Patent Publication Number: US-2023136652-A1

Title: Self-check Brake Lights Apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/273,273, which was filed on Oct. 29, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of detecting functionality of brake lights of a vehicle as well as to an apparatus suitable for actuating brake lights of the vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel apparatus that allows drivers to check the functionality of brake lights of their vehicle independently and individually prior to operating the vehicle. The apparatus features an extendable structure in which a C-shaped hook depresses the brake pedal while a cushion at the opposite end rests against the driver&#39;s seat base to keep the apparatus in place, such that the brake pedal is depressed and the brake lights are actuated. This allows a driver to go to the rear of the vehicle to check functionality of the brake lights independently which obviates the need to push the brake pedal by foot and enlist the assistance of another. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture. 
     BACKGROUND 
     By way of background, vehicles such as automobiles have brake lights. Typically, vehicles have a brake light proximal to each rear corner of the vehicle and a centrally mounted brake light positioned above (i.e. higher than) the corner lights. When a driver brakes to slow a vehicle, the brake lights are illuminated. The brake lights are mounted on the rear of the vehicle, so the driver of a following vehicle can be informed that the vehicle is slowing down or has stopped as indicated by the illuminated brake lights. The brake lights are an essential safety feature and it is critical to have working brake lights for alerting motorists traveling behind. Working brake lights are also critical to ensure compliance with vehicle legal codes or statutes. 
     Dysfunctional brake lights are not only dangerous for the vehicle but also for passengers of other vehicles. People may also get an expensive ticket when pulled over by law enforcement for broken, dysfunctional or burned-out brake lights and/or bulbs. 
     Generally, brake lights are checked by people before starting a journey. For checking brake lights, at least two individuals are required. One person stands behind the vehicle to check the brake light whereas the other person steps on or pushes the brake pedal. It is nearly impossible for a single person to independently examine and check the brake lights. The single person can just roughly assume, while pushing the brake pedal, if the brake light is in working status or not. 
     Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for brake light checking device that enables a single person to independently check the status of the brake lights of a vehicle. There is also a long felt need in the art for a device that provides an easy way to let vehicle owners and auto mechanics know about the status of the brake lights. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a brake light status check device that prevents users from driving a vehicle having dysfunctional brake lights. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that prevents people from being issued expensive tickets for dysfunctional or broken brake lights. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that can be stored in the vehicle and can be used anywhere by a vehicle owner or auto mechanic. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art of a brake light checking apparatus that is easy to use. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a brake light checking apparatus that offers a way for a single individual to ensure that brake lights are working, thereby prohibiting law enforcement from issuing tickets. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a brake light actuating device for a vehicle. The device features an adjustable and stick-like extendable or telescoping member, a hook for applying depressing to the brake pedal, a non-slipping soft cushion for placing against the underside or frontside of the driver&#39;s seat wherein the device applies the pressure on the brake pedal surface to actuate the brake lights without requiring a user to push the brake pedal using a foot. By placing the hook of the device on the brake pedal and the other end to the underside of the driver&#39;s seat, the operator/owner can go to the rear of the vehicle to check the operation and proper functioning of the brake lights independently. 
     In this manner, the self-check brake light apparatus of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a multipurpose, lightweight, portable and easy to use device that enables drivers to independently check their brake lights for functionality prior to operating the vehicle. The device pushes the brake pedal downward and maintains the depressed pedal while the driver can go to rear of the vehicle to check the status of the brake lights. Further, the device can be folded or retracted, and stored in the backseat of the vehicle. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a self-check brake light apparatus. The apparatus is designed to enable a driver to independently check the brake lights of their vehicle for functionality prior to operating the vehicle while obviating the need to enlist the help of any other person. The apparatus further comprising an extendable handle including a bottom telescoping member and a top telescoping member; the bottom telescoping member is configured to slidably dispose inside the top telescoping member; a C-shaped hook disposed at one end of the bottom telescoping member; a cushion disposed at one end of the top telescoping member; both the telescoping members have corresponding pin holes wherein a pin is inserted into a pair of aligned holes (matingly alignable) to releasably lock the telescoping members; the C-shaped hook is configured to attach to the brake pedal of a vehicle; and, the cushion is configured to position on the underside of a driver&#39;s seat of the vehicle. The apparatus applies force on the brake surface of the brake pedal to actuate the brake lights when both the C-shaped hook is attached to the brake pedal and the cushion is positioned on the underside (or frontside) of the driver&#39;s seat. 
     In yet another embodiment, the apparatus obviates a driver from pushing the brake pedal with the foot for actuating the brake lights. 
     In yet another embodiment, the telescoping members can be locked at various lengths for providing a determinable length of the handle in the range between two feet and five feet. 
     In yet another embodiment, the apparatus is made from lightweight metal, alloy or heavy-duty plastic. 
     In yet another embodiment, the pin can be re-inserted into different holes to adjust the determinable length of the handle. 
     In yet another embodiment, the brake light actuating device for a vehicle is disclosed. The device is comprised of an adjustable and stick-like extendable member, a hook for applying pressure on the brake pedal, a non-slipping soft cushion for placing against the underside of the driver&#39;s seat wherein the device applies the pressure on the brake pedal surface to actuate the brake lights without requiring a user to push the brake pedal using a foot. The user can go to the rear of the vehicle to check the functionality of the brake lights while the brake pedal is being depressed by the device. 
     In yet another embodiment, the cushion member is replaceable and is non-slipping and does not cause scratches to the driver&#39;s seat. 
     In yet another embodiment, the stick-like extendable member includes a bottom telescoping stick and a top telescoping stick wherein the top telescoping stick is broader (i.e. larger diameter or cross section) than the bottom telescoping stick. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method for independently checking the functionality of brake lights of a vehicle by a driver without enlisting help of any other individual is described. The method includes the steps of: providing a brake light checking device, the device includes an extendable handle, a hook and a cushion; placing the hook on the brake pedal such that the handle extends from the pedal surface; setting a length of the handle such that the cushion can be positioned on the underside or frontside of the driver&#39;s seat wherein the hook pushes the brake pedal to actuate the brake lights; and, reviewing the functionality of the brake lights by the driver through viewing the rear of the vehicle before operating the vehicle. 
     In yet another embodiment, the method prevents issuance of expensive tickets due to operating non-functional or broken brake lights while driving in violation of legal codes or statutes. 
     Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a self-check brake light apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view showing how the C-shaped hook of the brake light checking apparatus is attached to the brake pedal of a vehicle in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view showing the brake light checking apparatus placed between the brake pedal and the driver&#39;s seat while depressing the brake pedal in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a perspective view showing actuated brake lights when the brake pedal is depressed by the brake lights checking device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a flow diagram showing exemplary steps performed by a user for installing the self-check brake light apparatus and reviewing the brake lights in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined. 
     As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a brake light checking device that enables a single person to independently check the status of the brake lights of a vehicle. There is also a long felt need in the art for a device that provides an easy way to let vehicle owners know about the status of their brake lights. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a brake light status check device that prevents users from driving a vehicle having dysfunctional brake lights. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that prevents people from being issued expensive tickets for dysfunctional or broken brake lights in violation of vehicle codes or statutes. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that can be stored in the vehicle and can be used anywhere by a vehicle owner or auto mechanic. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art of a brake light checking apparatus that is easy to use. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a brake light checking apparatus that offers a way for a single individual to ensure that brake lights are working, thereby preventing law enforcement from issuing tickets for vehicle code and statute violations. 
     The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel method for independently checking the functionality of brake lights of a vehicle by a driver without enlisting the assistance of any other individual. The method includes the steps of: providing a brake light checking device, the device includes an extendable handle, a hook and a cushion; placing the hook on the brake pedal such that the handle extends from the brake pedal surface; setting a predetermined length of the handle such that the cushion can be positioned on the underside or frontside of the driver&#39;s seat wherein the hook pushes the brake pedal to actuate the brake lights; and, reviewing functionality of the brake lights by the driver by viewing the rear of the vehicle before operating the vehicle. 
     Referring initially to the drawings,  FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a self-check brake light apparatus  100  of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The self-check brake light apparatus  100  of the present invention enables the drivers to check the brake lights of their vehicles independently and individually before operating the vehicle. The apparatus  100  is installed inside a vehicle between the brake pedal and the driver&#39;s seat to actuate the brake lights. More specifically, the apparatus  100  includes a telescoping elongated handle  102  including a bottom telescoping stick section  104  and a top telescoping stick section  106 . The bottom telescoping stick section  104  includes a first end  108  having a C-shaped hook  110 . The C-shaped hook  110  can be placed onto a top edge of the brake pedal of the vehicle as best shown in  FIG.  2   . The top telescoping stick section  106  is wider (i.e. larger diameter, cross section, or dimensions) than the bottom telescoping stick section  104  and is configured to receive a portion of the bottom telescoping stick section  104 . The top telescoping stick section  106  includes an open end  112  through which the bottom telescoping stick section  104  is partially inserted into the top telescoping stick section  106  and includes an opposite closed end  114  that includes a rectangular and slip resistant cushion  116 . In use, the cushion  116  rests against a frontside of the driver&#39;s seat of the vehicle as best shown in  FIG.  3   . 
     The bottom telescoping stick section  104  includes a set of telescoping pin holes  118  and the top telescoping stick section  106  includes a corresponding set of telescoping pin holes  120 . The telescoping pin holes  118 , 120  of the sticks  104 , 106  respectively are aligned (i.e. matingly alignable) with each other such that a retention pin  122  can be inserted into a pair of aligned pin holes of the sticks or sections  104 , 106  to lock the telescoping elongated handle  102  at a desired length. The retention pin  122  releasably locks the bottom telescoping member or section  104  and the top telescoping member or section  106  in an extended position. The telescoping nature of the apparatus  100  enables the apparatus  100  to be adjusted to various lengths and thus can be used for a variety of vehicles that have different distances between the brake pedal and the driver&#39;s seat. More precisely, the bottom telescoping tube or section  104  fits in and moves within the top telescoping tube or section  106 . 
     It should be noted that the when the device  100  is not used, the device  100  can be retracted to a compact length by inserting the maximum portion of the bottom telescoping stick section  104  into the top telescoping stick section  106 . This is helpful for compact and easy storage of the device  100  in a trunk or backseat of the vehicle when the device  100  is not in use. 
     The apparatus  100  can be made from lightweight and sturdy metal, heavy duty plastic, alloy, or any other similar material. Further, the length of the telescoping elongated handle  102  can be in the range from about 2 feet to about 5 feet, for example. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view showing how the C-shaped hook  110  of the brake lights checking apparatus  100  attached to the brake pedal of a vehicle in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The apparatus  100  is used for actuating the brake lights of the vehicle  200  such that a user is not required to push the brake pedal and obviates the need for the user to be inside the vehicle  200  while checking the brake lights. For actuating the brake lights, the C-shaped hook  110  is attached to the brake pedal  202  of the vehicle. An edge  2020  of the pedal  202  is locked into the hook  110  such that the pedal  202  can be depressed by the device  100  in a manner similar to the pedal  202  being depressed by a foot of a user. The bottom telescoping member  104  extends from the pedal surface  204  such that the pedal  202  can be easily depressed when force is applied on the pedal surface  204 . 
     It should be noted that the length of the handle  102  can be locked before attaching the C-shaped hook  110  to the pedal  202  or can be locked after attaching the C-shaped hook  110  to the pedal  202 . The device  100  can be handled easily after hooking the C-shaped hook  110  to the pedal  202  for placing the cushion  116  against the driver&#39;s seat  206  as best shown in  FIG.  3   . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view showing the brake light checking apparatus  100  placed between the brake pedal  202  and the driver&#39;s seat  206 , while depressing the brake pedal  202  in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The apparatus  100 , when attached to the brake pedal  202  as shown in  FIG.  2   , initially does not press or push the pedal  202  to actuate the brake lights. For pushing the pedal  202 , the cushion  116  disposed at the closed end  114  of the device  100  is positioned on the frontside  2060  of the driver&#39;s seat  206  while the C-shaped hook  110  is attached to the pedal  202 . The device  100  in this configuration applies force on the pedal surface  204  such that the pedal  202  is pushed or depressed in a similar manner as being depressed by the foot of a user. The functioning of the apparatus  100  on the brake pedal  202  is similar to being depressed by the foot of a user. When the brake pedal  202  is depressed, the brake lights are actuated as shown in  FIG.  4    and can be reviewed by the operator by moving to the rear of the vehicle  200  and viewing same. 
     It should be appreciated that the device  100  obviates the requirement for a user to be inside the vehicle  200  and pushing the brake pedal  202  by foot actuation. The device  100  once installed as described can depress the brake pedal  202  and actuate the brake lights. The user, therefore, can independently and individually check and observe the functionality of the brake lights. 
     The cushion  116  is soft and does not slip from the driver&#39;s seat  206 . Further, the cushion  116  does not cause any damage to the driver&#39;s seat. The device  100  is removed by first removing the cushion  116  from the driver&#39;s seat  206  and then the C-shaped hook  110  is removed from the brake pedal  202 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a perspective view showing actuated brake lights when the brake pedal  202  is depressed by the brake light checking device  100  of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, a driver or operator  400  of the vehicle  200  is standing at the rear of the vehicle  200  to view the illuminated brake lights  402  with the apparatus  100  installed in the vehicle  200  between the brake pedal  202  and the frontside  2060  of the driver&#39;s seat  206  as described in  FIG.  3   . The driver  400  does not need to be inside the vehicle  200  for depressing the brake pedal  202  to illuminate or actuate the brake lights  402 . Once the brake lights  402  are reviewed by the driver  400 , the device  100  can be removed and stored in the trunk or backseat of the vehicle  200 . 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a flow diagram showing exemplary steps performed by a user for installing the self-check brake light apparatus and reviewing the brake lights in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, initially, the C-shaped hook of the device is attached to the brake pedal of the vehicle such that the handle extends away from the pedal surface (Step  502 ). Then, the length of the handle is fixed using the telescoping sticks, members or sections such that the device can be installed between the brake pedal and the driver&#39;s seat (Step  504 ). It should be noted that the order of execution of the above steps can be interchanged as per the desire of the user. Thereafter, the cushion of the device is fixed to the frontside of the driver&#39;s seat such that the device depresses the brake pedal to actuate brake lights (Step  506 ). Then, the driver/user reviews the brake lights by going to the rear of the vehicle while the device maintains the brake pedal in the depressed position (Step  508 ). Finally, the device is removed from the installed position and stored in the trunk or backseat of the vehicle (Step  510 ). 
     Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “self-check brake light apparatus”, “brake lights checking device”, “brake lights checking apparatus”, “brake lights actuating device”, “apparatus”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the self-check brake light apparatus  100  of the present invention. 
     Notwithstanding the forgoing, the self-check brake light apparatus  100  of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the self-check brake light apparatus  100  as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the self-check brake light apparatus  100  are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the self-check brake light apparatus  100  are important design parameters for user convenience, the self-check brake light apparatus  100  may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user&#39;s needs and/or preferences. 
     Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof. 
     What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.