Wireless safety indicator control system for towed vehicles

• US 5,666,103 A
• Filed: 10/25/1995
• Issued: 09/09/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 10/25/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: James Ferris Jr. Davis
• Original Assignee: James Ferris Jr. Davis
• Inventors: Davis, James Ferris Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): Wu, Daniel J.
• Application Number:
  US08/547,945
• Time in Patent Office: 685 Days
• Field of Search: 340/431, 340/479, 340/475, 340/463, 362/61, 307/10.8
• US Class Current: 340/479
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/305 Indicating devices for towed vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2900/30 Lamps commanded by wireless transmissions

Abstract

In response to detecting activation of a safety indicator on the towing vehicle, a radio frequency control signal is transmitted from a transmitter means on the towing vehicle. Thereafter, the radio frequency control signal is received on a towed vehicle using receiver means powered by a power source located on the towed vehicle. In response to receiving the radio frequency control signal, a safety indicator on the towed vehicle is automatically connected to the power source on the towed vehicle to activate the safety indicator on the towed vehicle. The radio frequency control signal may be encoded in response to the detection of a particular one of a plurality of safety indicators on the towing vehicle. Upon receiving the encoded radio frequency control signal, a corresponding one of a plurality of safety indicators on the towed vehicle may then be automatically connected to the power source on the towed vehicle. Therefore, the power source and the safety indicator on the towed vehicle are automatically controlled from the towing vehicle without a wire connection between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle.

Claims

1. A safety indicator control system kit for controlling, from a towing vehicle, a safety indicator on a towed vehicle, said kit comprising:

sensing means, for installing on said towing vehicle, for sensing activation of a safety indicator on said towing vehicle and producing an indicator active signal in response to detection of said activation;

transmitter means, for installing on said towing vehicle and coupling to a transmitter power source on said towing vehicle and said indicator active signal, for transmitting a radio frequency control signal in response to said indicator active signal;

receiver means, for installing in said towed vehicle and for coupling to a receiver power source on said towed vehicle, for receiving said radio frequency control signal;

switching means, for coupling to said receiver power source, said receiver means, and said safety indicator on said towed vehicle, for automatically connecting power to said safety indicator on said towed vehicle in response to said receiver receiving said radio frequency control signal; and

wherein said switching means includes means for coupling to a manufacturer'"'"'s original equipment safety indicator on said towed vehicle, for automatically connecting power to said manufacturer'"'"'s original equipment safety indicator on said towed vehicle in response to said receiver receiving said radio frequency control signal.