Multidirectional cluster lights for motor vehicles

• US 20050017862A1
• Filed: 07/24/2003
• Published: 01/27/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/24/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Joan M. Monck, Michael M. Monck, Paul Monck
• Original Assignee: Joan M. Monck, Michael M. Monck, Paul Monck
• Inventors: Monck, Joan M., Monck, Michael M., Monck, Paul
• Granted Patent: US 6,952,162 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/469
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/34 for indicating change of drive direction B60Q1/22 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/50 for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking

Abstract

A Multi-Directional Clustered Signal Light system for land vehicles is incorporated on opposing sides of a land vehicle'"'"'s front and rear bumpers. The system signals the driver'"'"'s intention to turn left, move forward or turn right by illuminating arrows within the cluster light. The left and right turn lighted arrows are color-coded and flash until the steering wheel is straightened upon completion of a turn. The move forward lighted arrow indication is color-coded and remains on for a period of about 0.5 minute to 1 minute. The system signals nearby drivers and pedestrians, to inform them concerning the vehicle'"'"'s intended direction of movement. Safety margins are improved and accidents otherwise resulting from miscommunication between drivers are virtually eliminated. The signal light is connected using a single connector and installed as a single unit, thereby facilitating cost effective installation and replacement.

Claims

1. A Multi-Directional Clustered Signal Light system for land vehicles, comprising:

a. a cluster light having three lighted arrows signaling left turn, move forward and right turn;

b. a power source electrically connected to said cluster light for flashing said left turn and right turn lighted arrows;

c. said power source being operative in response to initiated forward motion of said vehicle to illuminate said move forward arrow for a time period of about 0.5 minute to 1 minute;

d. a latching switch means for triggering said left turn and right turn signals;

e. a non-latching switch means for triggering said forward movement signal;

f. a locating means for attaching said cluster lights proximal to opposing ends of the vehicle'"'"'s front and back bumpers;

g. a connecting means for establishing electrical connection between said power source and said cluster light with a single connector unit.

2. A system for land vehicles as recited by claim 1, wherein said lighted arrow signaling left turn is color-coded blue.

3. A system for land vehicles as recited by claim 1, wherein said lighted arrow signaling right turn is color-coded red.

4. A system for land vehicles as recited by claim 1, wherein said lighted arrow signaling move forward is color-coded green.

5. A system for land vehicles as recited by claim 1, wherein the said power source comprises a central power unit.

6. A system for land vehicles as recited by claim 1, wherein the said locating means for said cluster lights comprises a cavity within said bumper.

7. A system for land vehicles as recited by claim 1, wherein said connecting means comprises a four pin connector having a first pin for common ground and second, third and fourth pins for said three lighted arrows.

8. A system for land vehicles as recited by claim 1, wherein the said connecting means comprises a three pin connector having one pin for each of said three lighted arrows, said common ground connection being provided by attachment of said cluster light to said land vehicle chassis body.

9. A system for land vehicles as recited by claim 1, wherein each of said lighted arrows comprises a single light bulb.

10. A system for land vehicles as recited by claim 1, wherein each of said lighted arrow comprises an array of light bulbs connected in parallel.

11. A system for land vehicles as recited by claim 1, wherein each of said lighted arrows comprises an array of light emitting diodes connected in parallel.

12. A system for land vehicles as recited by claim 1, wherein said cluster light is replaceable as a single unit.

13. A rear bumper having a multi-directional clustered signal light on opposing sides thereof, and a brake light and reverse illuminating light located centrally thereof.