Marcus B Tomes

US Patent:

43498094, Sep 14, 1982

Filed:

Mar 30, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/248854

Inventors:

Marcus B. Tomes - Chula Vista CA

International Classification:

B60Q 500

US Classification:

340 52H

Abstract:

An apparatus for detecting the angle of inclination of a vehicle and for providing an alarm signal when the inclination of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined maximum safe level. An elongate, pliant tubular member made of an electrically conductive material has its intermediate segment mounted by an insulative clamp to a vertical panel which may be situated on the vehicle's dashboard. The end segments of the tubular member are upwardly inclined, and the degree of inclination is shown by angular indicia on adjacent portions of the vertical panel. A plurality of spherical contact elements made of an electrically conductive material are positioned within the tubular member. A pair of contact points made of an electrically conductive material are inserted into the opposite ends of the tubular member. When the angle of inclination of the vehicle exceeds the safe level, the contact elements will strike one of the contact points. This causes an electric current from the vehicle's battery to energize an indicator such as a buzzer which provides a warning signal.