Method and apparatus of a vibratory indicator for use in vehicles

• US 6,091,321 A
• Filed: 12/30/1998
• Issued: 07/18/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Karell, Manuel L
• Original Assignee: Karell, Manuel L
• Inventors: Karell, Manuel L
• Primary Examiner(s): POPE, DARYL C
• Application Number:
  US09/224,258
• Time in Patent Office: 566 Days
• Field of Search: 340/425.5, 340/426, 340/438, 340/439, 340/457, 340/458, 340/459, 340/475, 340/539, 340/309.15
• US Class Current: 340/425.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/34 for indicating change of drive direction B60Q1/22 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/40 having mechanical, electric or electronic automatic return to inoperative position
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/00 Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00 , e.g. haptic signalling

Abstract

A method and apparatus to alert a driver by use of vibratory indicator, which may be located within a seat or on a driver'"'"'s person. An example is an uncancelled turn signal indicator which senses that the turn signal indicator has been selected for more than an appropriate period of activation and upon sensing this condition, the driver'"'"'s seat vibrates alerting the driver of the presence of this condition. Other indicators within vehicles use vibratory means to alert the driver. The vibratory indicator may be used as back-up to audible or visual indicators.

Claims

1. An apparatus, within a vehicle, or train, or airplane having turn signal indicators, for alerting a person that an action is needed, said apparatus comprising:

an indicator sense means for sensing activation of the turn signal indicators and providing a response;

an uncancelled turn signal indicator for receiving and comparing said response, to predetermined parameters, and logically determining when said vehicle turn signals have not been terminated in an appropriate manner, thereby providing an uncancelled turn signal; and

a trigger means responsive to said uncancelled signal for triggering a vibratory indicator means for alerting said person, wherein said vibratory indicator means is included in a device located on said person.

2. An apparatus of claim 1 wherein said indicator sense means and/or vibratory indicator means further comprises a communication element means for transmitting and receiving signals.

3. An apparatus of claim 2 using wireless transmission.

4. An apparatus of claim 1 wherein said vibratory indicator means comprises a personal pager.

5. An apparatus of claim 4 wherein said personal pager is a vibratory alerting device comprising:

a supporting structure; and

electrically operated signal processing means in said structure for providing an alerting signal;

an electric-energy-cell means for providing power to said signal processing means;

a housing means for holding said cell means in said structure; and

a motor means responsive to said alerting signal for imparting to said cell means vibratory motion within said housing means.

6. An apparatus of claim 1 wherein said indicator sense means is for responding to an auditory or visual indicator within said vehicle or train or airplane.

7. An apparatus of claim 6 wherein said indicator sense means is for responding to a vehicular auditory uncancelled turn signal indicator.

8. An apparatus of claim 6 wherein said indicator sense means is for responding to a vehicular visual uncancelled turn signal indicator.

9. A method wherein a driver or person is alerted to an uncancelled turn signal comprising the steps of:

a) sensing when an uncancelled turn signal indicator activates;

b) transmitting a signal to and triggering a vibratory indicator that is located on the driver or person, and not in the driver'"'"'s or person'"'"'s seat, thus alerting the driver or person to the existence of the uncancelled turn signal.