Abstract: A garage parking guide to assist a driver to park very conveniently in the same desired location of an enclosure, such as, a garage. This guide consists of an adjustable mirror and housing affixed adjacent to the garage door opening for the purpose of reflecting the vehicle's brake lights and/or view of rear bumper to the driver via the vehicle's side view mirror. The guide, properly positioned, will direct a visual image, to the driver, indicating the vehicle's relative position to the garage opening. As the vehicle enters the garage, the brake lights, will reach a predetermined alignment with that of the parking guide, so as to transmit the glow of said brake lights to the driver signifying that the vehicle has reached the final predetermined position. The vehicle guide will function with any vehicle and/or driver, once properly mounted, for any space equipped with a parking guide.

Abstract: A warning device for indicating undesired rotation of a threaded nut on a non-rotatable threaded shaft includes a tight fitting shell for covering the nut and a manually rotatable highly visible indicator on the end of the shell to be adjusted to a predetermined initial alignment. Any torque change caused by nut rotation will therefore rotate the indicator from its predetermined alignment.

Abstract: A guide to aid in attaching a vehicle to a trailer. A hitch guide is comprised of a cross member 20, a forward member 30 adjustably attached to cross member 20 mounted substantially perpendicular to cross member 20. Forward member 30 has a second cross member 40 adjustably attached thereto. Second cross member 40 is mounted perpendicular to forward member 30 and thus substantially parallel to cross member 20. A wire 22 can be provided on cross member 20 to be located directly underneath the ball of the hitch. Forward member 30 is then adjusted to touch the oustide of wheel 62 and the towing vehicle is moved backwardly until wheel 62 just touches the second cross member 40.

Abstract: An illuminated traffic control sign transforms a conventional passenger automobile into a traffic control vehicle. The body of the sign is formed from a flexible sheet of weather resistant material. The sign is ordinarily stored under the luggage compartment lid of the automobile when not in use and is deployed between the open lid and the lower part of the luggage compartment when in use. The flexible sheet has a horizontal double arrow design formed on it in a color that contrasts with the color of the sheet. Electric light fixtures are attached over the double arrow design to illuminate the design when the fixtures are activated. A plurality of flaps are secured to the flexible sheet and may be moved between retracted positions where they reveal the double arrow design or active positions where they cover part of the design. By positioning the flaps, the double arrow design may be selectively changed to a right arrow, a left arrow, or a caution bar without an arrowhead.

Abstract: A safety reflector which is attached to a V-shaped bracket that may be used for mounting onto a boat motor or extended load on a trailer. The safety reflector used to notify persons following such a boat or load that the motor or load is present which will possibly prevent accidental hitting of such. The safety reflector is collapsible and may be easily stored when not in use.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved car finder apparatus that instantly identifies one's automobile in a parking lot or other area through a personally selected number of large and small flags and/or flashing and non-flashing lights.

Abstract: The antenna clamp holds securely a connective member of an object suitable for display at the top of a vehicle antenna mast. The clamp consists of a hinged inner part called the enclosing unit, which is configured to fit around both mast and the tip at the top of the mast and secure the connective member to the mast, and an engaging device, of which there are several, to hold mechanically the enclosing unit on the mast and tip. The antenna clamp is rotatable, easily attached and removed, and does not affect radio reception.

Abstract: A traffic warning mat apparatus is provided for use in combination with a vehicle of a type having a trunk lid pivotally attached to the vehicle. A mat is adapted to be disposed on the rear of an automobile. A light reflecting material is disposed on one side of the mat for making the mat highly visible to vehicles with headlights which shine onto the mat or, under daylight conditions, can be easily seen. Straps are connected between the top of the mat and a gutter hook which extends around the front end of the trunk lid. Straps are attached to the bottom of the mat and have gutter hooks thereon for attachment to the underside of a vehicle or to the bottom of a bumper thereof. Additionally, straps are connected to the side edges of the mat and these straps have gutter hooks on one end thereof for attachment to the bottom rear ledge of the trunk lid. Each of the aforementioned straps include mechanisms for tightening the straps for securing the mat on the rear of the automobile when in use.

Abstract: An automobile distress signal for attaching to the side window of an automobile where said distress signal is L-shaped with a short leg and a long leg, the shorter leg having a window mounting attachment. In the primary embodiment the mounting attachment is a pair of suction cups. In other embodiments hook and loop connectors are used, as well as a hook mounting attachment for hooking over the top edge of a window.

Abstract: A device for preventing inadvertent headlight illumination includes a first panel for securing the device to an interior surface of a vehicle. A second panel is attached to the first panel and is movable with respect thereto for exposing a warning legend. The warning legend is disposed on one or both of the panels and is exposed to the view of the operator when the second panel is moved. The warning device also includes a motor vehicle door from within the vehicle. A cavity is formed in the door and a panel is received in the cavity. The panel is movable from a repose position to a warning position in which it also interferes with access to the interior door handle.

Abstract: A vehicle lane and parking guide includes a mat which defines left and right guide lines. The mat is placed on the upper ledge of an instrument panel with the left and right guide lines on respective sides of the steering wheel column, thereby forming a low profile guide which assists a driver in positioning his vehicle within a lane and in parking.

Abstract: A directional guidance device is provided for use on pleasure boats to indicate the direction of propeller thrust of an outboard motor or inboard/outboard steerable mechanism that are hidden from the view of the pilot by the transom during docking. The device includes an upright member with a rigged directional flag member pointing in the direction of thrust with an attachment device at the lower end of the upright member to attach and detach the device to the top of or to the top of the inboard/outboard steerable propeller.

Abstract: A reminder device attached to an umbrella that can be removed from the umbrella and stored in a conspicuous position when the umbrella is removed by a person using the umbrella or carrying the umbrella for later use. The reminder device reminds the umbrella user that the umbrella should be returned to its normally stored position when the user returns to the area in which the umbrella is normally stored to enable the umbrella user to retrieve the umbrella in the event it has been forgotten and not returned to its normally stored position. The reminder device is a panel having magnetic properties to enable it to be attached to the exterior of a vehicle door adjacent the door handle and lock assembly with the panel being detachably connected to the normally provided retaining strap on an umbrella so that the panel can be separated from the umbrella and mounted on the vehicle door when a person leaves an automobile and carries the umbrella to a destination.

Abstract: A flag display device adapted to be mounted on the exterior of a vehicle or other object on which a flag may be displayed. The flag display device has a base, a plurality of spaced apart suction cups carried the base which are adapted to grip an exterior surface of the vehicle; a flagstaff; clips for attaching the flag to the flagstaff; and a mount for mounting the flag staff on the base and adjusting the angle of the flagstaff relative to the base so that the flag may be positioned at a desired angular attitude. The mount has a first toothed member integrally formed with the base which extends upwardly therefrom and having its teeth arranged on one side and projecting outwardly in a direction generally parallel to the base. A second toothed member is integrally formed with the lower end of the flagstaff so that its teeth intermesh with the teeth of the first toothed member.

Abstract: A hitch alignment device for aligning a hitch coupling of a wheeled towing vehicle with a mating hitch coupling of a towed vehicle, comprising an elongated base member and a cross member projecting sidewardly therefrom, the base and cross member having ground engaging surfaces and each having an upwardly projecting side portion, which side portions of the base and cross member adjoin one another, such side portion of the base member including a substantially planar lateral guide surface extending along the base member a distance sufficient to extend along at least a portion of a wheel assembly of the towing vehicle when the wheel assembly is substantially laterally positioned thereto and in proximate engagement therewith, such side portion of the cross member including a lateral stop surface extending sidewardly from the adjoining side portion of the base member a distance sufficient to engage at least a portion of the width of the wheel assembly of the towing vehicle when the wheel assembly is in engagement

Abstract: A unitary trailer alignment guide for positioning a towing vehicle with respect to a trailer for connecting a trailer hitch includes a base, a telescoping upright member, a telescoping horizontal member joined at one end to the upper end of the upright member and rotatable through 270 degrees at the joint, and a vertical locator member at the forward end of the horizontal member, remote from the joint. In use, a trailer guide is mounted on a trailer. The lengths of the telescoping vertical and horizontal members are adjusted so that the vertical locator member will touch the towing vehicle when the trailer is aligned with the towing vehicle in position for connecting the trailer hitch.

Abstract: A visual aid to assist a driver in maneuvering a towing vehicle toward a trailer or other vehicle to be towed for precisely aligning the hitch components of the two vehicles. The device mounts only to the towed vehicle and includes an integral bumper member to protect the vehicles should the driver back too far. The device is adaptable to all conventional trailer hitch components and is simple and easy to use. It comprises a universal adaptor, a sighting mast and a strap for attaching the assembly to the towed vehicle. The mast can be mounted in the vertical position for viewing through the back window or at an angle to extend laterally past the side of the tow vehicle to allow the driver to view the mast even if rearward visibility is blocked through the rear window of a tow vehicle. The mast is disturbed from its rest position when the hitch components are aligned.

Abstract: A self-storing flag and flag assembly is described for sub-surface mounting to a support surface. The assembly will facilitate extension of a telescoping flag standard from a below surface stowed position to an upright extended operative position, displaying a flag body. The flag assembly is also retractable to a shortened inoperative position within a sleeve below the support surface. The standard is formed of interfitting telescoping sections that are loosely received within an axial tubular connector member releasably mounted at the top end of the standard. The flag includes a lanyard mounted at one end to the flag body and at a remaining end to a spring clip attached to the top section of the telescoping standard sections. The clip pulls the lanyard into the connector member as the standard is retracted, and thereby gathers the bottom edge of the flag to the connector to minimize the vertical flag dimension to be received within the sleeve.

Abstract: A body portion is supported in upright position by a support stem and has wind propelling blades arranged to rotatably drive the body portion when subjected to air currents. The body portion has front and rear surfaces one of which may support a rear view mirror and the other of which may support a reflector. The body portion has a lock nut for holding it stationary on the stem, for allowing rotation thereof when released. The body portion has forward and rearward as well as lateral adjustable positioning on the stem, and the stem has lateral positioning on a bracket that mounts it on a vehicle.

Abstract: Automobile window display apparatus which includes a display panel for carrying a message. The panel is pivotally mounted to the rear window molding for movement between a retracted position and a vertical display position in which the message is visible through the rear window. A cord attached to the lower edge of the display panel extends forwardly and is hooked onto the rear view mirror mount. This allows the driver to unhook the cord for rearward movement under the weight of the panel as the panel drops to its display position.

Abstract: A signal object such as a colored ball is mounted to hang in front of the windshield of a RV when the TV antenna is up and to rise out of view when the antenna is lowered.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to facilitate the accurate measurement of changes in velocity of a vehicle. The apparatus (10) comprises a firing box (14) and a remote control box (16) for controlling a sequence of operations. A plurality of individually actuated solenoids (46) mounted within the firing box (14) actuate the firing of a plurality of marker cartridges (104) from a magazine (94) mounted to the firing box (14). The firing box (14) is mounted to the exterior of a vehicle (12). When a brake sensor (144) signals the actuation of a brake in the vehicle, the signal actuates the sequential firing of the cartridges (104) in equally spaced time increments to leave indicia on the surface of the ground over which the vehicle moves.

Abstract: An antenna clamp comprises complementary halves configured to fit onto the mast and tip of a vehicle antenna to hold the cord of a banner-like object. A cap-like structure is pressed over the assemblage to hold it in place and is itself held frictionally and/or by securing elements. The antenna clamp is designed to swivel with the wind and have no effect on antenna or reception. It will not come off at random but can be removed only when intended.

Abstract: An emergency distress signal, including a substantially "s" shaped channel member, with one leg of the channel being insertable over the side glass of an automotive vehicle, to be entraped between the side glass and the window channel, and the other leg of the "s" shaped channel member holding, in combination with a rod locater means, a collapsible flagstaff having an emergency distress flag attached thereto. The emergency distress signal is collapsible and self storing.

Abstract: An actuating device for use in moving a school bus safety unit, such as a stop sign or crossing arm, between a retracted position adjacent the school bus, and an extended position projecting outwardly from the bus. The actuating device includes a drive motor and a friction-type slip clutch which permits the safety unit to be manually moved from its extended or retracted positions without damage to the drive arrangement for moving the safety unit, and several alternative control circuits may be utilized to automatically or semi-automatically return the safety unit to its retracted and/or extended positions if manually moved therefrom.

Abstract: Self-opening and closing flag material (20) is mounted on a largest flagpole element (34) of a telescoping flagpole and this element can be extended on a smaller element from an elongated compartment (14) of a motor vehicle (10) upon depression of a switch (50) from within the motor vehicle for signalling others of distress. The automatically-deployed flag material is attached to a spar (18a, 18b) which is hingedly attached to the largest flagpole element and the flexible flag material is connected between the largest flagpole element and the spar. When the spar is moved out of the elongated compartment it is biased to hinge away from the largest flagpole element, thereby expanding the flexible flag material into the shape of a V. When the spar is moved into the elongated compartment, it is automatically hinged to close the flexible material against the largest flagpole element.

Abstract: An antenna marker device is set forth for enhanced visibility of an individual's automobile as the device is secured to an uppermost terminal end of the antenna. The device is configured as a football helmet and alternatively provided with a goal post arrangement to provide enhanced visibility of the device and receive the antenna. The antenna is secured at the terminal end in the goal post by a plurality of opposed thumb screws axially aligned within the horizontal bar of the goal post.

Abstract: A device to enclose a car antenna that will aid in locating the car in a large, crowded parking lot and may display a message of the user's choice. The device encloses the car antenna and provides a support for a visal attention getting device such as a flag, banner, pennant, or streamers. In addition a portion of the invention that encloses the antenna may also be colored or decorated to attract visual attention. The device may be either a single piece or a number of concentrically collapsible pieces. In addition, the device may be removed from the car antenna and used to attract visual attention or display a message in areas removed from the car.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a motor vehicle driver-indicator guide-device for signifying when it is safe to advance, including support structure mounting a light signaling structure and mechanism therefor, that displays a signal light viewable by a driver of a motor vehicle, with an actuating lever actuatable by an advancing motor vehicles's bumper, with a green light of the light signaling structure having an electrical circuitry and an electrical switch that is normally closed providing a go signal evidencing that further advancement of the motor vehicle may be continued, actuation of the actuating lever serving to open the normally closed electrical switch when the actuation switch is pressed beyond a predetermined position indicative of maximum allowable forward advancement permissible for the advancing motor vehicle, the support structure having a tape mounted thereon carrying an adhesive backing for mounting the mounting structure on an upright surface of a wall or the like, the green light carrying a sy

Abstract: A self-storing flag assembly is described for mounting to the deck or similar area on a boat. the assembly will facilitate extension of a telescoping flag standard from a below deck stowed position to an upright extended operative position, displaying a flag body for the purpose of signalling adjacent water craft. The flag assembly is also retractable to a shortened inoperative position below the deck. The standard may be manually extended and contracted, or be connected to a power drive and switch operated to extend and contract. The standard is formed of interfitting telescoping sections that are loosely received within an axial tubular connector member releasably mounted at the top end of the standard. Provisions are made for securely mounting the leading edge of hte flag body to the connector.

Abstract: An apparatus is securable to an uppermost end of an automotive antenna, including an enlarged signal plate diagonally aligned with an elongate body. The body includes a tab member foldable about an upper end of the antenna to define a "U" shaped securement portion. The body further includes spaced parallel slots receiving a flexible line to secure the apparatus to the antenna. Further, the device may include spaced hook and loop fastener strips including a first, second, third, and fourth strip to surroundingly secure the uppermost end of the antenna, and may further include circular slots formed through the signal plate, as well as spaced parallel slots formed through the body member to receive a wire wrap securable to the antenna to enhance securement of the organization to the antenna and to further enhance signal reception provided by the antenna to an associated automotive radio-receiving unit.

Abstract: A trailer hitch guide includes a plurality of visual guides that are stored in an out-of-the way location and are deployed automatically as the element being carried on the trailer moves off of that trailer. The visual guides are located to provide an exact positional readout to the vehicle driver, and a template can be mounted within the vehicle to quantify the amount of misalignment between the vehicle and the trailer. Mispositioning of the vehicle in a single plane can be indicated and mispositioning of the vehicle plane with respect to the trailer plane can also be indicated.

Abstract: A large vehicle entry door safety system which uses at least one fixed mark at a measured height and a position indicator attached to the door. By safely and clearly indicating the height of the large vehicle entry door by visual alignment of the position indicator with the fixed mark or marks, vehicle operators or door operators or both can be helped to avoid collisions with the door.

Abstract: An improved actuating device for school bus safety unit, such as crossing arms and the like, which includes an arrangement for driving and controlling the crossing arm in a continuous predetermined arcuate path of movement, with the safety device being moved continuously back and forth in a sweeping motion that provides a moving barrier in areas adjacent the school bus where children may be placed in an unsafe situation, such as immediately adjacent the front bumper of the bus which is outside of the normal line of vision of the school bus operator. In one embodiment, an extendable line is anchored to the bus at one or both ends, and an intermediate portion of the line is engaged by the moving safety unit, whereby the line itself creates a changing barrier as the safety unit sweeps through its path of movement.

Abstract: A circuit for signaling an operator when a linear actuator, driven by a reversible direct current motor, has reached opposite end positions. Two normally closed series-connected switches which open at the respective positions and diodes, connected across each switch and to each other in opposition, stop the motor when the actuator reaches either position. A third switch and third diode cause a lamp to energize at one of the positions and remain energized until the actuator moves to the other position.

Abstract: An optical system for aiding the driver of a vehicle in judging the proximity of the forward end of the vehicle to an object directly in front of the vehicle, particularly when parking close to a wall or barricade or when pulling up close to another vehicle stopped at an intersection. An illuminated target and a mirror mounted beneath opposite sides of the dashboard are used to reflect an image of the target off the interior surface of the windshield at a location so that the reflected image is in the normal field of view of the driver. A virtual image of the target is perceived by the driver to emanate from a position above the forward end of the vehicle. The driver may gradually advance the vehicle until the virtual image appears to the driver to be juxtaposed with the object at which time there will be a predetermined minimum safe distance between the forward end of the vehicle and the target.

Abstract: A device for preventing inadvertent headlight illumination includes a first panel for securing the device to an interior surface of a vehicle. A second panel is attached to the first panel and is moveable with respect thereto for exposing a warning legend. The warning legend is disposed on one or both of the panels and is exposed to the view of the operator when the second panel is moved. Several embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a warning apparatus with respect to a bicycle. The warning apparatus is comprised of a device for signaling that does not require the bicycle to be seen in order for a signal provided by the signaling device to be noticed. The signaling device is in juxtaposition with the bicycle. Additionally, the warning apparatus is comprised of a device for activating the signaling device. The activating device is in communication with the signaling device. In a preferred embodiment, the activating device includes a device for powering the signaling device and a device for actuating the powering device so the signaling device receives power to produce a signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for activating a safety device hingedly mounted on a shool bus to swing it out to an outstretched position when the bus door is opened and to return the device to its retracted position when the bus door is closed. The system includes a control switch which is caused to close when the door is opened and to open when the door is closed. Associated with the control switch is a control circuit for connecting a DC power supply to a unidirectional DC motor operatively coupled through an eccentric drive and a link arm to the safety device whereby in the course of a single cycle of motor rotation, during one half of the cycle the device is caused to swing out to its fully outstretched position, and during the other half, the device is caused to return to its fully retracted position.

Abstract: A route indicator for use in automobiles and other motor vehicles uses a route instruction card of a flexible material maintained in a coaxial position within a transparent hollow cylinder by hoop tension produced by the natural elasticity of the card. One end of the cylinder is fastenable by an interference fit to a cup-shaped cap rotatably fastened to the upright portion of a bracket fastenable to a structural member within the vehicle. The cylinder is readily removable from the cap to permit replacement of an instruction card through an open end of the transparent cylinder.

Abstract: An ultrasonic whistle apparatus for mounting on a vehicle to warn animals of the approach of the vehicle is disclosed, comprising (a) a funnel to direct air into the apparatus and having an air path therein, (b) an ultrasonic whistle mounted in the air path in the funnel and adapted to be actuated by air passing therethrough, (c) a base for mounting the apparatus to a vehicle, and (d) an adjustment mechanism connecting the funnel to the base including a ball and socket joint for adjusting the direction in which the funnel is oriented, the funnel adjustable in more than one plane of adjustment.

Abstract: A message-carrying, antenna-mountable windsock allows a car owner to express a thought or concept. The windsock is tubular, preferably tapered, and is attached to the antenna of an automobile via holes in the top and bottom sides of the front end of the windsock. Several holes are provided for enabling the windsock to be horizontally positioned regardless of the angle of the antenna. The windsock is held in position on the antenna by a segment of slit rubber tubing, plastic twist ties, or both, positioned on the part of the antenna's shaft inside the windsock. A message, advertising, etc. is printed on the side of the windsock. The sock is very inexpensive to produce and the stock is easy to attach and remove.

Abstract: An apparatus for visually indicating to a driver of a towing vehicle the deflection of a pneumatic tire on the towed vehicle. A base member is mounted to the body of the towed vehicle in the proximity of the tire. A spring arm having a rotatable signal device of contracting colors is pivotally attached at one end to the base. A clip for releasably retaining the spring arm in a downward position in close proximity to the surface of the roadway is also attached to the base. Upon deflection of the tire the tip of the spring arm contacts the surface of the roadway which causes the spring arm to be released from the clip and move into a signaling position, extending outwardly from the towed vehicle and perpendicular to the direction of travel.

Abstract: An indicator is provided for indicating rotation of a seed metering shaft used with a grain drill. The present invention incorporates a cylinder mounted to the seed metering shaft with its longitudinal axis offset but parallel to the axis of the shaft. The cylinder is mounted to rotate with the shaft. An indicator arm is hingedly mounted to the frame of the grain drill with one end positioned to ride on the outer surface of the cylinder and the other end free to move in correspondence with movement of the first end. With this invention, the indicator arm moves continually with movement of the seed metering shaft and thus provides a continuous indication of rotation of the seed metering shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle distress signal includes a rigid banner which has attention attraction coatings or lights on the banner's surfaces. The signal is attached to a vehicle door or window at one end of the banner by a combination clamp and spacer. The clamp overfits the edge of a door of a vehicle and the spacer holds the banner away from the door in a plane perpendicular to the door, so that when the clamp is placed over the edge of a door and the door is closed, the distress signal is held firmly to the vehicle with the banner's attention attraction surfaces facing approaching traffic.

Abstract: A combination ornament and identification device for vehicles formed so as to be detachably secured to a surface of a vehicle and containing an attention attracting indicator which comprises a disposable container such as the type used for comestibles from which the comestible has been substantially removed, said device optionally carrying a plurality of streamers. The device includes a mount for attachment to the surface of the vehicle, the attention attracting indicator and fastening element for fastening the disposable container to the mount.

Abstract: An air brake adjustment marker for use on a vehicle having an air brake system attached to the undercarriage of a vehicle. The air brake system incudes an air supply, an air canister connected to the air supply and attached to the undercarriage. The air brake system further includes members movable with respect to the undercarriage. The movable members include a push rod extending from the air canister that moves between a retracted position to a first extended position and to a second over-extended position. A brake mechanism is operably connected to and movable by the push rod. The adjustment marker includes a chain attached to the push rod and having a predetermined length corresponding to the first extended position. A snap is attached to one end of the chain and a clamp is attached to the other end.

Abstract: A combination bicycle safety flag and kite is disclosed which offers greater visibility than previous designs. As a bicycle safety flag, it is fastened atop a pole which is bolted to the bicycle. The flag may also be removed for use as a full-fledged small kite.

Abstract: A wind deflection device includes a vertically-oriented elongated body having diverging side walls. In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of brackets are mounted between the diverging side walls and have apertures which will snap onto and grip a vertically-oriented vehicle aerial. In a second embodiment of the invention, a continuous longitudinal bracket of a rubber-like material is utilized, which has a longitudinal slot will snap onto and grip the vehicle aerial. The brackets in both embodiments of the invention are designed to grip that portion of a pennant which is wrapped around the vehicle aerial. A third emodiment of the invention utilizes a bust-like configuration mounted on the forward side of the wind deflector, which is designed to represent a mascot of a collegiant or professional sports team.

Abstract: On the inside of a rear cover or the like, a motor vehicle has an extractably arranged warning triangle behind which there is a further solidly attached warning triangle which becomes visible after removal of the extractable warning triangle, so that the vehicle is protected while following traffic is warned.