Apparatus and method for guiding driver of a motor vehicle to enter a correct lane after a turn at an intersection

Abstract

An apparatus for guiding a driver of a vehicle to enter into a correct lane after a turn at an intersection includes an elongated housing mounted at a first end thereof to a ground surface so that the housing is disposed in a generally upright manner. A first indicating member is secured to the housing for indicating the correct entry lane and viewable by the driver prior to and during turning at the intersection and entering into the correct lane. A second indicating member is secured to the housing laterally opposing the first indicating member for indicating an incorrect entry lane. Each of the first and second indicating members may be a reflector or a light assembly. A plurality of each of the first indicating members and second indicating members may be secured to the housing in a downward spiral manner and incrementally viewable by the driver.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/884,432 filed on Jan. 11, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to road lane guidance and, more particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus and method for guiding driver of a motor vehicle to enter a correct lane after a turn at an intersection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is generally well known, driving a motor vehicle at night and during inclement or lowlight conditions can be dangerous and difficult. Particularly, many drivers experience difficulty in handling a turn on an intersection. Trying to turn and enter a correct lane while staring into headlights, being sidetracked by traffic lights, parking lot lights and other distractions is often a tough driving task. The difficulty is further magnified in a multi-lane roadway environment. Many well-traveled and worn roadways lack the proper lines and lighting that would otherwise allow a driver to properly view his/her lane during turns in an intersection. Furthermore, many conventional in-vehicle navigational guidance devices, displaying a map with optional voice indicated directions, are not helpful enough for the driver to decide which lane to take and may actually distract driver's attention from observing the intersection layout and traffic conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus for guiding a driver of a vehicle to enter a correct lane after a turn at an intersection of a roadway. The apparatus includes an elongated housing having a predetermined length. There is provided means for mounting a first end of the housing to a ground surface so that the housing is disposed in a generally upright manner. There is also provided means which is secured to the housing for indicating the correct entry lane and viewable by the driver prior to and during turning into the correct entry lane.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for guiding a driver of a vehicle to enter a correct lane after a turn at an intersection. The apparatus includes an elongated housing having a predetermined length. There is provided means for mounting a first end of the housing to a ground surface so that the housing is disposed in a generally upright manner. A plurality of first light assemblies are secured to the housing and disposed in a first predetermined pattern. Each first light assembly is operably connected to a source of electrical power and emits a first color light indicating a correct entry lane. There is also a plurality of second light assemblies secured to the housing and disposed in a second predetermined pattern. Each second light assembly is operably connected to the source of electrical power and emits a second color light indicating an incorrect entry lane.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide an apparatus for guiding a driver of a motor vehicle to enter a correct lane after a turn at an intersection.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a turn and lane entry guidance apparatus that emits a light indicating the correct lane.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a turn and lane entry guidance apparatus that can be simply installed at the intersection without a need for utility work.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a turn and lane entry guidance apparatus that incorporates a source of electric power in order to avoid electrical utility work.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a turn and lane entry guidance apparatus that also indicates the incorrect entry lane.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a method of guiding a driver of a vehicle to enter a correct lane after a turn at an intersection by employing the above described apparatus.

In addition to the several objects and advantages of the present invention which have been described with some degree of specificity above, various other objects and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing Figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a three dimensional view of the apparatus for guiding a driver of a motor vehicle to enter a correct lane after a turn at an intersection which is constructed according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a three dimensional view of the apparatus for guiding a driver of a motor vehicle to enter a correct lane after a turn at an intersection which is constructed according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an environmental view of the apparatus of FIG. 2, particularly depicting a view thereof by the driver of the motor vehicle; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the apparatus of FIGS. 1 or 2 as observed by the driver of the motor vehicle during incremental turning at the intersection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its presently preferred embodiment, herein depicted within FIGS. 1 through 4. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

Reference is now made, to FIGS. 1-2, wherein there is shown an apparatus, generally designated as 10, for guiding a driver of a vehicle 2 to enter a correct lane 8 while making a turn at an intersection 6 of a roadway 4. The apparatus 10 includes an elongated housing 20 having a predetermined length. The housing 20 has a first end 22 and an opposed second end 24. For the reasons to be explained later, the housing 20 is adapted with a hollow interior portion 26. The presently preferred material of the housing 20 is plastic.

There is means, generally designated as 30, which is provided for mounting the first end 22 of the housing 20 to a ground surface of a roadway 4 so that the housing 20 is disposed in a generally upright manner.

The mounting means 30 may be of any conventional type for securing the vertically disposed elongated structure to the ground surface. Preferably, such mounting means 30 is a simple annular flange 32 disposed on and secured to the first end 22 of the housing 20. The flange 32 is adapted with a plurality of apertures 34 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 2) formed therethrough and disposed in a predetermined pattern for securing the flange 32 and the apparatus 10 with fasteners 36. Although, the flange 32 is advantageous for ease of installing the apparatus 10 on existing roadways 2, the present invention contemplates to install the apparatus 10 by inserting the first end 22 of the housing 20 into the ground in a manner similar to installing a conventional mailbox post (not shown).

It is also within the scope of the present invention to provide means disposed intermediate the first end 22 of the housing 20 and the housing mounting means 30 for enabling movement of the housing 20 relative thereto. By way of an example only of FIG. 1, such housing movement enabling means is a coiled spring 36 having a first end thereof secured to the first end 22 of the housing 20 and having a second end thereof secured to the housing mounting means, such as the flange 32.

There is also means, generally designated as 40, which is secured to the housing 20 for indicating the correct entry lane 8 and which is viewable by the driver prior to and during making a turn and entering the correct lane 8. According to one embodiment of the invention, such indicating means 40 may be a simple reflector 42 secured to an exterior surface of the housing 20 and mounted adjacent to the opposed second end 24 thereof. The reflector 42, capable of reflecting a green color, may be advantageous, as a cost-effective approach, in low traffic or in a low environmental light condition.

According to another embodiment of the invention, such indicating means 40 includes a light assembly 44 positioned to emit a light in a generally horizontal direction. It is further presently preferred for the light assembly 44 to emit green color indicating such correct entry lane 8. Any conventional light assembly may be employed in the presence invention. For example, the light assembly 40 may incorporate a light source 46 of a red LED type which may be further positioned behind a clear bezel 48. Or the light source 46 may be of a conventional bulb type positioned behind the green bezel 48. The employment of the light assembly 44 is advantageous for high-traffic condition or for a condition characterized with a high degree of lighting, for example, such as a parking lot of a shopping mall, where the reflector 42 may be ineffective. The light assembly 44 may be either attached to the exterior surface of the housing 20 or (referenced as 44a) be mounted within the recess 28 formed therewithin.

The light assembly 44 is connected to a source 50 capable of supplying electrical power. Such source 50 of electrical power may be at least one battery 52 mounted within the hollow interior portion 26 of the elongated housing 20 or means which includes a solar panel 54 affixed to the opposed second end 24 of the elongated housing 20 and capable of converting heat attracted by the solar panel 54 into electrical energy. The source 50 may be also a conventional electrical grid (not shown). It is presently preferred for such source 50 to include both the at least one battery 52 of a rechargeable type and the solar panel 54 connected to and recharging the at least one battery 52.

In operation, as best depicted in FIGS. 3-4, the housing 20 is provided and is simply installed, at a first end 22 thereof and by way of the mounting means 30, at the intersection 6, preferably within the median 7 separating the correct entry lane 8 from the incorrect entry lane 9. Then, the indicating means 40 is secured to the housing 20 and, in the case of the light assembly 44, is connected to the source of electrical power 50. The driver of the vehicle 2 preparing to make a left hand turn will observe the apparatus 10 of the present invention and, more particularly, will observe the indicating means 40 indicating the correct entry lane 8 and will be guided by such indicating means 40 when making a turn and entering the correct lane 8. Thus, the occurrence of a condition wherein the driver of the vehicle 2 enters the incorrect lane 9 will be substantially minimized or eliminated. It would be appreciated that the indicating means 40, such as the reflector 42, light assembly 44 or a combination thereof will be positioned on the side of the housing 20 adjacent the correct entry lane 8.

It is presently contemplated for the predetermined length of the housing 20 to be about four feet thus positioning the indicating means 40 at a height where it can be easily viewed by the driver of the vehicle 2 while the driver, without distraction, focuses on the matters of turning and related traffic conditions.

Although the apparatus 10 has been shown in terms positioning at the end of the median 7, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the apparatus 10 may be installed on the curb 7a by laterally repositioning such indicating means 40.

When the roadway 4 includes a plurality of correct entry lanes 8, it is also within the scope of the present invention to provide and install a second housing 20 adjacent the second entry lane 8, for example on a curb 5, as best shown in FIG. 4, and provide a second indicating means 40.

To further guide the driver of the vehicle 2 in turning into the correct entry lane 8, the apparatus includes means secured to said housing for indicating an incorrect entry lane 9 and viewable by the driver prior to and during turning and entering the correct entry lane 8. Such means may be a second reflector 43 or a second light assembly 45 operably connected to the source of electrical power and positioned to emit a light indicating the incorrect entry lane 9 and viewable by the driver prior to turning. Preferably, such means is the second light assembly 45 being substantially identical to the light assembly 44 except for the color of the viewable light which is preferably red. It is further presently preferred for the second light assembly 45 to laterally oppose the indicating means 40 relative to a longitudinal axis of the housing 20.

While the first and second light assembly, 44 and 45 respectively, can be operated directly from the power source 50, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide an ambient light sensor 58 mounted in a position for sensing an ambient light and electrically coupled intermediate the power source 50 and the first and second light assembly, 44 and 45 respectively, for selectively operating them in response to the sensed ambient light. Advantageously, the employment of the ambient light sensor 58 promulgates conversation of electrical power generated by the power source 50.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention depicted in FIGS. 2-3, the apparatus 10, includes a plurality of first light assemblies 44 secured to the housing 20 and disposed in a first predetermined pattern, each operably connected to the source of electrical power 50 and emitting a first color light indicating the correct turning entry lane 8. It is presently preferred for such the predetermined pattern to be a spiral, wherein each light assembly 44 is spaced along the spiral at each of a predetermined vertical and lateral distance from one another or at a predetermined angle as measured in a horizontal plane. Such light assemblies may be spaced at angles of about 15 degrees to about 30 degrees. By way of an example only, such plurality of first light assemblies 44 may be positioned along the spiral so that the driver of the vehicle 2 observes another light assembly 44 after each 15 degree turn increment. Thus, the driver will be continuously guided while making a turn at the intersection 6. It is also contemplated to angle at least some of the plurality of the light assembly 44 downwardly so as to improve illumination of at least a portion of the correct entry lane 8 and minimize a condition wherein the driver of the vehicle 2 is looking directly into the light assembly 44.

Equally as well, the apparatus 10 may include a plurality of second light assemblies 45 secured to the housing 20 and disposed in a second predetermined pattern, each operably connected to the source of electrical power 50 and emitting a second color light indicating the incorrect entry lane 9. Thus, the driver of the vehicle 2 will be benefited during turning by observing both the correct and incorrect entry lane conditions.

Thus, the present invention has been described in such full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same. It will be understood that variations, modifications, equivalents and substitutions for components of the specifically described embodiments of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. In combination with a roadway, an apparatus for guiding a driver of a vehicle to enter a correct lane after a turn at an intersection of said roadway, said apparatus comprising:

(a) an elongated housing having a predetermined length;

(b) means for mounting a first end of said housing to a ground surface so that said housing is disposed in a generally upright manner; and

(c) means secured to said housing for indicating said correct entry lane and viewable by said driver prior to and during turning into said correct entry lane.

2. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said indicating means is a light reflector mounted to said elongated housing adjacent an opposed second end thereof.

3. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said indicating means is a light assembly operably connected to a source of electrical power and positioned to emit a light in a generally horizontal direction

4. The apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said apparatus includes said source of electrical power.

5. The apparatus, according to claim 4, wherein said source of electrical power is a battery mounted within an interior portion of said elongated housing.

6. The apparatus, according to claim 4, wherein said source of electrical power includes a solar panel affixed to said opposed second end of said elongated housing.

7. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said indicating means has a green color.

8. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said mounting means is a flange disposed on and secured to said first end of said housing, said flange having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough and disposed in a predetermined pattern.

9. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus includes means secured to said housing for indicating an incorrect entry lane and viewable by said driver at least prior to entering said correct entry lane.

10. The apparatus, according to claim 9, wherein said incorrect lane indicating means is a second light assembly operably connected to said source of electrical power and positioned to emit a light indicating said incorrect entry lane.

11. The apparatus, according to claim 8, wherein said second indicating means is positioned laterally opposed to said indicating means relative to a longitudinal axis of said elongated housing.

12. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus includes means disposed intermediate said first end of said housing and said housing mounting means for enabling movement of said housing relative thereto.

13. The apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein said movement enabling means is a coiled spring having a first end thereof secured to said first end of said housing and having a second end thereof secured to said housing mounting means.

14. An apparatus for guiding a driver of a vehicle to enter a correct lane after a turn at an intersection, said apparatus comprising:

(a) an elongated housing having a predetermined length;

(b) means for mounting a first end of said housing to a road surface so that said housing is disposed in a generally upright manner;

(c) a plurality of first light assemblies secured to said housing and disposed in a first predetermined pattern, each operably connected to a source of electrical power and emitting a first color light indicating said correct entry lane; and

(d) a plurality of second light assemblies secured to said housing and disposed in a second predetermined pattern, each operably connected to said source of electrical power and emitting a second color light indicating an incorrect entry lane.

15. The apparatus, according to claim 14, wherein each of said first and said predetermined pattern is a spiral and wherein each light assembly is spaced from one another along said spiral at least one of a predetermined vertical distance, a predetermined lateral distance and a predetermined angle.

16. The apparatus, according to claim 14, wherein said apparatus includes an ambient light sensor for sensing an ambient light and for selectively operating said first and second light assembly in response to said sensed ambient light.

17. A method of guiding a driver of a vehicle to enter a correct lane after a turn at an intersection, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing an elongated hollow housing;

(b) securing a first end of said housing to a ground surface adjacent to and in direction of an edge of said correct lane so that said housing is disposed in a generally upright manner;

(c) securing at least one lane indicating member to an exterior surface of said housing; and

(d) viewing, by said driver, said at least one lane indicating member at least prior to turning at said intersection and entering into said correct lane.

18. The method, according to claim 17, wherein said method includes the additional steps of securing at least one second lane indicating member to said elongated housing for indicating an incorrect entry lane.

19. The method, according to claim 17, wherein said method includes the additional steps of providing a second housing having at least one lane indicating member secured thereto, and the step of mounting said second housing at an opposed side of said correct entry lane.