Method and apparatus for severe braking alert

• US 6,424,256 B1
• Filed: 08/29/2000
• Issued: 07/23/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/29/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert Ryder
• Original Assignee: Robert Ryder
• Inventors: Ryder, Robert
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, HUNG T
• Application Number:
  US09/650,112
• Time in Patent Office: 693 Days
• Field of Search: 340/479, 340/467, 340/464, 340/478, 340/475
• US Class Current: 340/479
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/445 controlled by inertial devices

Abstract

The present invention provides for a sensor and signal for unsafe occurrences. In the preferred embodiment, a severe braking alert system is coupled to a vehicle for notifying trailing drivers that the vehicle is braking severely. Sensors in the system detect when the vehicle exceeds a predetermined deceleration threshold value thereby causing one or more of the vehicle'"'"'s existing rear lights to flash for a predetermined time period. Alternatively, a dedicated light(s) can be incorporated. The flashing light(s) alerts trailing drivers to the dangerous condition and provide them with valuable information about the vehicle'"'"'s rate of deceleration. This allows the trailing drivers to apply the appropriate amount of braking power to their vehicles in order to prevent a rear-end collision. Alternative flashing schemes can also be incorporated to notify the trailing driver about the degree of severity with which the lead vehicle is decelerating.

Claims

1. An alert system coupled to a vehicle for notifying trailing drivers that the vehicle has experienced a severe braking condition, the system comprising:

an alert sensor for detecting a deceleration rate in excess of a predetermined value, wherein the alert sensor is an inertial switch comprising;

an enclosure having a first end and a second end,

a hollow rod extending through the enclosure and affixed thereto at both the first end and the second end,

at least one pair of conductive wires positioned within the hollow rod with respective ends thereof extending outside of the hollow rod to provide a normally open contact in a predetermined location on an external surface of the hollow rod, said wires completing a circuit for the signaling device,

a conductive mass coupled to the hollow rod and freely movable along the hollow rod, and

a spring arranged about the hollow rod to provide resistance to the movement of the conductive mass, said spring adapted to compress over a range including the predetermined value, wherein deceleration of the vehicle in excess of the predetermined value causes the conductive mass to compress the spring and move along the hollow rod to the predetermined location,

whereupon the normally open contact is closed by the mass and the signaling device is activated; and

a signaling device positioned facing rearward from the vehicle and having a flashing light responsive to the alert sensor.