Maintenance alert cluster

• US 5,623,247 A
• Filed: 08/11/1994
• Issued: 04/22/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 08/11/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Prodesign Technology, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Alfredo Cardillo
• Inventors: Cardillo, Alfredo
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lefkowitz, Edward
• Application Number:
  US08/288,915
• Time in Patent Office: 985 Days
• Field of Search: 340/457.4, 340/457, 340/459, 340/461, 340/462, 340/309.15, 340/438, 364/424.03, 364/424.01
• US Class Current: 340/457.4
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0234 related to maintenance or repairing of vehicles

Abstract

A novel electronic device is provided that primarily is connected to a vehicle and programmed to alert its operator as to when to perform preventive maintenance task, such as change engine oil or replace brakes. The device alerts from the actual time the equipment is in use, as opposed to the net forward mileage. The device can either be original equipment or after-market retrofit. The disclosure has secondary uses in heavy-equipment, refrigeration, fire safety, and recreational vehicles.

Claims

1. A device for visually alerting an operator to perform at least one preventative maintenance task on a mobile or immobile object in order to extend the life-span thereof, said device comprising:

an elongated face plate member including a series of light displays and a corresponding series of independent data set buttons, each light display of said series of light displays providing a visual indication of a preventative maintenance task to be performed;

programmable means for programming the desired alert time, said programmable means associated with each said data set button and each said light display such that an individual data set button programs only a corresponding dedicated light display such that upon expiration of said desired alert time for the dedicated light display, said light display is activated;

an elongated body shell secured to said face plate and having an interior space for receiving and housing said programmable means through an opening, said opening there sealed off by said face plate;

a wiring harness having a plurality of leads, one of said plurality of leads for connection to a direct current power source for providing power to said programmable means; and

means for fixing said device to a surface suitable for providing said operator with a visual alert recognition from said series of light displays.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said series of light displays extend outwardly from a first surface of said elongated face plate member.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said means for fixing said device to said surface comprises:

a bracket adapted for communication with at least one stud member and at least one nut member, said at least one stud member extending outwardly normal from a vertical wall surface.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said means for fixing said device to said surface is a self adhering hook and loop material.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of said leads of said wiring harness is connectable to an alternating power source.

6. The device of claim 1 further comprising:

audio alert means for providing an audible signal in response to the expiration of said desired alert time.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein said means for fixing said device to said surface comprises:

a bracket adapted for communication with at least one screw member, said at least one screw member extending through at least one aperture in said bracket for communication with said surface.

8. The device of claim 6 wherein the audio alert means includes a speaker mounted within the body shell.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein said at least one preventive maintenance task includes changing engine oil, rotating tires, engine tune-up, brake system maintenance and fluid replacement.