Digital Display Screen Device

Abstract

A digital display screen device for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a rear window. The digital display screen device comprises a housing positionable in the rear window of the vehicle. An elongated screen is mounted on the housing and viewable through the rear window of the vehicle with the screen displaying information. A control mechanism communicates with the screen for controlling power to and information on the screen. Upon activation of the screen, the information displayed on the screen is a safety indicator or a need for roadside assistance in a critical situation.

Claims

1. A digital display screen device for a vehicle, the vehicle having a rear window, the digital display screen device comprising: a housing positionable in the rear window of the vehicle; an elongated screen mounted on the housing and viewable through the rear window of the vehicle, the screen displaying information; and a control mechanism in communication with the screen for controlling power to and information on the screen; wherein upon activation of the screen, the information displayed on the screen is a. safety indicator or a need for roadside assistance in a critical situation.

2. The digital display screen device of claim 1 wherein the screen is sized and shaped for fitting into the back window of the vehicle.

3. The digital display screen device of claim 1 wherein the information is a written message.

4. The digital display screen device of claim 3 wherein the message displayed on the screen is selected by a user.

5. The digital display screen device of claim 4 wherein the message is preprogrammed.

6. The digital display screen device of claim 5 wherein the message is selected from the group consisting of FLAT TIRE, OUT OF GAS, OFFICER ASSISTANCE, U TURN, REVERSE, CAUTION, HOSPITAL, and AMBER ALERT.

7. The digital display screen device of claim 1 wherein the message is emblazoned in bright, red block letters flashing across the sign, readable from left to right.

8. The digital display screen device of claim 1 wherein the control mechanism is a cordless handheld remote control component.

9. The digital display screen device of claim 1 wherein the control mechanism is voice automated or a remote control component connected by an elongated power cord.

10. The digital display screen device of claim 1 wherein the control mechanism is positionable on a dashboard of the vehicle.

11. The digital display screen device of claim 1 wherein the control mechanism has a series of push buttons with individual buttons representing various messages to be displayed on the screen.

12. A method for communicating from a vehicle, the vehicle having a rear window, the method comprising: positioning a housing in the rear window of the vehicle; mounting an elongated screen on the housing; viewing the screen through the rear window of the vehicle, the screen displaying information; providing a control mechanism; communicating with the screen for controlling power to and information on the screen; and displaying the information on the screen.

13. A digital display screen device for a vehicle, the vehicle having a rear window, the digital display screen device comprising: a housing positionable in the rear window of the vehicle; an elongated screen mounted on the housing and viewable through the rear window of the vehicle, the screen displaying a message; and a control mechanism in communication with the screen for controlling power to and message on the screen; wherein upon activation of the screen, the message displayed on the screen is selected to provide a safety indicator or a need for roadside assistance in a critical situation; and wherein the message is emblazoned in bright, red block letters flashing across the sign, readable from left to right.

14. The digital display screen device of claim 13 wherein the screen is sized and shaped for fitting into the back window of the vehicle.

15. The digital display screen device of claim 14 wherein the message displayed on the screen is selected by a user.

16. The digital display screen device of claim 15 wherein the message is preprogrammed.

17. The digital display screen device of claim 16 wherein the message is selected from the group consisting of FLAT TIRE, OUT OF GAS, OFFICER ASSISTANCE, U TURN, REVERSE, CAUTION, HOSPITAL, and AMBER ALERT.

18. The digital display screen device of claim 13 wherein the control mechanism is voice automated or a cordless handheld remote control component.

19. The digital display screen device of claim 13 wherein the control mechanism is a remote control component connected by an elongated power cord.

20. The digital display screen device of claim 13 wherein the control mechanism is positionable on a dashboard of the vehicle and has a series of push buttons with individual buttons representing various messages to be displayed on the screen.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a digital display screen device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, installed in a vehicle and displaying a message indicating U TURN.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the digital display screen, constructed in accordance with the present invention, installed in a vehicle and displaying a message indicating FLAT TIRE.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the digital display screen device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, installed in a vehicle and displaying a message indicating HOSPITAL.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the digital display screen device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, installed in a vehicle and displaying a message indicating STOP.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention, hereinafter referred to as a Digital Display Screen Device 10, is a multifunctional digital display screen that is particularly engineered to be placed in a rear window 12 of an automobile 14. The Digital Display Screen Device 10 provides motorists with a visible means of notifying other cars or emergency personnel that they are experiencing car trouble, have a medical emergency, intend to make a U turn, or various other indicators selected from an assortment of preprogrammed messages. The Digital Display Screen Device 10 is a handy tool that enables stranded motorists to quickly and easily convey their need of roadside assistance. Pulse, the. Digital Display Screen Device 10 is easily installed in a vehicle's 14 rear window by replacing the brake light and functions.

[0019] The Digital Display Screen Device 10 of the present invention is comprised of an illuminated sign 16 which is easily installed in a vehicle's rear window 12 and functions effectively in relaying information to other drivers on the road. In addition to calls for assistance in an emergency situation or roadside mishap, the Digital Display Screen Device 10 is programmed to relay a variety of other directives aimed at improving safety on the road. Such directives include, but are not limited to, an indication of making a U turn, reverse and caution signs for semi trucks, and notification that a passenger in the vehicle 14 is going to the hospital so traffic will allow the car to pass.

[0020] The Digital Display Screen Device 10 is an elongated, rectangular screen 18 that is sized appropriately to fit into the back window of any vehicle 14. The Digital Display Screen Device 10 is activated by means of voice automation or a simple sensor mechanism integrally located within the sign 16. The sensor mechanism enables a user to operate the Digital Display Screen Device 10 displays by means of a handheld remote control component. In addition to functioning cordlessly and independently from a distance, the remote control component is also directly connectable to the Digital Display Screen Device 10 by means of an elongated power cord.

[0021] In addition, the Digital Display Screen Device 10 of the present invention can be controlled by operation of controls mounted on the dashboard or other place in the vehicle 14. In this manner, the operation of the Digital Display Screen Device 10 is within easy reach of the occupants in the vehicle 14 and can be accomplished by anyone sitting in the front seat, or elsewhere depending on the position of the controls, of the vehicle 14.

[0022] The aforementioned voice/remote control of the Digital Display Screen Device 10 of the present invention contains a series of push buttons with individual buttons representing various messages to be displayed on the screen. Once activated, the remote control and sensor mechanism causes a series of bulbs located behind the screen 18 of the Digital Display Screen Device 10 to light up and display the emergency message. The message is boldly emblazoned in bright, red block letters which immediately flash across the sign 16, readable from left to right. Initial messages comprising this display capability include FLAT TIRE, OUT OF GAS, OFFICER ASSISTANCE, U TURN, REVERSE, CAUTION, HOSPITAL, and AMBER ALERT, in addition to others.

[0023] The Digital Display Screen Device 10 of the present invention provides stranded motorists with a safe and efficient means of alerting others to their trouble. When stranded, drivers no longer need to leave their vehicles 14 to seek help in often unsafe conditions. By simply activating the Digital Display Screen Device 10, drivers project a clear message through their rear window 12 to inform passing motorists of their plight and request help if needed. Whether calling a mechanic, law enforcement or an ambulance, others can assist a stranded driver in a matter that is safe for them as well. The Digital Display Screen Device 10 functions as a backup for cellular phone owners who experience unserviceable areas, dead batteries or forgotten phones. With this innovative technology incorporated into their vehicle, motorists always are adequately prepared for virtually any roadside emergency or everyday driving situation.

[0024] Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claim.