AU2017101245A4 - Bicycle light system - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A bicycle light system comprising at least one indicator light and or brake light disposed on the bicycle and/or the bicycle rider. The light system comprises a 5 remote controller arranged in the handle part of the bicycle handlebars so as to be activatable by the rider's hand in use. The activation is effected by the rider's hand squeezing the handle part of the bicycle handlebars. Upon squeezing the handle part the remote controller activates to turn on at least one light selected from indicator light and brake light, so that light is visible. rr

Description

Bicycle light system

Technical field

The present invention relates to bicycle lights intended to increase the visibility of a bicycle rider when the bicycle is in use.

Background

It has become increasingly popular to ride a bicycle as an alternative means of transport to e.g. a car. The increase in the popularity of bicycle riding means that there is an ever increasing number of cyclists on the roads. The cyclists are of all ages, and of varied level of experience. Oftentimes, bicycle trips are made through the day, but on many occasions, the trip is undertaken when the there is little or no daylight, e.g. early morning or at night. When cyclists are on the roads in the dark, the visibility of the cyclist becomes a safety issue. The safety aspects involved in dark/night bicycle riding can be alleviated by using appropriate light reflector materials and/or bicycle lights, which in many states and territories are now mandated by laws and regulations.

Many cyclists riding in low-light or at night use battery powered lamps or torch type lights mounted at the front and at the rear of the bicycle. These lights are usually crudely mounted to the front frame of the bicycle to illuminate a travel path of the bicycle, and at the rear of the bicycle to provide a visual indication of the bicycle rider. The rear light is usually red light mimicking the tail-light of a larger vehicle such as a car. A problem with these types of mounted bicycle lights is that the bicycle rider must remember to have them installed on the bicycle when required. It may be that the light has been removed during daylight hours to prevent theft of the lights. It is also possible that the light has been removed in order to recharge the battery, and the rider may have forgotten to replace it.

In order to reduce the likelihood that bicycle lights will be unavailable when required, there exist lighting systems which are built into the bicycle helmet. These in-built lighting systems allow the rider to be sure that the light is always with them so there is no possibility of riding the bicycle without the light. The light system can be used during the day as well as at night. A problem with bicycle accessories with inbuilt lighting systems is that they can be expensive due to the complex electronics and wiring, and they are often prone to being stolen even if locked to the bicycle when not in use. The helmet with the inbuilt lights can also be slightly heavier than a traditional foam helmet, which may not be suitable for some riders, e.g. small children.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a bicycle light system that is easy to use and which increases the visibility of the cyclist at low-light or in the dark.

Summary of invention

In a first aspect there is provided a bicycle light system for use with a bicycle, the light system comprising at least one indicator light and or brake light disposed on the bicycle and/or the bicycle rider; a remote controller for the at least one light, the remote controller arranged in the handle part of the bicycle handlebars so as to be activatable by the rider’s hand in use, wherein activation is effected by the rider’s hand squeezing the handle part of the bicycle handlebars, wherein upon the rider’s hand squeezing the handle part the remote controller activates to turn on at least one light selected from indicator light and brake light, so that light is visible.

In a second aspect there is provided a bicycle light system for use with a bicycle, the light system comprising at least one light disposed on the bicycle and/or the bicycle rider; a remote controller for the at least one light, the remote controller arranged in the handle part of the bicycle handlebars so as to be activated by the rider’s hand in use, wherein activation is effected by the rider’s hand resting on the handle part of the bicycle handlebars thereby forming circuit between the remote controller and the at least one light, wherein upon the rider’s hand activating the remote controller the at least one light is turned on so that light is visible.

The bicycle light system of an embodiment of the present invention may be simply activated by the cyclist (sometimes referred to as the rider) mounting the bicycle and holding the handlebars in the normal riding position. This system means that the cyclist does not have to consider whether he is visible or not, since he is always lit as soon as he starts riding the bicycle.

Any description in relation to the second aspect of the invention also applies to the first aspect of the invention unless the context makes clear otherwise.

The bicycle light system of an embodiment of the present invention may provide improved safety for the bicycle rider since the rider is able to clearly and visually indicate their intentions to the surrounding pedestrians and traffic. Typically, when a cyclist is turning, the cyclist extends an arm to indicate the turning intention. The movement of limb such as an arm can be difficult (sometimes impossible) to see in the dark. Usually, there is no indicator at all that the cyclist is stopping or about to stop sharply. The present invention may in embodiments provide a system that permits the riders intentions to be visual at all times including in the dark, which is a significant improvement over the prior art.

In the second aspect of the invention, it is described that the brake light and or indicator light systems can be activated by squeezing the handle part of the bicycle handlebars. It is also possible in the second aspect of the invention that in addition to the indicator light and or the brake light being activated, that a background light is also activated by the rider’s hand simply resting (not squeezing) the handle part of the bicycle handlebars. The rider’s hand resting on the handlebars may form a circuit between the remote controller and the at least one light. This is a combination of the first and second aspects of the invention.

Before use of the system it may be a condition that the system is switched to an ON position. The system may also have the function to switch it to an OFF position, if the lights are not required for some reason. There may be a first ON/OFF system for the receiver part of the system and a second ON/OFF system for the transmitter part of the system. In some embodiments, there is an ON switch that turns on the white lights independent of pressure and which ensures that they are on at all times notwithstanding where the riders hands are located.

In an embodiment, the remote controller is in the form of a pressure switch. The switch can be compressed by the force of the rider’s hand or hands pressing onto the handle part of the handle bars. An electrical contact is formed when a threshold pressure on the switch is exceeded. The switch or a series of switches can be arranged on the surface of the handle part of the handlebars. In an embodiment, the pressure switch or series of switches is arranged under the tape of the handle part of the handle bars so that the switch(es) cannot be seen under the tape. The tape can provide padding and grip and is usually formed from cork or cloth and sometimes foam rubber. There can be a visual indicator on the top of the tape to provide an indication as to where the switch is located. In another embodiment, the circuit formed between the remote controller and the light can be formed by the rider himself completing an electrical circuit between the remote controller and the light. In this embodiment, it is necessary that the riders hand is in direct contact with at least one metal plate arranged on the handle part of the handlebars.

The switch(es) can be disposed at a location where the rider’s hand will grip around the handlebar. In an embodiment, only one of the rider’s hands is necessary to activate the at least one light by resting on the handlebars. Alternatively, both hands are required to activate the at least one light. When the switch is squeezed by one hand, the left hand may cause a first arrangement of lights to activate. When the switch is squeezed by another hand, the right hand may cause a second arrangement of lights to activate. When the switch is squeezed by both hands a third arrangement of lights may be caused to activate. A remote controller in the form of a pressure switch can be adapted to respond to in different ways to various pressure forces. In some embodiments, a first pressure force (resting pressure) can cause the background light to be activated. A further second pressure (squeezing pressure), that is higher than the first pressure, can cause additional lighting system(s) to active. The second pressure can be exerted as a squeezing action of one or both of the riders hand around the handlebars, so as to deliver a signal from the remote controller to the at least one light. The second pressure signal can be to activate the indicator lights and or brake lights to turn on so that lights are visible. The first pressure force as measured by a dynamometer that activates the remote controller switch can be set to a threshold in the range of from at least about 1 to about 3 kilograms. The second pressure force, a squeezing force, as measured by a dynamometer that activates the remote controller switch can be set to a threshold in the range of from at least about 6 to about 10 kilograms.

The remote controller can be activated to send a signal to the at least one light. In an embodiment, the remote controller includes a transmitter. The transmitter can be a micro transmitter. The transmitter can transmit an electromagnetic signal, and the at least one light includes means for receiving the electromagnetic signal. In an embodiment, the transmitter can be an infrared radiation transmitter for transmitting an infrared radiation signal, and the at least one light includes means for receiving the infrared radiation. In an embodiment, the signals sent by the remote controller to the light are coded frequencies. Coded frequencies can be used to control the functional operation of the least one light by sending different signals depending on the pressure applied to the pressure switch. A receiver for the electromagnetic signal can be disposed on the helmet and/or the saddle. There can be wiring between the at least one receiver and the at least one light. The at least one receiver can be protected from the elements by embedding it in a clear housing optionally of plastic. The at least one receiver can be permanently or temporarily attached at the desired location (helmet and or saddle). In an embodiment, at least one receiver is attached to the helmet and/or the saddle by means of a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro®.

The receiver and/or transmitter can be battery operated. For the transmitter, the battery can be inserted into a slot disposed in the handlebars. Optionally, there are one or more batteries and at last one of them is removable and replaceable when the battery has been discharged. Alternatively, the battery is rechargeable. The recharge can be provided via a USB port disposed in the vicinity of the battery.

Alternatively, the remote controller is connected to the at least one light via wiring. The wiring can run from the handlebars through or along the bicycle frame and can terminate at e.g. the mount for the saddle. The wiring can be directly connected to any lights mounted at the saddle. There may be a connection point at the terminus of the wiring. The connection point can connect with a wire depending from the rider’s helmet so as to electrically connect the lights on the helmet to the remote controller.

The at least one light that provides the background light, brake light and indicator lights can be the same series of lights but operating in different modes and in different colours. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one light comprises a plurality of lights. The lights can comprises any type of light source including LED lights. The LED lights can be arranged in series. The lights can be in the form of a display of smaller LED lights which are able to provide programmable messages optionally including words such as LEFT, RIGHT, STOPPING/STOP,BRAKE or VISIBILITY.

The plurality of lights can be permanently mounted to the rider’s helmet, body and or the bicycle. The plurality of lights can be mounted in a tape. The tape can have an adhesive on one side. The tape can be applied to the cyclist and or the bicycle at any location at which the lights are desirable. The adhesive tape allows the light to be retrofitted to existing bicycles and helmets and saddles that do not come with a light system. A further advantage of the tape is that if there is any damage or wear and tear, the lights can be removed by peeling, and a fresh set of lights applied in their place.

In an embodiment, the plurality of lights are arranged on the helmet. At least some of the plurality of lights can be arranged on the front of the helmet so that the rider is visual from the front. At least some of the plurality of lights can be arranged at the rear of the helmet, so as to provide a visual indicator of the rider from the back of the bicycle. There may also be at least some lights disposed along the side parts of the helmet. In an embodiment, there is a full circle of lights arranged around the entire periphery of the helmet. Optionally there is more than one full circle of lights.

The plurality of lights can be arranged on the saddle of the bicycle. At least some of the plurality of lights can be arranged at the rear of the saddle, so as to provide a visual indicator of the rider from the back of the bicycle. There may also be at least some lights disposed along the side parts of the saddle.

The lights can be different colour depending on their location on the bicycle or bicycle rider. The lights can be white when shining to the front. The lights can be red as seen from the rear. The lights can be yellow/orange at the side parts of the bicycle and or helmet or when intended to provide indicators. The lights can be continuous. The lights can be flashing. When used as indicators, the lights are preferably flashing. The brake lights can be lit and or can flash to attract attention.

Alternatively, the lights can change colour according to a coded signal input. The lights can be white when the hands are resting on the handle part of the handlebars. The lights can change to e.g. red when the handles parts are squeezed. In an embodiment the squeezing is selected from one or more of (i) squeezing the left handle part of the bicycle handlebars to turn on a left indicator light; (ii) squeezing the right handle part of the bicycle handlebars to turn on a right indicator light; and (iii) squeezing both the left and the right handle parts of the bicycle handlebars at the same time to turn on a brake light. The brake light can be red. The indicator lights can be yellow/orange. While these light colours are described, the lights can be any colour. The background lights can be white since this is the most common and most illuminating type of light. However, the lights could be coloured and can vary in colour (all colours) according to a program of coded signal input.

In an embodiment, there are at least 6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 or more lights arranged in total on the helmet. There can be at least 2, 3 or 4 lights flashing yellow/orange to provide the indicators. There can be at least 6, 8 or 10 lights providing the white background illumination. There can be at least 6, 8 or 10 lights providing the red brake light. The lights can be different sizes. In an embodiment, the white lights are smaller in size than the yellow/orange and red lights. The yellow/orange and red lights can be larger since they are intended to attract maximum attention.

Brief Description of the Figures

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which are not drawn to scale and which are exemplary only and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective side view of a cyclist riding a bicycle having the bicycle light system according to an embodiment.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the handle part of the bicycle handlebars of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a close up view of the helmet of the rider of Figure 1 and showing the right flashing indicators on the helmet upon the rider squeezing the right handle bar.

Figure 4 is a close up view of the saddle of the rider of Figure 1 and showing the right flashing indicators on the saddle upon the rider squeezing the right handle bar.

Figure 5 is a close up view of the helmet of the rider of Figure 1 and showing the left flashing indicators on the helmet upon the rider squeezing the left handle bar.

Figure 6 is a close up view of the saddle of the rider of Figure 1 and showing the left flashing indicators on the saddle upon the rider squeezing the left handle bar.

Figure 7 is a close up view of the helmet of the rider of Figure 1 and showing the brake lights upon the rider squeezing both the left and the right handle parts of the handlebar.

Figure 8 is a close up view of the saddle of the rider of Figure 1 and showing the brake lights upon the rider squeezing both the left and the right handle parts of the handlebar.

Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of the cyclist of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

Figure 1 shows a cyclist 10 mounted on a bicycle 12. The invention is not limited to the type of bicycle, any bicycle can be subject to the lighting system described herein. Furthermore, while the term bicycle implies two wheels, the system can be used on any wheeled contraption including tricycles, so long as there is a set of handlebars as described. The cyclist 10 is shown in Figure 1 wearing a protective helmet 14 as required by law in most countries. The helmet 14 can be any type off-the-shelf and is held onto the cyclist’s head by straps 16. As is typical of bicycles, there is a saddle 18 on which the cyclist 10 can sit while riding the bicycle 12. The cyclist’s hands can grip handlebars 20 which are shown wrapped in tape to enhance the comfort and grip. The bicycle of Figure 1 shows a drop type of handlebars 20, but the handlebars can be of any configuration including riser bars, pursuit bars or bullhorn bars, or other.

The bicycle light system 22, 24, 26 comprises at least one light 22, 24 activatable by a remote controller 26. The system can be switched to an ON position before use by a switch mounted somewhere on the bicycle frame 12. The ON switch can be mounted under the saddle 18 (see numeral 117 in Figure 9). In Figure 2, an ON switch is shown mounted on the handlebars 20.

The remote controller 26 can be in the form of a pressure switch. A close up of the pressure switch arrangement is shown in Figure 2. The pressure switch 26 is arranged under the tape of the handle part of the handle bars 20. There can be a visual indicator on the top of the tape e.g. in the form of a red dot, to provide an indication to the rider as to where the switch is located. The switch is located at a position 28, 28’ where the rider 10 will usually place their hands on the handlebar 20 grips.

In an embodiment, the white background lights 116 can be turned on notwithstanding where the rides hands are placed. The background light 116 can be a white LED light source disposed on the helmet 14, bicycle frame 12 and or saddle 18 of the cyclist 10. In this embodiment, only squeezing pressure 112 is required to activate the brake lights 118 and or the indicator lights 120.

In an alternative embodiment, a remote controller 26 in the form of a pressure switch can be adapted to respond to in different ways to various pressure forces applied by the cyclist’s 10 hand. A resting pressure force 110 can cause the white background light 116 to be activated. The background light 116 can be a white LED light source disposed on the helmet 14, bicycle frame 12 and or saddle 18 of the cyclist 10. The background light can provide a background illumination to the cyclist 10 to allow him to be clearly seen in the dark by any incumbent pedestrians or traffic. A further squeezing pressure 112, that is higher than the resting pressure 110, can cause additional lighting system(s) to activate. The squeezing pressure 112 can be exerted as a squeezing action of one or both of the rider’s hands around the handlebars 20, so as to deliver a signal from the remote controller 26 to the at least one light. The squeezing pressure signal can be to activate the indicator lights 120 and or brake lights 118 to turn on so that lights are visible. These signal lights are intended to warn the surrounding traffic of the rider’s intention.

The plurality of lights 22, 24 can be provided mounted in tape 30. The tape 30 can have an adhesive on one side, which can be peeled away just prior to use. The tape 30 can be applied in parts cut to size. The tape 30 can be applied to the cyclists himself, his clothing or his accessories and or the bicycle 12. The tape 30 can be applied at any location at which the lights are desirable. In an embodiment, the plurality of lights 22, 24 are arranged on the helmet 14 as shown in Figure 3. At least some of the plurality of lights 22, 24 can be arranged on the front of the helmet 14 so that the rider is visual from the front. At least some of the plurality of lights 22, 24 can be arranged at the rear of the helmet 14, so as to provide a visual indicator of the rider from the back of the bicycle. There may also be at least some lights disposed along the side parts of the helmet.

The plurality of lights 22, 24 can also be arranged on the saddle 18 of the bicycle 12. At least some of the plurality of lights 22, 24 can be arranged at the rear of the saddle as shown in Figure 4. The lights can be applied along the side and front of saddle 18, but usually the rider 10 would obscure them from view.

In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, when the front right handle bar 28 is squeezed, the pressure switch 26 is activated and a right indicator light 120 on the helmet is in turn activated which then flashes a yellow/orange light. The right indicator may comprises only the lights on the right hand side of the helmet 14. In an embodiment, in order to indicate a right indication, the lights can move in series towards the right side of the helmet so as to give the appearance of a right movement of the lights. Whilst the drawing shows the lights all disposed to the back, it should be understood that there can be lights arranged around the side and or front of the helmet 14. The indicator is a visual sign that the rider 10 is intending to turn his bicycle 12 to the right. In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, when the front right handle bar is squeezed, a right indicator light 120 on the saddle 18 is activated which then flashes a yellow/orange light. The right indicator may comprises only the lights on the right hand side of the saddle 18. The indicator is a visual indicator that the rider 10 is intending to turn his bicycle 12 to the right.

In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 5 when the front left handle bar 28’ is squeezed, the pressure switch 26 in that handlebar part is activated and a left indicator light 120 on the helmet is in turn activated which then flashes a yellow/orange light. The left indicator may comprises only the lights on the left hand side of the helmet 14. In an embodiment, in order to indicate a left indication, the lights can move in series towards the left side of the helmet so as to give the appearance of a right movement of the lights. The indicator is a visual sign that the rider 10 is intending to turn his bicycle 12 to the left. Optionally, a left indicator light 120 on the saddle 18 is also activated which then flashes a yellow/orange light (Figure 6). The left indicator may comprises only the lights on the left hand side of the saddle 18. The indicator is a visual indicator that the rider 10 is intending to turn his bicycle 12 to the left.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the rider 10 applies pressure to both the left 28 and the right handle 28’ parts of the bicycle handlebars at the same time, the pressure switches 26 in both handle bar parts are activated and consequently a brake light 118 is activated. The brake light 118 may comprise all of the available LED lights in order to provide the maximum amount of light visibility. The lights may be activated continuously, or they can pulse and or give the appearance of movement by lighting in series. The brake lights may be bright red, which is a light colour typically associated with a stopping action. As shown in Figure 7, the red brake lights may be along the back part of the helmet 14. Alternatively, the brake lights are disposed on the front and or the sides of the helmet.

The background lights 116 on the saddle 18 and helmet 14 are shown in Figure 9 along the back wall part of the saddle 18 and back wall part of the helmet 14. The rider 10 is shown with his background lights activated in Figure 9 which means he is visible to other traffic while riding his bicycle 12.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims (5)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. A bicycle light system for use with a bicycle, the light system comprising at least one indicator light and or brake light disposed on the bicycle and/or the bicycle rider; a remote controller for the at least one light, the remote controller arranged in the handle part of the bicycle handlebars so as to be activatable by the rider’s hand in use, wherein activation is effected by the rider’s hand squeezing the handle part of the bicycle handlebars, wherein upon the rider’s hand squeezing the handle part the remote controller activates to turn on at least one light selected from indicator light and brake light, so that light is visible.
2. 2. A bicycle light system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein activation is effected by the rider’s hand squeezing the handle part of the bicycle handlebars, wherein the squeezing is selected from one or more of: squeezing the left handle part of the bicycle handlebars to turn on a left indicator light; squeezing the right handle part of the bicycle handlebars to turn on a right indicator light; and squeezing both the left and the right handle parts of the bicycle handlebars at the same time to turn on a brake light.
3. 3. A bicycle light system for use with a bicycle, the light system comprising at least one light disposed on the bicycle and/or the bicycle rider; a remote controller for the at least one light, the remote controller arranged in the handle part of the bicycle handlebars so as to be activated by the rider’s hand in use, wherein activation is effected by the rider’s hand resting on the handle part of the bicycle handlebars thereby forming an electrical circuit between the remote controller and the at least one light, wherein upon the rider’s hand activating the remote controller the at least one light is turned on so that light is visible.
4. 4. A bicycle light system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one light is an LED light mounted in a tape which can be adhered to the bicycle or the bicycle rider.
5. 5. A bicycle light system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one light is arranged on one or both of the helmet of the bicycle rider and the saddle of the bicycle.