System for improving the visibility of a vehicle during reduced visibility conditions

• US 20060192665A1
• Filed: 02/15/2005
• Published: 08/31/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/15/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Won Moo Song
• Original Assignee: Won Moo Song
• Inventors: Song, Won Moo
• Application Number:
  US11/057,970
• Publication Number:
  US 20060192665A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/469
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/381 with several light sources activated in sequence, e.g. to create a sweep effect
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/44 for indicating braking action or preparation for braking, e.g. by detection of the foot approaching the brake pedal
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/46 for giving flashing caution signals during drive, other than signalling change of direction, e.g. flashing the headlights or hazard lights

Abstract

Improved proximity indicators and turn indicators for hazardous operating conditions. Such indicators provide increased visibility and safety to observers and operators of vehicles. Such lights may be comprised of separate devices or may be comprised of flashing or strobing brake, accelerator, and/or turn indicators positioned at the front, sides, top, and rear of a vehicle. The intensity and flashing pattern of such indicators vary according to the operating settings of a vehicle, the proximity of obstacles including other vehicles, the desire of the operator, and according to the prevailing operating or weather conditions.

Claims

1. An improved visibility system comprising:

(a) an input for indicating a reduced visibility condition; and

(b) means for flashing at least one indicator light in response to the input.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said input is a manual switch.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said input is a distance indicator.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said input is a speed indicator.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said input is a light indicator.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said flashing means comprises means to alter the flashing intensity.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein said flashing means comprises means to alter the flashing rate.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein said flashing means comprises means to alter the flashing pattern.

9. The system of claim 6 wherein said flashing intensity is constant.

10. The system of claim 7 wherein said flashing rate increases with a vehicle'"'"'s speed.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein said flashing rate decreases with a vehicle'"'"'s speed.

12. The system of claim 8 wherein the flashing pattern is evenly timed.

13. The system of claim 8 wherein the flashing pattern is random.

14. The system of claim 1 further comprises means to sound a horn to supplement the flashing indicators.

15. The system of claim 1 wherein the indicator light is a brake light.

16. The system of claim 1 wherein the indicator light is an accelerator light.

17. The system of claim 1 wherein the indicator light is a turn light.