Moving vehicle comfort, security and safety signaling system

• US 6,759,947 B2
• Filed: 05/02/2002
• Issued: 07/06/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/02/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Manuel Aceves
• Original Assignee: Manuel Aceves
• Inventors: Aceves, Manuel
• Primary Examiner(s): TONG, NINA C
• Application Number:
  US10/137,940
• Publication Number:
  US 20030206097A1
• Time in Patent Office: 796 Days
• Field of Search: 340/432, 340/464, 340/468, 340/471, 340/472, 340/473, 340/475, 362/473, 362/545, 362/252, 362/396
• US Class Current: 340/432
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 6/01 Electric circuits
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 6/015 using electrical power not supplied by the cycle motor generator, e.g. using batteries or piezo elements
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 6/028 specially adapted for rider-propelled cycles with or without additional source of power
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 6/045 indicating braking
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 6/057 Automatic activation, e.g. by sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 6/06 Arrangement of lighting dynamos or drives therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 6/165 Wireless switches
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 6/26 warning or informing other road users, e.g. police flash lights

Abstract

A Moving Vehicle Comfort, Security and Safety Signaling System is disclosed. The system may be available as a kit for installation on a conventional vehicle, or it may be integrated into the vehicle (e.g. within a bicycle frame). The system further includes an improved lighted indicator assembly to provide other vehicles and pedestrians with additional information regarding the driver/rider'"'"'s intentions. The system may be voice-activated or activated by manual switches, or both. The system may further include an anti-theft device for detecting if the vehicle is jostled. Furthermore, the system, when configured for a bicycle, may include a water misting system for dispensing fine water spray onto the rider'"'"'s face area. A kit for installation on existing bicycles utilizes flat circuit tape for interconnecting the electrical components.

Claims

1. A vehicle safety and comfort system kit, comprising:

a flexible circuit mat defined by a back side, wiring leads and an insulating cover;

an adhesive layer on said back side;

a plurality of side lights disbursed on said mat, said lights in electrical contact with said wiring leads;

a front light array assembly in electrical contact with said wiring leads;

an electrical power source in electrical contact with said wiring leads; and

a control unit for activating said side lights.

2. The kit of claim 1, wherein said side lights and said control unit cooperate to define a plurality of operational modes, one said mode comprising a stop mode.

3. The kit of claim 2, wherein said operational modes further comprise a scan mode.

4. The kit of claim 3, wherein said front light array assembly further cooperates with said control unit to define a plurality of operational modes, one said mode comprising a normal mode.

5. The kit of claim 4, wherein said front light array assembly operational modes further comprise left and right turn modes.

6. The kit of claim 4, further comprising a rear light array assembly, said rear light array assembly cooperating with said control unit to define a plurality of operational modes, one said mode comprising a normal mode.

7. The kit of claim 6, wherein said rear light array assembly operational modes further comprise left and right turn modes.

8. The kit of claim 1, further comprising a misting system in electrical contact with said wiring leads.

9. A bicycle and safety and comfort system combination, the combination comprising:

a bicycle defined by a frame, said frame defining a head tube, a top tube, a seat tube and a pair of seat stays;

a flexible circuit mat defined by a back side, wiring leads and an insulating cover, said back side attached to said bicycle;

a plurality of side lights disbursed on said mat, said lights in electrical contact with said wiring leads;

a front light array assembly in electrical contact with said wiring leads;

an electrical power source in electrical contact with said wiring leads; and

a control unit for activating said side lights.

10. The combination of claim 9, wherein said side lights and said control unit cooperate to define a plurality of operational modes, one said mode comprising a stop mode.

11. The combination of claim 10, wherein said operational modes further comprise a scan mode.

12. The combination of claim 11, wherein said front and rear light array assemblies further cooperate with said control unit to define a plurality of operational modes, one said mode comprising a normal mode.

13. The combination of claim 12, wherein said front and rear light array assembly operational modes further comprise left and right turn modes.

14. The kit of claim 9, further comprising a misting system in electrical contact with said wiring leads.

15. A bicycle comprising:

a bicycle defined by a frame, said frame defining a head tube, a top tube, a seat tube and a pair of seat stays;

a plurality of side lights disbursed on said frame,

one or more wiring leads running along said frame, said lights in electrical contact with said wiring leads;

a front light array assembly in electrical contact with said wiring leads;

an electrical power source in electrical contact with said wiring leads; and

a control unit for activating said side lights.

16. The kit of claim 15, further comprising a misting system in electrical contact with said wiring leads.

17. The bicycle of claim 16, wherein said side lights and said control unit cooperate to define a plurality of operational modes, one said mode comprising a stop mode.

18. The bicycle of claim 17, wherein said operational modes further comprise a scan mode.

19. The bicycle of claim 18, wherein said front and rear light array assemblies further cooperate with said control unit to define a plurality of operational modes, one said mode comprising a normal mode.

20. The bicycle of claim 19, wherein said front and rear light array assembly operational modes further comprise left and right turn modes.