Open Letter to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
Thanksgiving Day 2024
United States Patent and Trademark Office
600 Dulany Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Dear Esteemed Members of the USPTO,
I am writing to formally submit a proposal for a new invention that has the potential to significantly enhance road safety: the Front Brake Light.
The existing brake light system on vehicles is limited to the rear of the vehicle. While effective for communicating deceleration to following drivers, it leaves other road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and oncoming traffic, in the dark—literally—about a vehicle’s intent to slow or stop. The Front Brake Light addresses this critical safety gap by providing clear, visual communication to all road users, not just those behind the vehicle.
Description of the Invention
The Front Brake Light is an auxiliary lighting system installed on the front of a vehicle. When the driver applies the brakes, a dedicated light fixture illuminates, signaling to pedestrians and oncoming traffic that the vehicle is actively decelerating.
The system can be integrated seamlessly into modern vehicle designs, potentially placed near the headlights or in a designated area on the front grille. Advanced models could incorporate adaptive LED technology, providing a brighter and more noticeable signal.
Justification and Safety Benefits
1. Improved Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrians crossing in front of a vehicle will have an immediate visual cue that the driver intends to stop, reducing the risk of misjudging the vehicle’s movement.
2. Increased Cyclist Awareness
Cyclists traveling against traffic often lack clear communication about a vehicle’s intentions. A front brake light can serve as a critical warning to prevent collisions.
3. Enhanced Oncoming Traffic Communication
Drivers in opposing lanes can better anticipate potential lane transitions or slowing traffic when approaching a vehicle equipped with a front brake light.
4. Proven Concept, Expanded Application
The rear brake light is universally acknowledged as a lifesaving innovation. Expanding its functionality to the front of vehicles builds on this proven concept, enhancing safety for all road users.
Innovation and Feasibility
This invention does not replace existing systems but augments them to create a more inclusive and communicative safety framework. Modern vehicles already incorporate sophisticated electrical systems, making the integration of a Front Brake Light both cost-effective and technically feasible.
Patent Request
I respectfully request the USPTO to recognize the Front Brake Light as a novel invention deserving of patent protection. The concept introduces a new dimension to vehicle safety, one that acknowledges the needs of all road users, not just those positioned behind the vehicle.
This invention aligns with global efforts to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries, particularly among vulnerable populations like pedestrians and cyclists. By approving this patent, the USPTO can contribute to a significant advancement in public safety.
Thank you for your consideration of this proposal. I am happy to provide further details, technical specifications, or demonstrations as required. I look forward to your response and the opportunity to contribute to safer roads through this innovation.
Sincerely,
Scott Bowles
