks of LEDs in sequential order, simultaneously, or combinations thereof. Additionally, one or more LEDs in a bank may be activated in sequentially order, simultaneously, or combinations thereof, such as to form a desired image. The LEDs may also be activated repeatedly, such as in a blinking pattern, and may be varied in intensity, such as faded as described above, as well as increased in intensity over time. Optionally, multi-color LEDs may be used, and controller may distribute electric power thereto so as to produce a pre-selected color, a random color, or to produce changes in the color over time. As stated above, the illumination devices of the primary electric device and/or the secondary electric device need not take the form of LEDs, but may alternatively take the form of one or more incandescent lamp, laser, fluorescent lamp, neon lamp, halogen lamp, an LCD display or other display, or the like. 
   Although the invention has been illustrated using an exemplary brake light with primary and secondary illumination devices, it will be understood that secondary electric device may be included in varied primary electric devices. The primary electric device may be virtually any electric device, such as, for example, a household electric device (such as a lamp, a radio or stereo, a television, an appliance, or the like), a personal electric device (such as a portable phone (e.g. a cell phone), a portable music player, a watch, a laptop computer, or the like), or any other similar electric device that has a switched power supply, whereby power can be accumulated and stored while the power supply is switched on. Similarly, the secondary electric device need not be an illumination device, but may alternatively be an audio device, a motor for causing motion, a text and/or visual display, or any other suitable electric device that may be advantageously activated upon the deactivation of the primary electric device. 
   Having, thus, described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments as illustrated herein, but is only limited by the following claims.