Phosphorescent vehicle part identification system

• US 4,928,212 A
• Filed: 11/03/1988
• Issued: 05/22/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 11/03/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Butch Benavides
• Original Assignee: Butch Benavides
• Inventors: Benavides, Butch
• Primary Examiner(s): Husar, Stephen F.
• Application Number:
  US07/266,887
• Time in Patent Office: 565 Days
• Field of Search: 138/89.2, 152/428, 250/465.1, 250/466.1, 362/34, 362/61, 362/84
• US Class Current: 362/459
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/32 for indicating vehicle sides , e.g. clearance lights
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/323 on or for doors illuminated exterior door handles B60Q1/2669; illuminated door locks E05B17/10
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/326 on or for wheels
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/283 Steering wheels; Gear levers
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 59/0278 Constructional features of the selector lever, e.g. grip parts, mounting or manufacturing

Abstract

A phosphorescent vehicle part identification accessory comprising an article of molded plastic having formed therewith a phosphorescent compound adapted for glowing for a period of time following exposure to light energy. The phosphorescent article is secured to the vehicle in a location thereon for receiving illumination from other vehicles and external light sources and providing a decaying glow therefrom. The phosphorescent article may comprise a vehicle wheel valve stem cap, a strip, or a tab adapted for positioning about a vehicle keyhole.

Claims

1. A phosphorescent vehicle part identification accessory comprising an article of molded plastic having formed therewith a phosphorescent compound adapted for glowing for a period of time following exposure to light energy;

and means for securing said phosphorescent article to said vehicle in a location thereon for receiving illumination from other vehicles and external light sources in providing a decaying glow therefrom, said phosphorescent article comprising a vehicle wheel valve stem cap.

2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said valve stem cap is rectangular in cross sectional shape.

3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said valve stem cap has threads formed therein for engaging said valve stem.

4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said valve stem cap is constructed with a spherical top.

5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said valve stem cap is constructed with a pointed top.

6. A method of identifying the wheel region of a vehicle and the motion thereof in relative darkness comprising steps of:

providing a phosphorescent compound;

molding said phosphorescent compound into a vehicle valve stem cover;

providing means for securing said valve stem to said vehicle;

securing said phosphorescent valve stem to said vehicle upon said wheel for receiving illumination from other light sources during relative darkness; and

operating said vehicle during said relative darkness for intermittent exposure to illumination to thereby impart a luminescent glow to said phosphorescent vehicle valve stem cover.