GB2375901A - Wireless remote controlled vehicle lighting Board - Google Patents
Wireless remote controlled vehicle lighting Board Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2375901A GB2375901A GB0105142A GB0105142A GB2375901A GB 2375901 A GB2375901 A GB 2375901A GB 0105142 A GB0105142 A GB 0105142A GB 0105142 A GB0105142 A GB 0105142A GB 2375901 A GB2375901 A GB 2375901A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- lighting board
- board according
- signal
- light
- power source
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000019504 cigarettes Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/30—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating rear of vehicle, e.g. by means of reflecting surfaces
- B60Q1/305—Indicating devices for towed vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q2900/00—Features of lamps not covered by other groups in B60Q
- B60Q2900/30—Lamps commanded by wireless transmissions
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
Abstract
A lighting board 1 for a vehicle comprises a pair of multi-function light units 3 arranged either side of a number plate 2, a power source 6 for the light units and a receiver unit 5 for controlling the light units in response to a signal from a remote transmitter are arranged on a rear face of the lighting board (Figure 2). The light units replicate the rear lights of the vehicle and are operable in response to actuation of the rear lights. The signal may be of variable frequency, as used in frequency hopping, and may be of any type including infra-red, radio, microwave, ultrasonic and magnetic. The power source may be rechargeable. The light units may comprise LEDs.
Description
<Desc/Clms Page number 1>
LIGHTING BOARD This invention concerns improvements in or relating to lighting boards.
It is a requirement in the United Kingdom and many other countries to fit a lighting board when the rear light units and/or number plate of a vehicle are obstructed, for example when towing a trailer or by a load mounted on the rear of the vehicle.
The known lighting boards include multi-functional light units on either side of a number plate corresponding to the vehicle number plate. In use, the lighting board is mounted so as to be visible to the driver of a following vehicle and a wiring connection is provided between the lighting board and the vehicle so that operation of the light units of the lighting board is synchronised with operation of the rear lights of the vehicle. In this way, the driver of a following vehicle is provided with a warning of any intended turn or of braking of the vehicle.
Typically, the lighting board is provided with a cable lead having a connector for releasable connection to a matching connector on the vehicle. This is connected in turn to a control unit wired into the wiring system for the rear light units of the vehicle so that the light units of the lighting board are operable with the vehicle rear light units.
The control unit is usually located in the rear of the vehicle, generally in the boot, with the vehicle connector located externally of the vehicle, often adjacent the tow bar, so as to be accessible at the rear of the vehicle for connection to the lighting board connector.
<Desc/Clms Page number 2>
The connections may be of the plug and socket type, and being exposed to atmospheric conditions, are susceptible to failure. Also, the cable lead is exposed and can be easily damaged again causing failure.
In addition, the operation of the lighting board adds to the load on the vehicle's electrical system and this can lead to faults developing in the wiring.
The present invention has been made from a consideration of the foregoing problems and disadvantages.
According to the present invention, there is provided a lighting board having a light source, a power source for the light source, and control means controlling the light source in response to a signal from a remote control unit.
By this invention, the lighting board is fitted to a vehicle or a trailer towed by the vehicle and is remotely operable in response to actuation of the rear lights of the vehicle without any direct electrical connection between the lighting board and the vehicle.
More particularly, the invention eliminates the cable lead of known lighting boards enabling the lighting board to be fitted simply and easily without having to make an electrical connection to the vehicle.
In this way, a main cause of failure of existing lighting boards is eliminated. In addition, by providing the lighting board with its own power source, operation of the lighting board does not add to the load on the electrical system of the vehicle removing another cause of failure of existing lighting, boards.
<Desc/Clms Page number 3>
Preferably, the power source is a rechargeable power source such as a battery power pack and the lighting board is conveniently provided with a charger unit connectable to a power supply for recharging the power source when required. Alternatively, the charger unit may be separate from the lighting board and the power source connectable to the charger unit.
The power source may be detachable allowing it to be removed for recharging and a replacement power source fitted so that the lighting board can still be used.
The lighting board may include means for indicating to the user when the power source requires recharging. For example, a light or buzzer providing a visual and/or audible warning when recharging is necessary.
Advantageously, the light source comprises a pair of multi-function light units spaced apart to allow a number plate to be attached there between. The number plate is preferably detachable so that the lighting board can be adapted for use with different vehicles by fitting the appropriate number plate.
Each light unit is preferably provided with a separate indicator light, brake and stop light and rear light and is operable in synchronisation with the corresponding rear light unit of the vehicle. The lights may be conventional filament bulbs, but in a preferred embodiment are low-power consumption devices such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) thereby reducing the load on the power source and increasing the interval between recharging operations.
<Desc/Clms Page number 4>
The control means conveniently comprises a receiver adapted to receive signals from the remote control unit in the vehicle and operate the light source. The remote control unit may comprise a transmitter connected into the wiring system of the rear light units of the vehicle and adapted to generate a signal in response to actuation of the rear light units which is transmitted to the receiver for operating the lighting board.
The signal may be of any suitable type, for example radio, infra-red, microwave, ultrasonic, magnetic or any other type of signal and is preferably designed so that each receiver and transmitter are dedicated to each other reducing the risk of accidental operation of the lighting board by a signal from an alternative source such as another vehicle. For example, the transmitter and receiver may communicate using a signal having a given frequency. More preferably, however, the transmitter and receiver communicate using a signal having a variable frequency, sometimes referred to as frequency hopping.
The invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein :- FIGURE 1 shows one side of a lighting board embodying the invention; and FIGURE 2 shows the other side of the lighting board with internal components indicated in broken lines.
The lighting board shown in the accompanying drawing comprises an elongate rectangular casing 1 for releasably attaching to a trailer (not shown) by any suitable means (not shown) such as straps.
I
<Desc/Clms Page number 5>
The casing 1 comprises a pair of similar front and back panels la, lb made of a lightweight, weatherproof material such as plastics although other materials may be used, for example sheet metal such as aluminium to which any suitable surface coating may be applied such as paint or plastics.
The panels la, lb are releasably secured together by any suitable fasteners such as screws (not shown) allowing access to internal components for repair/replacement and with an appropriate seal (not shown) between the panels la, lb to prevent ingress of water. Tamper-proof fasteners may be used to prevent unauthorised access but this is not essential.
Alternatively, the panels la, lb may be permanently secured together in watertight manner, for example where the panels la, lb are made of plastics these may be welded together after assembly and testing of the lighting board.
The front panel la has a central space for mounting a number plate 2 corresponding to the number plate of the towing vehicle. The number plate 2 is releasably secured by screws or like fasteners (not shown) enabling the lighting board to be adapted for use with different vehicles by fitting the corresponding number plate as desired.
On either side of the number plate 2, the front panel la has a multifunction light unit 3 and a reflective triangle 4. Each light unit 3 has an indicator light, a brake and stop light, and a rear light. One unit 3 may also have a fog light with the other unit having a reversing light. Other combinations of lights are possible either in a single unit or in separate units and the invention is deemed to include all such combinations giving any desired range of functions.
<Desc/Clms Page number 6>
Located within the casing 1 are a receiver unit 5, a re-chargeable power source 6 and a charger unit 7. The re-chargeable power source 6 is preferably a battery power pack to which the light units 3 are connected via the receiver unit 5.
The receiver unit 5 is arranged to receive signals from a remote transmitter unit (not shown) located in the towing vehicle, usually in the boot, and connected to the wiring system for the rear light units of the towing vehicle.
The transmitter unit generates a signal in response to actuation of the rear light units of the towing vehicle by the driver and this signal is picked up by the receiver unit 5 and used to operate the corresponding light on the trailer lighting board.
The signal may be of any suitable type, for example a light wave such as infra-red, electromagnetic wave such as radio or sound wave such as ultrasonic.
The signal may have a particular wavelength or range of wavelengths with a different signal being produced for each function, for example indicating a left or right turn or braking or stopping etc.
In this way, operation of the light units 3 is synchronised with the operation of the rear lights of the towing vehicle so that the driver of a following vehicle is given a warning when the towing vehicle is intending to turn to the right or left, or is braking or reversing.
<Desc/Clms Page number 7>
To reduce the risk of accidental or random operation of the light units 3 by signals from any other source, for example another vehicle fitted with a similar transmitter unit, the transmitter unit and/or receiver unit 5 may be arranged to be operable over a relatively short distance.
Alternatively, or in addition, the transmitter unit and receiver unit 5 may be arranged to communicate using a signal of variable frequency, referred to as frequency hopping, in which the signal frequency changes in a pseudo-random manner known to both units.
A switch (not shown) may be provided to isolate the transmitter unit and prevent any signals being produced when the lighting board is not fitted.
The charger unit 7 may be adapted for releasable connection to the mains power supply (not shown) by any suitable means (not shown) for recharging the battery power pack when required. The output from the charger unit 7 may be adjustable to match the requirements of the battery power pack. For example, the output from the charger unit 7 may be set to provide any selected one of a range of outputs such as 12 volts or 110 volts or 240 volts according to the type of re-chargeable power pack employed.
The lighting board may include test means for indicating the condition of the battery power pack and/or generating a warning signal when recharging is required, for example a visual and/or audible alarm such as a light or buzzer.
Alternatively, or in addition, the receiver unit 5 may be arranged to transmit a signal to the transmitter unit to activate a visual and/or audible alarm in the towing vehicle to warn the driver if re-charging is required
<Desc/Clms Page number 8>
when the lighting board is in use. The signal may be of any suitable type and is preferably designed to reduce the risk of accidental or inadvertent operation by a signal from another source as previously described herein, for example by the use of a signal of variable frequency (frequency hopping).
The battery power pack may be removable enabling a replacement battery power pack to be fitted when re-charging is required so that the lighting board can continue to be used. It may be possible to re-charge the battery power pack using the vehicle's battery, for example by connecting the charger unit 7 to a socket for a cigarette lighter.
The receiver unit 5 may also be arranged to transmit a signal to the transmitter unit to activate a visual and/or audible alarm in the towing vehicle to warn the driver of any malfunction in the operation of the light units 3. The signal may be of any suitable type and is preferably designed to reduce the risk of accidental or inadvertent operation by a signal from another source as previously described herein, for example by the use of a signal of variable frequency (frequency hopping).
As will be appreciated from the foregoing description, the invented lighting board is operable remotely by means of signals generated by the transmitter unit provided in the towing vehicle in response to operation of the rear lights of the towing vehicle.
In this way, a direct connection to the electrical system of the towing z vehicle is avoided and operation of the lighting board does not add to the load on the electrical system of the towing vehicle.
<Desc/Clms Page number 9>
Eliminating the cable lead between the lighting board and the towing vehicle simplifies fitting the lighting board and reduces the risk of failure or malfunction caused by damage to the exposed cable lead and/or connector.
The battery power pack provides the power source for the light units 3.
The individual lights may be filament bulbs but it is preferred to use low power consumption devices. In this way, the lighting board may be used for a longer period of time before the battery power pack has to be recharged or the size of the battery pack may be reduced.
Suitable low power consumption devices are light emitting diodes producing high illumination and wide angle prominence for enhanced visibility but other devices may be used.
The lighting board may include a light for illuminating the number plate and, where provided, this light is operable with the light for illuminating the rear number plate of the towing vehicle.
Although the invention has been described for use of the lighting board when the rear lights of a vehicle are obstructed by a trailer towed by the vehicle, it will be understood that the invented lighting board may be used in other circumstances when the rear lights and/or number plate of the vehicle are obstructed, for example by a load mounted on the back of the vehicle such as may occur if the vehicle is fitted with a rear mounted cycle carrier.
It will also be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment above-described and that the concept of remotely operating a lighting board in synchronisation with the rear lights of a vehicle may be
<Desc/Clms Page number 10>
effected in other ways and the invention is deemed to include all variations and modifications within the scope of the claims.
Claims (26)
1. A lighting board having a light source, a power source for the light source, and control means controlling the light source in response to a signal from a remote control unit.
2. A lighting board according to Claim 1 wherein the power source is a rechargeable power source.
3. A lighting board according to Claim 2 wherein the rechargeable power source is a battery power pack.
4. A lighting board according to Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein a charger unit is provided connectable to a power supply for recharging the power source when required.
5. A lighting board according to Claim 4 wherein the charger unit is separate from the lighting board and the power source is connectable to the charger unit.
6. A lighting board according to any one of Claims 2 to 5 wherein means is provided for indicating to the user when the power source requires recharging.
7. A lighting board according to Claim 6 wherein the indicating means provides a visual warning when recharging is necessary.
8. A lighting board according to Claim 6 wherein the indicating means provides an audible warning when recharging is necessary.
<Desc/Clms Page number 12>
9. A lighting board according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the power source is detachable.
10. A lighting board according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the light source comprises a pair of multi-functional light units spaced apart to allow a number plate to be attached therebetween.
11. A lighting board according to Claim 10 wherein the number plate is detachable.
12. A lighting board according to Claim 10 or Claim 11 wherein each light unit is provided with a separate indicator light, brake and stop light and rear light and is operable in synchronisation with the corresponding rear light unit of the vehicle.
13. A lighting board according to Claim 12 wherein the lights are conventional filament bulbs.
14. A lighting board according to Claim 12 wherein the lights are low-power consumption devices.
15. A lighting board according to Claim 14 wherein the low-power consumption devices are light emitting diodes (LEDs).
16. A lighting board according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the control means comprises a receiver adapted to receive signals from the remote control unit in the vehicle and operate the light source.
17. A lighting board according to Claim 16 wherein the remote control unit comprises a transmitter connected into the wiring system of the rear
<Desc/Clms Page number 13>
light units of the vehicle and adapted to generate a signal in response to actuation of the rear light units which is transmitted to the receiver for operating the lighting board.
18. A lighting board according to Claim 17 wherein the signal is a radio signal.
19. A lighting board according to Claim 17 wherein the signal is an infra-red signal.
20. A lighting board according to Claim 17 wherein the signal is a microwave signal.
21. A lighting board according to Claim 17 wherein the signal is an ultrasonic signal.
22. A lighting board according to Claim 17 wherein the signal is a magnetic signal.
23. A lighting board according to any one of Claims 17 to 22 wherein the receiver and transmitter are dedicated to each other.
24. A lighting board according to Claim 23 wherein the receiver and transmitter communicate using a signal having a given frequency.
25. A lighting board according to Claim 23 wherein the receiver and transmitter communicate using a signal having variable frequency.
26. A lighting board substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0105142A GB2375901B (en) | 2001-03-02 | 2001-03-02 | Lighting Board |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0105142A GB2375901B (en) | 2001-03-02 | 2001-03-02 | Lighting Board |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0105142D0 GB0105142D0 (en) | 2001-04-18 |
| GB2375901A true GB2375901A (en) | 2002-11-27 |
| GB2375901B GB2375901B (en) | 2005-06-01 |
Family
ID=9909822
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0105142A Expired - Fee Related GB2375901B (en) | 2001-03-02 | 2001-03-02 | Lighting Board |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2375901B (en) |
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE10258795A1 (en) * | 2002-12-16 | 2004-06-24 | Delphi Technologies, Inc., Troy | Device for connecting a motor vehicle trailer to a motor vehicle |
| GB2411458A (en) * | 2004-02-24 | 2005-08-31 | Wayne Joseph Cooper | A light board for a towed vehicle |
| EP1927510A3 (en) * | 2006-11-28 | 2010-04-07 | Paccar Inc. | Removable vehicle signaling device |
| EP1927511A3 (en) * | 2006-11-28 | 2010-04-14 | Paccar Inc. | Vehicle signaling device |
| GB2468764A (en) * | 2009-03-17 | 2010-09-22 | Trevor Mark Coaker Davey | Vehicle lighting systems |
| GB2478711A (en) * | 2010-03-15 | 2011-09-21 | Mont Blanc Ind Uk Ltd | Lighting board system |
| WO2018051118A1 (en) * | 2016-09-15 | 2018-03-22 | Mcallister Elizabeth | Vehicle lighting system |
| DE102021119084A1 (en) | 2021-07-23 | 2023-01-26 | Audi Aktiengesellschaft | auxiliary lighting system |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5198798A (en) * | 1992-03-02 | 1993-03-30 | Larry Lietzow | Wireless taillight system |
| US5666103A (en) * | 1995-10-25 | 1997-09-09 | Davis, Jr.; James Ferris | Wireless safety indicator control system for towed vehicles |
| EP0950565A1 (en) * | 1998-04-14 | 1999-10-20 | S.T.E.A. Sarl | Removable licence plate with radio link |
| US6100801A (en) * | 1998-05-21 | 2000-08-08 | Custer Products Incorporated | Radio controlled light bar |
-
2001
- 2001-03-02 GB GB0105142A patent/GB2375901B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5198798A (en) * | 1992-03-02 | 1993-03-30 | Larry Lietzow | Wireless taillight system |
| US5666103A (en) * | 1995-10-25 | 1997-09-09 | Davis, Jr.; James Ferris | Wireless safety indicator control system for towed vehicles |
| EP0950565A1 (en) * | 1998-04-14 | 1999-10-20 | S.T.E.A. Sarl | Removable licence plate with radio link |
| US6100801A (en) * | 1998-05-21 | 2000-08-08 | Custer Products Incorporated | Radio controlled light bar |
Cited By (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE10258795A1 (en) * | 2002-12-16 | 2004-06-24 | Delphi Technologies, Inc., Troy | Device for connecting a motor vehicle trailer to a motor vehicle |
| GB2411458A (en) * | 2004-02-24 | 2005-08-31 | Wayne Joseph Cooper | A light board for a towed vehicle |
| EP1927510A3 (en) * | 2006-11-28 | 2010-04-07 | Paccar Inc. | Removable vehicle signaling device |
| EP1927511A3 (en) * | 2006-11-28 | 2010-04-14 | Paccar Inc. | Vehicle signaling device |
| GB2468764A (en) * | 2009-03-17 | 2010-09-22 | Trevor Mark Coaker Davey | Vehicle lighting systems |
| GB2478711A (en) * | 2010-03-15 | 2011-09-21 | Mont Blanc Ind Uk Ltd | Lighting board system |
| GB2478711B (en) * | 2010-03-15 | 2012-05-02 | Mont Blanc Ind Uk Ltd | Lighting board system |
| WO2018051118A1 (en) * | 2016-09-15 | 2018-03-22 | Mcallister Elizabeth | Vehicle lighting system |
| GB2569505A (en) * | 2016-09-15 | 2019-06-19 | Mcallister Elizabeth | Vehicle lighting system |
| DE102021119084A1 (en) | 2021-07-23 | 2023-01-26 | Audi Aktiengesellschaft | auxiliary lighting system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2375901B (en) | 2005-06-01 |
| GB0105142D0 (en) | 2001-04-18 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20130302 |