Rear turning signal sensor

• US 6,967,568 B2
• Filed: 09/05/2003
• Issued: 11/22/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/05/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cheryl P. Ervin
• Original Assignee: Cheryl P. Ervin
• Inventors: Ervin, Cheryl P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): LAI, ANNE VIET NGA
• Application Number:
  US10/655,507
• Publication Number:
  US 20050062591A1
• Time in Patent Office: 809 Days
• Field of Search: 340/435, 340/436, 340/475, 340/903
• US Class Current: 340/435
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/0023 the element being a sensor, e.g. distance sensor, camera
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/006 using a distance sensor
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/931 of land vehicles

Abstract

The invention is a sensing and indicating device for determining the presence of a second vehicle near to a first vehicle and indicating the presence of the second vehicle. A sensor is positioned and electrically connected between the light socket and the light bulb contained within a light assembly and protected by a lens. The sensor transmits to an indicator adjacent the operator of the first vehicle, by a visual indication in the operator'"'"'s sight or by an audio indicator. The sensor can be replaced, transferred to another vehicle or retrofitted to a vehicle.

Claims

1. A device for a vehicle for sensing and indicating a second vehicle is present, the device comprising a sensor for sensing a second vehicle as being present in a space near to the vehicle, the sensor adapted for use with a light socket for a light bulb for a turning signal, the light socket having a power source, the sensor being powered by the power source of the light socket when the light bulb is operated by the turn signal, the sensor adapted to hold a light bulb, wherein as the turning signal is operated by the operator of the vehicle to indicate a desired change of direction for the vehicle, the power to the light bulb operates the sensor whereby the sensor determines a second vehicle is within range and the sensor transmits a signal to an indicator located adjacent to an operator of the vehicle, the indicator indicating a second vehicle is present within the space.

2. The device according to claim 1 for a vehicle for sensing and indicating a second vehicle is present in a space near to the vehicle, the device comprising a proximity sensor.

3. The device according to claim 1 for a vehicle for sensing and indicating a second vehicle is present in a space near to the vehicle, the device sensing behind and to the side of the vehicle.

4. The device according to claim 1 for a vehicle for sensing and indicating a second vehicle is present in a space near to the vehicle, wherein the sensor of the device fits into a socket for a light bulb and the light bulb fits into the sensor.

5. The device according to claim 1 for a vehicle for sensing and indicating a second vehicle is present in a space near to the vehicle, the device further comprising a receiver card for receiving the signal from the sensor.

6. The device according to claim 5 for a vehicle for sensing and indicating a second vehicle is present in a space near to the vehicle, the device further comprising an indicator connected with the receiver card, the indicator indicates the presence of a second vehicle.

7. The device according to claim 6 for a vehicle for sensing and indicating a second vehicle is present in a space near to the vehicle, wherein the indicator being a visual indicator.

8. The device according to claim 7 for a vehicle for sensing and indicating a second vehicle is present in a space near to the vehicle, wherein the visual indicator being a light bulb operable to generate light.

9. The device according to claim 6 for a vehicle for sensing and indicating a second vehicle is present in a space near to the vehicle, wherein the indicator being an audible indicator operable to generate a sound.

10. The device according to claim 1 for a vehicle for sensing and indicating a second vehicle is present in a space near to the vehicle, the device further comprising wireless transmission from the sensor to the receiver card for receiving the signal from the sensor.

11. The device according to claim 1 for a vehicle for sensing and indicating a second vehicle is present in a space near to the vehicle, wherein the indicator located adjacent to an operator of the vehicle being located on a dash of the vehicle.

12. The device according to claim 1 for a vehicle for sensing and indicating a second vehicle is present in a space near to the vehicle, wherein the sensor being transferable to another vehicle.

13. The device according to claim 1 for a vehicle for sensing and indicating a second vehicle is present in a space near to the vehicle, wherein the space near to a vehicle being set by the sensor.

14. The device according to claim 1 for a vehicle for sensing and indicating a second vehicle is present in a space near to the vehicle, wherein the sensor being positioned between a light socket and a light bulb, the sensor being protected by a lens covering the light bulb.