U.S. patent application number 11/222423 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-08 for visual warning device.
This patent application is currently assigned to K.W. Muth Company, Inc.. Invention is credited to Thomas P. Alberti.
Application Number | 20070053195 11/222423 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37829895 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070053195 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alberti; Thomas P. |
March 8, 2007 |
Visual warning device
Abstract
A visual warning device is disclosed and which includes an
emitter of visibly discernible light positioned in spaced relation
relative to an underlying supporting surface, and which, when
energized, emits visibly discernible light which is projected onto
the underlying supporting surface to identify a restricted region
which is positioned in spaced relation relative to the emitter.
Inventors: |
Alberti; Thomas P.; (Port
Washington, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WELLS ST. JOHN P.S.
601 W. FIRST AVENUE, SUITE 1300
SPOKANE
WA
99201
US
|
Assignee: |
K.W. Muth Company, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37829895 |
Appl. No.: |
11/222423 |
Filed: |
September 8, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/494 ;
362/493; 362/506; 362/542 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60Q 1/2665 20130101;
B60Q 2400/50 20130101; B60Q 1/52 20130101; B60R 2001/1223 20130101;
B60Q 1/323 20130101; B60R 1/1207 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/494 ;
362/493; 362/506; 362/542 |
International
Class: |
B60R 1/12 20060101
B60R001/12 |
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. A visual warning device for an overland vehicle comprising: a
mirror housing borne by the overland vehicle, and which defines an
aperture and an internal cavity; a first emitter of visibly
discernible light mounted within the cavity, and which, when
energized, emits visibly discernible light; a second emitter of
visibly discernible light mounted within the cavity, and which,
when energized emits visibly discernible light; an optical assembly
mounted within the cavity and which receives the emitted visibly
discernible light provided by the second emitter; and a
semitransparent mirror borne by the mirror housing and which
substantially occludes the aperture, and wherein the visible light
emitted by the first emitter passes through the semitransparent
mirror and travels laterally outwardly relative to the overland
vehicle, and the visible light emitted by the second emitter and
which is provided to the optical assembly passes out of the mirror
housing and travels laterally outwardly and downwardly relative to
the overland vehicle to project a visibly discernible and moving
geometric figure onto an underlying substantially horizontal
supporting surface which is adjacent to the overland vehicle.
23. A visual warning device as claimed in claim 22, and wherein the
visible light emitted by the second emitter passes through the
semitransparent mirror.
24. A visual warning device as claimed in claim 22, and wherein a
second aperture is formed in the mirror housing, and wherein the
visible light emitted by the second emitter passes through the
second aperture.
25. A visual warning device as claimed in claim 22, and wherein the
first and second emitters are energized substantially
simultaneously.
26. A visual warning device as claimed in claim 22, and wherein the
first and second emitters are individually selectively
energized.
27. A visual warning device as claimed in claim 22, and wherein the
visible light emitted by the first and second emitters is
substantially the same color.
28. A visual warning device as claimed in claim 22, and wherein the
visible light emitted by the first and second emitters are
different colors.
29. A visual warning device as claimed in claim 22, and wherein the
visible light generated by the first emitter travels predominately
laterally outwardly relative to the overland vehicle and
substantially parallel to the underlying substantially horizontal
supporting surface, and wherein the visible light of the first
emitter is projected beyond at least one of the ends of the
overland vehicle, and wherein the visible light generated by the
second emitter is not substantially projected beyond the ends of
the overland vehicle.
30. A visual warning device as claimed in claim 22, and wherein the
second emitter is energized solely during periods of reduced
visibility.
31. (canceled)
32. A visual warning device as claimed in claim 22, and wherein the
semitransparent mirror is selected from the group comprising
electrochromic, dichroic, and substantially neutrally chromatic
mirrors.
33. (canceled)
34. A visual warning device as claimed in claim 22 and wherein the
second emitter comprises an eye-safe laser.
35. A visual warning device as claimed in claim 22, and wherein the
second emitter comprises a light emitting diode.
36. A visual warning device as claimed in claim 22, and wherein the
optical assembly comprises: a line generator which is operably
optically coupled with the second emitter and which receives the
visibly discernible light which is generated by the second
emitter.
37. A visual warning device as claimed in claim 22, and wherein the
optical assembly comprises: an optical pattern generator which is
operably optically coupled with the second emitter and which
receives the visibly discernible light which is generated by the
second emitter.
38. A visual warning device as claimed in claim 37, and wherein the
optical pattern generator is selected from the group comprising a
lens; a diffraction media; a beam splitter; and oscillating and/or
spinning mirror; a prism; and a digital micromirror device.
39-54. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a visual warning device,
and more specifically to a warning device which includes an emitter
which projects visible light forming a pattern onto an underlying
supporting surface to identify a restricted region which is
positioned adjacent to the emitter.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The prior art is replete with numerous examples of prior art
visual signaling devices of various types and which can be utilized
on overland vehicles and other assemblies and which, for example,
are useful for signaling adjacent drivers regarding a change in the
operational status of the overland vehicle. Such signaling devices,
as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,005,724; 5,014,167 and 5,355,284,
for example, have found a wide degree of commercial acceptance and
have been successfully installed and operated on overland vehicle
platforms of various designs for a number of years.
[0003] As seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,733,134; and 5,923,243, the
teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein, other
inventors have attempted to provide various visual signaling
devices on overland vehicle platforms, and which have been useful
for projecting a light which may form a design either forwardly, or
rearwardly of the overland vehicle for various purposes including
collision avoidance. Another example of a warning apparatus for an
overland vehicle is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 3,949,362, the teachings
of which are also incorporated by reference herein. In that
reference, a signal emitter comprising a lamp emits a visible light
beam rearwardly of the overland vehicle and towards the roadway to
indicate a safe stopping distance for an overland vehicle which is
traveling therebehind. In some forms of this invention, a signal
detector may be provided on the trailing vehicle to detect the
energy beam from the lead vehicle.
[0004] A visual warning device which provides many advantages over
the prior art devices and practices utilized heretofore is the
subject matter of the present application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a visual
warning device which includes an emitter of visibly discernible
light positioned in spaced relation relative to an underlying
supporting surface, and which, when energized, emits visibly
discernible light which is projected onto the underlying supporting
surface to identify a restricted region which is positioned in
adjoining, spaced relation relative to the emitter.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a visual
warning device for an overland vehicle which includes a mirror
housing borne by the overland vehicle, and which defines an
aperture and an internal cavity; a first emitter of visibly
discernible light mounted within the cavity, and which, when
energized, emits visibly discernible light; a second emitter of
visibly discernible light mounted within the cavity, and which,
when energized emits visibly discernible light; and a
semitransparent mirror borne by the mirror housing and which
substantially occludes the aperture, and wherein the visible light
emitted by the first emitter passes through the semitransparent
mirror and travels laterally outwardly relative to the overland
vehicle, and the visible light emitted by the second emitter passes
out of the mirror housing and travels laterally outwardly and
downwardly relative to the overland vehicle to project a visibly
discernible geometric figure onto an underlying supporting surface
which is adjacent to the overland vehicle.
[0007] Still further, another aspect of the present invention
relates to a visual warning device for an overland vehicle which
includes a mirror housing borne by the overland vehicle and which
defines an aperture, and an internal cavity; a semitransparent
mirror borne by the mirror housing and which substantially occludes
the aperture; a first emitter of visibly discernible light mounted
in the cavity of the mirror housing, and wherein the visibly
discernible light of the first emitter, when energized, passes
through the semitransparent mirror, and travels predominately
laterally outwardly and rearwardly of the overland vehicle, and in
a substantially parallel orientation relative to an underlying
supporting surface, so as to be seen at a distance beyond the
length of the overland vehicle; a second emitter of visibly
discernible light mounted in the cavity of the mirror housing, and
wherein the visibly discernible light of the second emitter passes
out of the mirror housing and travels predominately laterally
outwardly and downwardly onto the underlying supporting surface,
and wherein the visibly discernible light of the second emitter
forms a visibly discernible geometric figure on the underlying
supporting surface, and wherein the geometric figure has a length
dimension which is less than about four times the length dimension
of the overland vehicle; and a third emitter of visibly discernible
light mounted in the cavity of the mirror housing, and wherein the
visibly discernible light of the third emitter passes out of the
mirror housing, and illuminates a region adjacent to the overland
vehicle during reduced periods of visibility and/or ambient light
to assist an operator of the overland vehicle when entering or
existing the overland vehicle.
[0008] These and other aspects of the present invention will be
discussed in greater detail hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below
with reference to the following accompanying drawings.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective, environmental view of a first form
of the visual warning device of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective, environmental view of a second form
of the visual warning device of the present invention and which is
shown mounted on an emergency and/or law enforcement vehicle.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective, environmental view of a third form
of the visual warning device of the present invention, and which is
shown mounted on an emergency and/or law enforcement vehicle.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective, environmental view of a fourth form
of the present invention, and which is shown mounted on an overland
vehicle of conventional design.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an overland vehicle which is
equipped with the visual warning device of the present invention,
and which is shown operating in a first mode.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an overland vehicle equipped
with a visual warning device of the present invention, and which is
shown operating in a second mode.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an overland vehicle equipped
with a visual warning device of the present invention, and which is
shown operating in a third mode.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an overland vehicle equipped
with a visual warning device of the present invention, and which is
shown operating in a fourth mode.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a partial top plan view of an overland vehicle
equipped with a visual warning device of the present invention, and
which is shown operating in a fifth mode.
[0019] FIG. 10 is an enlarged, perspective, side elevation view of
a fifth form of the visual warning device of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 11 is an enlarged, perspective, side elevation view of
the second form of the visual warning device of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 12 is an enlarged, perspective, side elevation view of
a sixth form of the visual warning device of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 13 is an enlarged, perspective, side elevation view of
a visual warning device of the present invention and showing the
several visually discernable beams of light emitted by same.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a greatly simplified schematic view of one form
of the visual warning device of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance
of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws "to promote
the progress of science and useful arts" (Article 1, Section
8).
[0025] The visual warning device of the present invention is
generally indicated by the numeral 10 in FIGS. 1, and following. As
seen in FIG. 1, a first form of the present invention 11 is
illustrated in an environmental view, and where it is positioned in
spaced relation relative to an underlying supporting surface which
is generally indicated by the numeral 12. The underlying supporting
surface as depicted herein includes a roadway for an overland
vehicle which will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, and
a shoulder portion 14, which is adjacent thereto. As seen in FIG.
1, the first form 11 of the present invention 10 includes a
deployable support assembly, and which is generally indicated by
the numeral 20. This deployable support assembly includes a base
portion 21 which has a plurality of earth engaging legs 22 which
rest on the underlying supporting surface such as on the shoulder
14. Mounted to the base portion 21 is a selectively extendible mast
23 having a distal end 24. The mast is designed to be extended to a
given height above the underlying supporting surface 12. Mounted on
the distal end of the mast is a power supply such as a conventional
battery 30. The power supply 30 is operable to provide electrical
power for energizing an emitter of visibly discernable light 31, as
will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. The emitter which
is chosen for this first form of the invention may comprise, for
example, an eye-safe laser, or a light emitting diode. Still
further, the emitter may include other assemblies such as, for
example, a control unit which will be discussed, hereinafter. The
invention 10 may further include a line generator which is operably
optically coupled with the emitter and which receives the visibly
discernable light which is generated by the emitter; or an optical
pattern generator which is operably optically coupled with the
emitter, and which receives the visibly discernable light which is
generated by the emitter and which projects an illuminated
restricted region 33 onto the underlying supporting surface 12.
Other technology such as a digital micromirror device or optical
semiconductor may be employed in combination with the emitter to
project all manner of different designs. The digital micromirror
device may be integrally incorporated within a digital light
processor. As seen in FIG. 1, the illuminated restricted region 33
is positioned in spaced relation relative to the emitter 31. The
emitted or projected light 32 provided by the emitter 31 may form
various geometric figures 34 on the underlying supporting surface
12 in order to define the restricted region 33. As will become
evident from the discussion which follows with respect to the other
forms of the invention, the visibly discernable light 32 may form a
geometric figure 34 which includes alpha-numeric characters or
other designs as appropriate. In the several forms of the invention
which are disclosed, the emitted visibly discernable light may
comprise a single color, or may comprise a plurality of discreet
colors. Still further, the emitted visibly discernable light may be
animated such that portions of the geometric figure may be
sequentially illuminated in order to render the geometric figure
more understandable or impart further information to someone
viewing same. The form of the invention, as seen in FIG. 1, may be
useful to law enforcement and/or emergency personnel at roadside
accident sites and the like. In this first form of the invention
11, emergency personnel would position the first form of the
invention 11 on the shoulder 14 so as to create an illuminated
geometric figure 34 in the form of an animated arrow which would
direct motorists to move to an adjacent lane for purposes of
avoiding an accident, congestion, or other difficulties in the lane
which is immediately adjacent to the shoulder. As should be
understood, the emitter 31 is typically energized during periods of
darkness in order to create a visibly discernable geometric figure
34 that can be viewed by an operator of an approaching overland
vehicle who is traveling on the roadway 13.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 2, an overland vehicle is shown, and
is illustrated as an emergency and/or law enforcement vehicle, and
which is generally indicated by the numeral 40. The overland
vehicle 40 has a first or front end 41; a second or rear end 42;
and a main body 43, which is fitted upon a chassis. Still further,
the main body has a roof 44, and driver and passenger doors 45 and
46, respectively, and which allows an operator or passenger (not
shown) to enter or exit the overland vehicle 40. As depicted in
FIG. 2, the overland vehicle 40 is stopped, and parked on the
shoulder 14, and which is adjacent to the roadway 13. As depicted
in FIG. 2, and following, the overland vehicle 40 which is here
depicted as an emergency and/or law enforcement vehicle 40, has
mounted on its roof 44 emergency lights 47 and other equipment
which is well known in the art.
[0027] Still referring to FIG. 2, and further by reference to FIG.
11, the overland vehicle 40 includes, as seen in those views, a
second form 50 of the visual warning device 10, and which is made
integral with a rearview mirror. The second form of the invention
50 has some structural and operational features which are similar
to the visual signal apparatus that is shown in U.S. Pat. No.
6,005,724, the teachings of which are incorporated by reference
herein. The second form of the invention 50 includes a mirror
housing 51 which defines an internal cavity 52. Still further, a
semitransparent mirror 53 substantially occludes the cavity, and
allows the operator of the overland vehicle 40 to view regions
rearwardly of the overland vehicle. The semitransparent mirror 53
includes a region 54 through which visible light may pass. In the
arrangement as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,724 and others, and
referring to FIG. 14, a first emitter of visible light 55 is
positioned in the cavity 52, and is operable to emit visible light
56 which passes through the region 54 and travels predominately
laterally, outwardly relative to the overland vehicle 40, and in
substantially parallel spaced relation relative to the underlying
supporting surface 12. The first emitter 55 transmits the light 56
beyond the length of the overland vehicle 40 so that it may be seen
by the operators of other overland vehicles which are traveling
rearwardly and adjacent to the overland vehicle 40 as shown.
Typically, this light may be seen at distances of up to several
hundred meters away. The pattern of the emitted light 56 of the
first emitter 55 is shown most clearly by reference to FIG. 3 and
4, respectively. The benefits of utilizing a visual signaling
device such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,724 are well
established. The operation of such visual signaling devices are
also well understood and further discussion regarding their
operation and construction is not warranted. As should be
understood, the semitransparent mirror 53 which is utilized with
the present invention 50 may be selected from the group comprising
electrochromic, dichroic, and substantially neutrally chromatic
mirrors.
[0028] In the arrangement as seen in FIG. 14, the present invention
is illustrated in a simplified fashion with respect to a
semitransparent mirror 53, here depicted as an electrochromic
mirror 57. The construction of electrochromic mirrors are well
understood in the art. As a general matter these mirrors 57 include
a front or transparent element 60, and which has a rearwardly
facing surface. A transparent electrically conductive material 61
is applied thereto. Still further, the electrochromic mirror
includes an electrochromic fluid or gel 62 which is sandwiched
between the front or transparent element 60; and a second or rear
element 63 which is also rendered transparent. As seen in FIG. 14,
a thin film reflector electrode 64 is positioned in spaced relation
relative to the front element 60. Further, a plurality of apertures
65 are formed in this conductive thin film electrode and which
permits the passage of visibly discernable light therethrough, and
which forms a visibly discernable signal as might be formed when
the overland vehicle is signaling while changing lanes or turning.
This is seen most clearly by reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. As
illustrated in FIG. 14, the electrochromic mirror 57 is typically
provided with an ambient light sensor 66 which is electrically
coupled to a control unit 70. The control unit 70 is electrically
coupled to both the front transparent element 60, and the rear
element by way of the electrical conductor 73 which are coupled to
the electrically conductive material 61, and the thin film
reflector electrode 64. The control unit 72 is operable to provide
a source of electricity which causes the electrochromic fluid or
gel 62 to change in its opaqueness thereby rendering the
electrochromic mirror 57 either increasingly, or decreasingly
reflective based upon the ambient lighting conditions sensed by the
ambient light sensor 66. Various arrangements for transmitting
light 56 through the semitransparent mirror 53 can be employed in
the present invention without departing from the teachings thereof.
More specifically, assemblies such as seen in U.S. Pat. No.
6,076,948 and other designs may be employed with equal success.
[0029] In the arrangement as seen in FIG. 14, it should be
understood that the present invention 10 may include an operator
interface 70 which is positioned within the overland vehicle 40 and
which permits an operator to selectively energize the invention 10
to provide assorted, geometric figures 34 which are projected onto
the underlying supporting surface 12. The operator interface is
electrically coupled with controller 71. The controller 71 is
operable to provide appropriate electrical signals to a control
unit 72. As seen, the control unit 72 is coupled in electrically
controlling relation relative to the electrochromic mirror 57, and
is further operable to energize the several emitters of visible
light, one of which is the first emitter 55. As illustrated, the
ambient light sensor 66 is electrically coupled in signal
transmitting relation relative to the control unit. In operation,
the operator interface 70 provides a convenient means whereby an
operator (not shown) can override the normal electrochromic mirror
functioning characteristics in order to allow ambient light emitted
by a second emitter, which will be discussed below, to pass through
the electrochromic mirror so as to be projected onto the underlying
supporting surface 12. As should be understood, and typically
during reduced ambient lighting conditions, an electrochromic
mirror will tend to become more opaque, and less reflective thereby
causing less light to be reflected into an operators eyes. However,
when the optional operator interface is employed, the
electrochromic mirror is rendered highly transmissive of visible
light, so that the present invention may operate effectively in a
dark environment.
[0030] As noted above, other semitransparent mirror 53 arrangements
could be used with equal success. A more common approach than that
discussed, above, would be to remove reflective material from the
semitransparent mirror 53 in order to define a region which permits
the passage of visible light therethrough. As seen in the various
views, the removal of reflective material defines a discrete
visually identifiable region through which the light may pass.
While this region is not as reflective as adjacent regions, on
average, the semitransparent mirror has acceptable reflectivity for
use on overland vehicle platforms as seen in the drawings.
[0031] As seen by a study of FIGS. 2, 11, 13 and 14, the second
form of the invention 50 includes a second emitter of visibly
discernable light which is generally indicated by the numeral 80.
The second emitter 80 may comprise an eye-safe laser; a light
emitting diode; or other similar light emitting devices. The second
emitter 80, when energized, emits visibly discernable light 81
which is then transmitted through the semitransparent mirror 53,
and onto the underlying supporting surface 12. As illustrated most
clearly by reference to FIG. 14, and in some forms of the
invention, the visual warning device 10 includes various optical
assemblies or devices which are useful for forming the given
geometric figure 34 which is projected onto the underlying
supporting surface 12 which is adjacent to the overland vehicle 40
to define the restricted region 33. For example, these other
assemblies may include a line generator; an optical pattern
generator; or various other optical assemblies such as lenses;
diffraction media; beam splitters; and/or oscillating and/or
spinning mirrors; and prisms, as appropriate, to form the geometric
figure on the underlying supporting surface. These well known
structures are generally indicated by the box labeled 82. As should
be understood, these optical or other devices receive the visibly
discernable light 81 which is generated by the emitter 80 and
thereafter form a projected pattern of light on the underlying
supporting surface in the form of a selected geometric figure
34.
[0032] As best understood by a study of FIGS. 13 and 14, the second
form 50 of the present invention 10 includes a third emitter of
visibly discernable light, and which is generally indicated by the
numeral 90. This third emitter, when energized, is operable to emit
visible light 91 which is projected through the semitransparent
mirror 53 to illuminate a region adjacent to the overland vehicle
40 during periods of reduced visibility or low ambient light. The
third emitter 90 is typically referred to in the art as a "puddle
light." The visible light, which is emitted, is typically white
light. This light assists an operator or a passenger of an overland
vehicle to enter or exit the vehicle during periods of darkness,
for example. Typically, the visible light 91 is projected along the
side of the overland vehicle 40 to illuminate the handle and the
door lock for the overland vehicle 40, as well as the underlying
supporting surface 12 which is immediately underneath the doors 45
and 46, respectfully. As seen in FIG. 14, the third emitter 90 is
electrically coupled to the control unit 72. Still further, the
overland vehicle 40 has a remote radio frequency receiver 93
mounted thereon. Typically, the operator of the overland vehicle
would carry a key fob (not shown) and which includes a small radio
frequency transmitter 94. The operator uses the key fob to send an
RF signal 95 to the RF receiver when the operator approaches the
vehicle. In the arrangement as shown, the control unit 72, upon
receiving a signal from the RF receiver, is operable to energize
the third emitter 90 in order to emit the visible light 91. As seen
in FIG. 14, the control unit 72 is further electrically coupled
with the operator controls 96 of the overland vehicle 40. Such
operator controls will typically include the directional signaling
switch for the overland vehicle. Upon use of the directional
signaling switch by the operator, the overland vehicle is operable
to provide a visible signal 97 such as what is depicted in FIG. 3
and following.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 10 and 12, it will be seen that the
present invention 10 includes two more forms of the invention 100,
and 100A respectively. In these two forms of the invention 100 and
100A, an aperture 102 or 103 is formed in either the mirror housing
51 (FIG. 10), or the mount 101 (FIG. 12) which attaches the mirror
housing 51 to either of the driver or passenger doors 45 and 46,
respectively. In these alternative forms, individual apertures 102
and 103 respectively formed either in the mirror housing 51; or the
mount 101; permit the emitted light 104 provided by the second
emitter 80 to escape therethrough and be projected in the given
pattern on the underlying supporting surface 12 to form the
geometric figure 34 which designates the restricted region 33
adjacent to the overland vehicle 40. As should be appreciated, in
these alternative forms of the invention 100 and 100A, the second
emitter 80 would not by necessity, need to be positioned within the
mirror housing 51. Rather, the emitter 80 could, alternative be
positioned remotely on the overland vehicle 40 and thereafter be
optically coupled to the respective apertures 102 and 103, by means
of an optical wave guide or fiber optic cable, as appropriate, and
which is not shown.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 3, another form 110 of the invention
is shown. As depicted in FIG. 4, an overland vehicle 40 is
illustrated as traveling along the roadway 13 in a given direction.
The overland vehicle is signaling that it is about to change lanes
by means of the light 97 which is emitted from its rear lights.
Further, the overland vehicle 40 is equipped with a visual warning
device 50 such as earlier discussed. The invention 50, when
energized, emits light 56 forming a visual signal which travels
rearwardly and in a substantially parallel orientation relative to
the underlying supporting surface 12 so that the visual signal may
be seen by other vehicles traveling rearwardly and in adjacent
lanes. In this form of the invention 110, the second emitter 111 of
visibly discernable light is shown mounted on the roof 44 of the
overland vehicle, and more specifically on the light bar 47. In
this arrangement, the second emitter, when energized, emits light
112 which is projected onto the roadway surface 13 adjacent to the
overland vehicle in order to define a restricted region 113 which
is adjacent to the vehicle 40. As illustrated, the geometric
figure, is depicted as a substantially rectangular box which has an
"X" formed through the middle of it. The purpose of the geometric
figure is to indicate to adjacent drivers that the operator is
about to move into the restricted region 113 as he is beginning to
change lanes. In the arrangement as shown, the restricted region
113 has a length dimension which is less than about four times the
length dimension of the overland vehicle 40 and typically less than
about the length of the overland vehicle 40. However, other
restricted region dimensions are possible based upon the geometric
figure which is selected. As earlier discussed, the geometric
figure may include alpha-numeric characters, as appropriate. As
illustrated, the restricted region 113, is depicted as being
positioned immediately adjacent and to the side of the overland
vehicle 40. In yet another alternative form of the present
invention, it should be understood that the second emitter 111 may
be located on an extendible mast, not shown, and which is
positioned on the roof 44 of the overland vehicle 40 such that the
emitter may be positioned at an elevated position relative to the
roadway surface 13.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 4, another form of the invention is
shown, and which is generally designated by the numeral 120. In
this form of the invention, the second emitter 121 is mounted on
the main body 43 of the overland vehicle 40. The second emitter
emits visibly discernable light 122 which is again projected onto
the underlying supporting surface 12 here shown as a roadway 13. As
illustrated, the overland vehicle 40 is shown traveling on the
roadway 13, and is about to change lanes, and is signaling the
change of lanes by way of the light 97 which is emitted from the
rear lights of the overland vehicle 40. As seen in that view, the
emitted light 122 identifies a restricted region 123 which is
adjacent to the overland vehicle 40. This restricted region would
indicate to closely adjoining drivers that the overland vehicle is
about to move into the restricted region which is indicated by the
geometric figure. These same restricted regions 123 are again shown
in the plan view, as seen in FIG. 5. As shown, the restricted
region may be displayed, alternatively, on the opposite sides of
the overland vehicle 40 depending upon the direction which the
overland vehicle is turning.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 6, and as earlier discussed, the
second emitter 80 may be energized when the overland vehicle 40 is
slowing, changing directions and/or stopped as seen in the various
views which have been discussed, above. The emitted light of the
second emitter 80 may be provided in the same color, as that
supplied by the first emitter 55. Alternatively, the colors of the
emitted visibly discernable light of the first and second emitters
may be different colors. Further, and as earlier discussed, the
visibly discernable light of the second emitter 80 may be animated
as seen by a sequential study of FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9, respectively
which show several different modes of operation. As seen therein,
and in the animated mode of operation, the restricted region 33 as
seen in FIG. 1 is formed by the sequential illumination of
individual portions 130 of the restricted region 33. Animation may
be performed by sequential illumination of patterns, sweeping of
patterns, or by changing the curvature of lines or the proportions
of shapes, among other techniques. For example, and referring now
to FIG. 6, a first portion 131 (FIG. 6) may be illuminated by the
invention 10 as shown. Shortly after the illumination of the first
portion 131; a second portion 132 may then be illuminated as seen
in FIG. 7. Shortly thereafter, a third portion 133 may be
illuminated; followed shortly thereafter by a fourth portion 134
which is substantially triangularly shaped as seen in FIG. 9. The
control unit 72 is operable to thereafter repeat the illumination
of the individual portions 130, thereby rendering the restricted
region animated. As should be understood, the invention 10 is also
operable to illuminate all the portions 131-134 substantially
simultaneously.
OPERATION
[0037] The operation of the described embodiment of the present
invention is believed to be readily apparent and is briefly
summarized at this point.
[0038] As seen in FIG. 1, and following, a visual warning device 10
of the present invention includes an emitter of visibly discernible
light 31, 80 which is positioned in spaced relation relative to an
underlying supporting surface 12, and which, when energized, emits
visibly discernible light 32, 81 which is projected onto the
underlying supporting surface to identify a restricted region 33,
which is positioned in spaced relation relative to the emitter. As
seen in FIG. 1, and following, the underlying supporting surface
may be a roadway 13, and the emitter 31 is positioned upon a
deployable support assembly 20 which rests upon a region of the
underlying surface 14 which is adjacent to the roadway 13. As seen
in FIG. 2 and following, the emitter 80 of visibly discernible
light is borne by an overland vehicle 40, and which, when
energized, emits visibly discernible light 81 which is projected
laterally outwardly, and downwardly, onto an underlying supporting
surface to identify the restricted region 33 which is adjacent to
the overland vehicle 40. As seen in FIG. 4, it should be understood
that the overland vehicle 40 has a main body 43, and a chassis, and
wherein the emitter of visible light 121 is mounted on the main
body and/or chassis. Referring now to FIG. 3, and in another form
of the invention, it is understood that the overland vehicle 40 has
a roof 44, and the emitter 111 of visibly discernable light is
mounted on the roof of the overland vehicle. As seen in FIGS.
10-13, it will be understood that the overland vehicle has a mirror
housing 51 mounted thereon, and in one form of the invention, the
emitter 80 is mounted within the mirror housing such as seen in
FIG. 10 and 12, respectively. As seen by reference to FIGS. 11 and
13, the invention includes a mirror housing 51 which defines a
cavity 52, and a semitransparent mirror 53 is borne by the mirror
housing and is operable to pass visibly discernable light. In the
arrangement as seen in those views, the second emitter 80 is borne
by the mirror housing, and positioned within the cavity 52 of the
mirror housing, and the visible light 81 which is emitted by the
emitter, passes through the semitransparent mirror and onto the
underlying supporting surface 12. As earlier discussed, the
semitransparent mirror 53 is selected from the group comprising
electrochromic; dichroic; and substantially neutrally chromatic
mirrors.
[0039] As presently conceived, the present visual warning device 10
is typically energized during periods of low ambient light such as
during periods of darkness. Still further, the invention is
operable to energize the second emitter 80 when the overland
vehicle 40 is slowing, changing directions, and/or stopped. As seen
by reference to FIGS. 6-9, the emitter 80 is operable to be
selectively, continuously energized, or energized in a pattern so
as to provide animation, as earlier discussed. The visible light 81
provided by the second emitter 80 is operable to outline a
geometric figure 33 which may include alphanumeric characters. As
noted earlier, the visibly discernable light 81 provided by the
second emitter 80 may comprise a single color, or may have multiple
colors. As presently conceived, the second emitter 80 comprises an
eye-safe laser, or a light emitting diode having an appropriate
lumen output in order to provide the operational features of the
invention as earlier described. As discussed, the visual warning
device 10 may include assemblies such as a line generator or
optical pattern generator or other lenses, diffraction media, beam
splitters, oscillating and/or spinning mirrors, and prisms
generally indicated by the numeral 82, and which are operable to
generate the projected geometric pattern or figure 34 on the
underlying supporting surface 12.
[0040] As seen by a study of the drawings, the visible light 56
provided by the visual warning device 50 and which is generated by
the first emitter 55 is operable to travel predominately laterally,
outwardly relative to the overland vehicle 40 and substantially
parallel to the underlying supporting surface 12. The visible light
56 of the first emitter 55 is projected beyond the length of the
overland vehicle. Further, in the arrangement as seen in the
drawings, the visible light 81 provided by the second emitter is
not substantially projected beyond the ends of the overland
vehicle, as shown. Referring now to FIG. 3, for example, the
visible light 56 emitted by the first emitter 55 forms a visible
signal which indicates that the overland vehicle 40 is turning in a
given direction. Simultaneously with the emission of the visible
light 56, the visible light emitted by the second emitter 80 forms
a visibly discernable geometric figure 34 to define a restricted
region 33 adjacent to the overland vehicle. This restricted region
is to the side of the overland vehicle and typically faces in the
same general direction as that indicted by the emitted visual
signal provided by the first emitter 55. As presently conceived,
the present invention is operable to outline a restricted region
which is adjacent to and laterally outwardly relative to the
overland vehicle.
[0041] The present invention therefore relates to a visual warning
device 10 for an overland vehicle 40 and which includes a mirror
housing 51 which is borne by the overland vehicle 40 and which
defines an aperture, and an internal cavity 52. As illustrated, the
semitransparent mirror 53 is borne by the mirror housing and
substantially occludes the aperture. A first emitter 55 is
provided, and which, when energized, produces visibly discernable
light 56. The first emitter is mounted in the cavity 52 of the
mirror housing, and the visibly discernable light 56 of the first
emitter passes through the semitransparent mirror and travels
predominately laterally outwardly and rearwardly of the overland
vehicle and in a substantially parallel orientation relative to an
underlying supporting surface 12 so as to be seen at a distance
beyond the of the overland vehicle. As illustrated in the drawings,
a second emitter 80 is provided and which is mounted in the cavity
52 of the mirror housing. The visibly discernable light 81 of the
second emitter travels predominately laterally, outwardly and
downwardly onto the underlying supporting surface 12 and forms a
visibly discernable geometric figure 34 on the underlying
supporting surface 12. As illustrated, the geometric figure has a
length dimension which is typically less than about 4 times the
length dimension of the overland vehicle 40. As seen in the
drawings, the visual warning device 10 further includes a third
emitter of visibly discernable light 90 which is mounted in the
cavity of the mirror housing. The visibly discernable light 91
provided by the third emitter passes out of the mirror housing 51
and illuminates a region adjacent to the overland vehicle during
reduced periods of visibility and/or ambient light to assist an
operator of the overland vehicle when entering or exiting the
vehicle 10. In the arrangement as seen in the drawings, and in
certain forms of the invention, the mirror housing may define a
second aperture 102, 103 and wherein the visible light 81 emitted
by the second emitter passes through the second aperture to form
the visibly discernable geometric figure 33. In another form of the
invention, the visibly discernable light provided by the second and
third emitters may each pass through the semitransparent mirror.
This is seen most clearly by reference to FIG. 13. As earlier
discussed, the invention is operable to use various optical devices
such as line generators and optical pattern generators 82 in order
to provide the illuminated geometric pattern as discussed.
[0042] Therefore, it will be seen that the present invention
provides a convenient means whereby an operator of an overland
vehicle, or a law enforcement officer, construction worker, or the
like, may illuminate a portion of an underlying supporting surface
such as a roadway 13 to provide a visual warning to oncoming
drivers regarding a restricted region which should be avoided as
they drive. The present visual warning device provides numerous
other advantages over the prior art techniques and teachings
utilized heretofore, and provides a convenient means whereby
overland vehicles may be operated with a higher degree of safety
then what has been possible to date.
[0043] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been
described in language more or less specific as to structural and
methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the
invention is not limited to the specific features shown and
described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred
forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is,
therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the
proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in
accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.
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