CA2541218A1

CA2541218A1 - Safety light for use in vehicles

Info

Publication number: CA2541218A1
Application number: CA002541218A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Sylvain Dufour
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-03-29
Filing date: 2006-03-29
Publication date: 2007-09-29

Abstract

Apparatus having a lamp suitable for use in a vehicle having a vehicle interior and a driver seat to seat a driver to operably direct a light beam into the eyes of the driver. The lamp has a lamp body located on the vehicle in front of the driver seat and mounted on the lamp body to the vehicle. The light beam is of such intensity as to effectively reduce or alleviate the effect of halo-rings, stars and glare.

Description

SAFETY LIGHT FOR USE IN VEHICLES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a safety light device for use in vehicles for reducing or removing the unwanted halo-effect suffered by the vehicle driver under the influence of external lighting when operating the vehicle at night.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While many people have very good eye vision during the day, they have bad vision at night. Indeed, some people are unable to drive their cars at night due to such bad night vision. Others may not be gainfully employed or not get the job they want due to their poor night vision.
Not all people afflicted with poor night vision are affected for the same reason. When under dim light and darkness conditions, the pupil in the human eye gets dilated while the pupil contracts when exposed to light in order to regulate the quantity of light that enters the eye.
For many people, letting light from the outside into the eye through the full size of the pupil seems to create problems, which problems tend to be reduced as the pupil contracts.
Irregularities on the cornea are, for the most part, responsible for some of these problems as the light enters the eye through an enlarged pupil. The bigger the pupil, the more cornea irregularities the light has to pass through before it gets reflected to the retina at the back of the eye. In the case of people that have had cornea eye surgery, the scars on the eye created by the cutting of the flap of the cornea at the outermost part of the cornea almost to the maximum dilation point of the pupil, are responsible, for the most part, for distortion of this reflection. Thus, irregular reflections contribute to the poor vision at night.
Excess glare from car headlights can be an early sign of cataracts or a symptom of another medical problem. Also, some drivers have night myopia, which requires that they require medical prescription eye glasses for precise night vision even though they do not need glasses in daylight.

Lenses with a yellow tint are not effective against headlight glare since they do not filter out enough light. It take a lens as dark as a daytime sunglass lens to make an effective difference in the brightness of headlights at night. Such a lens would produce a dangerous loss of dim light vision. Pedestrians, cyclists and car door openings could be lost in the darkness. Such yellow-tinted lenses are intended only for foggy and hazy daylight conditions to reduce scattered blue light in those situations.
For a person without an eyewear prescription, vision is not enhanced by wearing non-prescription, night-driving glasses. Night-driving, glare-blocking, vision enhancing, or anti-glare glasses sold over a retail counter and by mail order companies serve no useful purpose in non-prescription form. Some night-driving lenses add an ultraviolet light filter, which is generally not relevant at night, since UV light is produced by the sun. If the night-driving glasses are blue-blocker lenses, which filter most or all of the available blue light, they produce severe color distortion that can be a serious hazard when driving.
Today, growing numbers of women and men alike are opting for refractive eye surgery to correct their myopia (nearsightedness) in the hope of obviating the need for their glasses or contact lenses. The most common procedure is called radial keratotomy, or RK, and the National Eye Institute of the United States reports that about 250,000 procedures are done each year in the United States. Another surgery, newly available in the United States, is photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK. PRK and Intralasik are the most recent developments in Lasik surgery. Lasik may be the most popular elective surgery with more than 6 million undergoing it worldwide.
One possible side effect of RK, PRK, and Lasik related procedures is a night driving condition known as the "halo effect", which is an optical effect that is noticeable in dim light.
As the pupil enlarges, a second faded image is produced by the untreated peripheral cornea.
Other irregular reflections may cause also stars and enhance unwanted glare, which can be troublesome and dangerous to vehicle drivers at night under the influence of external lights from other vehicles, street lights and the like.
It is clearly of necessity, however, that sufficient light be still allowed to enter the eye in order for the driver to see the road ahead, parked cars, pedestrians and any unlit obstacles on and alongside the road.
United States Patent No. 4,421,355 issued December 20, 1983 to Prince Corporation, discloses a visor assembly for a vehicle, which includes a mirror mounted thereto and a pair

2 of doors which swing open on pivot axes generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the visor. In the preferred embodiment in that disclosure, light means are provided on each of the doors for directing illumination outwardly therefrom, such that the visor mirror covered by the doors when closed and exposed when the doors are open, can be used in all ambient light conditions.
United States Patent No. 5,283,720 issued February 1, 1994 to Prince Corporation, discloses a visor which includes an integral, focused and recessed lamp assembly positioned at a corner of the visor and inclined and directed away from the driver's eyes to provide courtesy and map illumination with a minimal of distraction to the driver.
United States Patent No. 5,558,429 issued September 24, 1996 to Scott Cain, discloses a portable light is provided which is operated and turned on automatically when the light is moved to a vertical or near vertical position and turns off automatically when in a non-vertical position. A highly reliable, sealed a reed switch is operated when an associated magnet moves into proximity. A locking mechanism retains the magnet to prevent operation of the light when not in use. A manually operated, mechanical switch is also provided and uses a metal strip to over ride the magnet/reed switch to allow for selective operation of the light in any position. The light can be used as a flashlight or attached to a cooler lid, car hood, visor attach6 case and the like to turn on automatically as the attached, hinged device is moved to a vertical or near vertical position.
United States Patent No. 6,270,240 issued August 7, 2001 to Takuya Inoue, discloses illuminating lights of an illuminating lamp 32 of a lamp socket 31 in a roof panel I made incident on an incident end of a light guide 17 for the stay 16 at an end of a vertical shaft portion 16b of a stay 16. Illuminating light emitted from the emission end of the light guide 17 for the stay 16 at the end of the horizontal shaft portion 16a of the stay 16 is guided to an illuminating light guide 15 though a sunvisor-side light guide 19 so that the sunvisor is illuminated with the illuminating light guide 15.
United States Patent No. 5,473,516 issued December 5, 1995 to Kim L. Van Order et al, discloses a vehicle visor having a visor body for attachment to a vehicle, a mirror and a light source mounted to the body, and a lens attached to the body for controlling the distribution of light from the light source. The lens includes a surface with microvariations formed therein to define a holographic optical element that directed the light into a predetermined pattern for illuminating the face of the user. The lens so formed eliminates

3 undesirable uneven light distribution such as "spider webbing", light/dark patchiness and chromatic aberrations in and around the predetermined light pattern.
United States Design Patent Des. 304,712, issued November 21, 1989 to Chi Kuan Manufactory Limited, illustrates a lighted vanity mirror for a vehicle.
It should be noted that none of the aforesaid prior art devices is so located within a vehicle and/or produce a light beam as to be effective in reducing or eliminating the unwanted aforesaid halo-effect and other problem effects.
There is, therefore, a need for a means for reducing the aforesaid night driving visual problems in an efficacious, convenient and cost-effective manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a means for reducing or effectively eliminating the unwanted halo-effect, glare and stars experienced by vehicle drivers when nighttime driving.
Since this problem is caused mainly under dim light or darkness, and the effect this has on the human eye, a solution according to the present invention is to provide a means for reducing this darkness by providing a source of sufficient light in the environment of the eye to effect a reduction in size of the pupil. Light enters the eye through a smaller portion of the cornea, which reduces the glares, stars or halo effects by reducing the quantity of irregularities or aberrations on the surface of the cornea, which the light entering the eye has to go through.
Accordingly, in one aspect the invention provides apparatus comprising a lighting means suitable for use in a vehicle having a vehicle interior and a driver seat to seat a driver, and to operably direct a light beam into the eyes of the driver, said lighting means comprising (i) a lamp body located on said vehicle in front of said driver seat; (ii) mounting means for mounting said lamp body to said vehicle; and (iii) light beam producing means on said lamp body for operably producing a light beam directed into the eyes of the driver and of such intensity as to effectively reduce or alleviate the effect of halo-rings, stars and glare.

4 The amount of light needed to achieve effective results is customized to fit an individual driver's needs and comfort, so as to provide the right balance between improved vision and comfort to emitted light by the use of, for example, preferably, a variable intensity switch suitably located as to provide ease of access to the driver.
Further, an adjustable intensity means would also take into account that the night vision problems would vary from one night to the other due to factors like dryness of the eyes or tiredness of the driver or just the degree of darkness of the environment due to, for example, full moon, no moon, clouds, wet roads and the like.
Similarly, the location of the source of light and the source and nature of the light Qer se can be customized to the driver's need and comfort.
The apparatus is preferably located within the interior of the vehicle, and is preferably mounted to the upper frame of the vehicle by the lamp body being either integrally formed, therewith, or being affixed, thereto. In alternative embodiments the lamp body may be affixed to the windscreen.
In alternative embodiments the lamp means may be affixed on the vehicles exterior.
The lighting apparatus may be a stand-alone, purchasable article affixable to an operably, suitably-located, upper part of the vehicle frame, or adhered to the glass windscreen. Alternatively, it could be provided as part of the OME vehicle as original manufactured equipment, either integrally formed or as a fitting.
The light beam may be directed solely to the driver by limiting the emitted beam, say, for example limited to a width a of approximately 90 . This angle limitation could reduce a possible nuisance factor to a front seat passenger, if desired, since a passenger does not have to endure the degree of concentration required of the driver. Alternatively, if no angle a limitation is desired, then the light means could be free to act as a point of light source for the entire interior of the vehicle. The effective intensity of the light beam could be as desired, by the driver in a custom manner by adjustment of an optionally and preferred control means.
Thus, the invention provides apparatus as hereinabove defined wherein the lighting means is so located as to operably produce a light beam directly and, preferably, downwardly into and having a central vertical plane approximately between the eyes of the driver.
The apparatus, further, most preferably, has the lighting means so located as to operably produce a light beam downwardly into the eyes of the driver at a horizontal angle a

5 selected from the range 0 to about 45 from either side of the vertical plane between the eyes of the driver, preferably a is selected from 5 to about 30 and, most preferably, 0 to .
In further preferred embodiments, the apparatus further comprises "on-off' control 5 switch means for the light beam producing means, and more preferably, also variable control means for controlling the intensity of the light operably emanating from the light beam producing means.
In alternative embodiments, the invention, as hereinabove defined, may be used in association with a driver's side visor.
Although not overly practical, the apparatus could be affixed to the steering wheel.
The lighting means, most preferably, is connected to an electric power source selected from the vehicle battery and/or vehicle electricity generating system. In alternative embodiments, the light is provided by use of typical flashlight batteries, such as, for example, a plurality of, say 2-3, AA dry cell batteries.
Preferably, the light beam produced by the lamp means in the practise of the invention passes through a diffuse filter, such as a frosted glass or translucent plastics material, rather than a "pin-point" direct, intense beam.
In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of reducing or alleviating the effect of halo-rings, stars and glare in the eyes of a driver of a vehicle, said method comprising directing and desirably maintaining an effective light beam into the eyes of the driver.
Preferably, the method comprises directing the light beam having a central vertical plane approximately between the eyes of the driver; and more preferably, the light beam is directed downwardly into the eyes of the driver.
Preferably, the method comprises directing the light beam into the eyes of the driver at a horizontal angle a selected from the range 0 to about 45 , more preferably, from about 5 to about 30 from either side of the vertical plane between the eyes of the driver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the invention may be better understood, preferred embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein

6 Fig. 1 is a diagrammic sideview of a vehicle with a driver under the influence of a lamp device according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a diagrammic plan view of a driver in a vehicle under the influence of a lamp device according to the invention;
Figs. 3A and 3B are is a diagrammatic side views (in part) of a vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, showing different locations of the lamp means of use in the practise of the invention;
and wherein the same numerals denote like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to Fig. 1, this shows generally as 10, a vehicle 12 with a driver 14 approaching a lamp standard 16 providing a light 18 illuminating road 20.
Driver 14 is within the interior 22 of vehicle 12 on driver seat 24 looking forward with his eyes 26 affected by light 18.
A white-light producing lamp shown generally as 28 has a lamp body 30 within interior 22 holding a light bulb 32 affixed to an upper part 34 of the vehicle frame 36 and adjacent roof 40 above windscreen 42 directly ahead of driver 14.
Light bulb 28 is, thus, so located as to operably produce, when activated by driver 14, a light beam 44, downwardly directed and, with reference to Fig. 2, having a central, vertical plane X-X' approximately between eyes 26 of driver 14.
In alternative embodiments, shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, respectively, lamp body 30 is suitably so located on the inside surface 46 or the exterior surface 48 of windscreen 42 as to direct light beam 44 into eyes 26 of driver 14 as hereinabove described.
Lamp body 30 may be integrally formed with frame upper part 34, or affixed thereto by any suitable means, such as for example, by an adhesive, screws or other fittings (not shown). Lamp body 30 may alternatively be positioned Pi or P2, either side of position P, as described with reference to Fig. 1, at angle a selected from 0 to 45 from either side of vertical plane X - V.
Lamp body 30 on a side 50 also has a "on-off' control switch 52 and a variable control rheostat 54 for controlling the light beam intensity by driver 14.
Although this disclosure has described and illustrated certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to those particular

7 embodiments. Rather, the invention includes all embodiments which are functional or mechanical equivalence of the specific embodiments and features that have been described and illustrated.

8

Claims

Claims:

1. Apparatus comprising a lighting means suitable for use in a vehicle having a vehicle interior and a driver seat to seat a driver, and to operably direct a light beam into the eyes of the driver, said lighting means comprising (i) a lamp body located on said vehicle in front of said driver seat;
(ii) mounting means for mounting said lamp body to said vehicle; and (iii) light beam producing means on said lamp body for operably producing a light beam directed into the eyes of the driver and of such intensity as to effectively reduce or alleviate the effect of halo-rings, stars and glare.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said lighting means is located within said vehicle interior.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said lighting means is located on said vehicle exterior.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said lamp body is integrally mounted to said vehicle.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said lamp body is affixed to said vehicle.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said lamp body is located directly ahead of said driver seat at an upper part of said vehicle above the windscreen adjacent the roof of said vehicle.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said lamp body is located ahead of said driver seat on the windscreen of said vehicle.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said lighting means is so located as to operably produce a light beam directly into and having a central vertical plane approximately between the eyes of the driver.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said lighting means is so located as to operably produce a light beam downwardly directly into and having a central vertical plane approximately between the eyes of the driver.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said lighting means is so located as to operably produce a light beam into the eyes of the driver at a horizontal angle .alpha.°

selected from the range 0 to about 45° from either side of the vertical plane between the eyes of the driver.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein said lighting means is so located as to operably produce a light beam downwardly into the eyes of the driver at a horizontal angle .alpha.° selected from the range 0 to about 45°
from either side of the vertical plane between the eyes of the driver.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 wherein .alpha.° is selected from 5° to 30°.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein .alpha.° is selected from 0° to 5°.

14. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 further comprising "on-off" control switch means for said lighting means.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 further comprising variable control means for controlling the intensity of light operably emanating from said lighting means.

16. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein said light beam producing means operably produces white light.

17. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein said lamp body is mounted on a visor.

18. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein said lighting means comprises connection means suitable for electrical communication with an electric power source selected from dry battery means, vehicle battery means and vehicle electricity.

19. A method of reducing or alleviating the effect of halo-rings, stars and glare in the eyes of a driver of a vehicle, said method comprising directing and desirably maintaining an effective light beam into the eyes of the driver.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19 comprising directing said light beam having a central vertical plane approximately between the eyes of the driver.

21. A method as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20 comprising directing said light beam downwardly into the eyes of the driver.

22. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 20 comprising directing said light beam into the eyes of the driver at a horizontal angle .alpha.°
selected from the range 0° to about 45° from either side of the vertical plane between the eyes of the driver.

23. A method as claimed in claim 22 wherein said angle .alpha.° is selected from 5° to 30°.

24. A method as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23 comprising directing said light beam downwardly into the eyes of the driver.