Tire inflation assistance monitoring system

• US 20030058090A1
• Filed: 10/23/2002
• Published: 03/27/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/16/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam
• Original Assignee: Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam
• Inventors: Schofield, Kenneth, Lynam, Niall R.
• Granted Patent: US 6,774,774 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/442
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/00 Devices for measuring, signalling, controlling, or distributing tyre pressure or temperature, specially adapted for mounting on vehicles; Arrangement of tyre inflating devices on vehicles, e.g. of pumps or of tanks; Tyre cooling arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0401 characterised by the type of alarm
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0406 Alarms noticeable from outside the vehicle, e.g. indication in side mirror, front light or audible alarms B60C23/0403, B60C23/0405 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0408 transmitting the signals by non-mechanical means from the wheel or tyre to a vehicle body mounted receiver
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/00 Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2665 on rear-view mirrors lighting devices for vehicle interior on or for rear-view mirrors B60Q3/258
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/50 for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
• 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 1/54 for indicating speed outside of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/543 for indicating other states or conditions of the vehicle indicating taxis' state of hire or fare G07B13/045
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1215 with information displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01566 Devices for warning or indicating mode of inhibition
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0118 comprising devices for improving the contrast of the display / brillance control visibility
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/012 comprising devices for attenuating parasitic image effects
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/01 Head-up displays
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0101 characterised by optical features G02B27/0172 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/00 Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings

Abstract

A vehicular tire inflation monitoring system is provided for a vehicle that includes at least one tire inflation indicator assembly, visible exterior of the vehicle, positioned at an exterior vehicle portion, such as at an exterior rearview mirror assembly. The at least one tire inflation indicator assembly provides an indication of the inflation condition of at least one of the vehicle tires. The tire inflation monitoring system includes a control receiving at least one input from at least one tire pressure sensor sensing pressure of at least one vehicle tire. The control produces an output to illuminate the at least one tire inflation indicator assembly.

Claims

1. A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system, comprising:

at least one exterior rearview mirror assembly mounted on a side of a vehicle, said exterior rearview mirror assembly comprising a reflective element and a support for said reflective element; and

a tire inflation monitoring system including at least one tire inflation indicator assembly positioned at said at least one exterior rearview mirror assembly and visible exterior the vehicle, said at least one tire inflation indicator assembly providing an indication of the inflation condition of at least one vehicle tire, wherein said tire inflation monitoring system includes a control receiving at least one input from at least one tire pressure sensor sensing pressure of the at least one vehicle tire and said control producing an output to illuminate said at least one tire inflation indicator assembly.

2. The vehicular exterior rearview mirror system in claim 1 wherein said support comprises a fixed portion attached to the vehicle and a movable portion.

3. The vehicular exterior rearview mirror system in claim 2 wherein said at least one tire inflation indicator assembly is positioned at one of said fixed portion and said movable portion.

4. The vehicular exterior rearview mirror system in claim 3 wherein said at least one tire inflation indicator assembly is positioned at said fixed portion and visible forward and rearward of the at least one exterior rearview mirror assembly.

5. The vehicular exterior rearview mirror system in claim 3 wherein said at least one tire inflation indicator assembly is positioned at an under surface of said fixed portion.

6. The vehicular exterior rearview mirror system in claim 3 wherein said at least one tire inflation indicator assembly is positioned at said fixed portion adjacent said reflective element.

7. The vehicular exterior rearview mirror system in claim 3 wherein said at least one tire inflation indicator assembly is positioned at said movable portion and viewable through at least a portion of said reflective element.

8. The vehicular exterior rearview mirror system in claim 7 wherein said reflective element comprises a reflectance coating and wherein said at least one tire inflation indicator assembly is viewable through a portion of said reflective element, wherein said reflectance coating is removed.

9. The vehicular exterior rearview mirror system in claim 1 wherein said at least one tire inflation indicator assembly produces a pattern of light that does not substantially extend to a driver of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle driver is substantially unaware of an indication by said at least one tire inflation indicator assembly.

10. The vehicular exterior rearview mirror system in claim 1 wherein said control receives an input indicative of operation of the vehicle.

11. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 10 wherein said control includes a lockout function which precludes producing said output during operation of the vehicle.

12. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 11 wherein said control produces said output during a particular period of time after operation of the vehicle is discontinued.

13. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 12 wherein said period of time is less than or equal to about 2 hours.

14. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 12 wherein said period of time is less than or equal to about 30 minutes.

15. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 12 wherein said period of time is less than or equal to about 15 minutes.

16. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 11 wherein said control receives another input from a vehicle door lock sensor and produces said output in response to the vehicle door being in an unlocked state.

17. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 16 wherein said control produces said output for a predetermined period of time in response to said door lock sensor indicating the vehicle door changes to an unlocked state.

18. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 17 wherein said predetermined period of time is less than or equal to about 2 hours.

19. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 17 wherein said predetermined period of time is less than or equal to about 30 minutes.

20. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 17 wherein said predetermined period of time is less than or equal to about 15 minutes.

21. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 1 wherein said control receives an input from a vehicle door lock sensor and produces said output in response to the vehicle door being in an unlocked state.

22. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 21 wherein said control produces said output for a predetermined period of time in response to said door lock sensor indicating the vehicle door changes to an unlocked state.

23. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 22 wherein said predetermined period of time is less than or equal to about 2 hours.

24. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 22 wherein said predetermined period of time is less than or equal to about 30 minutes.

25. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 22 wherein said predetermined period of time is less than or equal to about 15 minutes.

26. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 1 wherein said control produces said output in response to said at least one tire pressure sensor sensing a substantial change in tire pressure.

27. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 1 wherein said at least one tire pressure indicator assembly produces a first indication in response to pressure sensed by said at least one tire pressure sensor being substantially within a predetermined normal pressure range.

28. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 27 wherein said at least one tire pressure indicator assembly produces at least one of a second indication in response to pressure sensed by said at least one tire pressure sensor being substantially less than said predetermined pressure range and a third indication in response to pressure sensed by said at least one tire pressure sensor being substantially greater than said predetermined pressure range.

29. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 28 wherein said at least one tire pressure indicator assembly produces a fourth indication in response to pressure sensed by said at least one tire pressure sensor undergoing change indicative of the associated tire undergoing inflation.

30. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 28 wherein said first through third indications are produced with one indication color.

31. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 30 wherein one of said indications is produced by continuously indicating said one indication color, another of said indications is produced by flashing said one indication color at a first predetermined rate and another of said indications is produced by flashing said one indication color at a second higher predetermined rate.

32. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 31 wherein said first indication is produced by continuously indicating said one indication color, said second indication produced by flashing said one indication color at said first predetermined rate, said third indication is produced by flashing said one indication color at said second higher predetermined rate.

33. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 28 wherein said first through third indications are produced with more than one color.

34. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 33 wherein said first indication is produced by indication with one said color, said second indication is produced with a different said color and said third indication is produced by flashing said different color.

35. A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system, comprising:

a plurality of exterior rearview mirror assemblies, mounted on opposite sides of a vehicle, said exterior rearview mirror assemblies each comprising a reflective element and a support for said reflective element; and

a tire inflation monitoring system including a tire inflation indicator assembly at each of said exterior rearview mirror assemblies and visible exterior the vehicle, each said tire indicator assembly providing indication of the inflation condition of the vehicle tires on the same side of the vehicle as the one of said exterior rearview mirror assemblies at which that indicator assembly is positioned, wherein said tire inflation monitoring system includes a control receiving inputs from tire pressure sensors sensing pressure of the vehicle tires and said control producing outputs to illuminate said tire inflation indictor assemblies.

36. The vehicular exterior rearview mirror system in claim 35 wherein said support comprises a fixed portion attached to the vehicle and a movable portion.

37. The vehicular exterior rearview mirror system in claim 36 wherein said tire inflation indicator assembly is positioned at one of said fixed portion and said movable portion.

38. The vehicular exterior rearview mirror system in claim 37 wherein said tire inflation indicator assembly is positioned at said fixed portion and visible forward and rearward of the associated exterior rearview mirror assembly.

39. The vehicular exterior rearview mirror system in claim 37 wherein said tire inflation indicator assembly is positioned at an under surface of said fixed portion.

40. The vehicular exterior rearview mirror system in claim 37 wherein said tire inflation indicator assembly is positioned at said fixed portion adjacent said reflective element.

41. The vehicular exterior rearview mirror system in claim 37 wherein said tire inflation indicator assembly is positioned at said movable portion and viewable through at least a portion of said reflective element.

42. The vehicular exterior rearview mirror system in claim 41 wherein said reflective element comprises a reflectance coating and wherein said tire inflation indicator assembly is viewable through a portion of said reflective element, wherein said reflectance coating is removed.

43. The vehicular exterior rearview mirror system in claim 35 wherein said tire inflation indicator assembly produces a pattern of light that does not substantially extend to a driver of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle driver is substantially unaware of an indication by said indicator assembly.

44. The vehicular exterior rearview mirror system in claim 35 wherein said control receives an input indicative of operation of the vehicle.

45. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 44 wherein said control includes a lockout function which precludes producing said outputs during operation of the vehicle.

46. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 45 wherein said control produces said outputs during a particular period of time after operation of the vehicle is discontinued.

47. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 46 wherein said period of time is less than or equal to about 2 hours.

48. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 46 wherein said period of time is less than or equal to about 30 minutes.

49. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 46 wherein said period of time is less than or equal to about 15 minutes.

50. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 45 wherein said control receives another input from a vehicle door lock sensor and produces said outputs in response to the vehicle doors being in an unlocked state.

51. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 50 wherein said control produces said outputs for a predetermined period of time in response to said door lock sensor indicating the vehicle door changes to an unlocked state.

52. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 51 wherein said predetermined period of time is less than or equal to about 2 hours.

53. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 51 wherein said predetermined period of time is less than or equal to about 30 minutes.

54. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 51 wherein said predetermined period of time is less than or equal to about 15 minutes.

55. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 35 wherein said control receives an input from a vehicle door lock sensor and produces said outputs in response to the vehicle door being in an unlocked state.

56. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 55 wherein said control produces said output for a predetermined period of time in response to said door lock sensor indicating the vehicle door changes to an unlocked state.

57. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 56 wherein said predetermined period of time is less than or equal to about 2 hours.

58. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 56 wherein said predetermined period of time is less than or equal to about 30 minutes.

59. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 56 wherein said predetermined period of time is less than or equal to about 15 minutes.

60. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 35 wherein said control produces said outputs in response to an associated said tire pressure sensor sensing a substantial change in tire pressure.

61. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 35 wherein said tire inflation indicator assembly produces a first indication in response to pressure sensed by an associated said tire pressure sensor being substantially within a predetermined normal pressure range.

62. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 61 wherein said tire inflation indicator assembly produces at least one of a second indication in response to pressure sensed by an associated said tire pressure sensor being substantially less than said predetermined pressure range and a third indication in response to pressure sensed by an associated said tire pressure sensor being substantially greater than said predetermined pressure range.

63. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 62 wherein said tire inflation indicator assembly produces a fourth indication in response to pressure sensed by an associated said tire pressure sensor undergoing change indicative of the associated tire undergoing inflation.

64. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 62 wherein said first through third indications are produced with one indication color.

65. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 64 wherein one of said indications is produced by continuously indicating said one indication color, another of said indications is produced by flashing said one indication color at a first predetermined rate and another of said indications is produced by flashing said one indication color at a second higher predetermined rate.

66. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 65 wherein said first indication is produced by continuously indicating said one indication color, said second indication is produced by flashing said one indication color at said first predetermined rate, said third indication is produced by flashing said one indication color at said second higher predetermined rate.

67. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 62 wherein said first through third indications are produced with more than one color.

68. The vehicle exterior rearview mirror system in claim 67 wherein said first indication is produced by indication with one said color, said second indication is produced with a different said color and said third indication is produced by flashing said different color.

69. A tire inflation monitoring system suitable for use on a vehicle comprising:

at least one tire inflation indicator assembly positioned at an exterior vehicle portion at a side of the vehicle and visible exterior the vehicle, said at least one tire inflation indicator assembly providing an indication of the inflation condition of at least one vehicle tire positioned at said side of the vehicle, wherein said tire inflation monitoring system includes a control receiving at least one input from at least one tire pressure sensor sensing pressure of the at least one vehicle tire and said control producing an output to illuminate said at least one tire inflation indicator assembly in response to a tire pressure condition.

70. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 69 wherein said exterior vehicle portion comprises an exterior rearview mirror assembly.

71. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 69 wherein said exterior vehicle portion comprises an exterior body panel.

72. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 69 wherein said at least one tire inflation indicator assembly is visible forward and rearward of said exterior vehicle portion.

73. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 69 wherein said at least one tire inflation indicator assembly is positioned at an under surface of said exterior vehicle portion.

74. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 69 wherein said exterior vehicle portion comprises a door panel.

75. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 69 wherein said exterior vehicle portion comprises a side marker.

76. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 69 wherein said at least one tire inflation indicator assembly produces a pattern of light that does not substantially extend to a driver of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle driver is substantially unaware of an indication by said at least one tire inflation indicator assembly.

77. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 69 wherein said control receives an input indicative of operation of the vehicle.

78. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 69 wherein said control includes a lockout function which precludes producing said output during operation of the vehicle.

79. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 69 wherein said control produces said output during a particular period of time after operation of the vehicle is discontinued.

80. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 79 wherein said period of time is less than or equal to about 2 hours.

81. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 79 wherein said period of time is less than or equal to about 30 minutes.

82. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 79 wherein said period of time is less than or equal to about 15 minutes.

83. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 69 wherein said control receives an input from a vehicle door lock sensor and produces said output in response to the vehicle door being in an unlocked state.

84. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 69 wherein said control produces said output in response to said at least one tire pressure sensor sensing a substantial change in tire pressure.

85. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 69 wherein said at least one tire pressure indicator assembly produces a first indication in response to pressure sensed by said at least one tire pressure sensor being substantially within a predetermined normal pressure range.

86. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 85 wherein said at least one tire pressure indicator assembly produces at least one of a second indication in response to pressure sensed by said at least one tire pressure sensor being substantially less than said predetermined pressure range and a third indication in response to pressure sensed by said at least one tire pressure sensor being substantially greater than said predetermined pressure range.

87. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 86 wherein said at least one tire pressure indicator assembly produces a fourth indication in response to pressure sensed by said at least one tire pressure sensor undergoing change indicative of the associated tire undergoing inflation.

88. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 87 wherein said first through third indications are produced with one indication color.

89. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 86 wherein one of said indications is produced by continuously indicating said one indication color, another of said indications is produced by flashing said one indication color at a first predetermined rate and another of said indications is produced by flashing said one indication color at a second higher predetermined rate.

90. The tire inflation monitoring system in claim 89 wherein said first indication is produced by continuously indicating said one indication color, said second indication produced by flashing said one indication color at said first predetermined rate, said third indication is produced by flashing said one indication color at said second higher predetermined rate.