Motorcycle brake light enhancement system

• US 5,856,779 A
• Filed: 04/15/1996
• Issued: 01/05/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 06/08/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Christopher M. Watkins
• Original Assignee: Leon L. Friday
• Inventors: Friday, Leon L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): Pope, Daryl C.
• Application Number:
  US08/632,008
• Time in Patent Office: 995 Days
• Field of Search: 340/436, 340/463, 340/464, 340/467, 340/468, 340/479, 340/691, 362/72, 362/800, 307/10.8, 116/35 R
• US Class Current: 340/479
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/44 for indicating braking action or preparation for braking, e.g. by detection of the foot approaching the brake pedal
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 6/045 indicating braking
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 6/16 Arrangement of switches
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

A flashing motorcycle brake light enhancement system including a plurality of super bright light emitting diode (LED) modules which signal the driver of a following vehicle to slow down to avoid a rear-end collision. The application of the motorcycle'"'"'s brake supplies input current to a plurality of (LED) modules via a flasher unit and connected wiring. The flashing circuit is controlled by a single, blinking light emitting diode, which is operated in combination with a resistor matched to a relay coil, to actuate a mechanical relay, which passes full battery voltage to the (LED) modules. In one embodiment the flashing (LED) modules are contained within weather-resistant housings which are attached in symmetrical arrangement and externally of the rear-mounted motorcycle brake light housing. In an alternative embodiment, the flashing (LED) modules and related components of the brake light enhancement system are mounted internally of the stock motorcycle brake light housing so as to be directed rearwardly and visibly to a driver in a following vehicle. The (LED) modules use very little electrical power and do not overload the pre-existing motorcycle brake light circuit. Further, this minimal use of electrical current causes no power variation and has no effect on the anti-lock braking system of motorcycle so equipped. The brake light enhancement system is provided in kit form so as to be adaptable to motorcycles of various manufacturers.

Claims

1. A brake-actuated motorcycle brake light enhancement system for use in combination with a pre-existing motorcycle brake light circuit, said system comprising:

light display means including a plurality of light emitting diode modules disposed in close proximity to a stock motorcycle brake light housing, said modules being directed rearwardly so as to be visible to the driver of a following vehicle; and

flashing means including an alternating flashing circuit coupled to said light display means and to a brake switch of said motorcycle such that when said brake switch of said motorcycle is actuated, said modules are flashed in conjunction with the operation of said brake light circuit, said flashing means further including a blinking light emitting diode connected to the output of said brake switch, a resistor connected to the output of said diode, and a relay coil connected to the output of said resistor, said coil being matched to a resistance value of said resistor to enable said diode to control the operation of a relay connected to said coil, said blinking diode thereby controlling said flashing circuit.

2. The brake light enhancement system of claim 1 wherein said light display means are disposed within a weather resistant housing including a lens cover, said system including a pair of said housings being fixedly attached in symmetrical relation adjacent said stock motorcycle brake light housing.

3. The brake light enhancement system of claim 2 wherein said weather-resistant housings are mounted externally of said stock motorcycle brake light housing.

4. The brake light enhancement system of claim 1 wherein said light display means are mounted internally of said stock motorcycle brake light housing by connecting means fixedly attached thereto.

5. The brake light enhancement system of claim 4 wherein said connecting means include a mounting bracket fixedly attached to said modules, said bracket being configured so as to direct said light display means rearwardly when installed within said brake light housing so as to be visible to a driver in a following vehicle.

6. The brake light enhancement system of claim 1 wherein said system requires less than 180 milli-amps of electrical power in operation.

7. The brake light enhancement system of claim 1 wherein said system can be added on to said pre-existing motorcycle brake light circuit without modification of the same.