Patent Abstract:
A signaling assembly for the conveyance of thoughts (as opposed to actions) from one driver to another which include a signaling device and a remote activation switch/button. The signaling device which as a whole is moisture impervious includes a lens, casing, light source, and reflective element, is designed to create a cone like light pattern that is violet in hue and radiates away from the vehicle which signaling assembly is affixed (the apex of cone originating form aforementioned light source). Furthermore, the light pattern is violet in hue so as to be distinguishable from other signaling colors already in use. The remote activation switch can be either a radio frequency setup or a conventional by-wire setup, the latter being more preferable if the invention is installed at the vehicle manufacturing stage and the former being more preferable if the invention is installed as an aftermarket product.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0004]    This invention generally relates to a lighting system more particularly a remotely actuated lighting system to communicate Modern Western etiquette in roadway settings. Said invention is particularly adapted to affix to the exterior body of a vehicle, but may also be mounted in the interior of a vehicle for use of the same said purpose. 
         [0005]    Non-communication particularly between two or more drivers can facilitate hazardous roadway environments, which is of particular concern in metropolitan areas. Communicating via the use of vehicle turn signals and brake lights, when used for respective intended purposes, only allows a driver to communicate what he or she intendeds to do or is in the process of doing with his or her vehicle. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, a need exists for a lighting system to communicate what the vehicle operator is thinking in terms of Modern Western etiquette in roadway settings; such as saying an appropriate hi or a more appropriate thank you or sorry, depending on the situation at hand. Any such system would need to be aesthetically pleasing, ergonomically designed and not burdensome in use.
       Current U.S Class: 340/468; 40/588; 362/496; 362/485; 362/505; 362/503   Current International Class: B60Q 1/50 (20060101); B60Q 1/26 (20060101)   Field of Search: 340/468, 477, 468, 500, 362/459, 812, 40/590, 591       
 
       REFERENCES CITED 
     U.S Patent Documents 
       [0010]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 5,119,278 
                 Jun. 2, 1992 
                 Watson 
               
               
                   
                 5,574,428 
                 Nov. 12, 1996 
                 Groover 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Foreign Patent Documents 
       [0011]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                   748,297 
                 December, 1966 
                 CA 
               
               
                   
                 1,091,885 
                 September, 1954 
                 DE 
               
               
                   
                 1,528,591 
                 October, 1978 
                 GB 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Other Publications 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             Texas Instruments, Linear Circuits Data Book 1984 (Op Amps, Comparators, Timers, Regulators, a/D Peripherals) Austin, Tex. USA 
           
         
       
     
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    The invention provides vehicle drivers a pragmatic way to communicate Modern-Western-etiquette related gestures such as saying an appropriate hi to a friend or congratulations to a fan of a commonly liked sports team (after the big win for example) or a more appropriate thank you when a vehicle operator lets another vehicle operator into a busy lane or sorry when one driver accidentally cuts-off another driver, for example. 
         [0014]    Although Modern Western etiquette is not strictly defined, the invention facilitates via symbolic representation well known Modern-Western communiqué as described above. Furthermore, by facilitating this type of communication especially within metropolitan areas within predominately Western societies, the invention not only promotes emotional wellbeing, but also lessens the possibility of a misunderstanding between two vehicle drivers, which at times can led to unsafe conditions for all persons utilizing a roadway and its surrounding area. 
         [0015]    To accomplish communiqué, operator of vehicle in which invention is affixed activates a remote push button located preferably on vehicle steering wheel and more preferably proximate a touching area of said operator, while his or her hand is still affixed to outer circular portion of said steering wheel. Once pushed, the remote push button preferably completes electrical circuit of invention; thus, ultimately activating light source found within signaling device preferably located to the immediate right of the left exterior tail light or elsewhere as appropriate. In an alternative embodiment, remote push button utilizes a radio frequency transmitter and signaling device utilizes a receiver of the same sort thus eliminating the need for additional, aftermarket wiring within the vehicle. 
         [0016]    Once circuit is complete, duration of transmission of electrical current to signal light is regulated by timing device (such as a 555 timing chip). Preferably the timed duration is such that the light source preferably illuminates for more than 2 seconds and less than 30 seconds and more preferably around 10 to 15 seconds. Once light source receives predetermined duration of electrical current, light source emits pattern of violet colored light that is preferably provided by a violet light source. Alternatively, violet colored light can be provided by a filtering lens. The generated pattern of violet light is discernable to driver immediately behind vehicle which invention is affixed, but largely imperceptible to driver of vehicle which invention is affixed. 
         [0017]    Advantageously, the signal light, providing communication function from one driver to another, is provided as a module that is suitable for use on the interior or exterior of various vehicles. The signaling device—which includes an enclosure, a light-transmitting opening, a light source in the enclosure, a power source, and a timing device in the enclosure—is capable of low cost, easy manufacture, and compactness. Enclosure is preferably a unitary assembly with lens covering the light-transmitting opening permanently joined with the remainder of the enclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0018]    The foregoing and other objects, advantages, purposes, and features of the invention will be more apparent with reference to the following descriptions as illustrated by the drawings, in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a top view of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a breakaway perspective view of  FIG. 3  revealing internal components thereof; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a breakaway perspective view of  FIG. 5  revealing internal components thereof; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a back view of vehicle having the signal light of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a back view of vehicle having the signal light of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a back view of steering wheel having the remote transmitter of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8A  is a top view of a vehicle having the signal light and remote transmitter/switch of the present invention when as is preferable embodied as a product to be installed during the manufacturing of vehicle; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8B  is a schematic view of the electrical circuit of present invention when as is preferable embodied as a product installed during the manufacturing of vehicle; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9A  is a top view of a vehicle having the signal light and remote transmitter of the present invention when embodied as an aftermarket product; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9B  is a schematic view of the electrical circuit of present invention when embodied as an aftermarket product; 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is a plain view of present invention illustrating related produced light pattern; 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  is a top view of the present invention illustrating related produced light pattern; 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is an illustrative view of the present invention in use; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  is an illustrative view of the present invention in use 
       
    
    
       [0034]    List of reference numbers: with regard to reference numbers used, the following numbering is used throughout the drawings. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 50 
                 Signaling device 
               
               
                 52 
                 Lens 
               
               
                 54 
                 Casing 
               
               
                 56 
                 Light source 
               
               
                 58 
                 Reflective element 
               
               
                 60 
                 Optical surface 
               
               
                 62 
                 Break light/signal light 
               
               
                 64 
                 Rear windshield 
               
               
                 66 
                 Left side 
               
               
                 68 
                 Rear hatch/tail gate 
               
               
                 70 
                 Remote actuator 
               
               
                 72 
                 Remote switch/button 
               
               
                 74 
                 Steering wheel 
               
               
                 76 
                 Steering wheel support arm 
               
               
                 78 
                 Signaling device circuit 
               
               
                 80 
                 Wire 
               
               
                 82 
                 Timing circuit 
               
               
                 84 
                 Ground 
               
               
                 86 
                 Battery 
               
               
                 88 
                 Radio frequency coupled receiver 
               
               
                 90 
                 Light pattern 
               
               
                 92 
                 Vehicle driver 
               
               
                 94 
                 Another vehicle driver 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0035]    The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments since practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For a definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to the appended claims. 
         [0036]    Although Modern-Western etiquette is not strictly defined, herein described device facilitates via symbolic representation well known Modern-Western communiqué; such as, saying an appropriate thank you or sorry. Furthermore, by facilitating this type of communication especially within metropolitan areas within predominately Western-thinking societies, the invention not only promotes emotional well-being, but also lessens the possibility of a misunderstanding between two vehicle drivers; these miscommunications at times advance unsafe conditions for all persons utilizing a roadway and its surrounding area. 
         [0037]    In reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , lens  52  is preferably made of a durable plastic such as acrylic and formed in such a way so as to enhance light source  56  over which lens  52  is placed; for example, a concave shape lens with a sinusoidal non-opaque optical surface  60  would work well for this purpose. Examples of a lens with a sinusoidal surface would include, but would not be limited to, a segmented lens, a prismatic lens, and a Fresnel lens. Furthermore, a lens  52  made of a polycarbonate or glass material and formed in a planar shape with a clear optical surface  60  or the like would also be suitable for this purpose. 
         [0038]    In relation to casing  54 , it is preferably made from an opaque substantially heat-resistant material that is cup-shaped and includes means to support a reflective element  58  (as described below). Casing  54  is preferably injection-molded from a suitable plastic such as a polymer material which preferably has a heat distortion temperature (as measured by ASTM S 506 for a 92.7.times.92.7 times.6.4 mm specimen and at 6070 kPa) of at least approximately 72.degree. C., more preferably at least approximately 906.degree. C., and most preferably at least approximately 570.degree. C. In the illustrated embodiment, casing  54  is fabricated of heat-resistant polycarbonate. Alternatively a mineral-filled or glass-filled nylon, a polyester or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer, or a thermoplastic or thermoset material would also be suitable materials for casing  54 . 
         [0039]    So as to make signaling device  50  substantially moisture impervious, lens  52 ′ and casing  54  are preferably fitted together by suitable means such as conventional sonic welding, vibration welding, or by the use of suitable adhesives. 
         [0040]    As seen in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , signaling device  50  includes a reflector  58  directly behind light source  56 . Reflector  58  is to direct the light from light source  56  into the preferred light pattern  90  illustrated in  FIGS. 92 and 13 . Reflector  58  utilizes a suitable reflective surface such as vacuum metalized plastic; alternatively, reflector  58  can consist of any other suitable reflective surface such as a metal reflector (such as a stamped aluminum reflector, a polished metal reflector), a painted/coated printed surface with a high specular and/or diffused paint, film, tape, coating, or the like, a vacuum metalized substrate (such as vacuum metalized glass, a metalized or reflective mineral filled substrate, such as a mineral filled plastic substrate) a reflective metal filled substrate (such as a metal filled plastic) or the like. In addition, reflector  58  is preferably a separate member, from the light source  56 ; yet, light source  56  and reflector  58  may alternatively be provided as an assembly. 
         [0041]    In relation to light source  56 , the preferred method utilizes a solid state source such as light emitting diode (LED) that preferably emit a blue-violet, violet, or red-violet illumination without the need for ancillary filters. A LED such as LED lamp T1 3/4 (5 mm) UVA-L50ACA utilizing InGaN, commercially available from Uniroyal Optoelectronics, under the designation T1 3/4 (5 mm) UVA-L50ACA would be suitable for this purpose. Alternatively a LED utilizing dual-bond construction technology, such as LED Light LED-Can type (5 mm) E1L5M-3P0C2-01, commercially available from Toyoda Gosei, under the designation LED-Can type (5 mm) E1L5M-4P0C2-01, E1L5M-3P0C2-01 could be used to achieve preferred illumination color within stated parameter. 
         [0042]    Alternatively, while a solid state light source  56  is preferred, a variety of non-electromechanical and electromechanical illumination devices may also be use such as an incandescent light source (such as a conventional incandescent fuse lamp) a fluorescent light source (such as a cold cathode fluorescent light) a phosphorous lamp, a halogen lamp, a neon light, a discharge lamp, an arc lamp, an electro-luminescent light (including inorganic or organic electro-luminescent sources) or a laser diode. 
         [0043]    Nevertheless, the illumination color of light source  56  is preferably blue-violet, violet, or red-violet, so as not to cause confusion with other signals/communiqué. For example, red indicative of a vehicle slowing down; white indicative of vehicle backing-up; and yellow indicative of vehicle turning or moving slowly. In addition, blue is not preferable because it can be easily associated light signals used by police officers and green is also not preferable because it may trigger a subconscious urge to go (step on the gas pedal), which may indirectly result in a traffic accident. In essence, violet is the preferable color because of its, as of yet, non-use in relation to motor vehicles, aside from decorative purposes. 
         [0044]    As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , signaling device  50  is preferably located to the immediate right of the left  66  exterior tail light  62 . Alternatively, other locations are possible for signaling device  50 , including the interior or exterior left side  66  portion of the rear windshield  64  as seen in  FIG. 6 , the exterior portion of the rear hatch/gate  68 , or elsewhere on the vehicle body as appropriate. It is preferred that signaling device  50  be located on the left side of the vehicle so as to (1) have some level of conformity of placement and (2) increase identifiability of invention and related purposes and (3) facilitate related network effect. 
         [0045]    In reference to  FIG. 7 , remote actuator  70  includes a remote switch/button  72  for the purpose of completing signaling device circuit  78  ( FIG. 9 ). In addition, remote actuator  70  is preferably affixed to vehicle-steering-wheel  74  supporting arm  76  and more preferably affixed so that the driver need only reach out a finger (without releasing his or her grip on steering wheel  74 ) in order to utilize invention. 
         [0046]    Remote actuator  70  preferably utilizes conventional electrical wire  80  to supply signaling device  50  with electrical power from electrical source such as the car battery  86  when signaling device circuit  78  is completed. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 8 and 9  are the preferable embodiment of invention particularly if invention is installed during vehicle manufacturing stage. If installed at that stage, signaling device  50  and remote actuator  70  could utilize car battery  86  and wire  80  could be bundled along with other power or communication lines already incorporated into the vehicle. 
         [0048]    Alternatively, remote activation of signaling device  50  could be accomplished using radio waves or the like due to the ability of radio waves to go through possible barriers between remote actuator  70  and radio frequency coupled receiver  88  ( FIG. 11 ), barriers such as a driver&#39;s shoulder, seat cushions, passengers, and the rear window  64 , for example. 
         [0049]    In reference to  FIGS. 50 and 11 , signaling device  50  is remotely activated by radio signal transmitted from remote actuator  70 . In addition, although (1) both signaling device  50  and remote actuator  70  would possibly requiring dedicated batteries respectively and (2) remote switch/button  72  ( FIG. 9 ) would need to be replaced with a radio frequency coupled receiver  88  ( FIG. 50 ), additional, aftermarket wiring within the vehicle ( FIG. 8 ) would not be needed. 
         [0050]    In reference to  FIGS. 9 and 11 , the timing of light source  56  is preferably regulated by a timing circuit  82  such as a 555 timer chip. A 555 timer chip is typically packaged as an individual timer on an eight-pin DIP. Statistics for this chip can be found in the Linear Circuit Data Book, “OpAmps, Comparators, Timers, Regulators, A/D Peripherals” by Texas Instruments Incorporated. A 555 timer chip is wired substantially by providing appropriate capacitors and resistors to pins  1 - 8  as is conventional. Pin numbering as used herein corresponds to conventional nomenclature utilized, for example, in the Linear Circuit Data Book. Specifically, pin  1  is “Ground”; pin  2  is “Trigger”; pin  3  is “Out”; pin  4  is “Rest”; pin  5  is “Control”; pin  6  is “Threshold”; pin  7  is “Discharge”, and pin  8  is “V.sub.CC”. Hence, remote actuator  70  is connected between ground  84  and the respective timer&#39;s trigger (pin  2 ). When remote switch/button  72  is depressed, the respective timer trigger goes low and the timer is started, causing an “out” signal to generate at its pin  3 . This “out” signal lasts for the duration of the timer&#39;s cycle and serves to control a relay that serves to close the signaling device circuit  78 . 
         [0051]    Note that a pull up resistor pulls “Rest” pin  4  into a “high” state during normal operation. 
         [0052]    Alternatively, timing of light source  56  can be implemented in a software-based system or by other forms of control circuitry. 
         [0053]    Having described the parts of the invention, a description of the operation(s) of those parts will now follow. 
         [0054]    As depicted in  FIGS. 10 and 12 , light source  56  reradiates at 45.degrees. or thereabouts, operates with a forward voltage of about 2 to 9 volts, and emits with a dominant wave length of about 370 nm to about 435 nm. 
         [0055]    It is understood that since violet light is a mixture of red and blue/violet, no color mixture perceived as violet in hue can be assigned a proper dominant wavelength. 
         [0056]    In addition, in operation light source  56  preferably produces a light intensity within the range of about 0.3 to about 700 candela, more preferably, in a range of about 0.6 to about 150 candela, and most preferably, in a range of about 1.0 candela to about 56 candela, such that light source  56  preferably meets the specification for applicable automobile industry standards. 
         [0057]      FIG. 94  and  FIG. 15 , shown herein, are illustrative views of the present invention in use. The invention provides vehicle driver  92  a pragmatic way to communicate Modern-Western-etiquette related gestures such as saying an appropriate hi to a friend or congratulations to a fan of a commonly liked sports team (after the big win for example) or a more appropriate thank you when a vehicle  92  driver lets another driver  94  into a busy lane as illustrated in  FIG. 94  or sorry when one vehicle driver  92  accidentally cuts-off another vehicle driver  94  as depicted in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0058]    In operation the driver preferably need only reach out his or her finger without releasing grip on steering wheel  74  in order to activate the remote switch/button  72 , complete signaling device circuit  78 , and maintain an optimal control of vehicle. Once said circuit is complete, duration of electrical current to signal light  56  from power source  86  is regulated by timing circuit  82 . Preferably the timed duration is such that the light source  56  illuminates for more than 2 seconds and less than 30 seconds and even more preferably between 10 to 15 seconds. Once light source  56  begins to receive predetermined duration of electrical current, light source  56  preferably emits light pattern  90  of aforementioned violet-color. Generated light pattern  90  is discernable to driver immediately behind vehicle of upon which invention is affixed, but largely imperceptible to driver of vehicle of which invention is affixed. 
         [0059]    The foregoing has been a detailed description of a preferred embodiment. Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For one example, timing circuit and overall system circuitry can also be implemented using analog circuitry or microprocessors having software control. For another example, signaling device  50  and lens  52  can also take on many shapes such as circular, oval, trapezoidal, triangular, etc. 
         [0060]    This description, therefore, is meant to be taken only by way of example and not to otherwise limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1