Display assembly with horn configuration for vehicle

• US 7,394,351 B2
• Filed: 02/22/2006
• Issued: 07/01/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Wolo Manufacturing Corporation (1847 Holdings LLC)
• Original Assignee: Wolo Manufacturing Corporation (1847 Holdings LLC)
• Inventors: Solow, Stanley
• Primary Examiner(s): Bugg; George A
• Assistant Examiner(s): Pham; Lam P
• Application Number:
  US11/359,226
• Publication Number:
  US 20070194891A1
• Time in Patent Office: 860 Days
• Field of Search: 340459-479, 340/426.22, 340/426.23, 362/800, 362/812, 362/487, 362/491, 362/523, 362540-542, 345/82, 345/84
• US Class Current: 340/426.23
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/503 using luminous text or symbol displays in or on the vehicle, e.g. static text
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 5/00 Arrangement or adaptation of acoustic signal devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/812 Signs

Abstract

A signal assembly mountable to an exterior of a vehicle is configured with a light-generating unit operable to emit a visually perceptible signal, and with a sound-generating unit operable to generate a sound signal. The light and sound generating units are coupled to one another to form a unitary assembly.

Claims

1. A signal assembly for a vehicle, comprising:

a light generating unit operable to emit a visually perceptible signal;

a sound generating unit operable to generate a sound signal, wherein the light and sound generating units are coupled to one another to form a unitary assembly mountable to the vehicle,

wherein the light generating unit comprises a housing mountable to the vehicle and a plurality of spaced apart light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted to the housing and each generating the visual signal perceptible through a rear portion of the housing;

wherein the sound generating unit comprises a compressor operable to pressurize a medium compressor, and a plurality of trumpets in flow communication with the compressor so as to generate the sound signal in response to actuation of the compressor, the trumpets each having a rear end supported by the housing of the light generating unit;

wherein the sound generating unit further comprises a support bracket supporting the trumpets and the compressor and coupled to the housing;

an on-board processor coupled to the driver circuitry of the light and sound generating units and operable to;

actuate the sound generating unit when the vehicle is in a reverse gear,

actuate the driver circuitry of the light generating unit in response to actuating the sound generating unit, and

select an arrangement of the light components to form a warning context of the message on the display region when the vehicle is in the reverse gear.

2. The signal assembly of claim 1, wherein the support bracket is detachably or fixedly coupled to the housing of the light generating unit.

3. The signal assembly of claim 1, wherein the sound and light generating units are mounted to the exterior of the vehicle.

4. The signal assembly of claim 1, wherein the light and sound generating units comprise respective driver circuitries operable independently from one another, the light generating unit being configured with an insignia display region provided with an array of light components operable to define a context of a message on the display region.