Self-contained, removable, wireless turn signal system for motor vehicles and trailers

• US 9,955,558 B1
• Filed: 07/07/2014
• Issued: 04/24/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 04/04/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SmartSignals Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: SmartSignals Technologies, Inc.
• Inventors: Peterson, John Samuel
• Primary Examiner(s): Previl, Daniel
• Application Number:
  US14/324,882
• Time in Patent Office: 1,387 Days
• Field of Search: 340465, 3404255, 340463-464, 340468, 340472-473, 340478, 340482, 340488, 340506-508, 340514, 340458, 340475
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2615 mounted on the vehicle body, e.g. with magnets
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/34 for indicating change of drive direction B60Q1/22 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/38 using immovably-mounted light sources, e.g. fixed flashing lamps
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2900/10 Retrofit arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2900/30 Lamps commanded by wireless transmissions
• CPC Class Codes: F21L 4/04 characterised by the provision of a light source housing portion adjustably fixed to the remainder of the device
• CPC Class Codes: F21L 4/08 characterised by means for in situ recharging of the batteries or cells
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/51 Attachment thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/10 Controlling the intensity of the light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/19 via wireless transmission

Abstract

A remote-controlled turn signal unit for a vehicle or trailer is provided. In one embodiment, an LED array and digital transceiver are embedded into a traditional bulb housing. This bulb can then be placed into existing tail or other light sockets on the exterior of a vehicle and can serve as turn signals being actuated by radio. This bulb can also be part of a self-contained magnetic housing that can be attached temporarily to the vehicle. This self-contained unit contains miniature digital radio, rechargeable battery, and LED light assembly, but does not rely upon or required modification of the vehicle'"'"'s electrical system.

Claims

1. A self-contained remote controlled vehicular light bulb comprising:

a light emitting diode;

a transceiver unit;

a controller, said controller configured to control illumination of said light emitting diode based upon a control signal received by said transceiver unit; and

wherein said control signal comprises a unique digital code associated with a remote controller; and

wherein said controller is configured with logic to detect a fault condition and communicate said fault condition via the said transceiver unit; and

a housing, the housing configured to interface with and receive power from a standard vehicular light bulb socket, the housing comprising a base and a bulb; and

wherein said light emitting diode, said transceiver unit, and said controller are contained within the said housing of said vehicular light bulb.

2. The self-contained remote controlled vehicular light bulb of claim 1 wherein said controller is configured to alter the illumination state of the said light emitting diode to emit a light signal in response to a command from said transceiver wherein said light signal transmits in an intermittent “

on” and

“

off”

state, and at a frequency and intensity of reference.

3. The self-contained remote controlled vehicular light bulb of claim 1 wherein said fault condition is chosen from a group of:

bulb inoperative;

out of range;

out of battery;

or other fault, and wherein said fault condition is detected by said fault detection logic and are conveyed via said control signal and generated by said transceiver.