VEHICLE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
First Claim
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1. A system for detecting and warning of low air pressure in a vehicle tire which comprises an electrical circuit having:
- (a) a pair of metallic contact points spaced in vertical relationship, and secured to an inside surface of the sidewall portion of a vehicle tire such that when the tire wall is compressed from lack of sufficient air pressure within the tire, the metallic points will be brought into contact with one another, one of said points being grounded to the vehicle tire rim, (b) an electric signaling device, and (c) means for establishing electrical contact between the ungrounded contact point and the said signaling device, said electrical circuit being designed to emit a signal from said signaling device upon closing of said metallic contact points.
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Abstract
A system for detecting and warning of low air pressure in a vehicle tire which comprises an electrically responsive signaling device actuated by the closure of a pair of electrically conducting contact points secured to an inside surface of the sidewall portion of the tire. The contact points are vertically spaced from one another in a region of the tire wall which flexes in response to loss of air pressure within the tire. Electrical energy is supplied by the vehicle ignition system.
7 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A system for detecting and warning of low air pressure in a vehicle tire which comprises an electrical circuit having:
- (a) a pair of metallic contact points spaced in vertical relationship, and secured to an inside surface of the sidewall portion of a vehicle tire such that when the tire wall is compressed from lack of sufficient air pressure within the tire, the metallic points will be brought into contact with one another, one of said points being grounded to the vehicle tire rim, (b) an electric signaling device, and (c) means for establishing electrical contact between the ungrounded contact point and the said signaling device, said electrical circuit being designed to emit a signal from said signaling device upon closing of said metallic contact points.
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2. A detection and warning system according to claim 1, wherein the pair of metallic contact points is embodied in a plastic member secured to an inside surface of the sidewall portion of a vehicle tire.
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3. A detection and warning system according to claim 2, wherein said plastic is rubber.
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4. A detection and warning system according to claim 1, wherein said electric signaling device comprises an alarm which emits audible signals.
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5. A detection and warning system according to claim 1, wherein said electric signaling device comprises a light which emits visible signals.
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6. A detection and warning system according to claim 1, wherein said electric signaling device comprises in combination an alarm and a light.
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7. A detection and warning system according to claim 1, wherein said means for establishing electrical contact between the ungrounded contact point and the signaling device comprises:
- (a) a continuous metallic ring mounted on the vehicle tire rim and insulated therefrom, and an insulated wire connecting the continuous metallic ring to the ungrounded metallic contact point, and (b) an electrical pickup brush member adjustably mounted on a nonrotating portion of the vehicle brake assembly and adapted to establish contact with the continuous metallic ring.
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8. A detection and warning system according to claim 7, wherein the electrical pickup brush member comprises a replaceable carbon rod spring biased into contact with said continuous metallic ring.
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9. A detection and warning system according to claim 1, wherein said electrical circuit is supplied with electrical energy from the vehicle ignition system.
Specification