Driver courtesy device

• US 6,282,823 B1
• Filed: 12/01/2000
• Issued: 09/04/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/03/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Leo Brown
• Original Assignee: Leo Brown
• Inventors: Brown, Leo
• Primary Examiner(s): Silbermann, Joanne
• Application Number:
  US09/728,521
• Time in Patent Office: 277 Days
• Field of Search: 405/93, 405/91, 402/18, 404/23, 404/92, 74/47
• US Class Current: 40/593
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 21/04 by land vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/18232 Crank and lever

Abstract

A driver courtesy device includes a first unit attachable to the dashboard or steering console of an automobile, within reach of the driver of the automobile, and a display unit mounted adjacent the rear window or one of the side windows of the automobile. The first unit includes a signal transmitter actuated by the driver. The display unit includes an upstanding member resembling an arm and hand, a signal receiver, and a motor actuated for a predetermined operational period upon receipt of the signal transmitted by the first unit. An interposer converts rotary motion of the actuated motor to linear motion to thereby move the arm and hand in a reciprocating, waving motion to convey a courteous gesture.

Claims

1. A device to be installed within a motor vehicle to allow a driver of the motor vehicle to exhibit a sign of courtesy to others outside of the vehicle, said device comprising:

a first unit positionable within reach of the driver of the motor vehicle and including a signal transmitter structured and disposed for transmitting signals and an actuator control operable by the driver for actuating said signal transmitter;

a second unit comprising;

a base including an electric motor;

means for removably mounting said base within the vehicle;

a display member including a first portion formed and configured in the shape of a hand and a second elongate portion extending from said first portion and formed and configured in the shape of an arm, said second portion including a lower proximal end opposite to said first portion;

means for connecting said lower proximal end of said second portion to said base in driven engagement with said electric motor and including a plurality of gears, said plurality of gears including a drive gear and a rotor gear, said rotor gear including means for pivotal mounting of said lower proximal end of said second portion of said display member thereto;

receiver means communicating with said signal transmitter and being structured and disposed for receiving said transmitted signals, and said receiver means communicating with said electric motor to actuate said motor for a predetermined period of time upon receipt of said transmitted signals from said signal transmitter; and

means for causing reciprocating motion of said display member upon actuation of said motor so that said first portion of said display member moves through an arc of 180°

or less in a manner resembling a waving hand which is visible to others outside of the motor vehicle, and said means for causing reciprocating motion including a floating pivot defined by a slotted opening formed in said proximal end of said second portion and a fixed pivot pin received through said slotted opening and said proximal end and said slotted opening being movable relative to said fixed pivot pin upon driven movement of said proximal end by said rotor gear.

2. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for removably mounting said base within the vehicle includes bracket members extending from said base, said bracket members being structured and disposed for mounting to the interior of the vehicle using conventional fasteners.

3. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for removably mounting said base within the vehicle includes one or more suction cups for removably mounting said base to an inner window surface of the vehicle.

4. A device adapted to be installed within a motor vehicle to allow a driver of the motor vehicle to exhibit a sign of courtesy to others outside of the vehicle, said device comprising:

a base including an electric motor;

means for removably mounting said base within the vehicle;

a display member including a first portion and a second portion extending from said first portion, said portion including a lower proximal end opposite to said first portion;

means for connecting said lower proximal end of said second portion to said base in driven engagement with said electric motor and including a plurality of gears, said plurality of gears including a drive gear driven by said motor and a rotor gear driven by said drive gear, said rotor gear including means for pivotal mounting of said lower proximal end of said second portion of said display member thereto;

means operable by the driver of the motor vehicle for actuating said electric motor for a predetermined period of time; and

means for causing reciprocating motion of said display member upon actuation of said motor so that said portion of said display member moves through an arc of 180°

or less in a manner resembling a waving hand, and said means for causing reciprocating motion including a floating pivot defined by a slotted opening formed in said proximal end of said second portion and a fixed pivot pin received through said slotted opening and said proximal end and said slotted opening being movable relative to said fixed pivot pin upon driven movement of said proximal end by said rotor gear.

5. The device as recited in claim 4 wherein said first portion of said display member is formed and configured in the shape of a hand and said second portion is formed and configured in the shape of an arm.

6. The device as recited in claim 5 wherein said means for removably mounting said base within the vehicle include bracket members extending from said base, said bracket members being structured and disposed for mounting to the interior of the vehicle using conventional fasterners.

7. The device as recited in claim 5 wherein said means for removably mounting said base within the vehicle includes one or more suction cups for removably mounting said base to an inner window surface of the vehicle.