GB2173028A - Vehicle accessory - Google Patents
Vehicle accessory Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2173028A GB2173028A GB08508134A GB8508134A GB2173028A GB 2173028 A GB2173028 A GB 2173028A GB 08508134 A GB08508134 A GB 08508134A GB 8508134 A GB8508134 A GB 8508134A GB 2173028 A GB2173028 A GB 2173028A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- sign
- accessory according
- message
- switch means
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
- B60Q1/503—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking using luminous text or symbol displays in or on the vehicle, e.g. static text
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
- B60Q1/503—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking using luminous text or symbol displays in or on the vehicle, e.g. static text
- B60Q1/5035—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking using luminous text or symbol displays in or on the vehicle, e.g. static text electronic displays
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
- B60Q1/549—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking for expressing greetings, gratitude or emotions
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
Abstract
A vehicle accessory to enable a message to be displayed by a driver, to other road users and/or pedestrians comprises a sign 13, 14 having illuminating means to display a message, manually operable switch means (15) to activate the illuminating means and means automatically to deactivate the illuminating means after a predetermined "on" time. <IMAGE>
Description
SPECIFICATION
Vehicle accessory
This invention relates to a vehicle accessory and more particularly to a vehicle accessory to enable a message to be displayed by a driver, to other road users and/or pedestrians.
Such vehicle accessories are known for use with special service vehicles e.g. police cars, taxis, and vehicles of motoring organisations.
However, controlling of such car accessories in normal vehicles in normal driving use, could be a road hazard as a driver could be distracted.
Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a new or improved vehicle accessory which overcomes or reduces this problem.
According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a vehicle accessory comprising a sign having illuminating means, whereby when the sign is illuminated the sign displays a message, manually operable switch means to activate said illuminating means, means automatically to deactivate the illuminating means after a predetermined "on" time.
Thus once a driver has actuated the illuminating means of the sign, the sign will automatically be switched "off' and present no further distraction to a driver.
The sign preferably comprises a housing in which the illuminating means are provided, which housing may have a panel through which or onto which light is directed from the illuminating means to illuminate the sign and display the message.
Alternatively, the sign could comprise a liquid crystal or other digital display or may comprise a plurality of light bulbs or light emitting diodes which, when illuminated, together form letters to spell out a message.
The sign may be mounted-in use, on or adjacent a window of a vehicle, preferably inside the vehicle. For example, the housing may have means to adhere the sign directly to a window or may have brackets to enable the sign to be secured to a part of the vehicle bodywork, preferably within the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
Of course if desired, the sign may be mounted in other positions on the vehicle as required.
The switch means is preferably provided within easy reach of the driver of the vehicle, for example on a dashboard of the vehicle, so that the switch means may be activated with minimum distraction to the driver. For example, switch means may be mounted on a steering column of the car, and may have a stalk which extends from the steering wheel column outwardly so that the driver may operate the switch means without having to release hold of the steering wheel.
The switch means may comprise contacts which are normally urged away from one another but are brought into contact for said predetermined time when the switch is operated, mechanical means being provided to move the contacts away from one another after said predetermined time.
Alternatively, the switch means may include an electronic or other timer means to deactivate the illuminating means after said predetermined time.
According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a vehicle having a vehicle accessory according to the first aspect of the invention.
The vehicle may have a sign mounted to display the message through the front window and/or the rear window of the vehicle.
The invention will now be described with the aid of the accompanying drawings in which:
Figures la and ib are front and rear views respectively of a vehicle having a vehicle accessory in accordance with the invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of part of the passenger compartment of the vehicle of Figs.
1a and 1b.
Referring to the drawings, a vehicle 10 has front and rear windows 11 and 12 respectively. The front window 11 has mounted behind it, within the passenger compartment of the car 10, a first sign 13. The sign 13 is secured via brackets or other fixings to a roof 12 of the vehicle and is arranged, when illuminated, to display a "Thank You" message through the front window 11 to other road users and/or pedestrians.
Similarly, a second sign 14 is provided to display a message through rear window 12 of the vehicle, the message again comprising a "Thank You" message.
The signs 13 and 14 are each connected via suitable cables to a switch means which is shown at 15 in Fig. 2, on a steering column 16 of the vehicle. The switch means 15 has an operating stalk 17 so that a driver may operate the switch means 15 without releasing hold of the steering wheel which is shown at 18.
Of course, if desired, the switch means may be provided on the dashboard 16, or otherwise mounted on or adjacent the dashboard 16, preferably within easy reach of a driver.
When the switch means 15 is operated, the first and second signs 13 and 14 are illuminated. The signs 13, 14, each comprise a housing 18 which carries the brackets or other fixing means to enable the signs 13, 14, to be mounted in the positions shown, and within the housing 18 is a panel 19 having apertures cut therein to provide the letters of the message. Illuminating means are provided behind the panel so that when the illuminating means are actuated, light shines through the apertures in the panel 19 to give a message.
Alternatively, the letters of the message may comprise transparent parts of an otherwise opaque panel, and/or the letters may be illuminated by illuminating means provided in front of the panel 19. Further alternatively, the signs 13 and 14 may each comprise digital displays such as liquid crystal displays, or may comprise a series of light bulbs or light emitting diodes arranged in a pattern to form the letters to spell out the message.
The switch means 15 is of the mechanical type which-when operated, closes a pair of contacts within the switch 15. The contacts remain connected together when the switch is released for a predetermined time when automatically, the contacts are moved apart by mechanical means within the switch.
Such switches are well known and hence further description is not considered necessary.
Alternatively, instead of a mechanical type switch .15, a switch having an electronic timer means or other timer means provided therein so that the switch remains in an "on" condition for a predetermined time after the switch is operated, may be provided.
As shown, the single switch 15 controls both the signs 13, 14, but if desired a separate switch may be provided for each sign.
It will be appreciated that in any situation in which a driver finds himself where he wishes to display the "Thank You" message through the front and rear windows 11, 12, respectively the driver may simply operate the switch 15 so that the signs 13 and 14 are illuminated. Because the switch means deactivates the illuminating means after a predetermined time, the driver is not distracted further to deactivate the signs.
Various modifications may of course be provided without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, instead of providing the signs 13 and 14 as shown adjacent roof 12 of the vehicle, the signs may be provided at another location so as to display a message through a window of the vehicle. Alternatively, the signs may be provided externally of the passenger compartment although it is preferred for the signs to be mounted within.
If desired, the signs 13 and 14 may be secured directly on the window 11 and 12 respectively, for example by a suitable adhesive.
Although as described, two signs 13 nd 14 have been provided, sign 13 to display a message through front window 11 and sign 14 to display a message through rear window 12, if desired, only one sign 13 or 14 may be provided to display a message through the front or rear window only. Further alternatively, a sign may be provided instead of or in addition to signs 13 and 14 to display a message through side windows of the vehicle if requires
Claims (19)
1. A vehicle accessory comprising a sign having illuminating means, whereby when the sign is illuminated the sign displays a message, manually operable switch means to actuate said illuminating means, means automatically to deactivate the illuminating means after a predetermined "on" time.
2. An accessory according to Claim 2 wherein the sign comprises a housing in which the illuminating means are provided.
3. An accessory according to Claim 2 wherein the housing has a panelthrough which or onto which light is directed from the illuminating means to illuminate the sign and display the message.
4. An accessory according to Claim 1, or
Claim- 2 or Claim 3, wherein the sign comprises a digital display.
5. An accessory according to any one of
Claims- 1 to 3 wherein the sign comprises a plurality of light bulbs or light emitting diodes which, when illuminated, together form letters to spell out a message.
6. An accessory according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sign is mounted in use, on or adjacent a window of a vehicle.
7. An accessory according to Claim 6 wherein the sign is mounted inside the vehicle.
8. An accessory according to Claim 6 or
Claim 7 wherein the housing has means to adhere the sign directly to a window or has brackets to enable the sign to be secured to a part of the vehicle bodywork.
9. An accessory according to any one of
Claims 1 to 8 wherein the switch means is provided within easy reach of the driver of the vehicle.
10. An accessory according to Claim 9 wherein the switch means is mounted-on a dashboard of the vehicle.
11. An accessory according to Claim 9 wherein the switch means is mounted on a steering column of the car.
12. An accessory according to Claim 11 wherein the switch means has a stalk which extends from the steering wheel column outwardly so that the driver may operate the switch means without having to release hold of the steering wheel.
13. An accessory according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the switch means comprises contacts which are normally urged away from one another but are brought into contact for said predetermined time when the switch is operated, mechanical means being provided to move the contacts away from one another after said predetermined time.
14. An accessory according to any one of
Claims 1 to 12 wherein the switch means includes an electronic timer means to deactivate the illuminating means after said predetermined time.
15. A vehicle accessory substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
16. A vehicle having a vehicle accessory according to any one of Claims 1 to 15.
17. A vehicle according to Claim 16 wherein a sign mounted to display the message through the front window and/or the rear window of the vehicle.
18. A vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
19. Any novel feature or novel combination of features disclosed herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB08508134A GB2173028A (en) | 1985-03-28 | 1985-03-28 | Vehicle accessory |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB08508134A GB2173028A (en) | 1985-03-28 | 1985-03-28 | Vehicle accessory |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB8508134D0 GB8508134D0 (en) | 1985-05-01 |
| GB2173028A true GB2173028A (en) | 1986-10-01 |
Family
ID=10576835
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB08508134A Withdrawn GB2173028A (en) | 1985-03-28 | 1985-03-28 | Vehicle accessory |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2173028A (en) |
Cited By (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2211647A (en) * | 1987-10-27 | 1989-07-05 | Brian Harry Wills | Road vehicle information device |
| US4860476A (en) * | 1987-09-09 | 1989-08-29 | Lite Works, Inc. | Automobile display device |
| GB2231996A (en) * | 1989-03-29 | 1990-11-28 | Andrew Keith Simmons | Displays |
| GB2235803A (en) * | 1989-09-06 | 1991-03-13 | Barry Clive Wilson | Illuminated in-car advisory notice |
| GB2274533A (en) * | 1992-11-27 | 1994-07-27 | Gary Hurst | Signalling device in or for a motor vehicle. |
| GB2315354A (en) * | 1996-07-16 | 1998-01-28 | Alexandra Ohene | Autoflash |
| WO2005073027A1 (en) * | 2004-01-29 | 2005-08-11 | Burger Holding Ag | Signalling device for motor vehicles |
| GB2413887A (en) * | 2003-10-20 | 2005-11-09 | Khalid Masud Zuberi | Apparatus for providing visual communication between road vehicles |
| DE202016104410U1 (en) | 2015-08-10 | 2016-11-11 | Sinica Florea Iancu | Signaling device for use on the road |
| WO2022174325A1 (en) * | 2021-02-22 | 2022-08-25 | Naqvi Syed Imtiaz | Developing ethical automobiles. |
Citations (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB678752A (en) * | 1950-05-01 | 1952-09-10 | Trico Folberth Ltd | Improvements relating to direction indicators |
| GB777053A (en) * | 1954-01-30 | 1957-06-19 | Ruthven Murray Simmons | Improvements relating to signalling devices for road vehicles |
| GB993081A (en) * | 1963-01-30 | 1965-05-26 | Alphag Universal Scaling Machi | Improvements in or relating to litter bins |
| GB1145021A (en) * | 1965-12-02 | 1969-03-12 | Sidney Thomas Jarratt | Improvements in and relating to sign devices for motor road vehicles |
| GB1280783A (en) * | 1971-04-16 | 1972-07-05 | Fischer Adolf | Improvements in information boards |
| GB1299450A (en) * | 1969-12-22 | 1972-12-13 | Nihon Number Plate Kk | A vehicle registration number plate |
| US4259800A (en) * | 1979-02-12 | 1981-04-07 | Alexander Schoenfeld | Display apparatus and associated circuit |
| GB2116348A (en) * | 1982-03-03 | 1983-09-21 | Shin Her Winn | Hazard indicator for a vehicle |
| GB2140955A (en) * | 1983-01-11 | 1984-12-05 | Dennis Frederick Huggins | Motor vehicle accessory |
-
1985
- 1985-03-28 GB GB08508134A patent/GB2173028A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB678752A (en) * | 1950-05-01 | 1952-09-10 | Trico Folberth Ltd | Improvements relating to direction indicators |
| GB777053A (en) * | 1954-01-30 | 1957-06-19 | Ruthven Murray Simmons | Improvements relating to signalling devices for road vehicles |
| GB993081A (en) * | 1963-01-30 | 1965-05-26 | Alphag Universal Scaling Machi | Improvements in or relating to litter bins |
| GB1145021A (en) * | 1965-12-02 | 1969-03-12 | Sidney Thomas Jarratt | Improvements in and relating to sign devices for motor road vehicles |
| GB1299450A (en) * | 1969-12-22 | 1972-12-13 | Nihon Number Plate Kk | A vehicle registration number plate |
| GB1280783A (en) * | 1971-04-16 | 1972-07-05 | Fischer Adolf | Improvements in information boards |
| US4259800A (en) * | 1979-02-12 | 1981-04-07 | Alexander Schoenfeld | Display apparatus and associated circuit |
| GB2116348A (en) * | 1982-03-03 | 1983-09-21 | Shin Her Winn | Hazard indicator for a vehicle |
| GB2140955A (en) * | 1983-01-11 | 1984-12-05 | Dennis Frederick Huggins | Motor vehicle accessory |
Cited By (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4860476A (en) * | 1987-09-09 | 1989-08-29 | Lite Works, Inc. | Automobile display device |
| GB2211647A (en) * | 1987-10-27 | 1989-07-05 | Brian Harry Wills | Road vehicle information device |
| GB2231996A (en) * | 1989-03-29 | 1990-11-28 | Andrew Keith Simmons | Displays |
| GB2235803A (en) * | 1989-09-06 | 1991-03-13 | Barry Clive Wilson | Illuminated in-car advisory notice |
| GB2274533A (en) * | 1992-11-27 | 1994-07-27 | Gary Hurst | Signalling device in or for a motor vehicle. |
| GB2315354A (en) * | 1996-07-16 | 1998-01-28 | Alexandra Ohene | Autoflash |
| GB2413887A (en) * | 2003-10-20 | 2005-11-09 | Khalid Masud Zuberi | Apparatus for providing visual communication between road vehicles |
| WO2005073027A1 (en) * | 2004-01-29 | 2005-08-11 | Burger Holding Ag | Signalling device for motor vehicles |
| DE202016104410U1 (en) | 2015-08-10 | 2016-11-11 | Sinica Florea Iancu | Signaling device for use on the road |
| DE102015010137A1 (en) * | 2015-08-10 | 2017-02-16 | Sinica Florea Iancu | Optical signaling device and road traffic notification system with such a signaling device |
| WO2022174325A1 (en) * | 2021-02-22 | 2022-08-25 | Naqvi Syed Imtiaz | Developing ethical automobiles. |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB8508134D0 (en) | 1985-05-01 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |