Method and devices for controlling the use of an automotive horn

• US 6,271,746 B1
• Filed: 02/26/1999
• Issued: 08/07/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kenneth Lisiak, Paul K. Lisiak
• Original Assignee: Kenneth Lisiak, Paul K. Lisiak
• Inventors: Lisiak, Kenneth, Lisiak, Paul K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pope, Daryl
• Application Number:
  US09/260,531
• Time in Patent Office: 893 Days
• Field of Search: 340/463, 340/466, 340/471, 340/474, 324/161, 324/168
• US Class Current: 340/425.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 5/00 Arrangement or adaptation of acoustic signal devices

Abstract

Methods and devices for controlling the use of an automotive horn as a function of the speed, motion, vibration or acceleration of the automotive vehicle, are disclosed. The invention contemplates methods and devices for disabling the automotive horn for a certain period of time, abating the volume or noise level of the horn, or modifying the tone or sound of the horn to a tone or sound considered less offensive. In certain embodiments, the method of control includes electronic methods for controlling the horn by connection to the speedometer, accelerometer or braking system of the vehicle. Alternatively, motion sensors, vibration sensors, or acceleration sensors may be used to control the horn. The reduction in volume or modification of sound of the horn may be accompanied by flashing lights or other warning signals as a substitute for the horn.

Claims

1. An automotive horn control system for use in an automotive vehicle, said system comprising

a horn;

a detector for determining speed of said vehicle; and

a means for disabling said horn when said speed of said vehicle exceeds a predetermined value until said speed of said vehicle falls below said predetermined value.

2. The automotive horn control system of claim 1 wherein said means for disabling said horn is a means for abating the noise volume of said horn.

3. The automotive horn control system of claim 1 wherein said means for disabling said horn is a means for modifying the tone or sound of said horn.

4. The automotive horn control system of claim 1, wherein said automotive vehicle is a taxi.

5. The automotive horn control system of claim 1, wherein said predetermined value of speed is eight miles per hour.

6. A method for controlling the use of an automotive horn in an automotive vehicle, said method comprising the steps of detecting speed of a vehicle;

and

disabling said horn for a period of time when said speed of a vehicle exceeds said predetermined value.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein said step of disabling said horn comprises abating the noise volume of said horn.

8. The method of claim 6 wherein said step of disabling said horn comprises modifying the tone or sound of said horn.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein said automotive vehicle is a taxi.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein said predetermined value of speed is eight miles per hour.