Brake light apparatus

Abstract

Brake pressure indication apparatus in a vehicle includes a plurality of red L.E.D.s arranged in a ladder-like configuration. The L.E.D.s illuminate progressively in response to brake pressure. As brake pressure is increased, more L.E.D.s illuminate. Brake pressure may be sensed in either of two ways, such as movement of the brake pedal or the expansion of a flexible brake hose.

1. Apparatus for indicating the intensity of brake pressure application in a vehicle having an electrical system and a brake light and a brake pedal comprising in combination:
 means for measuring the intensity of brake pressure applied to the brake pedal, including a brake hose and a strain gauge sensor coupled to the brake hose for sensing expansion of the brake hose in response to the intensity of brake pressure; 
 means for providing an output signal in the electrical system in response to the means for measuring the intensity of brake pressure; and  
 a plurality of lights sequentially illuminated in response to the output signal.  
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1  which further includes a switch connected to the electrical system and actuated by movement of the brake pedal for providing electrical current to illuminate the brake light and the plurality of lights. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 2  in which the plurality of lights are light emitting diodes. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 2  in which the plurality of lights comprises a ladder of lights arranged vertically for indicating the intensity of brake pressure applied to the brake pedal. 
     
     
       5. A method for indicating the intensity of brake pressure application in a vehicle having an electrical system and a brake light and a brake pedal, the method comprising the steps of:
   providing a brake hose and a strain gauge sensor;        coupling the strain gauge sensor to the brake hose, such that the strain gauge sensor senses expansion of the brake hose in response to the intensity of brake pressure;        measuring the intensity of brake pressure applied to the brake pedal;        providing an output signal in the electrical system; and        illuminating a plurality of lights in response to the output signal.     
     
     
       6. The method according to  claim 5 , further comprising the steps of:
   connecting a switch to the electrical system;        actuating the switch in response to movement of the brake pedal; and        providing an electrical current to illuminate the brake light and the plurality of lights.     
     
     
       7. The method according to  claim 6 , further comprising the step of arranging the plurality of lights in a ladder of lights arranged vertically for indicating the intensity of brake pressure applied to the brake pedal.