U-turn signal device

• US 4,868,541 A
• Filed: 05/18/1988
• Issued: 09/19/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 05/18/1988
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Elizabeth A. Himelson, Maureen A. Sullivan
• Original Assignee: Elizabeth A. Himelson, Maureen A. Sullivan
• Inventors: Sullivan, Maureen A., Himelson, Elizabeth A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Orsino, Joseph A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery A.
• Application Number:
  US07/195,593
• Time in Patent Office: 489 Days
• Field of Search: 340/74, 340/87, 340/94, 340/95, 340/97, 340/107, 181/139, 181/141, 116/2, 116/137 A
• US Class Current: 340/465
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/34 for indicating change of drive direction B60Q1/22 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/343 Manually actuated switching arrangements therefor hand actuated multifunction switches B60Q1/1461; B60Q1/40 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/50 for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/503 using luminous text or symbol displays in or on the vehicle, e.g. static text

Abstract

An aftermarket signaling system for use in an automobile including one, or more, manually powered ultrasonic sending units and an ultrasonic receiver which may be adhesively mounted in the automobile. The receiver includes a solar panel for recharging its own power supply and a set of lighted displays which are enabled by the ultrasonic signals from the sending units. The receiver may be mounted at the rear window of the vehicle and will thus provide visual signals to the following traffic.

Claims

1. A signaling system conformed for use in a motor vehicle provided with a steering wheel and a rear window, comprising:

ultrasonic signaling means conformed for adhesive attachment to said steering wheel and including mechanical articulation means for manual operation thereof for producing an ultrasonic signal;

signal receiving means deployed in said vehicle proximate said rear window for receiving said ultrasonic signal from said signaling means for producing an enabling signal indicative thereof;

a battery;

a solar panel deployed adjacent said rear window and connected for charging said battery; and

signaling means mounted in said vehicle adjacent said rear window and selectively electrically connected to said battery in response to said enabling signal.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:

said ultrasonic signaling means includes signal generating means for producing a first and a second ultrasonic signal; and

said signal receiving means includes a first and second bandpass filter conformed to pass said first and second ultrasonic signal.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein:

said signal receiving means, said battery and said signaling means are all received in a common housing.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein:

said signaling means includes a light source and said housing includes a formed aperture adjacent said light source.