GB2291290A

GB2291290A - Vehicle brake warning light systems

Info

Publication number: GB2291290A
Application number: GB9512488A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Edward Byrd
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-06-22
Filing date: 1995-06-20
Publication date: 1996-01-17
Anticipated expiration: 2015-06-20
Also published as: GB2291290B; GB9512488D0; GB9412557D0

Abstract

A motor vehicle light system comprises a forward-facing light (13) which emits light (for example, green light) of a frequency visually different to any other light on the front of the vehicle, and a control circuit (10, 12) such that the forward-facing light (13) is illuminated when the vehicle brakes are applied. The forward facing light warns pedestrians that the vehicle brakes have been applied and comprises low and high wattage filaments 14, 15 for operation when the headlights are off and on respectively. <IMAGE>

Description

MOTOR VEHICLE LIGHT SYSTEMS Field of the Invention This invention relates to light systems for motor vehicles and the term "motor vehicles" as used herein is to be interpreted broadly as including any form of motorised road vehicle, for example, a car, motor-cycle, van, lorry, etc.

It can be very difficult for pedstrians to assess the sped of a motor vehicle and to decide whether an approaching vehicle is accelerating or decelerating.

There are thus times when accidents occur because a pedestrian is under the mistaken impression that a motorist is braking and is either about to stop or is capable of stopping in a very short distance.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved motor vehicle light system which will enable a reduction in accidents of the above kind to be obtained.

Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a motor venicle light system which includes a forward-facing light of such nature that it emits light of a frequency visually different to any other light on the front of the vehicle, and a control circuit for controlling operation of the light upon application of the vehicle braking means such that the forward-facing light is illuminated when the vehicle braking means is applied.

The forward-facing light will, in the case of a car, van, etc., normally be mounted on the front of the vehicle between the vehicle head-lights and the control circuit for said light, which provides a warning to pedestrians, may form part of an overall control circuit which also controls operation of the rear brake light or lights of the vehicle. Thus, for a car, van, etc., depression of the brake pedal will not only cause the rear brake lights to come on but will also effect illumination of the forward-facing, pedestrian-warning light.

In the case of motor-cycles, the arrangement will preferably be such that, when the brake lever is actuated, both the rear brake light and the forward-facing light will be illuminated.

The forward-facing light may be such that it emits a green light and may comprise a bulb having a double element, for example, a G.E. 1178 bulb. The control circuit may be such that, when the vehicle headlights are switched on, the higher wattage element will be energised whereas, when the vehicle headlights are not switched on, the lower wattage element will be energised.

The vehicle light system may be original equipment, i.e.

it is part of the vehicle as produced by a vehicle manufacturer. Alternatively, for existing vehicles, it may be in the form of an accessory and provided as a kit for fitment to the vehicle.

grief Description of the drawing The single figure of the accompanying drawing is a block diagram of a motor vehicle light system.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment The system shown in the drawing is for an automobile and includes an on-off switch 10 which is arranged for movement into its closed or "on" position when the vehicle brake pedal (not shown) is actuated. The switch 10 is connected by a supply line 11 to a two-position switch 12. This two-position switch 12 is linked to the circuit controlling operation of the vehicle headlights. It is in one position when the vehicle headlights are "off" and in its other position when the vehicle II II headlights are "on".

A pedestrian warning light 13 is mounted on the front of the automobile, between the vehicle headlights. It is such that it emits, for example, a green light of specified frequency and thus contrasts visually with the headlights or any other lights mounted on the front of the automobile. The preferred form of light includes a double-element type bulb, such as a G.E. 1178 bulb.

The two element of the bulb are indicated as 14 and 15 in the drawing and, as will be seen from a consideration of the drawing, either element 14 or element 15 will be energised when the switch 10, operated on actuation of the brake pedal (not shown) is closed. During daylight, the lower wattage element 14 will be energised and, when the vehicle headlights are switched on, the higher wattage element 15 will be energised.

The arrangement is thus such that, whenever the vehicle brakes are applied, the warning light 13 is illuminated so as to provide a clear indication to pedestrians or other persons looking at the front of the vehicle that the vehicle is slowing down.

There are times when a vehicle's indicator lights have been operated, the vehicle has slowed down to make a turn, has completed the turn and then started to accelerate while the indicator lights are still operating. Pedestrians and other road users have assumed that, because the vehicle indicator lights are operating, the vehicle is slowing down (when this is not the case) and accidents have occurred.

The light system of the present invention may be included as original equipment, in which case the control circuit, wnich controls operation of the vehicle brake lights and thus includes the switch 10, will also control operation of the light 13. The control circuit will also include a relay (not shown) which controls movement of the switch 12 between its two positions when the vehicle headlights are turned either on or off.

As applied to an accessory for an existing vehicle, the light system of the present invention will be readily fitted and tne kit which will be sold will include the light 13, the switch 12, the relay (not shown), which is connected to the vehicle headlight circuit and leads for connection to the power supply and to switch 10.

Claims

Claims:

1. A motor vehicle light system which includes a forwardfacing light of such nature that it emits light of a frequency visually different to any other light on the front of the vehicle, and a control circuit for controlling operation of the light upon application of the vehicle braking means such that the forward-facing light is illuminated whn the vehicle braking means is applied.

2. A motor vehicle light system as claimed in Claim 1, in which the forward-facing light is mounted on the front of the vehicle between the vehicle head-lights.

3. A motor vehicle light syatem as claimed in Claim 1, in which the control circuit for the forward-facing light forms part of an overall control circuit which also controls operation of the rear brake light or lights of the vehicle.

4. A motor vehicle light system as claimed in Claim l and for a motor-cycle, in which the arrangement is such that, when the motor-cycle brake lever is actuated, the rear brake light and the forward-facing light will be illuminated.

5. A motor vehicle light system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the forward-facing light is such that it emits green light.

6. A motor vehicle light system as claimed in Claim 5, in which the forward-facing light comprises a bulb having a double element, one element being of a higher wattage than the other element.

7. A motor vehicle light system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawing.

8. A motor vehicle light system as claimed in Claim 7, in the form of original equipment for the vehicle.

9. A motor vehicle light system as claimed in Claim 7, afforded by an accessory fitted to the vehicle.

10. 4 motor vehicle accessory in the form of a kit for fitment to a motor vehicle to produce the motor vehicle light system as claimed ikn any one of Clairns 1 to 7.