Precision parking device

• US 6,946,973 B1
• Filed: 06/03/2003
• Issued: 09/20/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/19/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Leon M. Yanda
• Original Assignee: Leon M. Yanda
• Inventors: Yanda, Leon M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): PHAM, LAM P
• Application Number:
  US10/454,058
• Time in Patent Office: 840 Days
• Field of Search: 340/932.2, 340/686.1, 340/942
• US Class Current: 340/932.2
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 33/94 Holders formed as intermediate parts for linking a counter-part to a coupling part

Abstract

A precision light source, such as a laser, controlled by the operation of a garage door opener to generate a light beam to provide a reference mark for guiding a user in parking a vehicle. One embodiment teaches powering the unit from the light activation circuitry of the garage door opener directly, or using a bulb connection base having an auxiliary light socket. Further improvements include the use of an aiming device providing dimensional adjustment of the light beam to move the distal reference point created when the light beam intersects the vehicle. A method for use of the apparatus is also taught.

Claims

1. A parking assist apparatus adapted to help a user maneuver a vehicle in a space accessed by door controlled by a door opener, the door opener utilizing a control circuit for activating an electrical lamp output at a light bulb socket, the assist apparatus comprising:

a socket adapter adapted to screw into the light bulb socket and electrically connect to the electrical lamp output; and

a precision light source electrically connected to the socket adapter and activated by the electrical lamp output of the door opener, the precision light further adapted project a distinct light pattern to a distal reference point for guiding the user.

2. The parking assist apparatus of claim 1, the precision light source comprising:

a laser.

3. The parking assist apparatus of claim 1, the distinct light pattern comprising:

a dot.

4. The parking assist apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an aiming device connected to the precision light source, the aiming device adapted to be mounted to a solid surface and allow at least one dimensional adjustment of the distal reference point in relation to the aiming device.

5. The parking assist apparatus of claim 4, the aiming device adapted to allow a second dimensional adjustment of the distal reference point in relation to the aiming device.

6. The parking assist apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an electrical conversion circuit connected between the electric lamp output and the precision light, wherein the electrical conversion circuit is adapted to transform power supplied by the electric lamp output for use by the precision light source.

7. The parking assist apparatus of claim 1, the socket adapter further comprising:

an accessory light socket.

8. The parking assist apparatus of claim 7, the accessory light socket adapted to accept a light bulb having a reduced sized base.

9. A parking assist apparatus comprising:

a garage door opener having a control circuit for activating an electrical signal output at a light bulb socket;

a socket adapter adapted to screw into the light bulb socket and electrically connect to the electrical signal output; and

a precision light source adapted to respond to the electrical signal output and selectively project a distinct light pattern to a distal reference point for guiding the user.

10. The parking assist apparatus of claim 9, the precision light source comprising:

a laser.

11. The parking assist apparatus of claim 9, the distinct light pattern comprising:

a dot.

12. The parking assist apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:

an aiming device connected to the precision light source, the aiming device adapted to be mounted to a solid surface and allow at least one dimensional adjustment of the distal reference point in relation to the aiming device.

13. The parking assist apparatus of claim 12, the aiming device adapted to allow a second dimensional adjustment of the distal reference point in relation to the aiming device.

14. A parking assist apparatus adapted to help a user maneuver a vehicle in a garage having a garage door controlled by a garage door opener, the garage door opener having a control circuit for activating a power flow to a light bulb socket, the parking assist apparatus comprising:

a socket adapter adapted to electrically connect into the light bulb socket;

an electrical converter electrically connected to the socket adapter; and

a laser pointer electrically connected to the electrical converter such that the laser pointer is activated by the control circuit, the laser pointer aimed to project a defined beam forming an end pattern such that the driver of the vehicle can maneuver vehicle in the path of the beam to place the vehicle so that the end pattern is visible at a particular location on the vehicle to ensure that vehicle is properly positioned in the garage.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the end pattern is a dot.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising:

an accessory light socket electrically connected to the socket adapter.

17. A method for positioning a vehicle at a location having a garage door opener with a control circuit with an electrical signal output at a light bulb socket, the electrical signal output having an on state and an off state, the method comprising:

connecting a precision light source into the electrical signal output using a socket adapter inserted into the light bulb socket;

activating the precision light source using the electrical signal output for projecting a beam adapted to form an end pattern on the vehicle at an intersection area on the vehicle when the vehicle is properly positioned at the location;

positioning the vehicle at the location such that the beam intersects the vehicle at the intersection area.