Vehicle U-turn signal indicator and system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle U-turn indicator system to alert other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians of a potential U-turn made by a vehicle. The indicator is an inverted “U” shaped device having LED lights configured to blink in a running manner from one end to other and vice versa. The blinking of LED lights in one direction indicates U-turn of the vehicle in one direction (i.e. left) and in another direction indicates a U-turn of the vehicle in another direction (i.e. right). The indicator can be mounted to the front and rear of the vehicle in addition to side mirrors. An actuator is used for activating the U-turn indicator in a preferred direction.

Claims

1. A combination vehicle and U-turn signal system comprising: a vehicle having a body comprised of a front body panel, a back body panel and a pair of side body panels; a first signal indicator provided on the front body panel; a second signal indicator provided on the back body panel, wherein each of the first and second signal indicators are comprised of a housing with an arrow shaped portion on each end of the housing; a pair of signal indicators, wherein at least one of the pair of signal indicators is provide on each of the pair of side body panels and comprises an arrow shaped portion on each end of a housing; an actuator for activating each of the first signal indicator, the second signal indicator and the pair of signal indicators; and a plurality of LED lights disposed within the housing and the arrow shaped portions, wherein the plurality of LED lights operate in one of a continuous, a sequential, a simultaneous or a combination lighting configuration, and further wherein the plurality of LED lights in the arrow shaped portions are a different color than the plurality of LED lights in the housing.

2. The combination as recited in claim 1 further comprising a controller for operating each of the first signal indicator, the second signal indicator and the pair of signal indicators.

3. The combination as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of LED lights comprise a prismatic lens.

4. The combination as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of LED lights are of different colors.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the one potential embodiment of the U-turn signal indicator of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of a vehicle equipped with one potential embodiment of the U-turn signal indicator of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of a vehicle equipped with one potential embodiment of the U-turn signal indicator of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing one potential embodiment of the U-turn signal activator arm of the present invention inside a vehicle in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing one potential embodiment of the U-turn indicator activator control buttons of the present invention positioned inside the vehicle in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram showing one potential embodiment of the U-turn indicator activation system for activating the indicator using the lever arm and activation buttons in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates one potential embodiment of an aftermarket kit to retrofit a vehicle with the U-turn indicator activation system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

(9) The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

(10) As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a U-turn signal that can be used for solving problems associated with indicating a desire to make a U-turn to fellow vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians nearby. There is also a long felt need in the art for a vehicle U-turn indicator that is convenient and easy to use. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a vehicle U-turn indicator that informs other vehicle drivers, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians about the vehicle driver's intent to make a U-turn. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a vehicle U-turn indicator that can prevent accidents and crashes with other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians while making a U-turn. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a vehicle U-turn indicator that can be integrated or retrofitted in or on an existing vehicle body or frame. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a vehicle U-turn signal indicating device and system provided on a vehicle for alerting oncoming and following vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians of the vehicle operator's intention to make a U-turn.

(11) The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel U-turn signal indicating system for a vehicle to indicate a potential U-turn of the vehicle to other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians is disclosed. The system includes, in one embodiment, a U-turn signal indicator positioned on the front bumper of the vehicle, a U-turn signal indicator positioned on the rear bumper of the vehicle, a U-turn signal indicator positioned on each side mirror of the vehicle, and a U-turn signal activation lever arm positioned near the steering wheel of the vehicle. The lever arm when actuated in a first position, is configured to activate the U-turn signal indicators to indicate a U-turn of the vehicle in the left direction, the lever arm when actuated in a second position, is configured to activate the U-turn signal indicators to indicate a U-turn of the vehicle in the right direction. The lever arm is coupled to an U-turn electronic switch for activating the U-turn signal indicators.

(12) Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the one potential embodiment of the U-turn signal indicator 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. The U-turn signal indicator 100 is designed to mount on the body or frame of the vehicle, such as to the front and rear of a vehicle to indicate and alert other vehicle operators, cyclists and pedestrians about an intention to make an U-turn by the driver of the vehicle. The U-turn signal indicator 100 eliminates the need for verbal communication or confusion for between people when making a U-turn. More specifically, the U-turn signal indicator 100 has a weatherproof inverted U-shaped housing 102 having two arrow ends 104, 106. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 108 are disposed in the housing 102 for providing illumination and blinking to signal the intention of the operator in making a U-turn. Preferably, the LEDs 108 are arranged such that the LEDs 108 blink in a manner that appears like each LED or group of LED lights is following a consecutive LED in one direction. The LED lights may operate in one of a continuous, sequential, simultaneous or combination of lighting configurations depending on the preferences of the user. Accordingly, the LED lights 108 may blink in a continuous, sequential or other desired manner in a first direction starting 110 from first arrow end 104 towards the second arrow end 106 to indicate U-turn. Also, the LED lights 108 also blink in a second direction starting from second arrow end 106 towards the first arrow end 104 indicating that the vehicle's U-turn in the opposite direction. The LED lights selectively toggle between the first direction 110 and the second direction 112 using an activation means disposed inside a vehicle as best shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

(13) Due to the signaling appearance of the LEDs 108, the U-turn indicator 100 provides the ability to an operator of a vehicle to indicate the intended U-turn movement or direction towards the left of the vehicle and the intended U-turn movement or direction towards the right of the vehicle. The indicator 100 is configured to be mounted on the frame or body of the vehicle such as to the front and rear of the vehicle as shown in FIGS. 2 & 3 during the manufacturing of the vehicle or it can be retrofitted to an existing vehicle. Additionally, the U-turn indicator 100 can be mounted to side view mirrors as well as shown in FIG. 5. The U-turn signals 100 mounted to the front, rear and side view mirrors are configured to attach a common electronic switch enabling all the mounted indicators 100 illuminate and blink in the same style (i.e. same direction and color). The LED lights may be provided in different colors 103 which can signal the direction of the turn, and the arrow portions can appear in a different color 105 than the surrounding lights to show which direction will be the completion of the turn. The speaker may be positioned on either the front or back of the vehicle or any other portion of the vehicle.

(14) It should be understood that although the preferred embodiment has blinking LEDs 108 providing a continuous or sequential appearance in the first direction and the second direction but the LEDs 108 may blink without providing a signaling appearance. The blinking in this case may be common to indicate a potential U-turn in either of the left and right direction. Further, it should be understood that the indicator 100 of the present invention is used to inform motorists, cyclists and pedestrians of a user's intent to make a U-turn with many types of vehicles and should not be limited to any particular type of vehicle described herein.

(15) FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of a vehicle equipped with the U-turn signal indicator 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. As shown, the indicator 100 is attached to the front bumper 202 of the vehicle 200, preferably positioned above the front license plate 204 on the front of the vehicle 200 such that operators of the oncoming vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians are alerted to the intention of a U-turn by the blinking/illuminating of the U-turn signal indicator 100. The indicator 100 can be removably or permanently mounted to the front of the vehicle. A conventional fastening mechanism such as mechanical fasteners, adhesive or any other fastening means may be used for mounting the indicator 100. The indicator 100 positioned on the front of the vehicle 200 is activated using an appropriate activation mechanism such as a lever arm (shown in FIG. 4) or an actuation button (shown in FIG. 5). The system may also include a speaker 201 such that if the vehicle is near a pedestrian crossing and the signal is not visible to pedestrians, then an audible sound is emitted, alerting them to the vehicle entering into the crosswalk area.

(16) FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the vehicle 200 equipped with the U-turn signal indicator 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed speciation. As shown, the indicator 100 is attached to the rear bumper 302 of the vehicle 200, preferably positioned above the rear license plate 304 such that the blinking/illuminating U-turn signal indicator 100 alerts following vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians of the vehicle 200 to the intention of vehicle's operator to make U-turn. The indicator 100 on the rear bumper 302 can be removably or permanently mounted. A conventional fastening mechanism such as mechanical fasteners, adhesive or any other fastening means may be used for mounting the indicator 100. The indicator 100 positioned on the rear of the vehicle 200 is activated using an appropriate activation mechanism such as a lever arm (shown in FIG. 4) or an actuation button (shown in FIG. 5).

(17) FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing one potential embodiment of the U-turn signal activator arm inside a vehicle in accordance with the disclosed specification. The U-turn signal activator 402 is positioned adjacent to the steering wheel 404 of the vehicle 200 and can be deployed inside the vehicle 200 during manufacturing of the vehicle 200. The U-turn signal activation lever 402 is configured to be in an initial position 406 where the U-turn indicator 100 is deactivated. In use, the U-turn signal activation lever 402 is actuated to a lower position 408 to activate the U-turn signal indicating a U-turn in left direction. Thus, when the U-turn signal activation lever 402 is in lower position 408, then the LEDs illuminate in a running direction from arrow end 106 to the arrow end 104.

(18) For indicating a U-turn signal in right direction, the activation lever 402 is actuated to an upper position 410 where the LEDs illuminate in a running direction from the arrow end 104 to the arrow end 106. The activation lever 402 simultaneously activates the U-turn indicators positioned on the front and rear of the vehicle (as shown in FIGS. 1&2) and also simultaneously or sequentially activates the U-turn indicator 100 positioned on the side mirror 412.

(19) FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing one potential embodiment of the U-turn indicator activator control buttons positioned inside the vehicle in accordance with the disclosed specification. The U-turn indicator activation buttons 502, 504 are positioned on the dashboard 506 of the vehicle 200, and can be retrofitted in the existing vehicle. The U-turn indicator activation button 502 is configured to simultaneously or sequentially activate the indicators positioned on the front, rear and side mirrors simultaneously to indicate U-turn in left direction of the vehicle. The U-turn indicator activation button 504 is configured to simultaneously or sequentially activate the indicators positioned on the front or rear of the vehicle 200 and side mirrors 410 simultaneously to indicate a U-turn in a right direction of the vehicle 200.

(20) FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram showing one potential embodiment of the U-turn indicator activation system for activating the indicator using the lever arm 402 and activation button 502, 504 in accordance with the disclosed specification. As shown, the indication activation means 602 which includes one of the lever arm 402 and activation buttons 502, 504 is connected to a U-turn electronic switch 604 positioned in the Controller Area Network (CAN) of the vehicle. The switch 604 is coupled to the battery 606 of the vehicle for activating the front U-turn light, rear U-turn light and the side view mirrors U-turn lights.

(21) When the U-turn indicator is retrofitted in an existing vehicle, then, the U-Turn electronic switch 604 is connected to the existing CAN of the vehicle and the activation buttons are mounted to the dashboard.

(22) FIG. 7 provides a kit that may be used to install the U-turn system of the present invention. The kit is provided in a package 700 which has a first set of two U-turn turning signals 701 and 703 for application to the frame or body of the vehicle and a second set of two U-turn signals that are a different size and preferably smaller 705 and 707 which may be applied to the side mirrors or other portions of the vehicles. The kit includes a set of wires 709 which can be used to connect the various signals to the control panel 711, which has left and right buttons 713 for activating the signals after installation. The control panel 711 is applied to a dashboard of the vehicle. Retroreflective tape 715, 717 may be provided in different colors to match the body trim as well as to increase the reflection of the signals in a low light condition. The retroreflective tape may be a beaded or prismatic tape available from 3M or Avery Dennison. The kit may also include a speaker 719 to be attached to the vehicle frame or body. The speaker can be applied underneath the hood or trunk, under body panels or elsewhere depending on the preferences of the operator. The speaker 719 is used to alert pedestrians or others that may not be able to see the U-turn signal. The signals, speaker and/or control panel may be installed using a double sided adhesive tape having layers of adhesive 723 and various liners 721.

(23) Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “U-turn signal indicator”, “U-turn indicator”, “indicator”, and “vehicle U-turn signal indicator” are interchangeable and refer to the vehicle U-turn signal indicator 100 of the present invention.

(24) Notwithstanding the forgoing, the vehicle U-turn signal indicator 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the vehicle U-turn signal indicator 100 as shown in the FIGS. is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the vehicle U-turn signal indicator 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the vehicle U-turn signal indicator 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the vehicle U-turn signal indicator 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

(25) Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

(26) What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.