Four wheel drive alert

• US 20040140889A1
• Filed: 02/03/2004
• Published: 07/22/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 02/03/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lawrence J Koncelik Jr (Lawrence J. Koncelik)
• Original Assignee: Lawrence J Koncelik Jr (Lawrence J. Koncelik)
• Inventors: Koncelik, Lawrence J. Jr.
• Granted Patent: US 7,091,842 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/457
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 23/08 for changing number of driven wheels , for switching from driving one axle to driving two or more axles B60K17/3515 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/00 Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00 , e.g. haptic signalling
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2050/143 Alarm means
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/04 using counting means or digital clocks

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed comprising an audio alert device, a timer, a processor; and a four-wheel drive device for a subject vehicle. The processor may activate the timer when the four-wheel drive device indicates that the subject vehicle has been placed in a four-wheel drive state. The processor may activate the audio alert device so that the audio alert device produces a sound when the timer has reached a limit. The apparatus may include a distance counter. The processor may activate the distance counter when the four-wheel drive device indicates that the subject vehicle has been placed in a four-wheel drive state. The processor may activate the audio alert device so that the audio alert device produces a sound when the distance counter has reached a limit.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

an audio alert device;

a timer;

a processor; and

a four-wheel drive device for a subject vehicle;

wherein the processor activates the timer when the four wheel drive device indicates that the subject vehicle has been placed in a four wheel drive state; and

wherein the processor activates the audio alert device so that the audio alert device produces a sound when the timer has reached a limit.

2. The apparatus of claim 1

wherein the limit is zero and the timer counts down to reach the limit.

3. The apparatus of claim 1

wherein the limit is a value and the timer counts up to reach the limit.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising

an ignition device for starting the subject vehicle;

and

wherein the processor resets the timer to a start value when the ignition device is turned off.

6. The apparatus of claim 1

wherein the limit is zero and the distance counter counts down with distance traveled by the subject vehicle to reach the limit.

7. The apparatus of claim 1

wherein the limit is a value and the distance counter counts up with distance traveled by the subject vehicle to reach the limit.

12. The method of claim 1 further comprising

resetting the timer to a start value when an ignition device is turned off.

5. An apparatus comprising:

an audio alert device;

a distance counter;

a processor; and

a four-wheel drive device for a subject vehicle;

wherein the processor activates the distance counter when the four wheel drive device indicates that the subject vehicle has been placed in a four wheel drive state; and

wherein the processor activates the audio alert device so that the audio alert device produces a sound when the distance counter has reached a limit.

8. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising

an ignition device for starting the subject vehicle;

and

wherein the processor resets the distance counter to a start value when the ignition device is turned off.

9. A method comprising:

activating a timer when a four wheel drive device indicates that a subject vehicle has been placed in a four wheel drive state; and

activating an audio alert device so that the audio alert device produces a sound when the timer has reached a limit.

10. The method of claim 9

wherein the limit is zero and the timer counts down to reach the limit.

11. The method of claim 9

wherein the limit is a value and the timer counts up to reach the limit.

13. A method comprising:

activating a distance counter when a four wheel drive device indicates that a subject vehicle has been placed in a four wheel drive state; and

activating an audio alert device so that the audio alert device produces a sound when the distance counter has reached a limit.

14. The method of claim 13

wherein the limit is zero and the distance counter counts down with distance traveled by the subject vehicle to reach the limit.

15. The method of claim 13

wherein the limit is a value and the distance counter counts up with distance traveled by the subject vehicle to reach the limit.

16. The method of claim 13 further comprising

resetting the distance counter to a start value when an ignition device is turned off.