Ronald D Byrd

US Patent:

6601979, Aug 5, 2003

Filed:

May 1, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/561783

Inventors:

Ronald L. Byrd - Bridgeview IL 60455
Thomas J Noone - Palso Heights IL 60463

International Classification:

B60Q 1100

US Classification:

362500, 362193, 362473

Abstract:

An illumination device and system for illuminating wheels of a motorized vehicle comprising of a wheel-mounted illumination source and a movable contact electrical connector assembly. The movable contact electrical connector assembly comprises of a concentric set of conductive rings insulatedly mounted on the back of the wheel to be in constant movable contact with a corresponding set of electrical contact brushes insulatedly mounted to the vehicle suspension. The concentric conductor rings are connected to the wheel mounted illumination source while the electrical contact brushes are connected to the vehicles stationary electrical power system. The use of diodes in conjunction with capacitors or by themselves in the electrical circuit of the invention are used to prevent arcing between the brushes and rings during high speed revolutions of the wheel to allow for constant energization and illumination of the invention during high speed operation of the vehicle.