U.S. patent number RE37,290 [Application Number 09/344,384] was granted by the patent office on 2001-07-24 for apparatus for preventing confinement in a vehicle trunk.
Invention is credited to Ellis Morton David.
United States Patent |
RE37,290 |
David |
July 24, 2001 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Apparatus for preventing confinement in a vehicle trunk
Abstract
The present invention is a device which installed in a vehicle
that enables a vehicle trunk to be opened from the interior of the
trunk and enables at least one of the tail lights to blink. The
present invention can be retrofit to existing vehicles by
connecting a prepared box and wiring harness to the vehicle power
supply, trunk release solenoid, and taillights. The present
invention has a ON/OFF switch which enables the circuit controlling
the blinking of at least one tail light. A second switch activates
the trunk release opening solenoid causing the trunk lock retract
opening the trunk. The present invention is mounted in such a way
as to be operable by an individual confined to the trunk and be
concealed from the casual observer.
Inventors: |
David; Ellis Morton (Phoenix,
AZ) |
Family
ID: |
25498953 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/344,384 |
Filed: |
June 24, 1999 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
957006 |
Oct 23, 1997 |
05859479 |
Jan 12, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
307/10.8;
292/DIG.65; 307/10.1; 340/471; 70/92 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60Q
1/46 (20130101); B60Q 1/52 (20130101); B60Q
3/30 (20170201); E05B 83/26 (20130101); Y10S
292/65 (20130101); Y10T 70/5159 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
B60Q
1/46 (20060101); B60Q 1/50 (20060101); B60Q
3/06 (20060101); B60Q 1/26 (20060101); B60Q
1/52 (20060101); B60Q 3/00 (20060101); E05B
65/19 (20060101); E05B 65/12 (20060101); B60L
001/14 () |
Field of
Search: |
;307/9.1,10.1,10.8,157
;340/425.5,468,471,426,479 ;315/77 ;116/28R ;70/237,255,256,257,92
;292/92,DIG.43,DIG.65 ;362/496,542 ;361/172 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Paladini; Albert W.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Parsons & Goltry Goltry;
Michael W. Parsons; Robert A.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An anti-confinement device (10) installable on an inside surface
of a vehicle trunk (28A) of a vehicle (28) preventing a person from
being locked therein, the anti-coafinement device (10)
comprising:
A) a housing (12);
B) a microchip (20) contained within the housing, the microchip
(20) is electrically connected at one distal end to a left tail
light electrical line (22L) which is electrically connected at an
opposite distal end to a vehicle left tail light (28L), the
microchip (20) is further electrically connected at one distal end
to a right tail light electrical line (22R) which is electrically
connected at an opposite distal end to a vehicle right tail light
(28R), the microchip (20) is further electrically connected at one
distal end to a trunk latch elecrical line (24) which is
electrically connected at an opposite distal end to an electronic
trunk latch (30), the microchip (20) is further electrically
connected at one distal end to a positive electrical line (26A)
which is electrically connected at an opposite distal end to a
vehicle power means (28B), the microchip (20) is further
electrically connected at one distal end to a negative electrical
line (26B) which is electrically connected at an opposite distal
end to a ground;
C) a first switch is electrically connected to the microchip (20),
when the first switch is activated, a first electrical impulse is
transmitted through the trunk latch elecrical line (24) opening the
electronic trunk latch (30), a second electrical impulse is
transmitted through the left tail light electrical line (22L) and
the right tail light electrical line (22R) functioning to flash the
vehicle left tail light (28L) and the vehicle right tail light
(28R) indicating an emergency condition exists in the vehicle;
and
a second switch is electrically connected between the positive
electrical line (26A) and a light (16), when the second switch is
activated, the light (16) is turned ON.
2. The anti-confinement device (10) as described in claim 1,
wherein the second switch is a push button switch (14).
3. The anti-confinement device (10) as described in claim 1,
wherein the first switch is a toggle switch (18).
4. The anti-confinement device (10) as described in claim 1,
wherein the microchip (20) causes the vehicle left tail light (28L)
and vehicle right tail light (28R) to blink a distress code.
5. The anti-confinement device (10) as described in claim 4,
wherein the distress code is SOS in Morse Code..Iadd.
6. In a vehicle having external lights and a trunk movable between
open and closed conditions, a device comprising a switch accessible
for actuation by an occupant enclosed in the trunk for actuating
one or more of the external lights, the one or more of the external
lights observable from outside the trunk in the closed
condition..Iaddend..Iadd.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the switch is coupled
electrically to one or more of the lights..Iaddend..Iadd.
8. The device of claim 6, wherein the switch comprises a toggle
switch..Iaddend..Iadd.
9. The device of claim 6, further including a microchip for causing
one of more of the lights to blink a distress code in response to
actuation of the switch..Iaddend..Iadd.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the microchip is coupled
electrically to the switch..Iaddend..Iadd.
11. The device of claim 9, wherein the microchip is coupled
electrically to one or more of the lights..Iaddend..Iadd.
12. In vehicle having lights and an electronic latch for engaging a
lid to enclose a trunk, a device comprising a switch mounted to the
vehicle and accessible for actuation by an occupant enclosed in the
trunk for actuating at least one of (a) the electronic latch to
release the lid and (b) one or more of the
lights..Iaddend..Iadd.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the switch is coupled
electrically to the electronic latch..Iaddend..Iadd.
14. The device of claim 12, wherein the switch is coupled
electrically to one or more of the lights..Iaddend..Iadd.
15. The device of claim 12, wherein the switch comprises a toggle
switch..Iaddend..Iadd.
16. An assembly comprising:
a vehicle trunk and an electronic latch movable between a first
condition to define a closed condition of the vehicle trunk and a
second condition to define an open condition of the vehicle trunk;
and
a switch mounted to the trunk, the electronic latch movable between
the first and second conditions in response to actuation of the
switch from within the vehicle trunk..Iaddend..Iadd.
17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the switch is coupled
electrically to the electronic latch..Iaddend..Iadd.
18. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the switch comprises a toggle
switch..Iaddend..Iadd.
19. An assembly comprising:
a vehicle having external lights and a trunk movable between an
open condition and a closed condition, one or more of the external
lights movable between a first condition and a second condition for
emitting a stimulus; and
a switch mounted to the vehicle, the one or more of the external
lights movable between the first and second conditions in response
to the actuation of the switch from within the trunk, the stimulus
observable from outside the trunk in the closed
condition..Iaddend..Iadd.
20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the switch is coupled
electrically to the one or more of the external
lights..Iaddend..Iadd.
21. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the switch comprises a toggle
switch..Iaddend..Iadd.
22. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the stimulus comprises a
flashing stimulus..Iaddend..Iadd.
23. The assembly of claim 22, further including a microchip for
causing the one of more of the external lights to emit the flashing
stimulus in response to actuation of the switch..Iaddend..Iadd.
24. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the microchip is coupled
electrically to the switch..Iaddend..Iadd.
25. The assembly of claim 24, wherein the microchip is coupled
electrically to the one or more of the external
lights..Iaddend..Iadd.
26. In a vehicle having a trunk and an electronic latch movable
between a first condition to define a closed condition of the trunk
and a second conditon to define an open condition of the trunk,
apparatus comprising a switch mounted to the trunk, the electronic
latch movable between the first and second conditions in response
to acutation of the switch from within the
trunk..Iaddend..Iadd.
27. Apparatus of claim 26, wherein the switch is coupled
electrically to the electronic latch..Iaddend..Iadd.
28. Apparatus of claim 26, wherein the switch comprises a toggle
switch..Iaddend..Iadd.
29. In a vehicle having external lights and a trunk movable between
an open condition and a closed condition, apparatus comprising a
switch mounted to the vehicle, one or more of the external lights
movable into an energized condition in response to actuation of the
switch from within the trunk, the one or more of the external
lights observable from outside the trunk in the closed
condition..Iaddend..Iadd.
30. Apparatus of claim 29, wherein the switch is coupled
electrically to one or more of the external
lights..Iaddend..Iadd.
31. Apparatus of claim 29, wherein the switch comprises a toggle
switch..Iaddend..Iadd.
32. Apparatus of claim 29, wherein the energized condition
comprises a blinking condition of the one of more of the external
lights..Iaddend..Iadd.
33. In a vehicle including external lights and trunk having a lid
and an electronic latch movable between a first condition for
engaging the lid to define a closed condition of the trunk and a
second condition for releasing the lid to define an open condition
of the trunk, apparatus comprising a switch mounted to the vehicle,
one or more of (a) the electronic latch movable between the first
and second conditions in response to actuation of the switch from
within the trunk, and (b) one or more of the external lights
movable into an energized condition in response to acutation of the
switch from within the trunk..Iaddend..Iadd.
34. Apparatus of claim 33, wherein the switch is coupled
electrically to the electronic latch..Iaddend..Iadd.
35. Apparatus of claim 33, wherein the switch is coupled
electrically to one or more of the external
lights..Iaddend..Iadd.
36. Apparatus of claim 33, wherein the switch comprises a toggle
switch..Iaddend..Iadd.
37. In a vehicle including a trunk that can be opened and closed
with an electronic latch, a device comprising:
an electronic latch release unit movable between a first position
that permits the electronic latch to close the trunk and a second
position that permits the electronic latch to open the trunk;
and
to permit the trunk to be opened from within the trunk, an
actuating unit mounted to the vehicle for causing the electronic
latch release unit to assume the second
position..Iaddend..Iadd.
38. The device of claim 37, wherein the actuating unit is coupled
electrically to the release unit..Iaddend..Iadd.
39. The device of claim 37, wherein the actuating unit comprises a
switch..Iaddend..Iadd.
40. The device of claim 37, wherein the actuating unit is
electrically connected to at least one light of the vehicle for
actuating the light..Iaddend..Iadd.
41. A device for unlocking a latch of a trunk of a vehicle to
enable an individual locked in the trunk to escape confinement
comprising:
an electronic actuator for unlocking the latch; and
means mounted to the vehicle for actuating the electronic actuator
from within the vehicle trunk..Iaddend..Iadd.
42. The device of claim 41, wherein the means is coupled
electrically to the electronic actuator..Iaddend..Iadd.
43. The device of claim 41, wherein the means comprises a
switch..Iaddend..Iadd.
44. The device of claim 41, wherein the means comprises a switch
engagable by the individual to open the trunk
lid..Iaddend..Iadd.
45. A method for providing the excape of an individual locked in a
trunk of a vehicle comprising the steps of:
providing the vehicle with an electronic latch;
mounting an actuating unit to the trunk; and
actuating the actuating unit from within the trunk to actuate the
electronic latch..Iaddend..Iadd.
46. The method of claim 45, further comprising the step of
electrically linking the electronic latch to the actuating
unit..Iaddend..Iadd.
47. The method of claim 45, wherein the step of actuating the
actuating unit from within the trunk further includes the step of
actuating an electrical switch..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to vehicle compartment opening
devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
device to open a vehicle compartment, such as a trunk, when a
person is forcibly confined to the inside.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Many times a year individuals are forcibly confined in a vehicle
trunk. During the confinement there are numerous opportunities for
the individual to escape if the trunk could be opened or a signal
to the outside world could be sent indicating a problem. While the
prior art addresses the opening of a vehicle compartment such as a
trunk by a remote means, the opening of a trunk and transmission of
an emergency signal while confined within is new and unique.
Numerous innovations for Anti-Confinement Device have been provided
in the prior art that are described as follows. Even though these
innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to
which they address, they differ from the present invention as
hereinafter contrasted.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,631,628, titled Safety Brake Light for High
Profile Vehicle, invented by Rene G. Solis, Jr., a safety brake
light for high profile vehicle including a plurality of lights. Two
of the lights are secured on opposing sides of a trailer of a high
profile vehicle at a level consistent with eye level of passenger
vehicles and positioning two of the lights on opposing sides of the
high profile vehicle at a level consistent with eye level of trucks
and buses.
The patented invention differs from the present invention because
the patented invention is a safety brake light. The patented
invention lacks the trunk opening feature of the present invention
and the in trunk activation.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,424, titled Emergency Vehicle Light Bar
Assembly, invented by Stephen J. Zeligson an emergency vehicle
light bar assembly employs first and second connected substantially
horizontal elongated frames mounted transversely across the upper
surface of an emergency vehicle. The connecting assembly is such
that the second frame may be substantially continuously vertically
displaced while maintaining parallel relationship of the frames so
that the emergency indicating equipment fixed atop the second frame
maintains its operational attitude regardless of the elevation to
which the second frame is raised. Reciprocable operation of the
connecting assembly may be accomplished by electric, hydraulic,
pneumatic or manual drive systems.
The patented invention differs from the present invention because
the patented invention is an emergency vehicle light bar which is
attached to the roof of an emergency vehicle. The patented
invention lacks the trunk opening feature of the present invention
and the in trunk activation capability.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,594, titled Add-on Vehicle Safety Light
Monitor. invented by Mark E. Burkett an add-on vehicle light
monitor includes a light pipe formed of a light coupling
transparent material and having an input end and an output end. The
light pipe is configured to be supported upon the vehicle body at a
position in which the input end is approximate to the
to-be-monitored light source and the output end is viewable by the
vehicle driver or operator. In one embodiment, an aperture is
formed within the vehicle taillight lens to permit the input end to
be inserted into the vehicle light assembly. In an alternate
embodiment, the input end is fabricated so as to be flush mountable
to the light assembly lens without the need for forming an aperture
therein.
The patented invention differs from the present invention because
the patented invention is an add-on vehicle light monitor which
consists of a light pipe viewable by the vehicle driver. The
patented invention lacks the trunk opening feature of the present
invention and the in trunk activation capability.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,174, titled Vehicle Emergency Light Kit,
invented by Edward Busby an emergency rear light kit for temporary
installation on the back of a vehicle or trailer provides lights
for a vehicle when the vehicle lights fail. The kit has two rear
light units that can be easily mounted on the back of a vehicle or
trailer, a control box with manual switches to operate indicator,
brake and tail lights. An extension cable with plug and socket is
provided to suit all lengths of vehicle and trailer.
The patented invention differs from the present invention because
the patented invention is an emergency rear light kit which
provides lights for a vctidcle when the vehicle lights fail. The
patented invention lacks the trunk opening feature of the present
invention and the in trunk activation capability.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,054,789, titled Vehicle Safety Light, invented
by Frances Romanelli a vehicular warning light mounted in a storage
position on a bracket in the interior of the trunk of a motor
vehicle. The bracket is attached to the trunk cover. Upon lifting
the trunk cover and closing a switch mounted on the dashboard of
the vehicle, a flashing red light is activated and a latch
retracted to enable the light to pivot to a use position in a
substantially vertical plane.
The patented invention differs from the present invention because
the patented invention is a vehicular warning light which is in the
interior of the trunk lid. The patented invention is deployed after
lifting the trunk lid and activating a switch on the vehicle dash
board. The patented invention lacks the trunk opening feature of
the present invention and the in trunk activation capability.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,020,047, titled Emergency Vehicle Light,
invented by Oliver Burland an emergency vehicle light wherein an
elongated plastic globe is secured to an elongated base for
mounting atop the vehicle, the globe being generally obround in
plan having longitudinally extending sidewalls and hemicylindrical
end walls, the sidewalls being equipped with stepped internal ribs
to support placards so as to transmit different visual images than
from lights within the globe.
The patented invention differs from the present invention because
the patented invention is an emergency vehicle light which is
mounted on the roof of an emergency vehicle. The patented invention
lacks the trunk opening feature of the present invention and the in
trunk activation capability.
In U.S. Pat. No. D335,359, titled Retractable Emergency Trouble
Light for Motor Vehicle, invented by Bryan A. Grubb an ornamental
design for a retractable emergency trouble light for a motor
vehicle, as shown and described.
In U.S. Pat. No. D334,820, titled Auxilary Vehicle Emergency Light,
invented by Kyung C. Lce an ornamental design for an auxiliary
vehicle emergency light, as shown and described.
In U.S. Pat. No. D316,684, titled Emergency Light with Integral
Suction Cup for Attachment to Vehicle Window, invented by Peter
Bonadonna an ornamental design for an emergency fight with integral
suction cup for attachment to a vehicle window, as shown and
described.
The above three patented inventions differs from the present
invention because the patented inventions are ornamental designs
for lights which are mounted external to a vehicle. The patented
inventions lacks features that are similar to the present
invention.
Numerous innovations for Anti-Confinement Device have been provided
in the prior art that are adapted to be used. Even though these
innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to
which they address, they would not be suitable for the purposes of
the present invention as heretofore described.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a device which installed in a vehicle that
enables a vehicle trunk to be opened from the interior of the trunk
and enables at least one of the tail lights to blink. The present
invention can be retrofit to existing vehicles by connecting a
prepared box and wiring harness to the vehicle power supply, trunk
release solenoid, and taillights. The present invention has an
ON/OFF switch which enables the circuit controlling the blinking of
at least one tail light. A second switch activates the trunk
release opening solenoid causing the trunk lock retract opening the
trunk. The present invention is mounted in such a way as to be
operable by an individual confined to the trunk and be concealed so
the casual observe cannot see it.
The types of problems encountered in the prior at are opening of
the trunk of a vehicle from the inside.
In the prior art. unsuccessful attempts to solve this problem were
attempted namely: switches located in the driver compartment which
activate a trunk release device none of the prior art specifically
addresses opening of a trunk form the inside in an emergency.
However, the problem was solved by the present invention because a
trunk opening device is provided in a side the trunk which is
activated by a person confined therein. Further, the present
invention includes a circuitry which causes the tail lights of the
vehicle to blink providing a visual indication that there is a
problem. The tails lights may be programed to transmit a message
via a code such as SOS In Morse Code.
The present invention went contrary to the teaching of the art in
which the trunk opening device is located in the driver compartment
of the vehicle and a second release is located inside the
trunk.
The present invention solved a long felt need for a way of escaping
from the trunk of a vehicle when involuntarily confined within a
trunk.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
trunk lid release device located in the trunk.
More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a electronic circuit which causes the rear tail lights to
blink.
In keeping with these objects, and with others which will become
apparent hereinafter, one feature of the present invention resides,
briefly stated, in a power connection which is made to a source
which is not interrupted by the ignition switch.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, a
momentary switch activates the trunk latching mechanism releasing
the trunk lid.
Another feature of the present invention is that at least one tail
light is connected to a power source through a circuit which when
activated causes the tail light to blink.
Yet another feature of the present invention is that a microchip is
programed to cause a light to blink a distress code.
Still another feature of the present invention is that the
electronics, and switches are contained in a housing.
The novel features which are considered characteristic for the
invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention
itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of
operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof,
will be best understood from the following description of the
specific embodiments when read and understood in connection with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a vehicle containing an
anti-confinement device (10).
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a vehicle trunk having an
anti-confinement device (10) mounted therein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1 which is a cross sectional view of a vehicle
(28) containing an anti-confinement device (10) and FIG. 2 which is
a bottom view of a vehicle trunk (28A) having an anti-confinement
device (10) mounted. The anti-confinement device (10) is
installable on an inside surface of a vehicle trunk (28A) of a
vehicle (28) functioning to prevent a person from being locked
therein. The anti-confinement device (10) comprises a housing (12)
which is material selected from a group consisting of plastic,
plastic composite, metal, metal alloy, epoxy, fiberglass,
carbon-graphite, rubber, rubber composite, wood, and wood
composite.
The anti-confinement device (10) further comprises a microchip (20)
which is contained within the housing. The microchip (20) is
electrically connected at one distal end to a left tail light
electrical line (22L) which is electrically connected at an
opposite distal end to a vehicle left tail light (28L). The
microchip (20) is further electrically connected at one distal end
to a right tail light electrical line (22R) which is electrically
connected at an opposite distal end to a vehicle right tail light
(28R). The microchip (20) is further electrically connected at one
distal end to a trunk latch elecrical line (24) which is
electrically connected at an opposite distal end to an electronic
trunk latch (30). The microchip (20) is further electrically
connected at one distal end to a positive electrical line (26A)
which is electrically connected at an opposite distal end to a
vehicle power means (28B). The microchip (20) is further
electrically connected at one distal end to a negative electrical
line (26B) which is electrically connected at an opposite distal
end to a ground.
The anti-confinement device (10) still further comprises a first
switch which is electrically connected to the microchip (20). The
first switch is a toggle switch (18). When the first switch is
activated, a first electrical impulse is transmitted through the
trunk latch elecrical line (24) opening the electronic trunk latch
(30). A second electrical impulse is 60 transmitted through the
left tail light electrical line (22L) and the right tail light
electrical line (22R) functioning to flash the vehicle left tail
light (28L) and the vehicle right tail light (28R) indicating an
emergency condition exists in the vehicle.
The microchip (20) may cause the vehicle left tail light (28L) and
vehicle right tail light (28R) to blink a distress code such as SOS
in Morse Code.
The anti-confinement device (10) still further comprises a second
switch which is electrically connected between the positive
electrical line (26A) and a light (16). When the second switch is
activated, the light (16) is turned ON. The second switch is a push
button switch (14).
It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or
two or more together, may also find a useful application in other
types of constructions differing from the type described above.
While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied
in a Anti-Confinement Device, it is not intended to be limited to
the details shown, since it will be understood that various
omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms
and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be
made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from
the spirit of the present invention.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the
gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current
knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without
omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly
constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific
aspects of this invention.
What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters
Patent is set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *