Recreational vehicle passing warning device

• US 7,486,200 B2
• Filed: 06/19/2006
• Issued: 02/03/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 06/19/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Allen Gerber
• Original Assignee: Allen Gerber
• Inventors: Gerber, Allen
• Primary Examiner(s): Swarthout; Brent
• Application Number:
  US11/455,567
• Publication Number:
  US 20070290822A1
• Time in Patent Office: 960 Days
• Field of Search: 340/903, 340/435, 340/436, 340/425.5, 340/901, 340/438
• US Class Current: 340/903
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/00 Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00 , e.g. haptic signalling
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 15/029 Steering assistants using warnings or proposing actions to the driver without influencing the steering system
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 6/04 responsive only to forces disturbing the intended course of the vehicle, e.g. forces acting transversely to the direction of vehicle travel
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 7/228 acting between the steering gear and the road wheels, e.g. on tie-rod

Abstract

The present invention provides a warning apparatus for an automotive vehicle. The apparatus includes an air pressure sensor mounted on a side of the vehicle. This sensor provides an indication which is a function of sensed local air pressure. A connection mechanism is provided between the sensor and an indicator which provides an indication of the pressure to a driver of the vehicle. The pressure sensor thus provides an indication, alert, warning or indicator with respect to the closeness of a passing vehicle.

Claims

1. A warning apparatus for a vehicle comprising:

an air pressure sensor mounted on a side of the vehicle said sensor being positioned to measure pressure changes induced by passing vehicles, said sensor providing an electrical signal which is a function of sensed air pressure; and

means for providing an interpretation of said signal to a driver of said vehicle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said means is a directly wired connection to a signaling device within range of said driver.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 in which said signaling device is visual.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 in which said signaling device is auditory.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 in which said signaling device is tactile.

6. The apparatus of claim 2 in which said signaling device provides an indication of said pressure.

7. The apparatus of claim 2 in which, in addition to an indication of said pressure, said signaling device also provides a warning that said pressure exceeds a predetermined value.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 in which said predetermined value is selectable.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 in which means is analog.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said means is digital.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said means is a wireless transmitter receiving said electrical indication and transmitting same to a receiver which actuates a signaling device within range of said driver.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said means comprises an electrically conductive wire connecting said sensor to a signaling device within range of said driver.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said means comprises an electrically conductive wire connecting said sensor to a signaling device within range of said driver.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said means comprises an optic fiber connecting said sensor to a signaling device within range of said driver.

15. The combination of a vehicle and the warning apparatus of claim 1.

16. A transportation mechanism comprising:

an automotive vehicle;

at least one air pressure sensor mounted on a side of said vehicle said sensor being positioned to measure pressure changes induced by passing vehicles, said sensor providing an electrical indication which is a function of sensed air pressure; and

means for providing said indication to a driver of said vehicle.

17. The transportation mechanism of claim 16 in which there are a plurality of said sensors.

18. The transportation mechanism of claim 16 in which said indication providing means provides a separate indicator for each sensor.

19. The transportation mechanism of claim 17 in which said sensors are connected to said indication providing means via a common signal path.