Abstract: A vehicle alarm apparatus includes a frame mountable to a vehicle and defining a distal end spaced from the vehicle. A roller is rotatably mounted to the frame adjacent the distal end thereof to rotate upon coming into contact with a curb or other object. An alarm device is connected to the frame and is responsive to rotation of the roller to generate a warning signal.

Abstract: A warning device to warn drivers of two wheeled vehicles of an approaching critical angle is disclosed. The warning device may include a sensing device and a separate signaling device. The sensing device may be a pendulum, bubble within a tube of fluid, a proximity sensor, or a mechanical whisker. The signaling device may be a buzzer, beeper, or lighted bulb. The sensing device sends a signal to the signaling device when a predetermined angle, greater than the critical angle, is reached so that the operator has time to react to the information prior to the vehicle tipping or contacting the ground. The warning device may be attachable to a bar of the vehicle or placed atop the vehicle and Is preferably easily installed by the motorcycle owner/driver. A method for warning a driver is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer vehicle includes one, and typically a plurality, of signal switches mounted at spaced intervals along a top wall of the trailer structure, wherein engagement of the signal switches relative to an abutment effects audible and visual alarm within a cab of the associated transport vehicle structure.

Abstract: An overhead sensing device for motor vehicles and the like comprises a non-conductive flexible feeler adapted for contacting an overhead obstruction, and an actuation device for outputting a signal in response to the non-conductive flexible feeler contacting an overhead obstruction. An audible and a visual signal device signals the operator in the case where the non-conductive flexible feeler contacts an overhead obstruction. The audible and visual signaling device are operative in response to the output of the actuation device. A control device, including a remote control device, controls the height of the non-conductive flexible feeler above a highest point of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle, for example a bus, sight and sound signals cause the motor vehicle driver to move the motor vehicle steering wheel to avoid a collision of the front or rear tire with the curb adjacent which the driver is parking the motor vehicle, or about which the motor vehicle is turning. The avoidance of such tire/curb collisions dramatically extends the working life of the front and rear tires, particularly the front tire, and generally obviates repeated body repairs caused by proximity induced damages resulting when tires are drawn too close to a curb.

Abstract: A pre-impact alarm apparatus which is adapted to signal the driver of a motor vehicle that obstacles exist in the path of the car while said car is backing up. The pre-impact alarm apparatus has a flexible sensing bar to be installed at a rear cover of a car which generates a signal that activates a buzzer to warn the driver when making contact with an obstacle, therefore improving upon the infrared alarm apparatus which can not warn the driver when the car is approaching an obstacle at an angle.

Abstract: A parking sensor having a base for attaching to a vehicle, a flexible probe for contacting an impending obstruction, a contact for producing an electrical signal responsive to deflection of the probe, a lamp, buzzer, or other transducer for indicating the electrical signal, and a filter for preventing operation of the transducer during spurious occurrences of the electrical signal. The filter can include a timer for activating the transducer when the electrical signal continues beyond a first interval, which can be from 0.05 to 1.0 second. Also, the timer prevents activation of the transducer beyond a second, longer interval that is typically 10 to 40 seconds for terminating the indication (and power drain) when further corrective action by an operator of the vehicle is unlikely.

Abstract: A distance safety stick for a bicycle and the like is provided and consists of a guard arm and mounting device for supporting the guard arm in a horizontally disposed position at one side of the bicycle from which position the guard arm may be swung upwardly into a vertically retracted position. The guard arm has an arrow shaped reflector portion to indicate the bicycle presence to vehicles approaching from the front and rear. In a modified form the guard arm is adjustable.

Abstract: A breakawy fender guide for a vehicle has an upright elongated tube member yieldably mounted to the vehicle bumper by means of a breakaway hinge member attached to the lower portion of the guide. Upon mounting the hinge provides for a selected displacement of the guide from the side of the vehicle to provide a visual marker to the vehicle operator indicating the outboard side thereof. A hinge pin threaded at the ends thereof engages a nut/washer combination in an adjustable bearing relationship against the barrel sections of the respective leaves of the hinge for variously adjusting the force needed to urge the hinge into breakaway movement so as to move the guide from the selected position.

Abstract: A reflective moulding including a transparent or translucent outer covering portion having a first convex face through which light may enter and be reflected and a second face on the side opposite the first face. The moulding further includes two flexible elements, one of which is adapted to shine in daylight and the other of which is adapted to shine in artificial light. A first one of the elements is perforated and is positioned between the second face and the other second one of the elements so that the second element may receive and reflect light transmitted through the covering portion and the perforations in the first element.