Speed limiting vehicle key fob system

• US 9,108,577 B2
• Filed: 01/02/2014
• Issued: 08/18/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 01/02/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Michael Luke Hatfield
• Original Assignee: Michael Luke Hatfield
• Inventors: Hatfield, Michael Luke
• Primary Examiner(s): Jen, Ian
• Application Number:
  US14/146,526
• Publication Number:
  US 20140188310A1
• Time in Patent Office: 593 Days
• Field of Search: 701/2, 701/70
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 9/1633 compliant, force, torque control, e.g. combined with position control
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0231 Circuits relating to the driving or the functioning of the vehicle monitoring tyres B60C23/00; indicating overspeed B60K31/00; for dash boards B60K37/00, B60Q3/10; for indicating emergencies B60Q1/52; brake control systems B60T; registering or indicating the working of vehicles G07C5/00; measuring distance G01C, e.g. combinations of speed and distance G01C23/00; engine indicators G01L; measuring speed or acceleration G01P
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/343 in operation

Abstract

Provided is a preprogrammed key fob system that allows a user to limit a vehicle top speed while the given key fob is being used to operate the vehicle. The system comprises a vehicle system and a navigation system, wherein the navigation system is disposed within the key fobs and the key fob is adapted to communicate with the vehicle system while in use. The navigation system of each key is utilized to capture the local speed limit of a given road, while a vehicle speed is programmed into the specific key to set a vehicle speed buffer above the local speed limit being traveled. The system therefore limits the user of a given key to a preset limit, which adapts in real-time based on the local speed limits and allows the owner of the keys to set the limits and to monitor the vehicle conditions using the system.

Claims

1. A vehicle speed limiting system, comprising:

a vehicle system adapted to be installed on a vehicle, said vehicle system comprising;

a processing means;

a memory;

a vehicle speed sensor;

a vehicle speed governing means;

at least one master ignition key;

at least one slave ignition key;

said slave ignition key further comprising a programmable chip and a memory adapted to store a preprogrammed speed buffer, a battery power supply, and an electronic identification of said key as a master ignition key or a slave ignition key;

said slave ignition key further comprising a communication means for communicating said preprogrammed speed buffer and said electronic identification to said vehicle system;

said slave ignition key further comprising a navigation system adapted to determine said vehicle system location and a local speed limit at said vehicle system location.

2. The vehicle speed limiting system of claim 1, wherein said navigation system further comprises:

a GPS computer;

a GPS antenna.

3. The vehicle speed limiting system of claim 1, wherein said navigation system further comprises:

a GPS computer;

a GPS transmitting and receiving means.

4. The vehicle speed limiting system of claim 1, wherein said slave ignition key further comprises:

a connection means between said slave ignition key and a personal computer for preprogramming said slave ignition key.

5. The vehicle speed limiting system of claim 1, wherein said master ignition key further comprises:

a connection means between said master ignition key and a personal computer for preprogramming said master ignition key.

6. The vehicle speed limiting system of claim 1, wherein:

said master ignition key further comprising a programmable chip and a memory adapted to store a preprogrammed speed buffer, a battery power supply, and an electronic identification of said key as a master ignition key or a slave ignition key;

said master ignition key further comprising a communication means for communicating said preprogrammed speed buffer and said electronic identification to said vehicle system;

said master ignition key further comprising a navigation system adapted to determine said vehicle system location and a local speed limit at said vehicle system location.

7. The vehicle speed limiting system of claim 1, wherein said battery power supply is rechargeable.

8. The vehicle speed limiting system of claim 1, wherein said electronic identification further comprises a physical connection between said vehicle system and said slave key.

9. The vehicle speed limiting system of claim 1, wherein said electronic identification further comprises a wireless connection between said vehicle system and said slave key.

10. The vehicle speed limiting system of claim 6, wherein said electronic identification further comprises a physical connection between said vehicle system and said master key.

11. The vehicle speed limiting system of claim 6, wherein said electronic identification further comprises a wireless connection between said vehicle system and said master key.