Powered mobility vehicle collision damage prevention device

• US 7,369,943 B2
• Filed: 12/12/2006
• Issued: 05/06/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/29/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Don L. Adams
• Original Assignee: Don L. Adams
• Inventors: Adams, Don L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Black; Thomas
• Assistant Examiner(s): Louie; Wae Lenny
• Application Number:
  US11/637,434
• Publication Number:
  US 20070093963A1
• Time in Patent Office: 511 Days
• Field of Search: 701/301, 280/250.1, 180/907, 340/435
• US Class Current: 701/301
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2203/14 Joysticks
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2203/723 Impact absorbing means, e.g. bumpers or airbags
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 5/042 Front wheel drive
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 5/043 Mid wheel drive
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 5/10 Parts, details or accessories
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 5/1051 Arrangements for steering
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 180/907 Motorized wheelchairs

Abstract

A collision damage prevention system is disclosed which may be installed on many standard powered mobility vehicles for handicapped persons. The system includes an array of one or more sensors placed around the periphery of the powered mobility vehicle, a switch for each sensor, and a central control module which receives input from the switches, turns the vehicle off and/or applies braking power to prevent damage from a collision. The system then prompts the operator to acknowledge the collision and guides the operator into the appropriate direction to move the vehicle'"'"'s controls in order to move away from the object collided with.

Claims

1. A method for preventing damage resulting from a collision between a powered mobility vehicle and an object comprising:

a. detecting said collision;

b. stopping said powered mobility vehicle using shutdown means;

c. displaying information about said collision on a user interface, wherein said information comprises the fact that said collision has occurred and the location of said collision;

d. prompting the user of said powered mobility vehicle to move said powered mobility vehicle away from said object; and

e. displaying directions on how to move said powered mobility vehicle away from said object to said user on said user interface; and

f. automatically resetting said shutdown means after a preset time interval.