Method and device for teaching safe driving

• US 3,885,324 A
• Filed: 01/02/1974
• Issued: 05/27/1975
• Est. Priority Date: 01/02/1974
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Alvan F. Davenport, Jacob H. Wiens, Ralph F. Gerken
• Original Assignee: Alvan F. Davenport, Jacob H. Wiens, Ralph F. Gerken
• Inventors: Davenport, Alvan F., Gerken, Ralph F., Wiens, Jacob H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Grieb Wm. H.
• Application Number:
  US05/430,232
• Time in Patent Office: 510 Days
• Field of Search: 35/11,9C,22R,9D 73/500,514,515,516LM
• US Class Current: 434/66
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/167 Control of land vehicles

Abstract

A method of teaching safe driving utilizing the concept of making gradual changes of speed and direction. A device emits audible sounds to indicate when a prescribed speed change gradient has been exceeded. The device consists of a closed tubular system partially filled with an electrical conducting fluid such as mercury. An upright portion of the fluid system contains electrical contacts at different elevations. Changes in speed or direction of the vehicle cause the fluid to rise in the tube and contact the various electrical contacts. The contacts thus energized send electrical signals to a speaker which gives an audible alarm. An electrical system is provided which causes a different frequency tone to be emitted for various gradients of speed or direction changes. The device may be selectively programmed to emit audible signals at different sensitivities to changes in speed and direction.

Claims

1. A device for sensing acceleration and decelaration of a vehicle comprising:

a. a closed tubular system having;

1. a pair of spaced vertical tubes;

2. a first generally horizontal tube connecting the lower ends of said spaced vertical tubes and extending outwardly therefrom;

3. a second generally horizontal tube connecting the upper ends of said spaced vertical tubes;

4. first and second connecting tubes each connecting an end of said first horizontal tube with one of said vertical tubes adjacent the lower end of said vertical tubes;

b. a plurality of height gradient indicia marks spaced at ascending intervals on said vertical members for indicating the height of said fluid in said vertical tubes during acceleration or deceleration of said vehicle; and

c. said tube system containing sufficient fluid to fill a portion of said first horizontal tube, all of one of said connecting tubes and a portion of said vertical tube to a height as great as the highest indicia marks on each of said vertical tubes.

2. intermittent tone signaling circuit means for indicating excessive acceleration or deceleration.

3. a second generally horizontal tube connecting the upper ends of said spaced vertical tubes;

4. A system as described in claim 3 comprising:

a. said sensing means consists of a pair of said closed tubular systems placed at right angles to one another.

5. A system as described in claim 4 comprising:

a. said signaling means consists of a speaker; and

b. electrical circuit means connecting said electrical connectors and said speaker.

6. A system as described in claim 5 comprising:

a. said signaling means consists of;

7. A system as described in claim 6 comprising:

a. said steady tone signaling circuit means including a plurality of tone circuits each generating a different frequency so that an audible difference will be created for increasingly excessive turning or deceleration or acceleration.

8. A system as described in claim 7 comprising:

a. said signaling means comprises a time delay circuit to eliminate brief contacts in the signaling circuits caused by normal non-turning, non-accelerating and non-braking movements of said vehicle.