EXTERNAL HIGH SPEED WARNING SYSTEM FOR AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE

• US 3,748,642 A
• Filed: 05/02/1972
• Issued: 07/24/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 05/02/1972
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Bernard G. Radin, Lawrence J. Vanderberg
• Original Assignee: Bernard G. Radin, Lawrence J. Vanderberg
• Inventors: Vanderberg, Lawrence J., Radin, Bernard G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Waring, Alvin H.
• Application Number:
  US05/259,094
• Time in Patent Office: 448 Days
• Field of Search: 340/62,53,263
• US Class Current: 340/466
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/54 for indicating speed outside of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G01P 1/11 by the detection of the position of the indicator needle

Abstract

An external high speed warning system for an automotive vehicle in which the normal turn signals of the vehicle are all energized intermittently when the speed of the automotive vehicle exceeds a predetermined limit. A speed responsive switch means is provided which energizes all four of the turn signal lamps from a source of electrical energy through a flashing switch when the predetermined speed limit has been reached. This speed limit may be in the range of 80 to 90 miles per hour. An audible warning means may also be provided which is energized when this predetermined speed limit has been reached.

Claims

1. In an automotive vehicle, a source of electrical energy, four turn signal lamps positioned on the vehicle, a first flashing switch including means for cyclically closing said flashing switch when current flows therethrough, turn signal switch means for energizing either the left hand two turn signal lamps when said turn signal switch means is actuated in one direction or for energizing the right hand two turn signal switches when the turn signal switch means is actuated in the other direction, a second flashing switch coupled to said source of electrical energy, manually operable means for energizing all four of said turn signal lamps from said source of electrical energy through said second flashing switch when said manually operable means is moved from a first position to a second position, and means responsive to the speed of the automotive vehicle for energizing all four turn signal lamps from said source of electrical energy through said second flashing switch when the speed of the automotive vehicle reaches a predetermined speed, said means responsive to the speed of the vehicle including a relay having a pair of normally closed contacts, a pair of normally open contacts and a winding means for opening said normally closed contacts and for closing said normally open contacts when energized, said normally closed contacts being connected in series with said first flashing switch and said turn signal switch and said normally open contacts being connected in series with said second flashing switch and said four turn signal lamps, and means for energizing said warning from said source of electrical energy when the speed of the automotive vehicle reaches said predetermined speed.

2. The combination of claim 1 and further comprising unilateral conducting means connected in series with said normally open switch and each of said turn signal lamps and poled to permit current flow from said normally open switch to said turn signal lamps.

3. The combination of claim 2 and further comprising a brake pedal actuated switch means coupled to said source of electrical energy to said turn indicator switch and to said second flashing switch for energizing said turn indicator lamp directly from said source of electrical energy and by-passing said second flashing switch when said brake pedal actuated switch means is actuated.