INDEPENDENT VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM

• US 20130051060A1
• Filed: 05/09/2011
• Published: 02/28/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 05/10/2010
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Robert J. Rhodes
• Original Assignee: Robert J. Rhodes
• Inventors: Rhodes, Robert J.
• Application Number:
  US13/696,997
• Publication Number:
  US 20130051060A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/541
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/00 Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor for lighting vehicle interior B60Q3/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/1407 General lighting circuits comprising dimming circuits
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/26 the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2900/10 Retrofit arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2900/30 Lamps commanded by wireless transmissions
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 9/005 Safety means for traffic, e.g. lights, reflectors, mirrors etc. signaling means for cycles B62J
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 6/01 Electric circuits
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/4913 Assembling to base an electrical component, e.g., capacitor, etc.

Abstract

A comprehensive system for providing elements to make a personal vehicle safe and legal for driving on common streets. The system includes all lighting elements that make a personal vehicle street-legal and safe within a single package to allow for easy additions to existing vehicles. Combined elements may include headlights, turning signals, running/parking lights, brake lights, a horn, and windshield wipers.

Claims

13. A compact installation kit for a vehicle lighting system, comprising:

a multiplicity of distinct lighting elements comprising a headlight element, a turn signal element, a brake light element, a parking brake light element, a license light element, and a hazard light element;

at least one distinct non-lighting element including a horn element;

electrical wires connecting each of the lighting elements to a controller;

a controller able to communicate with the lighting elements to produce physical results;

a packaging system that organizes the electrical wires and lighting elements and labels the electrical wires in a specific format;

an installation guide providing instructions on how to attach the controller, lighting elements, and electrical wires to vehicle with references to the packaging system and labels.

14. A compact installation kit as set forth in the preceding claim, wherein the electrical components are attached to the vehicle through a mounting system.

15. A compact installation kit as set forth in claim 13, wherein the vehicle lighting system is resistant to water.

16. A method of retrofitting a vehicle with a controller and individualized electrical components,

wherein the controller responds to switches that may be activated to relay signals through a printed circuit board to the electrical components,

wherein a series of organized electrical signals communicates with each of the electrical components to the printed circuit board, and

wherein the electrical components comprise:

a turn signal system located towards differing sides of the vehicle for communicating directional intentions,

a brake lighting function for signaling a slowing or stopped vehicle position, and

a hazard-alerting method for bringing attention to the vehicle.

1. A modular circuit unit, for attachment to a vehicle, comprising:

a multiplicity of individualized electrical elements able to produce a physical signal;

a controller electrically linked to each of the individualized elements and able to regulate the physical signal produced by the electrical elements;

wherein the modular circuit unit is comprehensively added to a vehicle;

wherein the modular circuit unit incorporates directives detailing how to comprehensively add said modular circuit unit to the vehicle.

2. A modular circuit unit as set forth in the preceding claim, wherein the electrical elements comprise a head lighting system for optional illumination mounted toward the front of the vehicle.

3. A modular circuit unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein the electrical elements further comprise a turn signal system for communicating directional intention.

4. A modular circuit unit as set forth in the preceding claim, wherein the turn signal system is linked to a timer allowing the turn signal system to disengage after a preset period of time has passed.

5. A modular circuit unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein the electrical elements further comprise a running lighting system.

6. A modular circuit unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein the electrical elements further comprise a brake lighting function for signaling a slowing or stopped vehicle position.

7. A modular circuit unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein the electrical elements further comprise a hazard-alerting method for bringing attention to the vehicle.

8. A modular circuit unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein the electrical elements further comprise an accessory outlet.

9. A modular circuit unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein the electrical components further comprise a license plate illuminator.

10. A modular circuit unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least one lighting element is comprised of a light-emitting diode.

11. A modular circuit unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least one electrical element is activated by a magnetic switch.

12. A modular circuit unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least one electrical element is activated by a radio signal.

17. A method as set forth in the preceding claim, wherein the electrical components further comprise a head lighting system for optional illumination mounted on the vehicle.

18. A method as set forth in claim 16, wherein the controller is specifically formed to fit within the vehicle.

20. A method as set forth in claim 16, wherein the vehicle turn signal is linked to a timer to enable the turn signal to power off after a pre-determined amount of time has passed.

17-1. A method as set forth in claim 16, wherein the controller is located in a position surrounding a steering wheel.

18-2. A method as set forth in claim 16, wherein the switches on the controller are comprised of mechanical toggle switches.