Interpretation ID: nht89-2.85

TYPE: Interpretation-NHTSA

DATE: August 28, 1989

FROM: Emory L. Lariscy -- Lariscy Enterprises, Inc.

TO: George Shifflett -- Chief Counsel, NHTSA

TITLE: Re Patten #07-335838

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 9-4-90 from P.J. Rice to E.J. Lariscy (A36; Std. 108; Std. 124; Std. 301); Also attached to letter dated 7-14-89 from J.M. Mundy to E. Lariscy; Also attached to letter dated 7-14-89 from J.M. Staples to E.L. Lariscy; Al so attached to letter dated 8-9-89 from L. Baer to E.L. Lariscy; Also attached to letter dated 7-28-89 from A.M. Kennedy to E.L. Lariscy

TEXT:

With regard to our conversation of Aug. 24, 1989 we request you to submit to National Highway Traffic Committee for their interpretation and legality and now impairment of the use and marketing of vehicle safety light assembly.

We are enclosing the copy of patten application summary and background information for your reference.

It is our understanding after our conversation, that this new caution device does not require an S.A.E. or D.O.T number or sponsership.

This application deviates in size and placement of light for use in the trucking industry, (as pictured on enclosed rough draft). And in regard to the present potential truck fleet owners, would be mounted and/or located on the safety bumber bracket of semi-trailers: singularly or in pairs on said safety bumper bracket.

We are taking this opportunity to also submit copies of some of the inquiries and options we have had from major automobile and trucking firms.

We would appreciate your consideration and opinion and non disclosure any and all information submitted at this time.

P.S. Should you need clarification on said patten please contact Patten Attorney Wallace J. Nelson 34 Salt Pond Road Hampton, VA 23664 Ph (804) 851-1667 Enc.

EL-903 PATENT APPLICATION VEHICLE SAFETY LIGHT ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTI0N This invention relates generally to a vehicular safety system, and relates specifically to a braking and deceleration light warning

system to alert a trailing vehicle driver that the front vehicle is decelerating and, or may be, braking.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Rear end vehicular collisions are one of the most common accidents occurring on our road systems today and result in countless loss of money, time and sometimes, life to those involved. Although a number of systems have been proposed to alert trailing v ehicle drivers of the deceleration of a lead vehicle prior to illumination of the brake lights, there remains a need for further improvement in this area.

The addition of a third eye-level brake light in the rear window of presently manufactured automobiles has, no doubt, helped to reduce the number and severity of rear end collisions. A reliable and more efficient system to alert a trailing vehicle opera tor that the lead vehicle is, or may be, decelerating prior to actual illumination of the vehicle brake lights could prove a valuable safety device that could further reduce the number and severity of rear end collisions now occurring.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved braking and deceleration light warning system for automotive vehicles.

Another object of the present invention is a braking and deceleration warning light system that is easy to install by the novice mechanic or vehicle owner.

A further object of the present invention is a novel deceleration warning light system that may be installed on vehicles that are already provided with rear window brake lights.

An additional object of the present invention is a novel bracket member for connecting a deceleration light switch to the carburetor of vehicle.

Another object of the present invention is a braking and deceleration warning light kit that is economical to buy, easy to retro fit onto a vehicle and will reduce rear-end collision incidence and severity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention the foregoing and additional objects are attained by providing a rear window mounted combination brake and carburetor such that when a vehicle ignition switch is in the "on" position an amber light is activated and beco mes visible in the rear window of the vehicle.

When the vehicle accelerator is depressed, the electrical connection to the amber light is interrupted and it ceases to burn until the accelerator is released. When the brake pedal is depressed a red brake light in the vehicle rear window is activated, along with the regular brake lights. The amber or yellow caution light is connected to an independent circuit from the brake lights and continues to burn as long as the accelerator is not depressed as further visual indication to a trailing

vehicle driver that the lead vehicle is decelerating and braking.

For vehicles already provided with a rear window mounted brake light, an amber deceleration light unit is installed on one or both sides of the brake light. When installing two amber light units they may be placed adjacent to, or spaced from, the centra l red brake light. The brake light in each instance is connected to the same electric system that actuates the rear mounted brake lights. The amber caution or deceleration warning light(s) is connected to a switch disposed on the vehicle carburetor and receives current from the vehicle fuse block such that the throttle valve arm on the carburetor maintains the switch closed when the vehicle ignition switch is "on" and the accelerator pedal is not depressed. When the accelerator pedal is depressed, the throttle valve arm moves out of contact with the switch to permit spring actuated opening thereof. Opening of the switch interrupts the current flow to the amber deceleration light causing it to go out. (Graphics omitted.)