WO2005123451A1

WO2005123451A1 - Adjustable multi-function vehicle approach ground and object lighting equipment

Info

Publication number: WO2005123451A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/001296
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richelt G. Williams
Original assignee: Williams Richelt G
Priority date: 2004-06-17
Filing date: 2005-04-04
Publication date: 2005-12-29
Also published as: GB2415301B; GB2415301A; GB0413606D0

Abstract

A multi-purpose adjustable bracket, comprising a multi-configuration adjustable lighting system secured under both sides of a vehicle, providing a multi-function form of illumination immediately below and outwards adjacent to the sides of the vehicle. The light unit(s) (34) are controlled via a controller comprising an integrated circuit/central-processing unit or other means and is connected to the vehicle's electrical or onboard computer system via any means and is equipped with sensors (20,22,24,26) to facilitate the manual or automatic control of both the mufti-function illumination and the attitude/movement of the light unit(s).

Description

ADJUSTABLE MULTI-FUNCTION VEHICLE APPROACH GROUND AND OBJECT LIGHTING EQUIPMENT Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a multi-purpose adjustable bracket, comprising a multi-configuration adjustable lighting system secured under both sides of a vehicle, providing a multi-function form of illumination immediately below and outwards adjacent to both sides of the vehicle. A controller comprising an integrated circuit/central-processing unit or other means controls the multi-function illumination, and has sensors linked to it to facilitate some of the multifunction illumination. Background and Summary of the Invention

It has been widely known for many years that additional external lighting that illuminates the ground and surrounding area of a vehicle, can not only provide a convenience/courtesy aid, but can also act as a safety device for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other road users alike. Many proposals have been made ranging f om a fixed housing secured under the offside running board of a vehicle, shown in U.S Pat. No 2,010,374, to external constant/courtesy lighting systems, as shown in Pat. No DE4305653. Other lighting assemblies have been proposed covering anti-dazzle side illumination, running board lighting and vehicle side recognition lights all of which have benefits in their respective fields. However the majority of the aforementioned proposals would generally involve substantial additional costs to the manufacture of a new vehicle as some modification would be required. These modifications would also prohibit fitting to vehicles already in use. Furthermore, the above methods offer only fixed positions/options for the respective lighting and cannot be adjusted to the preference of the driver in regards to a particular type of vehicle being driven and/or driving manner adopted. Also, as these light systems are generally positioned on the lower edges or sides of the vehicle, some glare from the actual light unit is likely to occur. It is therefore desirable to provide a lighting system that is fully adjustable horizontally and vertically and is capable of being fitted to both new and older vehicles negating the need for any modifications whatsoever. It is further desirable that the lighting system is secured to both sides, under and well away from the outer edges/threshold of the vehicle so as to minimise glare, and has means, via a controller with sensors, to provide a multi-function illumination and control of the attitude/movement of the light unit(s).

Further areas of application of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description and accompanying drawings provided hereinafter. It should be understood however that the detailed description and specific examples given indicate the preferred embodiments of the invention, and are intended for purposes of illustration only, and in no way limit the spirit and scope of the invention. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the following is provided in any combination:

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a lighting system for illumination of an area adjacent to or beneath a vehicle, comprising at least one light emitting source, wherein, in use, the or each light emitting source is positioned below the floorpan of the vehicle and the or each light emitting source is movable independently of any part of the vehicle, in at least one of a horizontal plane or a vertical plane, the or each light emitting source providing illumination under the control of at least one of a vehicle parameter and/or a user input. The vehicle parameters may for example be the position of vehicle doors or locks, i.e. open or closed, the speed of the vehicle, or the actuation of indicators.

Advantageously, the at least one vehicle parameter may be provided by at least one sensor.

Advantageously, the or each light emitting source may be operated automatically in response to the or each vehicle parameter Preferably, the light emitting source provides illumination in response to a plurality of vehicle parameters.

Advantageously, the light emitting source may provide illumination in response to an environmental parameter, for example, this may be the level of natural light. Preferably, the lighting system further comprises a controller connected to an electrical system and/or a processor of the vehicle.

Advantageously, movement of the light emitting source in at least one of the horizontal plane or the vertical plane may be effected by remote control means. Preferably, the remote control means are electrical, electronic, pneumatic or hydraulic.

Preferably, the lighting system further comprises a demountable bracket comprising a mounting element with at least one clamping means for attachment of the bracket to the vehicle and a support means for movable attachment of a light emitting source to the bracket. The bracket may be separate to or alternatively integral with the light emitting source. Preferably, the lighting system illuminates a desired surface on or adjacent to at least one of the front, back or sides of the vehicle.

Advantageously, the light emitting source may emit different intensities and or colours of light.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a lighting system for a vehicle. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for a lighting system.

A Multi-purpose adjustable bracket arrangement comprising a clamping system and a removable gripping plate attachment which utilises the clamping system, and a multi- configuration adjustable light support attachment, to support a light unit(s) which is adjustable vertically, the bracket having a means to enable it to be secured universally to different types of vehicles. The bracket and its components are capable of being fitted anywhere to the underside of any vehicle, ideally on or near the sill seam, away from the outer edges/threshold of the vehicle (two brackets per vehicle, one either side), and is capable of being repeatedly removed and refitted. The multi- configuration adjustable light support also has means to position the light unit(s) in different horizontal angles allowing them to be placed as to the driver's preference in regards to the beam pattern required for the driving manner to be adopted, and/or to a particular type of vehicle. The light unit(s) 34 are controlled via a controller, and are of any type or material such as light emitting diodes (LED), incandescent or halogen/xenon type bulbs, fibre- optic light pipe, or a hard/soft acrylic light pipe, but should preferably be of a slim design providing a multi-functional illumination which is capable of significantly illuminating the ground immediately below and outwards adjacent to both sides of the vehicle, and it also creates a demarcation of the vehicle when appropriate. The multifunction illumination can also comprise different light intensities and/or colours. The controller comprising integrated circuitry/central-processing unit or other means is connected to the vehicle's electrical or on board computer system or the like via any means and is equipped with sensors to facilitate the manual or automatic control of both the multi-function illumination and the attitude/movement of the light unit(s). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The present invention will become fully understood from the accompanying drawings, wherein;

Fig 1 shows a view of the bracket arrangement and attachments, with a light unit. Fig 2 shows a simple diagram of a controller comprising sensors for the control of the multi-function light unit(s) and the attitude/movement of the lights DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the illustration Fig 1: A Multi-purpose adjustable bracket assembly and attachments as described above, with a light unit in a configuration wherein bracket part B is attached to the sill of a vehicle (shown in phantom) via the clamping screws shown at Bl. Vehicles having a flat under-body screen or moulding can use an alternative fixing by utilising a removable gripping plate attachment part A by fixing it to underneath bracket part B via the fixing points and screws at Al and then turning the whole assembly through 180 degrees. The bracket can now be attached to a vehicle having a flat under-body screen or moulding, via the clamping screws shown at B2. The removable gripping plate attachment part A also comprises extruding points at A2 for gripping thus aiding in the stability of fixing. The bracket as shown is universal in that it is capable of being fitted anywhere underneath different types of vehicles, ideally one to each side and can be re-sited manually to cater to any preference if needed. The multi-configuration adjustable light support attachment part C can be fixed to the bracket part B via fixing screws at Cl in any combination and has a means to support a light unit(s) in either a single or double light configuration via slots and holes at C2 in various horizontal angles. Part D is the support for the light unit that has means to be fixed at C2 as shown. The adjustment means at D3, enables the light unit(s) to be manually adjusted through an arc in the vertical plane. Adjustments of any part of the bracket assembly and/or the light unit as shown, can also be achieved via any automatic means (not shown). Referring to the illustration Fig 2: A simple diagram of the controller comprising an integrated circuit/central-processing unit or other means, which is for the control and operation of the multi-function light unit(s) and multi-purpose bracket arrangement as shown in the illustration at Fig 1. Sensor attachments to other parts of the vehicle are also shown in simplified format and are explained as follows. Hereinafter for simplicity the system as described above and illustrated at Figs 1 & 2, shall now be referred to as the Vehicle Approach Ground and Object Lighting Equipment - "VAGOLE" system. Referring to the illustration Fig 2, using any combination of the connections as shown, the Vagole system can be connected via any means to a vehicle's electrical or onboard computer systems or the like and can operate at different light intensities and/or emit different colours if needed, either independently and/or in conjunction with the vehicle. As the Vagole system is designed to be used at night and/or in reduced lighting conditions it can be connected to the sidelight circuit 20 via a daylight sensor so that it will only operate when the sidelights are on or when the lighting conditions warrant the operation. Various other input means are also provided such as speed, height and attitude sensors 22, 24, 26.

This would allow Vagole to activate at, above or below certain speed values and/or enable automatic adjustment of the attitude/angle of the light unit(s) 34 via pre-set values that may depend on the height the vehicle is travelling above the ground. The majority of modern vehicles today are often supplied with remote or automatic control systems to activate and unlock the doors. As the user approaches the vehicle and as the doors are unlocked 10, the Vagole system will operate, for a pre-specified length of time e.g. 15 seconds, on both sides illuminating the ground and areas adjacent to the doors/sides of the vehicle. This action enables the user and/or passengers to see clearly any object, muddy water or unpleasant matter etc on the ground and in so doing avoid it whilst entering the vehicle. The Vagole system can also be set to activate in unison with a vehicle's courtesy light 12 when any of the doors are opened, allowing the occupants to clearly see any object etc when exiting the vehicle e.g. a toy, car or house keys that may have been dropped. When in reverse mode 14 substantial lighting is provided to both sides and adjacent to the vehicle, allowing the driver to manoeuvre and see more clearly. This feature would also be very useful in places such as car parks, reducing the risk of collisions as approaching vehicles and pedestrians would be alerted to a vehicle reversing out of a parking space as viewed from the side. When connected to the hazard warning light system, 16 Vagole can be set to remain on for a specified length of time or as long as the hazard lights are on. This would create a demarcation of the vehicle to other road users approaching it, making it more visible especially at night in inclement weather. Any other possible hazard in the vicinity would also be lit eg. someone changing a tyre. An override switch 18 is provided to enable the driver to switch on the system manually, again for a pre-determined time, so that the vicinity can be lit for either a pedestrian approaching or to enable safe manoeuvring between obstructions/ pedestrians etc. When linked to the indicator system 28, Vagole is again useful as it provides a side indication of either (depending on connection) a steady or flashing light, on the appropriate side, to pedestrians standing close by or to other vehicles approaching from a distance.

It is often very un-nerving to drivers when, as they approach another vehicle travelling in the opposite direction towards them, they find that the other's headlights remain at high beam. This can be extremely dangerous as not only do accidents occur from this behaviour, but it is also extremely uncomfortable. Vagole is therefore equipped with sensors 30, 2 which will enable two vehicles equipped with Vagole to respond to each other by automatically dipping the other's headlights 36 and at the same time activate the Vagole lights on both sides to a low level of intensity. This would create a demarcation of the vehicle to the other, helping the drivers to adjust to the beam being dipped and to judge the size/width of the approaching vehicle. The pre-set values could also be set so that the light intensity on the appropriate side for the approaching vehicle could be brighter, thereby illuminating the opposite kerb for the approaching driver. As both vehicles draw closer together, Vagole would then switch off the Vagole lights and then return to main beam once the vehicles had passed each other. The sensors would be set at pre-set distance values, and again when combined with other sensors via the controller such as at 22, 24, 26, all or part of the activities of the system as shown can be turned on or off at certain speeds, attitude etc giving extra flexibility in operation. To allow for further flexibility, the light unit(s) themselves could also comprise a means to incorporate the benefits and features of the multi-purpose bracket as described, so that when fitted would also function as described herein. New vehicles could be manufactured with a cavity(s) in the underside of a vehicle, so that a Vagole system can be built into this cavity(s), allowing it to function as above and/or be manually or automatically adjustable.

Claims

1. A multi-purpose adjustable demountable bracket arrangement comprising a mounting element with at least one clamping means for attachment to a vehicle and a support means for a movable multi-configuration adjustable attachment comprising at least one light emitting source, linked by any means to an automatic controller, capable of emitting a multi-functional illumination wherein, in use, the or each light emitting source is positioned below the floor-pan of the vehicle for illumination of an area beneath or adjacent to the vehicle.

2. A multi-purpose adjustable demountable bracket arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in use, the or each light emitting source is movable independently of any part of the vehicle, in at least one of a horizontal plane or vertical plane, the or each light emitting source providing illumination under the control of at least one of a vehicle parameter and a user input.

3. A multi-purpose adjustable demountable bracket arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one vehicle parameter is provided by at least one sensor.

4. A multi-purpose adjustable demountable bracket arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1,2 or 3, wherein, in use, the or each light emitting source can be operated automatically in response to the or each vehicle parameter.

5. A multi-purpose adjustable demountable bracket arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light emitting source provides illumination in response to a plurality of vehicle parameters.

6. A multi-purpose adjustable demountable bracket arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light emitting source also provides illumination in response to an environmental parameter.

7. A multi-purpose adjustable demountable bracket arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is connected to an electrical system and/or processor of the vehicle.

8. A multi-purpose adjustable demountable bracket arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light emitting source can be of any type or material such as light emitting diodes, incandescent, halogen or xenon type bulbs, fibre-optic light pipe or a soft/hard acrylic light pipe.

9. A multi-purpose adjustable demountable bracket arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein movement of the light emitting source in at least one of the horizontal plane or the vertical plane is effected by remote control means.

10. A multi-purpose adjustable demountable bracket arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the remote control means are electrical, electronic, pneumatic or hydraulic.

11. A multi-purpose adjustable demountable bracket arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in use, the lighting source illuminates a desired surface on or adjacent to at least one of the front, back, or sides of the vehicle.

12. A multi-purpose adjustable demountable bracket arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light emitting source can emit different intensities and/or colours of light.

13. A vehicle comprising a multi-purpose adjustable demountable bracket arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

14. A kit of parts for a multi-purpose adjustable demountable bracket arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

15. A multi-purpose adjustable demountable bracket arrangement for a vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings.