U.S. patent application number 14/680367 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-21 for method and apparatus for installing and operating an auxiliary lighting system using a trailer plug.
This patent application is currently assigned to Meyer Products, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Meyer Products, LLC. Invention is credited to Louis Orazem.
Application Number | 20160207451 14/680367 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55410331 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160207451 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Orazem; Louis |
July 21, 2016 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSTALLING AND OPERATING AN AUXILIARY
LIGHTING SYSTEM USING A TRAILER PLUG
Abstract
An auxiliary lighting system using a trailer plug is disclosed.
A signal may be transmitted from a trailer plug to an auxiliary
implement attached to a vehicle. The signal can be sent through a
wire bundle or wirelessly using a transponder. In either case, the
auxiliary lighting system does not require rewiring of the
vehicle's wiring harness.
Inventors: |
Orazem; Louis; (Chardon,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Meyer Products, LLC |
Cleveland |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Meyer Products, LLC
Cleveland
OH
|
Family ID: |
55410331 |
Appl. No.: |
14/680367 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14622211 |
Feb 13, 2015 |
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14680367 |
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62104570 |
Jan 16, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60Q 1/18 20130101; H01R
31/06 20130101; B60Q 1/305 20130101; B60Q 1/0088 20130101; B60Q
1/2661 20130101; B60Q 1/44 20130101; H01R 2201/26 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60Q 1/44 20060101
B60Q001/44; B60Q 1/30 20060101 B60Q001/30 |
Claims
1. An auxiliary lighting system for use with an associated vehicle
having at least one headlight, at least one tail light, and a
trailer plug that indicates the condition of the vehicle's tail
light; the auxiliary lighting system comprising: an auxiliary
implement that is mountable to the associated vehicle; an auxiliary
lighting system including at least one auxiliary headlight that is
operable to illuminate a ground surface in front of the associated
vehicle in place of the vehicle headlight; a transponder in
electrical connection with the trailer plug, wherein the
transponder is operable to transmit a wireless signal; and, a
controller comprising a microprocessor programmed to operate the at
least one auxiliary headlight based directly or indirectly on the
wireless signal; and, wherein the microprocessor operates the
auxiliary headlight into: (1) an on condition when the associated
trailer plug indicates that the associated vehicle's tail light is
in an on condition; and, (2) an off condition when the associated
trailer plug indicates that the associated vehicle's tail light is
in an off condition.
2. (canceled)
3. The auxiliary lighting system of claim 1 wherein: the auxiliary
lighting system comprises an auxiliary blinker light; and, the
microprocessor operates the auxiliary blinker light into: (1) a
blinking condition when the associated trailer plug indicates that
a blinker light on the associated vehicle is in a blinking
condition; and, (2) an off condition when the associated trailer
plug indicates that the blinker light on the associated vehicle is
in an off condition.
4. The auxiliary lighting system of claim 1 wherein: the
microprocessor operates the auxiliary headlight into: (1) an on
condition or a blinking condition when the associated trailer plug
indicates that a brake light on the associated vehicle is in an on
condition; and, (2) an off condition when the associated trailer
plug indicates that the brake light on the associated vehicle is in
an off condition.
5. The auxiliary lighting system of claim 1 wherein: the
transponder is powered by a connection of the trailer plug.
6. The auxiliary lighting system of claim 1 wherein: the
transponder is powered by a power source that is not a vehicle
battery.
7. The auxiliary lighting system of claim 1 wherein: the
transponder is supported by the trailer plug.
8. The auxiliary lighting system of claim 1 wherein: the
transponder is supported to a hitch receiver mounted to the
associated vehicle.
9. The auxiliary lighting system of claim 1 wherein: the auxiliary
implement is a snowplow assembly.
10. The auxiliary lighting system of claim 1 wherein: the at least
one auxiliary light is powered by a vehicle battery not via the
transponder
11. The auxiliary lighting system of claim 1 wherein: the
controller comprises a receiver that receives the wireless
signal.
12. The auxiliary lighting system of claim 1 wherein: the trailer
plug comprises at least one connection that is terminated
13-20. (canceled)
21. An auxiliary lighting system method for use with an associated
vehicle having at least one headlight, at least one tail light, and
a trailer plug that indicates the condition of the vehicle's tail
light; the method comprising the steps of: A) providing an
auxiliary implement; B) providing an auxiliary lighting system
including at least one auxiliary headlight; C) providing a
transponder that is operable to transmit a wireless signal; D)
providing a controller comprising a microprocessor programmed to
operate the at least one auxiliary headlight; D) wherein the
auxiliary implement is mountable to the associated vehicle; E)
wherein the auxiliary lighting system is mountable to at least one
of the associated vehicle and the auxiliary implement; F) wherein
the controller is mountable to at least one of the auxiliary
implement and the associated vehicle; G) wherein the transponder is
electrically connectable to the associated vehicle trailer plug;
and, H) wherein when the auxiliary implement is mounted, the
auxiliary lighting system is mounted, the controller is mounted,
and the transponder is electrically connected: (1) the transponder
is operable to transmit a wireless signal to the microprocessor;
(2) the microprocessor is operable to place the auxiliary headlight
into an on condition to illuminate a ground surface in front of the
associated vehicle in place of the vehicle headlight when the
associated trailer plug indicates that the associated vehicle's
tail light is in an on condition; and, (3) the microprocessor is
operable to place the auxiliary headlight into an off condition
when the associated vehicle's tail light indicates that the
associated vehicle's tail light is in an off condition.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein step A) comprises the step of:
providing the auxiliary implement to be a snowplow.
23. The method of claim 21 wherein: the associated vehicle
comprises OEM wiring that is used to illuminate the at least one
vehicle headlight; step B) comprises the step of: providing the
auxiliary lighting system with auxiliary wiring that is used to
illuminate the at least one auxiliary headlight; and, no step of
this method includes the step of connecting the auxiliary wiring to
the OEM wiring.
24. The method of claim 21 wherein: the associated vehicle has a
front end and a rear end; and, the at least one vehicle headlight
is positioned on the front end of the vehicle; and, step D)
comprises the step of: mounting the auxiliary implement to the
front end of the vehicle.
25. A method for using an auxiliary lighting system, comprising the
steps of: A) providing a vehicle comprising at least one headlight,
at least one tail light, and a trailer plug that indicates the
condition of the vehicle's tail light; B) providing an auxiliary
implement; C) providing an auxiliary lighting system including at
least one auxiliary headlight; D) providing a transponder that is
operable to transmit a wireless signal; E) providing a controller
comprising a microprocessor programmed to operate the at least one
auxiliary headlight; F) mounting the auxiliary implement to the
vehicle; G) mounting the auxiliary lighting system to at least one
of the auxiliary implement and the vehicle; H) mounting the
controller to at least one of the auxiliary implement and the
vehicle; I) electrically connecting the transponder to the vehicle
trailer plug; J) transmitting a first wireless signal from the
transponder to the microprocessor to place the auxiliary headlight
into an on condition to illuminate a ground surface in front of the
vehicle in place of the vehicle headlight when the trailer plug
indicates that the vehicle's tail light is in an on condition; and,
K) transmitting a second wireless signal from the transponder to
the microprocessor to place the auxiliary headlight into an off
condition when the trailer plug indicates that the vehicle's tail
light is in an off condition.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein step A) comprises the step of:
providing the vehicle with a front end and a rear end; positioning
the at least one headlight on the front end of the vehicle; and,
positioning the at least one tail light and the trailer plug on the
rear end of the vehicle.
27. The method of claim 25 wherein step B) comprises the step of:
providing the auxiliary implement to be a snowplow.
28. The method of claim 25 wherein: step A) comprises the step of:
providing the vehicle with OEM wiring that is used to illuminate
the at least one vehicle headlight; step C) comprises the step of:
providing the auxiliary lighting system with auxiliary wiring that
is used to illuminate the at least one auxiliary headlight; and, no
step of this method includes the step of connecting the auxiliary
wiring to the OEM wiring.
29. The method of claim 25 wherein: step A) comprises the steps of:
providing the vehicle with a front end and a rear end; and,
positioning the at least one headlight on the front end of the
vehicle; and, step F) comprises the step of: mounting the auxiliary
implement to the front end of the vehicle.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/622,211, filed Feb. 13, 2015, which
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/104,570, filed Jan. 16, 2015, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to a method for installing and
operating an auxiliary lighting system using a vehicle's trailer
plug.
BACKGROUND
[0003] When an auxiliary implement, such as a snowplow, is mounted
onto the front of a vehicle, the vehicle's headlights and turn
signals are commonly obscured. Therefore, vehicle-mounted auxiliary
implements often include an auxiliary lighting system which
includes auxiliary headlights and turn signals which operate
instead of (or in addition to) the vehicle's headlights and turn
signals.
[0004] Such auxiliary lighting systems typically require numerous
connections to the vehicle's electronic lighting system so that the
auxiliary headlights and turn signals can be coordinated, powered,
and controlled by the vehicle's existing electrical system. Current
installation techniques involve disconnecting the vehicle's
original equipment manufacturer's ("OEM") wiring harness and
splicing or otherwise connecting the new wiring harness for the
auxiliary lighting to the OEM wiring. This part of the process is
labor intensive and objectionable as it requires altering the
vehicle's existing electrical system. For example, the time
necessary to initially install and mount a snowplow that utilizes
an auxiliary lighting system to a vehicle is approximately four
hours. The process of installing the wiring harness consumes
approximately two and one half hours of that time. Therefore, a
simpler installation process would reduce the amount of time and
effort necessary to install an auxiliary implement utilizing an
auxiliary lighting system and would eliminate the need for major
alterations to the vehicle's OEM electrical systems.
[0005] Many vehicles that are suited to operate an auxiliary
implement, such as a snowplow or spreader, are trucks or other
vehicles that include trailer hitches that include a hitch receiver
and a trailer plug. It is believed that approximately 95% of trucks
currently manufactured feature trailer hitches. More recently,
manufacturers offer trucks with towing packages, including a hitch
receiver and a trailer plug, installed as standard equipment.
Trucks that do not include these features as standard equipment
from the manufacturer have the towing package available as an
option from the factory. Vehicles other than trucks, such as cars
and all-terrain vehicles (also known as "ATV's") may also offer
such hitch receivers and trailer plugs and may also be candidates
for embodiments of this invention.
[0006] "Trailer plugs" are a type of electric connector typically
positioned at the rear end of vehicles, such as a pickup truck,
usually near a hitch receiver. Each trailer plug is positioned at
one end of a trailer wiring harness. Trailer plugs come in multiple
varieties and are designed to power and control trailer features
such as brake lights, turn signals, running lights, and the like.
The two most common trailer plugs are the 7-way plug and the 4-way
plug. Many trucks now come with the 7-way plug installed from the
factory, as discussed above. Other common plugs include a 6-way, a
5-way, and a 4-way plug. There are also a wide variety of European
type trailer plugs with different wiring configurations than those
just described.
SUMMARY
[0007] According to some embodiments of this invention, an
auxiliary lighting system may be used with an associated vehicle
having a trailer plug. The auxiliary lighting system may comprise:
A) an auxiliary implement having an auxiliary lighting system
including at least one auxiliary light wherein the auxiliary
implement is removably mounted to the associated vehicle; B) a
transponder in electrical connection with the trailer plug, wherein
the transponder is capable of transmitting a wireless signal; and,
C) a controller comprising a microprocessor programmed to operate
the at least one auxiliary light based directly or indirectly on
the wireless signal.
[0008] According to other embodiments of this invention, an
auxiliary lighting system for use with an associated vehicle having
a trailer plug; the auxiliary lighting system comprising: A) an
auxiliary implement having an auxiliary lighting system including
at least one auxiliary light, wherein the auxiliary implement is
removably mounted to at least one of: (1) the associated vehicle's
front; and, (2) at least one of the associated vehicle's sides; B)
a wire bundle secured to the vehicle and in electrical connection
with the trailer plug and the auxiliary lighting system; wherein
the wire bundle can transmit an electrical signal from the trailer
plug; and, C) a controller comprising a microprocessor programmed
to operate the at least one auxiliary light based directly or
indirectly on the electrical signal.
[0009] Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains
upon reading and understanding of the following detailed
specification.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and
arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in
detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle with a snowplow implement
and trailer plug;
[0012] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a snowplow
implement;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a view of an exemplary trailer hitch and trailer
plug;
[0014] FIG. 3A is a close-up, end view of a 7-way plug;
[0015] FIG. 3B is a close-up, end view of a 6-way plug;
[0016] FIG. 3C is a close-up, end view of a 5-way plug;
[0017] FIG. 3D is a close-up, perspective view of a 4-way plug;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an auxiliary plug with the
end of a wire bundle visible;
[0019] FIG. 5 is perspective view of one embodiment of a pigtail
adapter;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a plow frame with a
controller;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a controller;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the rear of a vehicle,
showing a transponder connected to a trailer plug;
[0023] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a transponder;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the transponder;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle
chassis with the vehicle body removed; and,
[0026] FIG. 11 is a detailed view of a portion of a vehicle chassis
showing the wire bundle attachment means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] With reference to FIG. 1, an auxiliary lighting system 114
having at least one auxiliary light 104 is shown installed on the
front end of a vehicle having a trailer hitch 106 at its rear end.
For the embodiment shown, the auxiliary lighting system 114 is part
of an auxiliary implement 100 that is a snowplow assembly 102. This
invention, however, may be used with any auxiliary lighting system
chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art.
FIG. 1A shows an auxiliary lighting system 114 including the
following auxiliary lights: right and left blinker lights 254, 254,
right and left head lights 250, 250 and right and left high beam
lights 252, 252. In other embodiments, the auxiliary implement 100
can be a vehicle-mounted device that uses or requires auxiliary
lighting. Non-limiting examples of other snow and/or ice removal
auxiliary implements that may be used with this invention include
power brooms, sweepers, spreaders and the like. While the auxiliary
implements 100, 100 shown may be mounted to the front of the
vehicle, in other embodiments of the invention the auxiliary
implement 100 can be mounted to the rear or sides of the associated
vehicle, or a combination of the front, rear, and/or sides of the
vehicle. For purposes of the remainder of this disclosure, the
auxiliary implement 100 will be discussed as a snowplow assembly
102; however, all further embodiments disclosed are intended to be
applicable to all embodiments as discussed above--including, where
applicable, non-snow and/or ice removal auxiliary implements. As
used herein, snowplow assembly 102 is interpreted to include the
plow blade 108, the plow frame 110, the lift frame 112, and all
parts associated therewith as is well known to those of skill in
the art. The trailer hitch 106, when used, can include
factory-installed or aftermarket hitches, without limitation.
[0028] With reference now to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the trailer
hitch 106 is shown including a hitch receiver 200 and a trailer
plug 202. The hitch receiver 200, as is well known to those of
skill in the art, is a tube adapted to receive a portion of a
trailer or other device so that the trailer or other device can be
physically attached to the vehicle. The trailer plug 202, as is
well known to those of skill in the art, is an electric plug. While
trailer plugs ordinarily come with hitch receivers, as shown, it
should be understood that a hitch receiver is not required for this
invention. Also, while trailer plugs ordinarily are positioned at
the rear ends of vehicles, as shown, it should be understood that
the location of the trailer plug when used with this invention can
be any location chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill
in the art.
[0029] As noted above, there are several types of trailer plugs.
FIG. 3A illustrates a 7-way trailer plug; FIG. 3B illustrates a
6-way trailer plug; FIG. 3C illustrates a 5-way trailer plug; and,
FIG. 3D illustrates a 4-way trailer plug. This invention may be
used with any trailer plug chosen with the sound judgment of a
person of skill in the art. The trailer plug 202 can be factory
installed on the vehicle or it can be installed by an aftermarket
or third party installer, without limitation. The trailer plug 202
can include a cover, as shown, but a cover is not required for this
invention.
[0030] FIG. 3A illustrates a standard 7-way plug 300 that includes
seven electrical connections with each of these connections
providing power and/or control over some portion(s) of a trailer
(not shown). One known set of connections are: (1) for a left turn
signal 302 (also used for braking); (2) for a right turn signal 304
(also used for braking); (3) for tail lights 306 (also for marker
lights); (4) a ground wire 308; (5) for trailer power brakes 310;
(6) an auxiliary power connection 312; and (7) for reverse lights
314. FIG. 3B illustrates a 6-way plug 316 with these six
connections: (1) for a left turn signal 302 (also used for
braking); (2) for a right turn signal 304 (also used for braking);
(3) for tail lights 306 (also for marker lights); (4) a ground wire
308; (5) for trailer power brakes 310; and, (6) an auxiliary power
connection 312. FIG. 3C illustrates a 5-way plug 318 with these
five connections: (1) for a left turn signal 302 (also used for
braking); (2) for a right turn signal 304 (also used for braking);
(3) for tail lights 306 (also for marker lights); (4) a ground wire
308; and, (5) for trailer power brakes 310. FIG. 3D illustrates a
4-way plug 320 with these four connections: (1) for a left turn
signal 302 (also used for braking); (2) for a right turn signal 304
(also used for braking); (3) for tail lights 306 (also for marker
lights); and, (4) a ground wire 308. It should be understood that
the trailer plugs 202 just described are exemplary only as many
variations are possible.
[0031] With reference now to FIGS. 4 and 11, according to some
embodiments of this invention, a wire bundle 402 is used to connect
the trailer plug 202 to the auxiliary lighting system 114. One end
of the wire bundle 402 may have an auxiliary plug 400 that is
suitable to electrically connect to (plug into) the particular
trailer plug 202. FIG. 4 shows one embodiment auxiliary plug 400
that is suitable to plug into the 7-way trailer plug 300 shown in
FIG. 3A. The same reference numbers are used in FIG. 4 as in FIG.
3A to indicate the correlating interconnections. Thus, for example,
the auxiliary plug 400 connections are: (1) 302 to match or connect
to connection 302 of the trailer plug 300; (2) 304 to match or
connect to connection 304 of the trailer plug 300; (3) 306 to match
or connect to connection 306 of the trailer plug 300; (4) 308 to
match or connect to connection 308 of the trailer plug 300; (5) 310
to match or connect to connection 310 of the trailer plug 300; (6)
312 to match or connect to connection 312 of the trailer plug 300;
and, (7) 314 to match or connect to connection 314 of the trailer
plug 300. Similarly, in other embodiments, the auxiliary plug 400
can be formed to electrically connect to (plug into): trailer plug
316 in FIG. 3B; trailer plug 318 in FIG. 3C; and, trailer plug 320
in FIG. 3D. The auxiliary plug 400 can be formed to electrically
connect to (plug into) any trailer plug chosen with the sound
judgment of a person of skill in the art.
[0032] With reference now to FIGS. 4, 6 and 10-11, the opposite end
of the wire bundle 402 may electrically connect to (plug into) a
controller 600. Alternatively, the opposite end of the wire bundle
402 may connect to another component(s) that connect to the
controller 600. The operation of the controller 600 will be
discussed further below. The wire bundle 402 may be secured to the
vehicle in any manner chosen with the sound judgment of a person of
skill in the art. According to one embodiment, the wire bundle 402
is secured under the chassis 1000 of the vehicle and runs
lengthwise from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle
where it can terminate at or near the snowplow assembly 102.
According to another embodiment, the wire bundle 402 can terminate
at the front of the vehicle whereby a second connection could be
made with the snowplow assembly 102 wiring system. The wire bundle
can be secured to the chassis 1000 using zip-ties 1100, twist ties,
wires, or any other fastener chosen by the sound judgment of a
person of ordinary skill in the art. According to another
embodiment, conduit can be mounted to the chassis 1000 using
zip-ties 1100 or other fasteners. The wire bundle 402 can be routed
through the conduit from the rear of the vehicle to the front of
the vehicle. According to another embodiment, the wire bundle 402
can be routed through the interior of the vehicle's frame 1002.
[0033] With reference to FIG. 5, a pigtail adapter 500 can be used
between the trailer plug 202 and the auxiliary plug 400. The
pigtail adapter 500 can split the connections from the trailer plug
200 into a first outlet 502 and a second outlet 504. The first and
second outlets 502, 504 can be configured to allow connections for
any of the various plug types. By way of a non-limiting example,
the first outlet 502 can be a 7-way plug 300 while the second
outlet 504 can be a 4-way plug 320. The combinations can be chosen
by a person of ordinary skill in the art and can be tailored for
specific needs given the desired usage. The pigtail adapter 500 can
allow a person to connect the present invention while leaving an
additional connection available for use with a trailer or second
implement 100. According to one embodiment, the pigtail adapter 500
can have more than two outlets.
[0034] With reference now to FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 8 and 8A, in
other embodiments of this invention, instead of a wire bundle, a
transponder 800 may be electrically connected to and physically
supported to the trailer plug 202. In one specific embodiment, the
transponder 800 can include a transponder plug 802 which plugs into
the trailer plug. The specific transponder plug 802 used may be
configured to connect to the particular trailer plug 202 type
mounted to the vehicle. According to one embodiment, the
transponder plug 802 can be configured to align with the 7-way plug
300. According to other embodiments, the transponder plug 802 can
be configured to connect to a 6-way plug 316, a 5-way plug 318, or
a 4-way plug 320.
[0035] With reference now to FIGS. 2, 8A and 9, in some
embodiments, the transponder 800 can include a housing 801 to which
the transponder plug 802 is supported. The transponder 800 can also
include several circuits that can perform one or more functions.
The transponder 800 can, for example, include a receiving unit 900
which is supported to the housing 801 and which receives incoming
signals from the vehicle via the trailer plug 202. The receiver
then directs the signal to the processing unit 902 which is also
supported to the housing 801. The processing unit 902 can interpret
the signal it receives to determine the appropriate signal it
should send to the communication unit 904. The communication unit
904 may also be supported to the housing 801 and may transmit a
corresponding wireless signal. The wireless signal can be radio
frequency, WiFi, Bluetooth, or any other wireless transmission
protocol capable of being broadcast over a wide enough distance to
reliably reach the desired end point to control and/or power the
auxiliary lighting system 114. In one embodiment, the transponder
800 can draw power directly from the vehicle's power supply via the
trailer plug 202, such as auxiliary power connection 312. In
another embodiment, the transponder 800 may be powered directly by
an independent power source 212 such as a battery which may be
supported to the housing 801. According to an embodiment, the
transponder 800 can be mounted to and supported by the hitch
receiver 200. According to another embodiment, the transponder 800
can be mounted on and supported to the vehicle. In some embodiments
the transponder 800 cannot transfer power to the auxiliary light
system 114 so another source of power may need to be supplied to
the auxiliary light system 114. In one embodiment, the auxiliary
light system 114 is powered by the vehicle's battery 12. In this
case, appropriate wiring will have to be provided between the
battery 12 and the auxiliary light system 114. In another
embodiment, the auxiliary light system 114 may be powered by a
separate power source 450 (which may be a battery) that is part of
the auxiliary implement 100.
[0036] With reference now to FIGS. 1, 1A, 6 and 7, the auxiliary
lighting system 114 may include a controller 600. Controller 600
may, in one embodiment, be a controller that controls not only the
auxiliary lighting system 114, but also one or more other portions
of the auxiliary implement 100. In another embodiment, the
controller 600 may control only the auxiliary lighting system 114.
Controller 600 may be mounted on the snowplow assembly 102.
According to alternative embodiments, the controller 600 can be
mounted within the housing of an auxiliary light 104, or on the
vehicle, or within the engine compartment of the vehicle.
[0037] With continuing reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the controller
600 may include several circuits that can perform one or more
functions. The controller 600 may include a receiver 700 which
receives incoming signals 710. In one embodiment, the signals 710
are sent by wires such as from the wire bundle 402. In another
embodiment, the incoming signals 710 a sent wirelessly (through
radio frequency, WiFi, Bluetooth, or any other wireless
transmission protocol) such as by the transponder 800. The receiver
700 then directs a corresponding signal to the microprocessor 702
which may be programmed to provide appropriate output(s) that may
be directed to a power distribution circuit 704 which then sends
the appropriate signals to the auxiliary lighting system 114. In
one embodiment, the controller 600 may have one or more ports 602
to connect to the auxiliary lighting system 114.
[0038] With reference now to FIGS. 1, 1A and 7, some non-limiting
embodiments of how the microprocessor 702 may be programmed to be
used with the auxiliary lighting system 114 will now be described.
If the trailer plug 202 includes a connection 308 for ground, this
signal could be used for grounding purposes as is well known to
those of skill in the art. The connections 302 and 304 for left and
right turn signals can be used to control left and right turn
signal lights on the auxiliary lighting system 114 similar to such
lights that might be on a trailer and on the vehicle. If the
trailer plug 202 includes a connection 312 for auxiliary power,
this connection could be used to power any component in any manner
chosen by a person of skill in the art. Such a component may be an
auxiliary lighting system 114 component and/or an auxiliary
implement 100 component. Any trailer plug connection that is not
desired to be used can be repurposed or terminated, as determined
by one of ordinary skill in the art. The connection 310 for trailer
power brakes, for example, could be terminated.
[0039] With reference now to FIGS. 1, 1A and 7, the connections 302
and 304 can also be used for indicating that the vehicle operator
has activated the vehicle brakes as noted above. The connection 310
could also be used for this purpose. This braking signal could be
used with the auxiliary lighting system 114 is a number of
different ways. In one embodiment, one or more lights on the
auxiliary lighting system 114 could be illuminated continuously for
the duration of the braking event. In another embodiment, left and
right turn signal lights on the auxiliary lighting system 114 could
be controlled to flash on and off for the duration of the braking
event. These embodiments may be used indicate to observers in front
of the vehicle that the vehicle is slowing and/or that they should
exercise caution. The brake signal could also, in some embodiments,
be used with respect to the auxiliary implement 100. In one
non-limiting example, the brake signal could be used to adjust the
position of the snowplow assembly 102. The connection 314 for
reverse lights could also be used to illuminate lights on the
auxiliary lighting system 114 or could be terminated.
[0040] With reference now to FIGS. 1, 1A and 7, the trailer plug
connections can also be used to control auxiliary headlights in any
manner chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the
art. In one non-limiting example, it is common for vehicle light
controls to be adjustable between: (1) an "off" or no power
condition; (2) park or running lights "on" condition; (3)
headlights "on" condition; and, (4) headlight high beams "on"
condition. When the vehicle lights are in the off condition, no
power goes to the vehicle head lights or high beams or to the
vehicle's tail lights. In this case, connection 306 for tail lights
would not be powered and the microprocessor 702 may be programmed
to use this signal as an indication to provide no power to the
auxiliary headlights--thus an "off" condition for the auxiliary
headlights to match the vehicle headlights. When the vehicle lights
are in any of the on conditions (whether park or running lights on,
or headlights on, or high beams on), connection 306 for tail lights
would be powered (an "on" condition) and the microprocessor 702 may
be programmed to use this signal as an indication to provide power
to the auxiliary headlights--thus an "on" condition for the
auxiliary headlights. Whenever the auxiliary lighting system 114 is
attached to the vehicle, the vehicle operator may treat all
"headlight on" conditions (conditions 2, 3 and 4 discussed above)
the same; namely, manually adjusting the vehicle light controls to
be in the park or running lights "on" condition. In this way,
neither the vehicle headlights nor the vehicle high beams will be
"on" and thus will not reflect off of the auxiliary implement 100
back to the vehicle thereby interfering with the operator's
vision.
[0041] With reference now to FIG. 1, in some embodiments a signal
is communicated from the trailer plug 202 through the wire bundle
402 and eventually to the microprocessor 702. In other embodiments
described above, a signal is communicated from the trailer plug 202
through the transponder 800 then wirelessly from the transponder
and eventually to the microprocessor 702. As is well known to those
of skill in the art, a microprocessor operates based on the signal
it receives from an input. As explained above, the signal that
reaches the microprocessor 702 may come from a component
intermediate the signal from the wire bundle 402 or transponder
800--such as from the receiver 700. Additional and/or alternative
intermediate components may also be used in other embodiments. For
clarity, the expression "directly or indirectly" may be used in
this patent with regard to signals (whether wired or wireless). It
is to be understood that "directly" means a signal that travels
directly from one component to a second component and indirectly"
means a signal that travels from one component to a second
component but with one or more intermediate components also used.
Thus, for example, a signal that travels from wire bundle 402 to
microprocessor 702 with no intermediate components would be a
direct signal. In this case, the microprocessor's operation may be
said to be based directly on the signal. In another example, a
signal that travels from wire bundle 402 to microprocessor 702 with
one or more intermediate components (such as receiver 700) would be
an indirect signal. In this case, the microprocessor's operation
may be said to be based indirectly on the signal--regardless of
what and how many intermediate components may be used. As another
example, a wireless signal that travels from transponder 800 to
microprocessor 702 with no intermediate components would be a
direct signal. In this case, the microprocessor's operation may be
said to be based directly on the wireless signal. In yet another
example, a wireless signal that travels from transponder 800 to
microprocessor 702 with one or more intermediate components (such
as receiver 700) would be an indirect wireless signal. In this
case, the microprocessor's operation may be said to be based
indirectly on the wireless signal--regardless of what and how many
intermediate components may be used.
[0042] With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 1A, to use this invention
in some embodiments, the operator may first acquire the proper wire
bundle 402 to match the vehicle's trailer plug 202 and the
auxiliary lighting system 114 including the controller 600. The
operator may then attach the wire bundle 402 to the
vehicle--embodiments of this attachment are described above. The
operator may then electrically connect one end of the wire bundle
402, which may include the auxiliary plug 400, into the trailer
plug 202. The operator may then connect the opposite end to the
controller 600 or to another component which is ultimately
connected to the controller 600. This may complete the attachment.
In use, the operator may simply adjust the vehicle lights,
typically using vehicle light controls within the vehicle, to match
the atmospheric light condition. If the atmospheric light condition
is relatively lighter, there may be no need to turn on the vehicle
lights. As a result, the trailer plug 202 may indicate that no tail
lights are required. The microprocessor 702 may use that indication
to keep the auxiliary headlight(s) in an off condition. If the
atmospheric light condition is relatively darker, there may be a
need for the operator to turn on the vehicle lights. As a result of
the operator turning on the vehicle lights, the trailer plug 202
may indicate that tail lights are required. The microprocessor 702
may use that indication to place the auxiliary headlight(s) in an
on condition. Turn signals, if applicable, may be used as described
above. Similarly, a brake signal, if applicable, may be used as
described above.
[0043] With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 1A, to use this invention
in some embodiments, the operator may first acquire the proper
transponder 800 to match the vehicle's trailer plug 202 and the
auxiliary lighting system 114 including the controller 600. The
operator may then attach the transponder 800 to the
vehicle--embodiments of this attachment are described above. The
operator may then electrically connect the transponder 800 to the
trailer plug 202. Embodiments for this connection are described
above. This may complete the attachment. In use, the operator may
simply adjust the vehicle lights, typically using vehicle light
controls within the vehicle, to match the atmospheric light
condition. If the atmospheric light condition is relatively
lighter, there may be no need to turn on the vehicle lights. As a
result, the trailer plug 202 may indicate that no tail lights are
required. The microprocessor 702 may use that indication to keep
the auxiliary headlight(s) in an off condition. If the atmospheric
light condition is relatively darker, there may be a need for the
operator to turn on the vehicle lights. As a result of the operator
turning on the vehicle lights, the trailer plug 202 may indicate
that tail lights are required. The microprocessor 702 may use that
indication to place the auxiliary headlight(s) in an on condition.
Turn signals, if applicable, may be used as described above.
Similarly, a brake signal, if applicable, may be used as described
above.
[0044] As described above, the present disclosure has been
described with preferred embodiments thereof and it is understood
that many changes and modifications to the described embodiments
can be carried out without departing from the scope and the spirit
of the present disclosure that is intended to be limited only by
the appended claims.
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