Motorcycle turn signal override

• US 5,519,378 A
• Filed: 01/10/1994
• Issued: 05/21/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 01/10/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Alvin Queensbury
• Original Assignee: Alvin Queensbury
• Inventors: Queensbury, Alvin
• Primary Examiner(s): Peng, John K.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lefkowitz, Edward
• Application Number:
  US08/181,895
• Time in Patent Office: 862 Days
• Field of Search: 340/432, 340/472, 340/474, 340/475, 180/315, 362/72, 200/61.27, 200/61.28, 200/61.54, 200/61.85, 200/61.88
• US Class Current: 340/475
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/38 using immovably-mounted light sources, e.g. fixed flashing lamps
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 6/056 characterised by control means
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 11/14 Handlebar constructions, or arrangements of controls thereon, specially adapted thereto hand controls per se B62K23/02
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2009/068 with switches mounted on a handlebar, e.g. for motorcycles, fork lift trucks, etc.

Abstract

A a three-pole toggle switch intended for mounting upon the handlebar of a motorcycle proximate one handlebar grip and wiring enabling connection to the electrical system of a motorcycle allows control of the turn indicator signals. With proper installation the wiring of the motorcycle is supplanted, and the device functions as an override control of the turn indicator system. This device is intended particularly for systems requiring constant application of pressure upon a button contact to maintain activation of a turn signal which action precludes the use of either the clutch or the front brake and control of the throttle during use of the turn signal, depending upon whether the left or right side indicator, respectively, is employed. An appropriately wired and positioned device enables the rider to activate and maintain activation of either turn indicator by positioning of the toggle without restriction to the use of either hand. The toggle position is readily determined by feel, and operation with one finger readily facilitated. In addition, an audio device may be wired such that an audio signal is activated by activation of either indicator, serving as a reminder that a turn signal is `on`.

Claims

1. A device intended to override the pre-existing turn signal indicator controls on a motorcycle possessing left and right turn indicators, a handlebar possessing two opposed handgrips, and a pre-existing electrical system including a power board supplied with power by a battery, a left turn indicator lead wire and a right turn indicator lead wire, said device comprising:

a three pole toggle switch, mounting means and appropriate electrical wiring connected to said toggle switch;

said toggle switch comprising an electrical switch possessing a body, first, second and third poles controlled by a toggle lever protruding from said body, said electrical switch further possessing first, second and third leads electrically connected to said first, second and third poles, respectively, and said toggle lever possessing first, second and third, separate, distinct positions which determine the existence of electrical contact between said first, second and third poles, said first position effecting a condition of open circuit in the toggle switch wherein no electrical contact exists between any two of said first, second and third poles, said second position effecting an electrical contact between said first pole and said second pole and said third position effecting an electrical contact between said first pole and said third pole;

said mounting means being capable of effecting mounting of said toggle switch in a fixed relation to said motorcycle handlebar locating said toggle switch proximate one of said two opposed handgrips of said handlebar such that said toggle lever is within reach of an extended finger from a hand grasping said one handgrip;

said appropriate electrical wiring connected to said toggle switch comprising first, second and third lead wires each possessing a connection effecting an electrical contact with one of said three leads, said first lead wire possessing electrical contact with said first lead, said second lead wire possessing electrical contact with said second lead and said third lead wire possessing electrical contact with said third lead, each of said first, second and third lead wires further possessing one free end capable of being electrically connected to the pre-existing electrical system of the motorcycle such that said first lead wire is connected to power board and thus to the power supplied by said battery, said second lead wire is connected to said left turn indicator lead wire and said third lead wire is connected to said right turn indicator lead wire;

with said three lead wires so connected and said toggle switch mounted proximate said one handgrip, the electrical connection between power and both left and right indicators is in a state of open circuit when said toggle lever is in said first position, supplies power to the left indicator when said toggle lever is in said second position and supplies power to the right indicator when said toggle lever is in said third position thus effecting an override control of the pre-existing indicator controls which will selectively maintain a condition of open circuit, activation of the left turn signal and activation of the right turn signal as determined by the position of said toggle lever.

2. The device of claim 1 further including a separate audio device possessing the capability of electrical connection to said pre-existing electrical system such that activation of said audio device is effected by the supply of power to one of said right and left indicators thereby emitting an audio signal during activation of one of said left and right indicators.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said mounting means further includes a rigid body fixedly connected to said toggle switch.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said rigid body further effects an enclosure of said body and said first, second and third leads of said toggle switch.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein said toggle switch possesses a threaded shaft extending through an aperture in said rigid body and a nut mating said threaded shaft is located in communication with an exterior surface of said rigid body and said toggle switch, thereby effecting a fixed connection of said toggle switch to said rigid body.

6. The device of claim 4 wherein said enclosure of said toggle switch body and first, second and third leads is substantially moisture resistant.

7. The device of claim 6 further including at least one seal comprised of a resilient material as a means of effecting moisture resistance.

8. The device of claim 4 wherein said rigid body comprises a housing consisting of a machined from shell of a block of aluminum alloy and an attached aluminum alloy lid.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein said rigid body further includes an L-shaped bracket having a lower portion substantially perpendicular an upper portion which is rigidly fixed to said machined shell, said lower portion possessing a through bore.

10. The device of claim 9 further including anodized exterior surfaces of said housing.

11. The device of claim 9 further including polished exterior surfaces of said housing.