SEATBELT ALERT LIGHTING SYSTEM AND METHOD
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A seatbelt alert lighting system used with a vehicle having a seatbelt, the system comprising:
- a seatbelt engagement switch configured to generate a first signal responsive to the disengagement of the seatbelt and a second signal responsive to the engagement of the seatbelt; and
at least one source of illumination in communication with the seatbelt engagement switch, the at least one source of illumination having an activated mode and a deactivated mode, in the activated mode the at least one source of illumination generating an indicator readily visible to an observer outside of the vehicle,wherein the at least one source of illumination is configured to switch from the deactivated mode to the activated mode responsive to the first signal.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a system and method for providing seatbelt alert warnings to observers outside of a vehicle, such as law enforcement personnel. A signal responsive to the disengagement of the seatbelt is generated. Responsive to the signal, a source of illumination is switched from a deactivated mode to an activated mode in which the source of illumination generates an indicator readily visible to the outside observer. Based on the readily visible indicator, the observer can determine whether one or more occupants of the vehicle have properly worn the seatbelt(s).
-
Citations
18 Claims
-
1. A seatbelt alert lighting system used with a vehicle having a seatbelt, the system comprising:
-
a seatbelt engagement switch configured to generate a first signal responsive to the disengagement of the seatbelt and a second signal responsive to the engagement of the seatbelt; and at least one source of illumination in communication with the seatbelt engagement switch, the at least one source of illumination having an activated mode and a deactivated mode, in the activated mode the at least one source of illumination generating an indicator readily visible to an observer outside of the vehicle, wherein the at least one source of illumination is configured to switch from the deactivated mode to the activated mode responsive to the first signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A method of indicating disengagement of a seatbelt in a vehicle, comprising:
-
generating a first signal responsive to the disengagement of the seatbelt; switching at least one source of illumination from a deactivated mode thereof to an activated mode thereof, for generating an indicator readily visible to an observer outside of the vehicle responsive to the first signal; and displaying the indicator to the observer outside of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
Specification