Integrated automotive horn/light apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus and method for simultaneously operating the horn and light systems of a motorized vehicle is provided. The controller used to operate the systems can be a single controller that operates the horn when a certain range of pressure is applied to the controller and operates the horn and lights systems when a stronger pressure is applied. The system can include a dedicated horn operating system controller independent of the dual function controller to eliminate the need for differing pressures to operate the horn and light systems substantially simultaneously. Also disclosed are apparatuses and methods to coordinate a vehicle braking system with the vehicle horn and light systems to improve the reception of safety and/or emergency warnings.

Claims

1. An apparatus for operating a vehicle horn and light system simultaneously comprising: a vehicle .[.steering wheel/steering column assembly.].; a vehicle horn system for emitting audible signals .Iadd.positioned in the vehicle.Iaddend.; a vehicle light system for emitting visual signals .Iadd.positioned in the vehicle.Iaddend.; a dual .[.function.]. .Iadd.horn/light .Iaddend.controller positioned in the vehicle .[.steering wheel/steering column assembly for simultaneously operating.]. .Iadd.to permit manual operation of .Iaddend.the horn and lights systems.Iadd., or manual operation of only one of the horn or light systems when the dual horn/light controller is activated.Iaddend.; a vehicle braking system incorporated into the vehicle and connected to the dual .[.function.]. .Iadd.horn/light .Iaddend.controller.Iadd., the vehicle horn system and the vehicle light system .Iaddend.wherein activation of the braking system activates .[.the dual function controller.]. .Iadd.the horn system and/or the light system.Iaddend..

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising .[.horn contacts situated below the dual function controller that come into contact and operate the horn system when pressure is applied to the controller.]. .Iadd.a central processing controller connected between the vehicle horn and light systems and the vehicle braking system and further comprising an accelerometer positioned in the vehicle and connected to the central processing controller wherein activation of the braking system does not activate the vehicle horn and/or light systems unless a predetermined vehicle change of speed threshold is achieved, wherein the accelerometer sends speed information to the central processing controller, and wherein the central processing controller activates the horn and/or light systems when the brake system is activated and when the predetermined change in vehicle speed is achieved, detected by the accelerometer and processed by the central processing controller.Iaddend..

3. The apparatus of claim .[.2 further comprising light contacts situated below the horn contacts that come into contact when pressure is applied to the controller.]. .Iadd.1 wherein parameters of horn system activation including sound intensity and duration are predetermined.Iaddend..

4. The apparatus of claim .[.3 further comprising at least one light in the light system wherein the controller operates the at least one light when the controller is engaged via pressure.]. .Iadd.1 wherein parameters of light system activation including light intensity, duration and light pattern including intermittent flashing are predetermined.Iaddend..

5. The apparatus of claim .[.4.]. .Iadd.1 .Iaddend.further comprising a central processing .[.system.]. .Iadd.controller .Iaddend.connected between the .[.controller.]. .Iadd.braking system .Iaddend.and the horn and light systems to process and relay signals from the .[.controller.]. .Iadd.braking system .Iaddend.to the horn and light systems.

6. The apparatus of claim .[.4.]. .Iadd.1 further comprising a central processing controller connected between the braking system and the horn and light systems, .Iaddend.wherein the .Iadd.central processing .Iaddend.controller is .[.wired.]. .Iadd.connected .Iaddend.directly to the horn and light systems .Iadd.via hard wire or wireless connection.Iaddend..

7. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising .[.a.]. .Iadd.at least one .Iaddend.relay between the .Iadd.central processing .Iaddend.controller and .Iadd.one or both the .Iaddend.horn .[.system.]. .Iadd.and light systems.Iaddend..

8. The apparatus of claim .[.6 further comprising a relay between the controller and light system.]. .Iadd.1 wherein the braking system comprises a brake pedal and a brake pedal speed sensor wherein brake system activation activates the horn and/or light systems when a predetermined brake pedal depression speed threshold is reached and sensed by the brake pedal speed sensor.Iaddend..

9. The apparatus of claim .[.4 further comprising at least one transmitter connected to the controller and at least one receiver connected to the horn and light systems to wirelessly transmit signals from the controller to the horn and light systems.]. .Iadd.1 wherein the braking system comprises a brake pedal and a pressure/force detector connected to the brake pedal, wherein brake system activation activates the horn and/or light systems when the brake pedal is depressed and a predetermined brake pedal depression pressure threshold is reached and detected by the pressure/force detector.Iaddend..

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the .Iadd.dual horn/light .Iaddend.controller .[.comprises a pair of horn contacts and a pair of light contacts whereby an electrical signal is sent to the horn system when the horn contacts touch and an electrical signal is sent to the light system when the light contacts touch.]. .Iadd.activates the horn system and/or light system when pressure is applied to the dual horn/light controller.Iaddend..

11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a light control switch positioned in the vehicle and positioned electrically between the .Iadd.dual horn/light .Iaddend.controller and the light system wherein the light control switch disengages the light system from control of the .Iadd.dual horn/light .Iaddend.controller when activated.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a single function controller positioned .[.on the steering wheel/steering column assembly.]. .Iadd.in the vehicle .Iaddend.for controlling the horn system independent of the light system .Iadd.when the braking system is activated.Iaddend..

13. The apparatus of claim .[.12 wherein the controller further comprises a pair of horn contacts and a pair of light contacts whereby an electrical signal is sent to the horn system when the horn contacts touch and an electrical signal is sent to the light system when the light contacts touch.]. .Iadd.1 further comprising a single function controller positioned in the vehicle for controlling the light system independent of the horn system when the braking system is activated.Iaddend..

14. The apparatus of claim .[.13 wherein the single function controller engages the pair of horn contacts when a pressure is applied to the single function controller.]. .Iadd.1 further comprising a lock to lock the controller into an activation setting.Iaddend..

15. An apparatus for operating a vehicle horn and light system simultaneously comprising: a vehicle .[.steering wheel/steering column assembly comprising a steering wheel and a steering column connected to the steering wheel.].; a vehicle horn system for emitting audible signals .Iadd.positioned in the vehicle.Iaddend.; a vehicle light system for emitting visual signals .Iadd.positioned in the vehicle.Iaddend.; a dual .[.function.]. .Iadd.horn/light .Iaddend.controller .[.lever.]. positioned .[.on the steering column for simultaneously operating.]. .Iadd.in the vehicle and connected to the vehicle horn system and the vehicle light system to permit manual operation of .Iaddend.the horn and lights systems; and, a vehicle braking system incorporated into the vehicle and connected to the .[.dual function controller.]. .Iadd.vehicle horn system and the vehicle light system .Iaddend.wherein activation of the braking system by applying a pressure force to the braking system .[.sends a signal to, and activates, the dual function controller, which.]. subsequently and substantially simultaneously activates the horn and light systems.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the .[.controller lever further comprises a pair of horn contacts and a pair of light contacts whereby an electrical signal is sent to the horn system when the horn contacts touch and an electrical signal is sent to the light system when the light contacts touch.]. .Iadd.braking system further comprises a brake pedal and a pressure/force detector connected to the brake pedal, wherein brake system activation activates the horn and/or light systems when the brake pedal is depressed and a predetermined brake pedal depression pressure threshold is reached and detected by the pressure/force detector.Iaddend..

17. A method of operating a vehicle horn and light system simultaneously comprising the steps of: providing a vehicle .[.steering wheel/steering column assembly.].; providing a vehicle horn system for emitting audible signals .Iadd.in the vehicle.Iaddend.; providing a vehicle light system for emitting visual signals .Iadd.in the vehicle.Iaddend.; providing a dual .[.function.]. .Iadd.horn/light .Iaddend.controller positioned in the vehicle .[.steering wheel/steering column assembly for simultaneously operating the horn and lights systems wherein the application of a first pressure force causes the horn system to engage independent of the light system and wherein the application of a second pressure force greater than the first pressure force causes the horn and light systems to be activated substantially simultaneously.]. .Iadd.connected to the vehicle light system and the vehicle horn system to permit manual operation of the horn and lights systems, or operation of only one of the horn or light systems when the dual horn/light controller is activated.Iaddend.; providing a vehicle braking system incorporated into the vehicle .[.and connected to the dual function controller wherein activation of the braking system activates the dual function controller.].; .[.and,.]. .Iadd.providing a central processing controller in the vehicle and connected to the dual horn/light controller, the vehicle horn system, the vehicle light system and the vehicle braking system; and,.Iaddend. applying a pressure force on the braking system to .Iadd.send a signal to the central processing controller to .Iaddend.activate .[.the dual function controller to subsequently activate substantially simultaneously.]. the horn .[.and.]. .Iadd.and/or .Iaddend.light systems .Iadd.when the applied pressure force reaches a predetermined pressure threshold.Iaddend..

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the .[.first.]. pressure force is from about .[.0.]. .Iadd.100 .Iaddend.lbs/in.sup.2 to about .[.5.]. .Iadd.200 .Iaddend.lbs/in.sup.2.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein .[.the second pressure force is greater than 5 lbs/in.sup.2.]. .Iadd.activation of the horn and/or light systems occurs when the applied pressure force reaches a predetermined pressure threshold.Iaddend..

20. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of: providing a .[.pair of horn contacts and a pair of light contacts connected to the controller whereby an electrical signal is sent to the horn system when the horn contacts touch and an electrical signal is sent to the light system when the light contacts touch, the second pressure force causing the horn and light contacts to touch.]. .Iadd.braking system with a brake pedal wherein the applied pressure force is applied to the brake pedal.Iaddend..

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a top view of a steering wheel and horn controller assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

(2) FIG. 2 is a top view of a steering wheel and horn controller assembly according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

(3) FIG. 3 is a top view of a steering wheel and horn controller assembly according to a further embodiment of the disclosure.

(4) FIG. 4 is a top view of a steering wheel and horn controller bar assembly according to a yet further embodiment of the disclosure.

(5) FIG. 4A is a side view of a steering wheel column and steering wheel assembly with a horn lever extending from the steering wheel column according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure.

(6) FIG. 4B is a side view of a steering wheel column and steering wheel assembly with a horn control button according to a still further embodiment of the disclosure.

(7) FIG. 5 shows a front view of an automotive dash board with horn/light combined controller de-select switch with steering wheel and steering wheel column in phantom according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure.

(8) FIG. 6 shows a schematic of a horn/light controller according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

(9) FIG. 7 shows a schematic of a horn/light controller according to another according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

(10) FIG. 8 shows a schematic of a horn/light controller according to a further embodiment of the disclosure.

(11) FIG. 8A shows a top view of the horn/light controller shown in FIG. 8 with contacts in phantom according to the further embodiment of the disclosure.

(12) FIG. 9 shows a schematic of a combined horn/light operating system with a central processing controller according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

(13) FIG. 10 shows a schematic of a combined horn/multiple light operating system with a central processing controller according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

(14) FIG. 11 shows a schematic of a combined horn/light operating system with a light deselect switch according to a further embodiment of the disclosure.

(15) FIG. 12 shows a schematic of a combined horn/light operating system with a central processing controller connected to a vehicle braking system according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

(16) FIG. 13 shows a schematic of a combined horn/light operating system with a central processing controller connected to a vehicle braking system and relays according to a different embodiment of the disclosure.

(17) FIG. 14 shows a schematic of a combined horn/light operating system with a central processing controller connected to a vehicle braking system and pressure/force detector according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

(18) FIG. 15 shows a schematic of a combined horn/light operating system with a central processing controller connected to a vehicle braking system, a pressure/force detector and relays according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

(19) FIG. 16 shows a schematic of a combined horn/light operating system with a central processing controller connected to a vehicle braking system and brake pedal speed sensor according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

(20) FIG. 17 shows a schematic of a combined horn/light operating system with a central processing controller connected to a vehicle braking system, brake pedal speed sensor and relays according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

(21) FIG. 18 shows a schematic of a combined horn/light operating system with a central processing controller connected to a vehicle braking system and accelerometer according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

(22) FIG. 19 shows a schematic of a combined horn/light operating system with a central processing controller connected to a vehicle braking system, accelerometer and relays according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

(23) Referring to the drawings and, in particular, FIG. 1, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle steering wheel and combined horn/light controller assembly for a vehicle shown generally as reference numeral 10. Assembly 10 includes a steering wheel 12 connected to a steering wheel center spoke 14. Situated in the approximate center of spoke 14 is a dual horn/light controller shown generally as 16. Controller 16 includes horn controller 18 and a combination horn-light controller 20. Horn controller 18 enables the user to select the horn function only. Combination horn/light controller 20 allows simultaneous operation of both the horn and the vehicle lights.

(24) Referring to FIG. 2, another embodiment of a steering wheel and horn/light controller assembly is shown generally at 10. It should be understood that elements referenced with primed numbers in one embodiment correspond to elements in other embodiments with the same unprimed or differently primed numbers. Assembly 10 has a steering wheel 12 and a center spoke 14 that includes two dual horn/light controllers 16 positioned at opposing lateral ends of spoke 14 adjacent to or in close proximity to the juncture of spoke 14 and steering wheel 12 to provide ease of access during vehicle operation. Like the prior embodiment, controller 16 has a horn controller 18 and a horn/light controller 20 positioned centrally within an inner wall of horn controller 18.

(25) Horn controller 18 enables a vehicle operator to operate the horn without simultaneous light operation. Horn/light controller 20 enables the operator to operate the horn and lights with a single controller. Either lateral controller 16 can be engaged individually or in conjunction with the other lateral controller to operate the horn/light systems.

(26) Referring to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the steering wheel and horn/light controller assembly is shown generally at 10. Assembly 10 includes a steering wheel 12 and a hub 14 connected to steering wheel 12 with a plurality of steering wheel spokes 22. A pair of dual horn/light controllers 16 is positioned on an inner radial edge of steering wheel 12 at approximately the 9:00 and 3:00 positions when the steering wheel is positioned for straight travel. The location of the dual controllers can be placed at different locations on the steering wheel without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

(27) Controllers 16 include a horn controller 18 and a horn/light controller 20 that perform the same functions as the similar elements shown in FIG. 2. The primary difference from the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is that the controllers are situated to provide maximum ease of access for the vehicle operator.

(28) Referring to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of the steering wheel and horn/light controller assembly is shown generally as 10. Assembly 10 includes a steering wheel 12 having a hub 14 attached to wheel 12 via a plurality of spokes 22. A horn/light control bar 16 is attached to steering wheel 12 to allow simultaneous operation of the horn and light systems of the vehicle. Bar 16 imparts the same function as horn/light controller 20 and 20 described with the previous embodiments of the assembly. The horn/light function is engaged by depressing the bar forward and down relative to steering wheel 12. In an alternate embodiment, a second bar can be incorporated into steering wheel 12 to enable an operator to operate the horn independent of the vehicle light system.

(29) Referring to FIG. 4A, a steering column/steering wheel assembly is shown generally as 30 with a steering wheel 32 connected to a steering column 34 with a horn/light control lever 36 attached to column 34. Lever 36 is configured to provide a vehicle operator with the ability to sound an audible alarm simultaneously with the operation of the vehicle light system. Lever 36 can be configured to engage the horn/light systems via movement in either the forward or rearward directions.

(30) Referring to FIG. 4B, another embodiment of the steering column/steering wheel assembly is shown generally at 30. In this embodiment, a button controller 36 is substituted for the lever controller 36 of the previous embodiment. Operation of the horn/light system is performed by depressing button controller 36. Alternatively, button controller 36 can be configured with a lock feature, such as those well known in the art for securing a hazard signal, to allow the operator to lock controller 36 in an operational position to provide a sustained audible/visual signal.

(31) Referring to FIGS. 5-7 and 11, in another aspect of the disclosure, a dual action horn/light controller 48 enables a vehicle operator to engage the horn/light systems of the vehicle with a single control. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, dual horn/light activation is accomplished by pressing a single controller 48. In this embodiment, the dual activation of the horn and light systems is independent of the amount of pressure applied to controller 48.

(32) Referring to FIG. 7, by depressing controller 48 with a pressure 200, contact is made between an upper contact 62 and a lower contact 60. The pressure needed to activate controller 48 can be set at anything greater than 0 lbs/in.sup.2 by using flexible materials for the spoke/controller and/or spring and/or recoil elements about the contacts. Contacts 60 and 62 are enclosed in a cavity formed by an upper spoke segment 14a and a lower spoke segment 14b. By touching the contacts together, a circuit is completed which sends an electrical signal via light lines 72 to light relay 66a. The signal is then sent via light relay lines 80 to light(s) 82. Substantially simultaneous with the transmission of an electrical signal to light(s) 82, a second electrical signal is sent to horn relay 66 via horn lines 64. The second electrical signal is then sent via horn relay lines 76 to horn 78. It should be understood that with respect to light relay 66a at least one additional pair of lines connects the conventional light controls to the relay.

(33) With respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, to enable a driver to disconnect the light function from the horn function, a control switch 50 is positioned in electrical communication between controller 48 and light relay 66a. The on setting may be configured to disconnect light relay 66a from controller 48 or connect the two elements.

(34) In another aspect of the disclosure, a dual action controller 48 engages either the horn system independent of the light system or both the horn and light systems substantially simultaneously by varying the pressure applied to the controller. The functionality is achieved by incorporating two sets of contacts with one set of contacts superposed about the other set or positioned above the other set.

(35) As shown in FIG. 6, an upper horn contact 70 is positioned above a lower horn contact 68. Positioned below lower horn contact 68 is an upper light contact 62. Positioned below upper light contact 62 is lower light contact 60. The application of a relatively light pressure, for example, less than 5 lbs/in.sup.2, causes the horn contacts to engage and complete an electrical circuit, which sends an electrical signal to relay 66, and on to horn 78 without engaging the light system. The application of a more forceful pressure, in this illustrative example, 5 lbs/in.sup.2 or greater, causes both contact systems to engage thereby activating both the horn and light systems.

(36) It should be understood that the pressure range to engage the horn system without the light system can be set to any desired range of pressure values. The pressure needed to engage both the horn and light systems can also be set to any predetermined range as long as the pressure range is greater than the pressure range set to operate the horn system alone. For example, if the horn system pressure range is set from about 1 lb/in.sup.2 to about 10 lb/in.sup.2, the combination horn/light system pressure range should start at a value greater than 10 lb/in.sup.2.

(37) The pressure differential between the upper limit of the horn operation pressure range and the lower limit of the horn/light operation pressure range should be sufficiently large to enable a vehicle operator a wide latitude of pressure choices to activate the desired horn system or horn/light system without having to apply a precise pressure. For example, the pressure differential separating the two ranges can be from about 1 lb/in.sup.2 to about 10 lb/in.sup.2. Of course, any pressure differential less than or greater than this exemplary range is considered to be within the scope of the appended claims, and consistent with the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

(38) In another aspect of the disclosure, two different controllers are employed to allow variability and selectivity in the warning devices implemented to impart a warning signal without the need to apply a specific pressure force, or a pressure force within a pressure range. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 8A, a central controller 118 provides the ability to activate both the horn and the light systems with a single controller. A top light contact 108 is positioned below central controller 118 and above bottom light contact 110. Situated below bottom light contact 110 is upper horn contact 102. Upper horn contact 102 is formed as a disk-like structure with a circular extension projecting upwardly around the light contacts. Positioned directly above the circular extension is a dedicated horn controller 116 that at least partially surrounds central controller 118. Positioned directly below upper horn contact 102 is lower horn contact 100.

(39) To activate both the horn and light systems, a force 122 is applied directly or indirectly to central controller 118, which causes the light contacts to touch and complete a circuit that sends an electrical signal via light lines 112 ultimately to light 114. Force 122 also causes the horn contacts to engage and send an electrical signal via horn lines 104 ultimately to horn 106. Either system can incorporate relays as previously described or a central processing system to relay the signals to the warning systems.

(40) To activate the horn independent of the lights, a second force 120 is applied to dedicated horn controller 116, the downward force of which causes horn contacts 100 and 102 to engage and send a signal to horn 114. This system can also incorporate one or more relays as previously described or a central processing system to relay the signal to the horn system.

(41) Referring now to FIG. 9, a dual horn/light operating system is shown in which controller 48 is connected via hard wire or wirelessly with one or more RF or infra-red transmitters and one or more RF or infrared receivers to a central processing unit or controller 152. Central processing controller receives the signal from controller 48 and processes it according to preconfigured programming to send a desired signal to the horn and light systems to emit the desired warning signal. As is well known in the art, central processing controller 152 can be programmed to operate a specific light 82 and/or multiple lights 82, 84, and 86 as shown in FIG. 10. Controller 152 may also be programmed to activate the light system to emit pulsing light flashes in some pre-determined pattern to impart a specific type of warning signal(s).

(42) In another aspect of the disclosure, in place of controller 48, a sensor can be imbedded in either the steering wheel, steering column and/or steering wheel spoke(s) to detect a force being exerted on a location above the sensor in the form of downward pressure derived from an occupant of the vehicle. The sensor may be calibrated to detect a specific range of force representative of the downward pressure sensed or may be configured to detect any pressure above a threshold level, which may be as low as any force slightly above 0 lbs./in..sup.2.

(43) In a further aspect of the disclosure, application of a vehicle's braking system causes the vehicle horn and light system to operate simultaneously either without additional input from the driver, or with me simultaneous or subsequent manual operation of the horn system by the driver. In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 12, a brake pedal 160, when depressed with a force greater than 0 lbs./in..sup.2, results in a signal being sent via hardwire or wirelessly with one or more RF or infra-red transmitters and one or more RF or infrared receivers to central processing unit or controller 152. Controller 152 sends a signal to a switch 162 that controls whether horn/light controller 16 (or any of the horn/light controller embodiments disclosed herein), operates the horn exclusively, or the lights and horn simultaneously. Switch 162 is positioned between horn/light controller 48 and light(s) 82, or, if light relay 66a is used, between controller 16 and light relay 66a (FIG. 13).

(44) In an open position, switch 162 does not connect controller 16 with light(s) 82 and solely operates the horn system. In a closed position, switch 162 operates the horn and light systems simultaneously. In this embodiment, the vehicle operator must manually activate horn/light controller 48 to engage the horn und light systems when the brake system is activated.

(45) In an alternate embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, operation of brake pedal 160 results in the substantially simultaneous operation of the combined horn and lights systems to give the desired warning signals to individuals within the signals reception area. In this embodiment, brake pedal 160 is connected to controller 152 via hard wire or wirelessly with one or more RF or infra-red transmitters and one or more RF or infrared receivers Controller 152 is connected directly to the horn and light systems, or indirectly via horn and light system relays as disclosed herein.

(46) When brake pedal 160 is depressed with greater than 0 lbs./in..sup.2 of force, a signal is sent to controller 152 via a pressure/force detector 161 connected to brake pedal 160 to operate the horn and light systems to create warning signals. As with other aspects of the disclosure, controller 152 may be programmed to activate the light system to emit pulsing light flashes in some pre-determined pattern to impart a specific type of warning signal(s). The duration and intensity of the warning signals may be programmed into controller 152. Removal of the force applied to brake pedal 160 sends a signal to controller 152 to cease operation of the horn and light systems.

(47) In a further aspect of the disclosure, a predetermined force range for brake pedal operation is implemented to control simultaneous operation of the horn and light systems with the brake system. This alternative embodiment serves the purpose of preventing engagement of the horn and light systems when brake activation is used during normal vehicle operation when no potential danger situations are presented. For example, the operation of the braking system to stop at a stop sign or traffic signal may not warrant operation of the horn/light systems without the presence of a dangerous condition, such as the presence of another vehicle whose operator appears to be ignoring, or does not perceive a red traffic signal.

(48) To ensure undesired operation of the horn/light systems, a range of from about 100 lbs./in..sup.2 to about 200 lbs./in..sup.2 may be set as the brake pedal force range in which operation of brake pedal 160 results in a signal being sent to controller 152 to substantially simultaneously operate the horn and light systems. As should be well understood in the art, the force range may be set to any desirable range that differentiates between a normal driving event versus an emergency event.

(49) In an alternative embodiment, brake activation is not coupled with horn/light activation, but establishes a threshold value to implement the combination horn/light system function with a single manually-operated controller. Once the brake pedal force range is achieved, a signal is sent to controller 152 which, in turn, activates the combination horn/light system controller 48. If the brake activation pressure range is not achieved, controller 48 is not activated by controller 152.

(50) In a further aspect of the disclosure as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the speed at which brake pedal 160 is depressed determines whether the horn and/or light systems are activated substantially simultaneously with activation of the vehicle brake system. In this embodiment, a predetermined time interval is selected to substantially simultaneously activate the horn and/or light systems when brake activation in the form of brake pedal depression falls within the selected time interval. A quickly depressed brake pedal signifies a potential emergency situation. By setting a brake depression time interval that correlates with a potential emergency situation, activation of the horn and/or light systems substantially simultaneous with the brake system activation will limit the instances in which the horn and/or light systems are engaged to issue warning signals to individuals in the signal receiving area.

(51) In this embodiment, a brake pedal speed sensor 164 is connected to brake pedal 160. Sensor 164 measures the time interval to depress brake pedal 160 from a starting non-activated position to a selected activation position, which may or may not be full depression of the pedal. The sensed time interval is sent via hard wire, or wirelessly as disclosed herein, as a signal to controller 152 which compares the sensed time interval to a preselected horn/light activation time interval range. If the registered time interval falls within the preselected range, controller 152 sends an activation signal directly or via relay as disclosed herein to the horn and/or light systems to issue warning signals. In one embodiment, the time interval is set from about 0 seconds to about 0.2 seconds. In an alternative embodiment, controller 152 sends a signal to activate horn/light controller 16 for manual operation of the combined horn/light systems.

(52) In a still further aspect of the disclosure as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the speed at which a vehicle travels causes controller 152 to substantially simultaneously activate either or both the horn and light systems when the braking system is activated. To monitor vehicle speed, an accelerometer 166 is incorporated into the vehicle. Accelerometer 166 provides the necessary data to determine the speed of the vehicle. The data is fed to controller 152 where it is processed to determine vehicle speed. When a preselected threshold speed is detected, controller 152 is programmed to operate the horn and/or light systems substantially simultaneously when the brake pedal is depressed, or when there is a sudden deceleration or sudden acceleration event that may result from an evasive maneuver to avoid a vehicle accident.

(53) In this embodiment, a threshold speed, e.g., 50 m.p.h. is preselected as a vehicle speed that will activate automated coordination of the vehicle's horn and/or light systems with the vehicle's braking and/or acceleration systems when activated. By preprogramming controller 152 at the preselected speed, once a vehicle reaches the selected speed, controller 152 sends an activation signal directly or via relay as disclosed herein to the horn and/or light systems to issue warning signals.

(54) In a further embodiment, rather than coordinate horn and/or light system activation with brake and/or acceleration system activation, horn/light controller 16 (and disclosed variants thereof), simultaneously controls the horn and light systems as described herein when the preselected speed threshold is reached. In this embodiment, accelerometer 166 sends vehicle speed data to controller 152. If the vehicle's detected speed reaches the preselected threshold, controller 152 sends a signal to a switch 168 that activates control of light system 82 via horn/light controller 16 (and disclosed variants of horn controller 18). With this activation, it should be understood that control of light system 82 with the resident conventional light controller remains effective. Alternatively, the combination may be configured to deactivate the conventional light system controller when the combination horn/light controller is activated.

(55) In a further aspect of the disclosure, the ambient lighting conditions are monitored to determine whether the light system engagement should involve high beam, low beam or some alternative mix of all the vehicle's lighting systems to impart a warning signal that does not itself create a potentially dangerous situation. At night, use of the high beam flashing may cause temporary blindness of oncoming traffic and cause additional danger or emergency situations. To prevent this, coordination of the vehicle light system with the vehicle's braking system may be implemented to adjust to different ambient light conditions.

(56) In this embodiment, an ambient light detector as commonly known in the art is incorporated into the vehicle to detect ambient lighting conditions. Detected conditions are sent via signal via hardwire or wirelessly to controller 152. Controller 152 is preprogrammed to activate, directly or indirectly via relay, various vehicle lights in accordance with preselected light combinations. Activation of the combination horn/lights controller 16 activates the horn and lights according to the preprogrammed combinations.

(57) It should be understood and apparent that light configurations shown are for illustrative purposes only and that any combination of light configurations may be possible, including head lights in both high and low beam settings, fog lights, driving lights, parking lights, reverse lights, braking lights, interior lights and dedicated lights included in a vehicle for the specific purpose of operating in conjunction with the vehicle horn system. Redundant sets of lights placed on the rear, sides and/or front of vehicle may also be included for warning specific purposes.

(58) It should also be understood and apparent that the lights may be any of a variety of types including incandescent, halogen, ultra violet, infrared and the like. The lights may be further modified to function as strobe or flashing lights to make more conspicuous and improve visibility when a warning signal is being sent. In the event dedicated warning lights are incorporated into a vehicle, the lights may be further distinguished from the conventional lights by being colored with a color selected to be different from the colors used for other vehicle lights like red for brake lights, or emergency lights, such as blue used on law enforcement vehicles. Color schemes may also be implemented to signify different types of warnings. For example, a yellow light could designate an approaching hazard while a green light could signify imminent danger.

(59) The dual horn/light system described herein is intended for implementation in any vehicle used to carry passengers including illustratively boats, trains, buses (commercial and school), cars, vans, SUV's and trucks. The system can be implemented for internal warning, such as in a school bus, to ensure children seated in the bus are properly alerted to any imminent danger

(60) While the present disclosure has been described in connection with several embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as come within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.