Vehicle deceleration warning system

• US 20050237172A1
• Filed: 08/22/2003
• Published: 10/27/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/23/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Walter Mckinley Iii Boomershine
• Original Assignee: Walter Mckinley Iii Boomershine
• Inventors: Boomershine, Walter McKinley III
• Granted Patent: US 7,154,387 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/467
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/44 for indicating braking action or preparation for braking, e.g. by detection of the foot approaching the brake pedal
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/444 with indication of the braking strength or speed changes, e.g. by changing shape or intensity of the indication B60Q1/1407, B60Q1/442, B60Q1/447 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/46 for giving flashing caution signals during drive, other than signalling change of direction, e.g. flashing the headlights or hazard lights
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/56 for illuminating registrations or the like , e.g. for licence plates
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/02 for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0264 for control means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 13/10 Registration, licensing, or like devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 13/105 Licence- or registration plates, provided with mounting means, e.g. frames, holders, retainers, brackets
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0075 using a containment or docking space

Abstract

A warning system housed in a license plate bracket and installed on a vehicle. The system includes a self-contained power source, an accelerometer to measure the deceleration force of the vehicle, and a microprocessor unit (including a microprocessor chip). When the system senses that the vehicle is decelerating at a rate greater than a threshold level, it illuminates warning lights provided on the license plate bracket to thereby alert drivers of neighboring vehicles of the vehicle'"'"'s rapid deceleration. The warning system is self-contained and self-powered to avoid the need to, and associated drawbacks of, drawing from the vehicle'"'"'s power source.

Claims

1. A vehicle deceleration warning system comprising:

a) a means for measuring the deceleration force of a vehicle;

b) a microprocessor unit connected to the means for measuring the deceleration force;

c) a license plate bracket comprising at least one light connected to the microprocessor unit; and

d) at least one self-contained power source for supplying power to the means for measuring the deceleration force, the microprocessor unit, and the lights,

wherein the means for measuring the deceleration force, the microprocessor unit, and the at least one self-contained power source are housed in the license plate bracket and wherein the at least one light illuminates when the means for measuring the deceleration force measures a deceleration force of the vehicle greater than a threshold force.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the license plate bracket comprises a front housing adapted to be positioned distal the vehicle and a back housing adapted to be positioned proximal the vehicle.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the front housing houses at least one of the means for measuring the deceleration force, the microprocessor unit, and the at least one self-contained power source.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the back housing houses at least one of the means for measuring the deceleration force, the microprocessor unit, and the at least one self-contained power source.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the license plate bracket comprises plastic.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the license plate bracket comprises metal.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein the license plate bracket is adapted to house a license plate between the front and back housing.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the license plate bracket is adapted to be positioned adjacent a license plate mounted on a vehicle.

9. The system of claim 2, wherein the front and back housing are connected together.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the front and back housing are melted together.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the front and back housing are connected together via at least one of a snap-fit connection and at least one screw.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one self-contained power source comprises a battery.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one solar panel.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising a manual activation button to illuminate the at least one light.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the microprocessor unit controls illumination of the at least one light.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one light is positioned on the front housing.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one light comprises a light emitting diode.

19. A method of warning drivers of a vehicle'"'"'s rapid deceleration comprising installing the vehicle deceleration warning system of claim 1 on the vehicle.

20. A vehicle comprising the vehicle deceleration warning system of claim 1.

18. A vehicle deceleration warning system and housing comprising:

a) a means for measuring the deceleration force of a vehicle;

b) a microprocessor unit connected to the means for measuring the deceleration force;

c) a plastic license plate bracket comprising a front housing adapted to be positioned distal the vehicle and a back housing adapted to be positioned proximal the vehicle, wherein the front housing comprises at least one light connected to the microprocessor unit and wherein the license plate bracket is adapted to house a license plate between the front and back housing; and

d) at least one self-contained power source for supplying power to the means for measuring the deceleration force, the microprocessor unit, and the lights,

wherein the means for measuring the deceleration force, the microprocessor unit, and the at least one self-contained power source are housed in the license plate bracket and wherein the at least one light illuminates when the means for measuring the deceleration force measures a deceleration force of the vehicle greater than a threshold force.