US3718921A

US3718921A - Driver alertness alarm system

Info

Publication number: US3718921A
Application number: US00188945A
Authority: US
Inventors: A Johnson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-10-13
Filing date: 1971-10-13
Publication date: 1973-02-27
Anticipated expiration: 1990-02-27

Abstract

A method and apparatus for motor vehicle dimmer alert device utilizing a select switch to initiate operation of the alert and utilizing foot pressure of the driver to prevent the alert from becoming operational but wherein lessening of foot pressure causes operation of the alert to thereby gain the attention of the driver.

Description

United States Patent 91 Johnson [54] DRIVER ALERTNESS ALARM SYSTEM [76] Inventor: Anna 1). Johnson, 1249 Blalock,

suite 201, Houston, Tex. 77055 [22] Filed: Oct. 13, 1971 [211 App]. No.: 188,945

[52] 0.8. CI. ..340/279, ZOO/86.5, 180/99, ISO/82.7, 180/99 [51] Int. Cl. ..G08b 21/00 [58] Field of Search ..340/279; ZOO/86.5, 6 A, 5 E,

[ 5 6 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,502,833 3/1970 Bossini ct a1. ..200/86.S 1,716,373 6/1929 Ellis 3,227,998

H1966 Platt ..'.340/279 UX 1 1 Feb. 27, 1973 2,842,628 7/1958 James ..340/279 UX 3,585,626 6/ 1971 Tartarini ..340/279 X 2,738,496 3/1956 Armstrong" ..180/82.7 X 3,106,981 10/1963 Chakiris. .....180/99 3,559,206 1/1971 Beecham ...340/279 R 3,409,101 11/1968 Williams .180/99 X Primary Examiner-John W. Caldwell Assistant Examiner-William M. Wannisky Attorney-Guy E. Matthews et a1.

[5 7 ABSTRACT A method and apparatus for motor vehicle dimmer alert device utilizing a select switch to initiate operation of the alert and utilizing foot pressure of the driver to prevent the alert from becoming operational but wherein lessening of foot pressure causes operation of the alert to thereby gain the attention of the driver.

14 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures DRIVER ALERTNESS ALARM SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a new and improved method and apparatus for motor vehicle dimmer alert to warn that the driver of such vehicle is becoming inattentive.

.2. Description of Prior Art:

The prior art apparatus, as exemplified by U.S.- Pat.

Nos. 3,283,166; 3,409,101; and 3,559,205, related to warning signals or ceasing'the operation of a motor vehicle when the operator thereof became physically unable to continue driving the vehicle.

paratus for indicating the inattentiveness of a driver of a motor vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevation view, taken in cross section, of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, taken in the direction indicated by the arrow 2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view, taken in cross section, of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic electric circuit diagram of the alarm circuitusing the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. S'is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 7

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines unit apparatus of US. Pat'No. 3,283,166, the driver 1 was required to continually clasp an operating lever against the steering wheel while driving the vehicle at highway speeds in order to-keep the safety unit apparatusforstopping the vehicle engine. The requirement that the operator continually graspthe operating lever withone hand was tiresome and tedious to the operator, particularly when drivingfor relatively long periods of time, as was normally the case during highway travel.

SUMMARY'OF THE INVENTION Briefly, the present invention provides a new and improved apparatus and method for operating an alarm to indicate the inattentiveness of the driver of a motor vehicle..Electrical contacts move responsive to a suitable resilient means which may be a spring, for example, either a coiled spring or a tensioned flat leaf spring starting the alarm once the apparatus is activated. A pressure sensitive operating assembly,'which maybe a plunger or a movablecap, moves the electrical contacts with respect to each other responsive to pressure exerted by the driver's footto overcome the force in'the resilient means to keep the alarm from sounding.

Thus, the driver must remain attentive to prevent an alarm signal-from being generated. Further, the alarm signal is generated when the driver becomes inattentive, asindicated by decreasing pressure on the actuator means, allowing the resilient means to move the electrical contacts energizing the alarm indicating the inattentiveness of the driver. The alarm may be energized by several electrical circuit arrangements, such as completion of an electrical circuit permitting current flow through the electrical contacts, or by providing an electrical ground through theelectrical contacts.

It is an object of the presentinvention to provide a new and improved motor vehicle dimmer alert apparatus and method.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved motor vehicle dimmer alert ap- DESCRIPTION on THE Emma EMBODIMENT In the drawings, the letter A designates generally the switch apparatus of the present invention of operation of an alarm G, such as a horn, buzzer, bell, orother suitable alarm means for-generating an alarrn or waming signal when activated. The apparatus A of the present invention is mounted with a dimmer control switch D of a car, truck, bus, or other motor vehicle. As will beset forth hereinbelow, the dimmer control switch Doperates in conjunction with the embodiments of the present invention, permitting simultaneous control of the intensity of the vehicle headlights and operation of the apjparatus'of the present invention. l I

The apparatus A, as will be more evident hereinbelow, requires that the driver of the vehicle exert a force to prevent the alarm from operating. Should the driverof the vehicle become inattentive or drowsy, the apparatus A senses this condition in response to. a reduction or removal of the force ekerted by the driver's foot thereon, operating the alarm to indicate to the driver of the vehicle and the passengers of the vehicle that'the driver is becoming inattentive.

The apparatus A (FIG. I and 2) includes a cupshaped housing [I made out of plastic or other suitable synthetic resin.- The cup-shaped housing 11 has a plubright, and vice-versa, when the driver of the vehicle depresses the upper portion U withrespecttoa lower housing or receptacle L of the dimmer switch D containing the operating parts of such dimmerswitch. As

with conventional dimmer switches, and as will be set forth hereinbelow, the dimmer switch D has a spring mounted therein to return the upper portion U to the uppermost position illustrated in the drawings after each successive actuation by the driver.

The cup-shaped housing H includes a cylindrical wall portion 14 extending downwardly from a circular plate portion and having the openings 11 for passage therethrough of the set screws 12 formed therein. A shoulder 17 (FIG. 1) is formed at an upper end 14a of the cylindrical wall 14 of the housing H. The shoulder 17 engages an upper surface 20 of the upper portion U of the dimmer switch D and provides a space 18 between the plate 15 and wall portion 14 of the housing H to permit relative movement of an actuating plunger P to open and close a plurality of electrical contacts C, as will be more evident hereinbelow.

The plunger P includes an upper portion 22 extending through an opening 15a formed in the plate 15 of the housing H. An upper engaging surface 22a on the upper portion 22 is contacted by the foot of the driver of the motor vehicle, as will be more evident hereinbelow, to maintain the electrical contacts C outof the engagement with each other responsive to the pressure exerted by the drivers foot and thereby prevent operation of the alarm G.

A lower portion 24 of the plunger P is mounted within the space 18 between the housing H and the dimmer switch D. The lower portion 24 is of slightly larger cross section than the opening 15a formed in the housing H, in order to retain the plunger P mounted within the housing H. A camming or engaging surface 24a is formed on the lower portion 24 of the plunger P and engages a laterally extending portion 26 of a resilient leaf spring S. Absence of pressure on the upper surface 22a of the plunger P permits the laterally extending portion 26 of the resilient leaf spring S to engage the camming surface 240 of the plunger P and force the plunger P upwardly until the lower portion 24 engages an inner surface 15b of the upper plate 15 of the housing H.

The resilient leaf spring S is formed from copper, tensioned spring steel or other suitable electrically conductive and resilient metal engaging the laterally extending portion 26 and causing same to force the plunger P upwardly. If desired, a spring (not shown) may be mounted between the portion 26 of the spring S and the upper surface 20 of dimmer switch D to engage portion 26 and urge the plunger P upwardly. The spring 8- is mounted within a housing formed adjacent a surface 17a (FIG. 1) of the shoulder 17 and a surface 140 formed in the cylindrical wall 14 of the housing H. The resilient leaf spring S is mounted in such space along a downwardly extending portion 27 thereof.

An electrical conductor 30 is soldered or otherwise suitably electrically connected at a tenninal 30a to a lower portion 27a of the downwardly extending portion 27 of the resilient leaf spring S. The conductor 30 provides electrical connection, as will be set forth hereinbelow, between the alarm and an electrical contact 32 at an upwardly extending portion 26a of the spring S. The contact 32 is urged upwardly into engagement with a second contact 34 by the spring S. When the contact 32 is in engagement with the contact 34, an electrical connection is provided between the conductor 30 and an electrical conductor 36 soldered or otherwise suitably electrically connected at a connection 36a with the contact 34. When the

contacts

32 and 34 are in engagement with each other, an electrical connection is formed between the

conductors

30 and 36 completing an electrical circuit and operating the alarm G to furnish a warning signal indicative of the inattentiveness or drowsiness of the driver of the vehicle, as will be more evident hereinbelow.

The plunger P, upon engagement at an upper surface 22a by the foot of the driver, is forced downwardly, overcoming the force in the spring S and maintaining the

contacts

32 and 34 out of engagement with each other responsive to pressure exerted by the driver's foot, preventing an electrical circuit energizing the alarm G from operating. In this manner, the driver must maintain the pressure on the plunger P to maintain the

contacts

32 and 34 out of engagement with each other in order to prevent the alarm G from sounding. Thus, the driver must remain attentive and alert and awake while driving in order to prevent the alarm G from sounding.

It should be noted that thespring S has sufiicient force to urge the contacts 32-and 34 into engagement with each other absent pressure from the driver on the plunger P. The compression or force coefficient of spring S is smaller than the compressive coefficient or force coefficient of the spring in the dimmer switch D. In this manner, the force required to depress the plunger P to overcome the resilient spring S is smaller than the force required to move the upper portion U of the dimmer switch D with respect to the lower recepta: cle L thereof. Thus, the drivermay depress the plunger P of the apparatus A without changing the headlight intensity of the motor vehicle from the desired dim or bright condition while depressing the plunger P to keep the alarm G from sounding.

The apparatus A is electrically connected in a-series electrical circuit arrangement (FIG. 4) by the

conductors

30 and 36 with a battery B of the vehicle, the alarm G and a select or on-off switch I. I

The control switch I may be an ignition switch of the vehicle, of conventional type, forming an electrical connection between terminals 38a and 38b thereof when the key of the vehicle is in the proper position, in the conventional and well-known manner. The on-off switch I may also be any other suitable conventional control on-off switch, to electrically connect terminals 38a and 38b when activation of the alarm G is desired.

The control on-off switch I energizes the series electrical circuit and operates the alarm G absent pressure on the plunger P from the 'drivers foot.

As indicated by a force arrow F (FIG. 4), pressure by the driver of the motor vehicle on the plunger P forces the

contacts

32 and 36 out of engagement with each other and presents electrical power from the power supply Bfrom operating the alarm G. In this manner, the apparatus A requires that the driver of the vehicle remain attentive and alert while driving the vehicle and forms an alarm signal should the driver become inattentive' or drowsy allowing his foot to slip .off the plunger P, permitting the

electrical contacts

32 and 34 to be urged into engagement with each other bythe spring S, thereby permitting the flow of electrical power to the alarm G providing an alarm signal indicative of the inattentiveness of the driver.

It should be noted that the apparatus A, while mounted with the dimmer switch D of the vehicle does not interfere with the operation of the dimmer switch D since the driver, when the apparatus A is in may ma exert a downward force on the plunger P maintaining the contacts 32 and 35 out of engagement with each other and simultaneously depress the upper portion U with respect to the lower receptacle L of the dimmer switch D by exerting a force sufficient to overcome the force in the spring in the dimmer switch D. As has been previously set forth, theforce required to overcome the spring S is less than the force required to overcome the spring in the dimmer switch D. Thus, operation and actuation of the dimmer switch D does not interrupt the pressure exerted by the user on the plunger P and thus, the alarm G is not operated or actuated by use of the dimmer switch D by the driver of the vehicle.

In an alternative apparatus A-l (FIG. 3), like structure and subject matter performing like functions to the apparatus A bear like reference numerals. A housing 14-1 of the apparatus A-l is mounted with the upper portion U of the dimmer switch D by set screws 12 inserted through openings 11 formed in the lower cylindrical wall 14 of the housing H-l.

A circular divider plate 115 is formed in the housing H-l intermediate the lower portion 14 and an upper cylindrical wall portion 114 thereof. The plate 115 is mounted against the upper surface of the upper portion U of the dimmer switch D.

, A cup-shapedplunger P-1 is mounted with the upper cylindrical portion 114 of the housing A-1 forming a space or opening 118 therebetween. A lower shoulder 124 outwardly extending from a cylindrical sidewall 122 of the plunger P-lengages aninwardly extending shoulder 114a formed at an upper end 114b of the upper'portion 114 of the housing A-l. In this manner, upward movement of the plunger P-1 with respect to the housing A-l is limited. I v

A resilient coil'spring 8-1 is mounted between the plunger P-1 and housing I-I-l. The spring S-l engages an inner surface 123a of a circular top member 123 of the plunger P-1 and an upper surface 115a of the intermediate plate 115 formed in the housing I-I-1. The spring S-l forces the plunger P-l upwardly with respect to the housing I-I-l in the absence of pressure exerted on the plunger P-l by the driver of the vehicle.

The

electrical conductors

30 and 36 pass through an opening formed in the housing H-l adjacent the surface 114c thereof. The electrical conductor 36 is connected at a contact 36a by soldering or other suitable techniques to an electrical contact134. The contact runs, a laterally extending portion 134a formed at an upper end thereof to engage a contact 132 mounted with the cylindrical wall 122 of the plunger P-l adjacent the shoulder 124. The contact 132 is electrically connected by the conductor 30 into the circuit arrangement (FIG. 4) energizing the alarm G, as has been previously set forth. The contact132 extends inwardly from the plunger P-1 and has the electrical conductor 130 connected therewith by soldering or other suitable techniques. The contact 132 is urged into engagement with the contact 134 by the spring S-l forcing the plunger P-l upwardly to its uppermost position with the shoulder 124 contacting the shoulder 114a of the housing "-1.

As has been set forth hereinabove with respect to the apparatus A, the apparatus A-l prevents an electrical circuit from being completed and energizing the alarm G with power from the battery B. Further, the apparatus A-1, in response to decreasing pressure on the plunger P-l by the driver due to inattentiveness, drowsiness, or other distractions, permits the spring 8-1 to force the plunger P-l upwardly until the

contacts

132 and 134 are urged into engagement with each other.

In order to keep the alarm generating mean G from being energized, the driver of the vehicle must depress the plunger P-l downwardly until the

contacts

132 and 134 are out of engagement with each other. The driver must further retain the plunger P-l depressed in a position maintaining the

contacts

132 and 134 out of engagement with each other in order to prevent the alarm G from operating.

An alternative apparatus A-2 of the present invention (FIGS. 5-7) is a modified vehicle light dimmer switch which controls the lights of a motor vehicle from a dim or normal position to a bright or high intensity light position in accordance with the desires of the operator of the vehicle. The operator of the vehicle depresses an upper portion or cap U fully with respect to the lower receptacle L of the apparatus A2 in order to alternately switch the vehicle lights from dim to bright as desired.

A plurality of mounting brackets 200 are formed extending outwardly from a compartment N of the lower receptacle L of the apparatus A-2 An aperture or socket is formed in each of the mounting brackets 200 (FIG. 7) extending therethrough adjacent a surface 201 to permit passage therethrough of screws or other suitable mounting means to mount the apparatus A-2 with the floorboard or the motor vehicle using such apparatus. The mounting of the apparatus A2 with the vehicle forms an electrical connection between the apparatus A-2 and the vehicle and serves to electrically ground the apparatus A-2 with respect to the vehicle,

for reason to be set forth hereinbelow.

' The compartment N of the apparatus A-2 is generally box-shaped in configuration, having a side wall thereof removed (FIG. 6) in order that an electrical contact mounting plug 202 made of electrically insulative material such as plastic or synthetic resin may be mounted between a lower wall 205 and an upper wall 206 of the compartment N. The electrical plug 202 has mounted therewith three electrical connectors including two lower connectors 202a and an upper connector 202b. Each of the connectors 202aand 20212 are connected with sockets and electrical wires to electrically connect the apparatus A-2 to control the vehicle light dimmer control circuit of the conventional and well-known type. The second lower electrical connector 2020 is directly behind the first electrical connector 202a in the view illustrated in the drawings (FIG 6) and thus is concealed by the first connector 202a.

An electrical contact 203a is provided for each of the electrical connectors 202a and is mounted on an opposite face of the plug 202. The contacts 203a are electrically connected by conductive rods or strips 203b in order that an electrical connection is formed between the contact 203a and associated electrical connector 202a. Similarly, an upper electrical contact 2030 is mounted on an opposite face from the upper electrical connector 2021: and electrically connected therewith by a conductive rod 203b.

A rotatable wiper electrical contact 207 (FIG. 6) alternates between two operating positions controlling the dim or bright condition headlights of the vehicle by alternating between such two operating positions. Opposite ends 207a and 207b of wiper blade 207 alternately electrically connect the upper electrical contact 2030 with alternate lower electrical contacts 203a selectively interconnecting the bright or dim headlights of the vehicle upon complete depression of the upper portion U of the apparatus A-2 with respect to the lower receptacle L.

A rotatable control arm 208, having the wiper blade 207 mounted therewith, is mounted with the compartment N and the electrical plug 202 by axles 209a and (FIG. 6).

A coil spring 208a enclosing the rotatable control arm 208 urges the wiper 207 against the electrical contacts 203a and 2030 in order to insure adequate electrical connection between the wiper blade 207 and such contacts to complete the vehicle light control circuit.

As is the case in a conventional vehicle dimmer control switch, a downwardly depending control blade 210 of plastic, synthetic resin or other suitable material is mounted at an upper end 210a with the upper portion or cap U of the dimmer switch by a mounting rivet 212 or other suitable means. The control blade 210 engages a contact surface 208b with a lower end 210b in order to alternate the connection arrangement between the contacts 2030 and 203a upon downward movement of the cap U with respect to the receptacle L of the apparatus A-2, as is the case in the operation of a conventional vehicle light dimmer control switch. The control blade 210 extends through an opening formed adjacent surfaces 206a in the upper wall 206 of the lower portion B.

A resilient coil spring 214 is mounted between the upper wall 206 of the lower body portion B and the cap U of the apparatus A-2 and enclosed in the receptacle L in order to move the cap U upwardly into the position illustrated in the drawings after each successive depression of the cap U by the operator of the vehicle. The resilient spring 214 further operates in conjunction with structure to be set forth hereinbelow of the apparatus A-2 to require that the operator of the vehicle remain attentive to prevent a warning signal from sounding.

A first electrical contact blade 216 of the apparatus A- -2 is mounted at an upper end 216a between the cap U and the upper end 210a of the control blade 210 by the rivet 212. The contact blade 216 is electrically connected with the cap U and consequently with the apparatus A-2, and thus electrically grounded with respect to the vehicle in which the apparatus A-2 is mounted, as has been previously set forth. The contact blade 216 extends through the upper wall 206 of compartment N at an opening formed adjacent surfaces 206!) (FIG. 6) and 2060 (FIG. 7).

A pair of contact legs 2160 are formed extending downwardly-from a lower portion 216k of the contact blade 216, passing on opposite sides of the axle 209a to permit downward passage of the contact blades 216a to engage a contact surface 218 (FIGS. 6 and 7). The

spacing of the contact legs 2160 from the contact surface 218 is such that an electrical connection is formed therebetween upon downward movement of the cap U before the lever 212 engages the surface 208b, for reasons to be set forth hereinbelow.

The electrical contact 218 has an electricalconnector 218a formed at an outer end thereof in order that the apparatus A-2 is electrically connected with the alarm, as will be set forth hereinbelow. The electrical contacts 218 and connector 218a are mounted with an insulated mounting 219 of plastic, synthetic resin, or other suitable material to electrically insulate the contact 218 from the receptacle L of the apparatus A-2. Thus, the contacts 218 are normally electrically isolated from the remainder of the apparatus A-2. I-lowever, depression of the cap U partially with respect to the receptacle L brings the contact legs 2160 into contactwith the contact surface 218 and provides an electrical connection between same. At this time, the contact surface 218a is in electrical contact with the remainder of the apparatus A-2 and consequently electrically grounded with respect to the motor vehicle.

The apparatus A-2 is electrically connected in a circuit (FIG. 8) arrangement controlling an alarm G of the type previously set forth. The electrical connector 218a is connected by an electrical conductor to a coil 220 of a control relay. The control relay 220 is electrically connected to a source of electrical power which may be, for example, the vehicle battery or other suitable electrical power supply. As has been previously set forth, the contact blade 216 is connectedto the electrical ground of the vehicle.

A normally closed contact 220a of the relay- 220 electrically connects the alarm G, in the absence of current flowing through the relay 220, to a terminal 22% of the power supply B (FIG. 8) energizing the alarm G.

When the vehicle is equipped with an automatic dimmer control switch, the automatic control switch is electrically connected between the relay 220 and the power supply. The "On-Offcontrol switch I is electrically connected with the terminal 220b and the relay 220.

The operator or driver of themotor vehicle controls the flow of current through the relay 220 by control of the apparatus A-2. The driver exerts pressure on the cap U forcing the cap U downwardly with respect to the receptacle L and compartment N, as indicated by a force arrow F (FIG. 8), to a position electrically connecting the

contacts

218 and 216 as has been previously set forth. Electrical contact'between the

contacts

218 and 216 provides a path for. electrical current to flow through the relay 220, the connector 218a, the

contacts

218 and 216 to the electrical ground of the motor vehicle. The relay 220 upon receipt of such current draws the normally closed contact 220a to an open position, preventing the alarm G from receiving electrical current from the power supply B.

However, should the driver of the vehicle become inattentive or drowsy, and permit the resilient spring 214 to urge the cap U upwardly with respect to the receptacle L sufficiently to move the

contacts

216 and 218 out of electrical connection with each other, the relay 220 no longer draws electrical current and the normally closed contact 220a returns to the normally closed position, permitting electrical current to flow from the power supply to the alarm G providing a warning signal to the driver so that corrective steps may be taken.

It should be noted that partial movement of the uppe r'portion U of the apparatus A-2 in order. to control the alarm G does not alternate the connection of the vehicle dimer switch in the light control circuit of the vehicle, since connection between

contacts

2160 and 218 is formed without the control blade 210 engaging contact surface 208b, as previously set forth. Further, it should be noted that

contacts

216 and 218 remain in electrical connection during further downward movement of the upper portion U to alter the connection of the dimmer switch to the vehicle light controlcircuit and adjust the vehicle light intensity. Thus, the vehicle lights may be changed from dim to bright with the apparatus A-2 while simultaneously preventing an alarm signal from the generator G.

When the vehicle is equipped with an automatic dimmer switch, such switch is electrically connected with-the relay 220, as has been previously set forth, receiving current when the cap U is depressed and controlling the vehicle lights while the .apparatus A-Z controls the alarm G.

In an alternative apparatus A-3 of the invention (FIGS. 9 and 10), like structure to the structure of the apparatus A -2 bears. like reference numerals. The apparatus A -3 requires that the operator of thevehicle depress the upper portion-U of the dimmer switch with respect to the receptacleL in order to preventan electrical circuit from being completed and energizing the alarm G. A'plurality of insulating collars 201a electrically isolate the apparatus A-3 from the electrical ground of thevehicle in order that the apparatus A-3 may complete an electrical circuit as will be set forth hereinbelow.

In the apparatus A-3, two electrical,

contacts

222 and 224 are mounted with the insulated mounting 219 out of electrical contact with each other. The

contacts

222 and 224 have electrical connectors 222a and 224a extending outwardly from theinsulating material 219 in order to provide an electrical connection for the ap-.

paratus A-3 and an alarm signal generating apparatus circuit, for example the circuit of FIG. 4. When connected in the circuit of FIG. 4, the electrical connectors 222a and 224a are electrically connected to the

electrical conductors

30 and 36,'respectively. In the apparatus A-3, the

contacts

222 and 224 are smaller than the contacts 218 of the apparatus A-2 and mounted in In the event the driver of the vehicle becomes inata different position with respect to the contact legs Upward movement of the capv U with respect to the receptacle L by the resilient spring 214 urges the contact blade 216 upwardly, as has been previously set forth. When the contact blade 216 is urged to the uppermost position, the contact legs 216:: are in electrical the contact legs 216c out of electrical connection with the.

contacts

222 and 224 interrupting the flow of current'in the alarm G and preventing an alarm indication therefrom.

- contact with the

contacts

222 and 224, electrically conwardly and moves the contact legs 216c into position electrically connecting the

contacts

222 and 224,

completing the electrical circuit for the alarm G.

In the operation of the present invention, the alarm G is energized by the On-Off" switch I being turned on. At this'time, the driver must depress the operating assembly (plunger P or the cap U) to prevent an electrical circuit activating and energizing the alarm G. As the driver is driving the vehicle, he must maintain the plunger P depressed and prevent electrical engagement between the contacts at all times. Should the driver of the vehicle become drowsy or inattentive, and decrease I the pressure on the plunger P or the cap U, the contacts are urged by the resilient spring S to energize the alarm G, operating same to furnish an alarm signal indicative of the drowsiness or inattentiveness of the driver. At this time, upon being alerted that he is becoming drowsy or inattentive, the driver may pull over and rest or may take other necessary action to correct his drowsy or inattentive condition. v

It should be noted regarding the. present invention, that with the apparatus A mounted on the dimmer switch D, the driver of the vehicle does not experience problems in attempting to use the dimmer switch as was required by the prior art. The user of the vehicle merely depresses the upper-portion U of the dimmer switch D fully with respect to the lower receptacle L to operate the dimmer switch D.

As has been previously set forth, the coefficient of compression of the springs of the apparatus A are sufficiently less than the spring force in the dimmer switch D in order to prevent inadvertent operation of the dimmer switch at an undesirable time. However, the dimmer switch D may be operated while maintaining the contacts out of or in engagement with each other in accordance with the circuit arrangement using the apparatus, thereby permitting use of the dimmer switch- D while simultaneously using the apparatus of the present invention.

It should be understood that the numerous mountings of the contacts C with respectto each other in the apparatus A and A-1 of the present invention are possible. For example, the contact 132 in the apparatus A-1 may be formed" extending downwardly .from the plunger P-1 in an L-shaped configuration and extended beneath the upper portion'134a of the contact 134. In this manner, with the plunger P-l forced upwardly by the spring 8-1, the lower portion of the L-shaped contact 132 would be urged into engagement with the con- It should be noted that with the apparatus of the present invention uses no additional floor space in the vehicle, is located in an accessible position for use-by the driver of the vehicle, and requires only slight pressure exerted thereon by the driver to control the alarm It should further be understood that the apparatus of the present invention may be electrically connected in a separate electrical circuit with an On-Off.switch and a separate battery energizing same independently of the ignition system of the motor vehicle with which the apparatus A is used. I

It should be further understood that the electrical circuit connections of the control apparatus A, A4, A-2, and A-3, the alarm G and the battery B may take several alternative connection forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the alarm 6 controlled by the apparatus of the present invention may have the on-of circuit control switch I mounted therewith if desired.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape, materials, wiring connections, and contacts as well as in the details of the illustrated circuitry and construction may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. An apparatus adapted to be mounted with a light I dimmer switch of a motor vehicle for operating an alarm to provide a warning signal indicating the inattentiveness of a driver of the motor vehicle, comprisa. a housing:

b. means for mounting said housing with the movable cap of the dimmer switch;

first electrical contact means mounted with said housing;

movable electrical contact means movable between first and second operating positions into and out of engagement with said first electrical contact means to stop and start the alarm;

. operating assembly means comprising plunger means movable with respect to said housing and operable by the driver, said plunger means responding to pressure from the driver's foot and moving said second electrical contact means to stop the alarm; and

f. resilient meansresponding to a decrease in pressure from the driver's foot on said plunger means and moving said second electrical contact means to start the alarm, wherein the driver must remain attentive and partially depress said operating assembly means to prevent the alarm from starting,

and wherein the alarm upon starting provides a warning signal to indicate the inattentiveness of the driver.

The structure of claim 1, wherein:

. said resilient means comprises coil spring means mounted between said housing and said plunger means;

b. said second contact means being mounted with said plunger; and

c. said coil spring means urging said plunger means upwardly with respect to said housing to move said second electrical contact means into engagement with said first electrical contact means to start the alarm responsive to decreasing pressure from the driver's foot.

3. The structure of claim 1,: wherein:

a. said resilient ,means comprises tensioned leaf spring means mounted between said housing and said plunger means'and engageable by said plunger means;

b. said secondcontact means being mounted with said tensioned leaf spring means; and

c. said tensioned leaf spring means urging said second contact means into engagement with said first electrical contact means responsive to decreasing pressure on said plunger means to start the alarm responsive to decreasing pressure from the drivers foot. 4. The structure of claim 1, wherein said resilient means comprises:

resilient means having a smaller compression coefficient than the vehicle light dimmer switch, wherein the alarm may be controlled without causing operation of the light dimmer switch.

. The structure of claim 1, wherein:

. said plunger means comprises means for moving said second electrical contact means into afirst operating position inv engagement with said first electrical contact means responsive to pressure exerted by the drivers foot; and

b. said resilient means comprises means for urging said second electrical contact means into a second operating position out of engagement with said first electrical contact means responsive to decreasing pressure on said plunger means from the drivers foot, starting the alarm.

6. The structure of claim 1, wherein:

a. said plunger means comprises means for moving.

b. said resilient means comprises means for urging said second electrical contact means into a second operating position in engagement with said first electrical contact means responsive to decreasing pressure on said plunger means by the drivers foot, starting the alarm.

7. The structure of claim 1, further including:

On-Off switch means for activating the alarm wherein the driver must depress said plunger means to prevent the alarm signal.

8. An apparatus for operating an alarm to provide a warning signal indicating the inattentiveness of a driver of a motor vehicle and for controlling the intensity of the headlights of the motor vehicle, comprising:

a. a receptacle for containing the apparatus;

b. an operating assembly comprising a cap movable downwardly with respect to said receptacle responsive to pressure from the drivers foot to control the intensity of the motor vehicle headlights;

c. resilient means for maintaining said cap in an uppermost position with respect to said receptacle in the absence of pressure from the drivers foot;

d. first electrical contact means mounted with said receptacle;

e. contact blade means mounted with said cap, said contact blade means being movable between first and second operating positions intoand out of engagement with said first electrical contact means to stop and start the alarm upon partial depression of said cap with respect to said housing body portion responsive to pressure from the driver's foot; and

f. said resilient means further responding to a decrease in pressure from the drivers foot on said 'cap and moving said contact blade means to start the alarm wherein the driver must remain attentive and partially depress said cap to stop the alarm,

and wherein the driver may simultaneously control the alarm and the headlight intensity.

9. The structure of claim 8, further including On-Off" switch means for activating the alarm wherein the driver must depress said cap to prevent the alarm signal.

10. The structure of claim 8, wherein:

a. said first electrical contact means comprises a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact insulated from each other; and

b. said contact blade means comprises blade means electrically connecting said first and second electrical contacts to stop the alarm upon partial depression of said cap with respect to said housing body portion responsive to pressure from the drivers foot.

11. The structure of claim 8, wherein said contact blade means comprises:

contact blade means electrically contacting said first electrical contact means upon partial depression of said cap, wherein the alarm may be stopped without changing the headlight intensity of the .vehicle. I v

12. The structure of claim '11, wherein said contact blade means comprises:

contact blade means electrically contacting said first electrical contactmeans upon complete depression of said cap, wherein the headlight intensity of the vehicle may be adjusted without starting the alarm.

13. The method of operating an alarm to provide a warning signal indicating the'inattentiveness of a driver of a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of:

a. activating the alarm;

b. depressing an-operating assembly mounted with the vehicle light dimmer switch responsive to pres- I sure from the drivers foot;

c. moving electrical contacts with respect to each other to stop the alarm in response to said step of depressing; and

d. moving the electrical contacts to start the alarm in response to decreasing pressure from the drivers foot wherein the driver must remain attentive and partially depress the operating assembly to stop the alarm.

14. The method of claim 13, further including the stepof: simultaneously controlling the headlight intensity of the motor vehicle during said step of depressing. I

Claims

1. An apparatus adapted to be mounted with a light dimmer switch of a motor vehicle for operating an alarm to provide a warning signal indicating the inattentiveness of a driver of the motor vehicle, comprising: a. a housing: b. means for mounting said housing with the movable cap of the dimmer switch; c. first electrical contact means mounted with said housing; d. movable electrical contact means movable between first and second operating positions into and out of engagement with said first electrical contact means to stop and start the alarm; e. operating assembly means comprising plunger means movable with respect to said housing and operable by the driver, said plunger means responding to pressure from the driver''s foot and moving said second electrical contact means to stop the alarm; and f. resilient means responding to a decrease in pressure from the driver''s foot on said plunger means and moving said second electrical contact means to start the alarm, wherein the driver must remain attentive and partially depress said operating assembly means to prevent the alarm from starting, and wherein the alarm upon starting provides a warning signal to indicate the inattentiveness of the driver.

2. The structure of claim 1, wherein: a. said resilient means comprises coil spring means mounted between said housing and said plunger means; b. said second contact means being mounted with said plunger; and c. said coil spring means urging said plunger means upwardly with respect to said housing to move said second electrical contact means into engagement with said first electrical contact means to start the alarm responsive to decreasing pressure from the driver''s foot.

3. The structure of claim 1, wherein: a. said resilient means comprises tensioned leaf spring means mounted between said housing and said plunger means and engageable by said plunger means; b. said second contact means being mounted with said tensioned leaf spring means; and c. said tensioned leaf spring means urging said second contact means into engagement with said first electrical contact means responsive to decreasing pressure on said plunger means to start the alarm responsive to decreasing pressure from the driver''s foot.

4. The structure of claim 1, wherein said resilient means comprises: resilient means having a smaller compression coefficient than the vehicle light dimmer switch, wherein the alarm may be controlled without causing operation of the light dimmer switch.

5. The structure of claim 1, wherein: a. said plunger means comprises means for moving said second electrical contact means into a first operating position in engagement with said first electrical contact means responsive to pressure exerted by the driver''s foot; and b. said resilient means comprises means for urging said second electrical contact means into a second operating position out of engagement with said first electrical contact means responsive to decreasing pressure on said plunger means from the driver''s foot, starting the alarm.

6. The structure of claim 1, wherein: a. said plunger means comprises means for moving said second electrical contact means into a first operating position out of engagement with said first electrical contact means responsive to pressure exerted by the driver''s foot; and b. said resilient means comprises means for urging said second electrical contact means into a second operating position in engagement with said first electrical contact means responsive to decreasing pressure on said plunger means by the driver''s foot, starting the alarm.

7. The structure of claim 1, further including: ''''On-Off'''' switch means for activating the alarm wherein the driver must depress said plunger means to prevent the alarm signal.

8. An apparatus for operating an alarm to provide a warning signaL indicating the inattentiveness of a driver of a motor vehicle and for controlling the intensity of the headlights of the motor vehicle, comprising: a. a receptacle for containing the apparatus; b. an operating assembly comprising a cap movable downwardly with respect to said receptacle responsive to pressure from the driver''s foot to control the intensity of the motor vehicle headlights; c. resilient means for maintaining said cap in an uppermost position with respect to said receptacle in the absence of pressure from the driver''s foot; d. first electrical contact means mounted with said receptacle; e. contact blade means mounted with said cap, said contact blade means being movable between first and second operating positions into and out of engagement with said first electrical contact means to stop and start the alarm upon partial depression of said cap with respect to said housing body portion responsive to pressure from the driver''s foot; and f. said resilient means further responding to a decrease in pressure from the driver''s foot on said cap and moving said contact blade means to start the alarm wherein the driver must remain attentive and partially depress said cap to stop the alarm, and wherein the driver may simultaneously control the alarm and the headlight intensity.

9. The structure of claim 8, further including ''''On-Off'''' switch means for activating the alarm wherein the driver must depress said cap to prevent the alarm signal.

10. The structure of claim 8, wherein: a. said first electrical contact means comprises a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact insulated from each other; and b. said contact blade means comprises blade means electrically connecting said first and second electrical contacts to stop the alarm upon partial depression of said cap with respect to said housing body portion responsive to pressure from the driver''s foot.

11. The structure of claim 8, wherein said contact blade means comprises: contact blade means electrically contacting said first electrical contact means upon partial depression of said cap, wherein the alarm may be stopped without changing the headlight intensity of the vehicle.

12. The structure of claim 11, wherein said contact blade means comprises: contact blade means electrically contacting said first electrical contact means upon complete depression of said cap, wherein the headlight intensity of the vehicle may be adjusted without starting the alarm.

13. The method of operating an alarm to provide a warning signal indicating the inattentiveness of a driver of a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of: a. activating the alarm; b. depressing an operating assembly mounted with the vehicle light dimmer switch responsive to pressure from the driver''s foot; c. moving electrical contacts with respect to each other to stop the alarm in response to said step of depressing; and d. moving the electrical contacts to start the alarm in response to decreasing pressure from the driver''s foot wherein the driver must remain attentive and partially depress the operating assembly to stop the alarm.

14. The method of claim 13, further including the step of: simultaneously controlling the headlight intensity of the motor vehicle during said step of depressing.