Modified marker light as multi-function vehicle light

• US 8,845,159 B2
• Filed: 10/19/2009
• Issued: 09/30/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 10/22/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: U-Haul International Incorporated (U-Haul Holding Co.)
• Original Assignee: U-Haul International Incorporated (U-Haul Holding Co.)
• Inventors: Dolan, Robert A.
• Primary Examiner(s): HAN, JASON
• Application Number:
  US12/581,662
• Publication Number:
  US 20100096990A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,807 Days
• Field of Search: 362/487, 362493-507, 362540-549
• US Class Current: 362/541
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/0088 Details of electrical connections B60Q1/305 takes precedence; electrical connection of the light source itself F21S41/192, F21S43/195
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2696 Mounting of devices using LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/302 mounted in the vicinity, e.g. in the middle, of a rear window
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/32 for indicating vehicle sides , e.g. clearance lights
• 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 1/441 Electric switches operable by the driver's pedals

Abstract

The present invention includes a system, method, and apparatus for configuring one modified marker light to function as one or more of a marker light, a CHMSL, and a brake light. The modified marker light includes a first input coupled to a CHMSL, a second input coupled to one or more marker lights, a third input coupled to a ground, and a circuit associated with the modified marker light to control the function of the marker light, the CHMSL, and the brake light. The modified marker light illuminates (as one or more of the marker light, the CHMSL, and the brake light) upon a driver using a brake of a vehicle when the one or more marker lights are not energized. The modified marker light illuminates as one or more of the marker light, the CHMSL, and the brake light upon a driver using the brake of the vehicle when the one or more marker lights are already energized.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a light assembly adapted for mounting on a vehicle and configured to include a brake light input coupled to a first light element and a marker light input coupled to a second light element;

wherein the brake light input is coupled to a first diode, the first light element is coupled between the first diode and a ground, the marker light input is coupled to a second diode, and the second light element is coupled between the first diode and the second diode;

whereby the light assembly is configured to function as an identification light and a center high mount stop light.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first light element functions as a center high mount stop light and the second light element functions as an identification light.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first light element comprises at least one light emitting diode.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second light element comprises at least one light emitting diode.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first light element comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes and the second light element comprises a light emitting diode.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a resistor is coupled between the second diode and the second light element.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a resistor is coupled between the second light element and the first light element and between the second light element and the first diode.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first light element comprises a light bulb.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second light element comprises one or more light bulbs.

10. An apparatus comprising:

a light assembly adapted for mounting on a vehicle and configured to include a brake light input coupled to a first light element and a marker light input coupled to a second light element;

wherein the brake light input is coupled to a first diode, the first light element is coupled between the first diode and a ground, the marker light input is coupled to a second diode, and the second light element is coupled between the first diode and the second diode; and

an electrical circuit configured to energize the second light element at a brightness suitable for an identification lamp when at least one headlight of the vehicle is illuminated and configured to energize the first light element at a brightness suitable for a stop lamp when the vehicle brake is applied, whether or not the identification lamp is energized;

wherein the light housing is mounted on the vehicle in a location that is suitable for functioning as a center high mount stop lamp and is also suitable for functioning as an identification lamp.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the first light element comprises a light emitting diode.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the second light element comprises a light emitting diode.

13. The light assembly of claim 10 wherein the first light element comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes and the second light element comprises a light emitting diode.

14. The light assembly of claim 10 wherein a resistor is coupled between the second diode and the second light element.