Vehicular Front Brake Light System

Abstract

The present invention relates to a front brake light system and a vehicle equipped with the front brake light system. The front brake light system includes a plurality of LEDs and an impact camera. The LEDs are illuminated in a color such as red when the brake pedal of vehicle is depressed by the driver, thereby alerting users in front of the vehicle of the braking process. The impact camera starts to record images and/or videos of an area in front of the vehicle when the brake pedal of the vehicle is depressed by the driver. The front brake light system receives electrical power from the internal electrical power of the vehicle and is actuated when the brake pedal is depressed. The front brake light system can be hexagonal in shape. In some embodiments, the front brake light system works simultaneously with a conventional rear brake light system.

Claims

1. A vehicle front brake light system comprising: a front brake light having a plurality of LEDs mounted to a front of a vehicle; wherein said front brake light connected to an internal electrical supply of said vehicle; and further wherein said plurality of LEDs illuminate when a brake pedal of said vehicle is depressed by a driver of said vehicle.

2. The vehicle front brake light system of claim 1, wherein said front brake light having a hexagonal shape.

3. The vehicle front brake light system of claim 1, wherein said front brake light having a “STOP” text printed thereon.

4. The vehicle front brake light system of claim 1, wherein said front brake light is centered around a front license plate area.

5. The vehicle front brake light system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of LEDs in a form of a strip generally about 8 inches in length.

6. The vehicle front brake light system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of LEDs are flashing LEDs.

7. The vehicle front brake light system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of LEDs are red in color.

8. The vehicle front brake light system of claim 1 further comprising an impact camera for capturing images when the brake pedal of said vehicle is depressed by a driver of said vehicle.

9. The vehicle front brake light system of claim 8, wherein said impact camera automatically actuated upon depressing the brake pedal of said vehicle by a driver of said vehicle.

10. The vehicle front brake light system of claim 9, wherein said impact camera is a video camera.

11. The vehicle front brake light system of claim 1, wherein said front brake light synched with a vehicle's rear lights for simultaneous illumination upon depressing the brake pedal of said vehicle by a driver of said vehicle.

12. The vehicle front brake light system of claim 1, wherein said front brake light having a transparent covering for protecting said front brake light from impact.

13. The vehicle front brake light system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of LEDs having a pair of horizontal LED strips and a pair of vertical LED strips.

14. A vehicle front brake light system comprising: a front brake light having a plurality of LEDs mounted to a front of a vehicle; wherein said front brake light connected to an internal electrical supply of said vehicle; wherein said plurality of LEDs illuminate when the brake pedal of said vehicle is depressed by a driver of said vehicle; wherein said plurality of LEDs are red in color; and further wherein said front brake light synched with a vehicle's rear lights for simultaneous illumination upon depressing the brake pedal of said vehicle by a driver of said vehicle.

15. The vehicle front brake light system of claim 14, wherein said front brake light is centered around a front license plate area.

16. The vehicle front brake light system of claim 14, wherein said plurality of LEDs are flashing LEDs.

17. The vehicle front brake light system of claim 14 further comprising an impact camera for capturing images when the brake pedal of said vehicle is depressed by a driver of said vehicle.

18. The vehicle front brake light system of claim 17, wherein said impact camera automatically actuated upon depressing the brake pedal of said vehicle by a driver of said vehicle.

19. The vehicle front brake light system of claim 18, wherein said impact camera is a video camera.

20. A vehicle front brake light system comprising: a front brake light having a plurality of LEDs mounted to a front of a vehicle; wherein said front brake light connected to an internal electrical supply of said vehicle; wherein said plurality of LEDs illuminate when the brake pedal of said vehicle is depressed by a driver of said vehicle; wherein said plurality of LEDs are red in color; wherein said front brake light synched with a vehicle's rear lights for simultaneous illumination upon depressing the brake pedal of said vehicle by a driver of said vehicle; an impact camera for capturing images when the brake pedal of said vehicle is depressed by a driver of said vehicle; and further wherein said impact camera synched with said front brake light for simultaneous actuation upon depressing the brake pedal of said vehicle by a driver of said vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with one potential embodiment of front brake light system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing another embodiment of the front brake light system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with the dual front brake light system and a pedestrian being alerted using the light system in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a functional block diagram showing high level schematic view of the front brake light system of various embodiments of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0022] 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.

[0023] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a brake light system that can be affixed to the front of a vehicle. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a front brake light system that alerts others in front of the vehicle about the braking of the vehicle. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a brake light system that can be integrally attached to a front of a vehicle during manufacturing of the vehicle. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a front brake light system that works simultaneously with the rear brake lights to alert others about braking of the vehicle. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a brake light system that improves roadway safety and ensures all other vehicles and pedestrians are aware of braking regardless of being at the front or the rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a brake light system that includes an impact area for capturing images and videos in front of the vehicle. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a front brake light system that improves safety, and prevents collisions and serious injuries.

[0024] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a vehicle equipped with a front brake light system and a rear brake light system. The vehicle comprising a brake pedal for allowing the vehicle to decelerate in response to depression of the brake pedal; a front brake light system disposed in front of the vehicle where the front license or vanity plate is located; the front brake light system has a plurality of LEDs and an impact camera; a circuit coupled to internal electrical wiring of the vehicle for receiving vehicular electrical supply; the LEDs are energized and illuminated when the brake light is depressed enabling the LEDs and the impact camera to receive vehicular electrical supply via the circuit. The front brake light system and rear brake light system simultaneously work together ensuring all other vehicles and pedestrians are aware of a vehicle's braking regardless of viewing the vehicle from the front or the back.

[0025] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with one potential embodiment of a front brake light system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The front brake light system 100 of the present embodiment is designed as a hexagonal single brake light 102 having a “STOP” text 104 printed thereon. The light system 100 is designed to mount on the front of the vehicle and preferably where the front license or vanity plate is located. The light system 100 is connected to internal electrical supply of the vehicle for providing electrical power to LEDs embedded in the light system 100 as described in FIG. 4. The light system 100 has a plurality of LEDs 106a-d that are illuminated when a brake pedal is depressed by a driver of the vehicle. Each LED is in the form of a strip and is about 8-inches in length. The LEDs may illuminate in a flashing or continuous manner and includes bright red color for maximizing visibility even in lowlight areas and in night.

[0026] The light system 100 preferably measures generally 8 inches by 5 inches such that the system 100 can be easily and securely mounted onto the vehicle. The light system 100 is mounted using a fastening means 108, such as, mechanical screws (bolts, nuts, and washers), or alternatively can be mounted using waterproof adhesive and the like. The hexagonal brake light 102 can have an impact camera 110 for capturing images and/or video when the brake pedal is depressed by the driver. The LEDs 106a-d and the camera 110 are automatically activated upon pressing the brake pedal for signaling to everyone in front of the vehicle.

[0027] It should be appreciated that the front brake light system 100 can work in conjunction with (i.e., synch with) conventional brake lights positioned at the back of the vehicle for providing overall protection to other drivers, pedestrians, and motorists. The light system 100 has supplemental wiring to connect with the internal electrical wiring of the vehicle for electrical connection. The light system 100 is protected by a substantially transparent covering 112 for protection from physical damage. The two LEDs of the four LEDs 106a-d can be oriented vertically and the remaining two LEDs 106c-d can be oriented horizontally, thereby providing adequate illumination in front of the vehicle for oncoming traffic.

[0028] The impact camera 110 can be an IP camera and may have a resolution between 1 MP to about 3 MP. The camera 110 can have a range from about 5 meters to about 20 meters. The recordings from the impact camera 110 can be stored in a cloud storage on a remote server for secure access by a user. The impact camera 110 is integrated with the dashboard of the vehicle and live recording can be visible on the dashboard.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention, the LEDs can also be disposed along the text “STOP” so that STOP is also illuminated. There is no limit to the orientation in which the LEDs are integrated in the light system 100. The LEDs are energized upon receiving electrical power when the brake pedal is depressed and all the individual LEDs are simultaneously energized for providing adequate illumination.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing another embodiment of the front brake light system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, the front brake light system 200 includes a pair of illuminating stop signs 202, 204 wherein each stop sign is disposed independently on red and white hexagonal bodies 206, 208. The dual front brake light system 200 is designed for bigger vehicles, SUVs, trucks, and more that have a bigger front portion. The light system 200 has a pair of vertical LEDs 210a, 210b embedded separately in hexagonal signs 206, 208 and a pair of horizontal LEDs 210c, 210d are positioned across the hexagonal bodies 206, 208.

[0031] The LEDs 210a-d are illuminated simultaneously using electrical power provided by the vehicle, thereby obviating any additional power supply. The LEDs 210a-d are energized when the brake pedal is depressed and the electrical supply of the vehicle is connected to the LEDs. The dual brake light system 200 is removably attached to the front of a vehicle as illustrated in FIG. 3 using mechanical fasteners 212 that are fastened using nuts, bolts, and washers.

[0032] The light system 200 can include an impact camera 214 for recording and capturing images/video in front of the vehicle and is configured to automatically record when brake pedal is depressed by a driver.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with the dual front brake light system 200 and a pedestrian being alerted using the light system in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As illustrated, the vehicle 300 has the light system 200 fastened in the front portion such that the illuminated LEDs are easily visible to individuals such as a pedestrian 302 in front of the vehicle 300. The illuminated LEDs 210a-d provide an indication that the vehicle 300 is decelerating and the brakes are applied. The front brake system 200 works in conjunction with the rear brake lights thereby allowing the individuals at the back to be aware of the braking process of the vehicle 300.

[0034] The lighting system 200 allows the pedestrian 302 to easily cross the crosswalk upon indication of the decelerating vehicle 300. Further, when the LEDs are not illuminated, the pedestrian 302 may avoid crossing the crosswalk to prevent any collision and serious injuries.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a functional block diagram showing high level schematic view of the front brake light system of various embodiments of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The light system of the present invention requires a single input of depressing the brake pedal 402 such that when the brake pedal 402 is depressed, the brake pedal switch 404 is closed for sending an instruction signal to electronic control unit (ECU) 406. Accordingly, upon receiving the instruction signal, the ECU 406 allows the vehicular electrical supply 408 to connect to the front brake light system circuit 410. It should be noted that the front brake light system circuit 410 is electrically coupled to the vehicular electrical supply 408 allowing transfer of vehicular electrical power to the front brake light system 100, 200.

[0036] Using the front brake light system circuit 410, LEDs 412 (collectively for 106a-d, 210a-d) of the light system receive the electric power and are energized and illuminated to indicate the braking process of the vehicle. Simultaneously, impact camera 414 (collectively for 110, 214) is actuated to capture images/video from the front of the vehicle in which the front brake light system is installed.

[0037] As communicated earlier, the front brake light system of various embodiments of the present invention work in conjunction with (i.e., synch with) the conventional rear brake lights 416 for providing overall protection from the vehicle. The vehicular electric supply 408 simultaneously provides electric power to the rear brake lights 416 while being coupled to the front brake light system circuit 410. It should be noted that there can be a switch placed between 408, 410 to selectively couple the circuits 408, 410.

[0038] The front brake light system can be integrated with a vehicle during manufacturing or can be retrofitted for aftermarket purposes. LEDs are preferred as the illuminating source because LEDs are highly efficient, draw less energy, have long service lives, are durable, and can be combined in many shapes and sizes. The light system comes in different colors to compliment different vehicles and for functioning as an aesthetically pleasing enclosure.

[0039] In the preferred embodiment, the preferable color for the front brake lights is red as this provides a distinct and sharp caution to denote a braking action and is also in-line with most applicable legal requirements. However, the lights could be of yellow, amber, or some other color based on regulatory approvals. The front brake light system can take a wide variety of forms and dimensions because the front portion of vehicles can have different forms and shapes, from the angles they take with respect to ground level.

[0040] 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 “front brake light system”, “light system”, “dual front brake light system”, and “brake light system” are interchangeable and refer to the front brake light system 100, 200 of the present invention.

[0041] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the front brake light system 100, 200 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 front brake light system 100, 200 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the front brake light system 100, 200 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the front brake light system 100, 200 are important design parameters for user convenience, the front brake light system 100, 200 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.