AU2022202243A1

AU2022202243A1 - Collocated bicycle light and bell assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2022202243A1
Application number: AU2022202243A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Desmond BURNS
Original assignee: Burns Desmond Mr
Current assignee: Burns Desmond Mr
Priority date: 2022-04-04
Filing date: 2022-04-04
Publication date: 2023-10-19

Abstract

A collocated light and bell assembly comprising a forward-facing rechargeable light contained within a rear facing domed bell ringer. In one embodiment the collocated light and bell assembly comprises a handlebar mounting bracket for securing the collated light and bell assembly to the bicycle handlebar, through an inter-lockable release rotate mechanism, a flexible ringer striker for striking the domed bell that allows the ringer to reverberate when struck is attached to the handlebar mounting bracket. 10 24 27 1 26 14 23 20 15 Fig. 1 10 25 24 2 147 14 26 23 12 Iia 7

Description

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COLLOCATED BICYCLE LIGHT AND BELL ASSEMBLY PRIORITY CLAIM

[001] This application claims priority to Australian provisional patent application number 2021901000 filed on the 6 April 2022, the contents of which are herby incorporated by reference

FIELD

[002] The present invention relates to a collocated bicycle light and bell assembly.

BACKGROUND

[003] Bicycle lights are required by law for riding at night in most countries, and the use of bicycle lights for daytime riding is becoming increasingly popular for improving rider safety visibility for all road and weather conditions. To improve safety and visibility bicycle riders will often use bicycle lights for both day and night riding.

[004] Bicycle lights contribute to rider safety in various ways, including lighting a forward path and improving cyclist visibility to motorist and pedestrians. In particular, lighting allows riders to navigate at night by illuminating their path ahead.

[005] A bicycle light is typically mounted to a fixed handlebar mounting bracket on the bicycle and is sometimes removable from the mounting bracket to allow remote recharging of the battery within the bicycle light.

[006] In most countries it is a legal requirement to have a method of warning pedestrians that you are approaching on a bike. The common method to warn pedestrians is by use of a bicycle bell mounted to the bicycle handlebar.

[007] A bicycle bell is typically permanently mounted to a handlebar of the bicycle. The metal dome ringer of bicycle bell is usually struck with a metal or plastic striker operated mechanically by hand.

[008] The requirement to have a bicycle bell and a bicycle light during both day and night riding is becoming more prevalent. The construction and use of shared public paths for both bicycle riders and pedestrians is on the increase worldwide, as governments around the world look to improve cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.

[009] Outdoor fitness and bicycle riding is increasing year on year, the shared pedestrian and bicycle paths are getting more crowed and relying more on bicycle riders providing adequate warning of approach to pedestrians and other bicycle riders, using the paths and trails whilst also being visible from distance using a bicycle light during day and night.

[0010] Increasingly for bike riders the area on a handlebar to mount bicycle lights and bicycle bells and bicycle computers is getting more constrained and limited. It has been widely reported that many riders remove the standard bike bell that is attached to a new bicycle by law for reasons such as, increasing more space for other devices such as lights, weight saving and improving aesthetics of the bicycle. Removing a bicycle bell from the bicycle reduces their riding safety, and moreover breaks the law in many jurisdictions, risking infringement notices.

[0011] Accordingly, there is a need for improved arrangements of lights and bells for use with bicycles. The present disclosure relates to a collocated bicycle light and bell assembly, the assembly comprising a forward-facing light and a rear facing domed bell ringer.

SUMMARY

[0012] The present invention relates to a collocated bicycle light and bell.

[0013] The present invention is based at least in one part on the recognition that a bicycle light comprising of a light source capable of projecting light forward from the bicycle is housed inside a metal domed ringer capable of audible bell sound when struck with a striker. The assembly of the present disclosure addresses one or more problems in the prior art and/or provides one or more advantages, and/or provides a commercial alternative.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a collocated bicycle light and bell assembly, the assembly comprising a forward-facing light and a rear facing domed bell ringer.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a combination product comprising the following parts:

a domed bell ringer; and

a light;

[0016] wherein the light is adapted for assembly with the bell ringer to forma collocated bicycle light and bell assembly having a forward-facing light and a rear facing domed bell ringer.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a bicycle with an attached collocated light and bell assembly as described herein.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for producing a collocated bicycle light and bell assembly, the method comprising:

assembling together a light, one or more components for powering and/or controlling the light, and a domed bell ringer, wherein the bell ringer and the light and/or one or more of components for powering and/or controlling the light are adapted to be housed at least partially within the dome of the bell ringer; and

producing a collocated bicycle light and bell assembly having a forward-facing light and a rear facing dome bell ringer.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a collocated bicycle light and bell assembly produced as described herein.

[0020] The light and the metal domed ringer are disposed in such a way to work together in providing safety for the bicycle rider to be seen and to be heard within the one device.

[0021] The light source provides illumination for the rider of the bicycle, by providing illuminating for example of the ground in front of the bicycle, enhancing riding safety to avoid potholes and other road surface conditions while encouraging motorist to view the approaching rider at distance at night to better judge the bicycle position and direction of travel.

[0022] In addition to the forward light source, a rear facing metal domed ringer, is mounted inline and behind the forward light source body for example by means of an isolator ring, and male lock cam, allowing the domed ringer to vibrate freely when struck on the outer surface. When the domed ringer is struck with the flexible striker that is permanently mounted to the handlebar mounting bracket, an audible bell sound is produced for pedestrians to hear and thus be alerted to the approaching rider.

[0023] In some embodiments, the light source comprises of one or more LEDs is operated by a LED circuit board and a power circuit board driven by a rechargeable battery. The LED light source can be one or LED diodes or a chip on board LED arrangement.

[0024] In some embodiments, the battery powering the LEDs is recharged by means of a USB female connector mounted to the main light LED circuit board and centrally protruding through the rear of cylindrical domed ringer.

[0025] In some embodiments, the collocated bicycle light and bell provides the ability of simple attachment and detachment of the collocated bicycle light and bell assembly from the handlebar mounting bracket in one motion by means of a twist rotation action.

[0026] In some embodiments, the male lock cam is affixed to the rear of the collocated light and bell assembly and the female lock cam is mounted to the handlebar mount bracket. They lock together to secure the collocated bicycle light and bell assembly to the bicycle handlebar.

[0027] In some embodiments, on removal of the collocated light and bell assembly the rechargeable battery can be fully recharged through the rear USB port accessible on rear of the collocated bicycle light and bell assembly. In addition, the easy removal of the collocated bicycle light and bell assembly allows for the remote storing, away from the bicycle, reducing the possibility of theft from the bicycle.

[0028] The metal bell ringer is typically mechanical in operation, and in some embodiments the sound is produced by a flexible striker spring with a weighted bell mallet striking the domed ringer outer surface, with no requirement for batteries to produce sound from the ringer. If the battery powering the forward light source of the device runs out of battery power the bicycle bell is still operational and usable.

[0029] It is among the objects of the invention to provide a front bicycle light with a beam pattern to be seen by other road users, while also providing a bicycle bell that can be struck with a striker creating an audible bell ring to alert pedestrians of the oncoming rider.

[0030] These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, considered along with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0031] Certain embodiments are illustrated by the following figures. It is to be understood that the following descriptions is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting with the respect to the description.

[0032] Figure 1 shows a front perspective view showing a collocated bicycle light and bell assembly according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 shows a side view showing a collocated bicycle light and bell assembly according to one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 shows a top view showing a collocated bicycle light and bell assembly according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4 shows a front view showing a collocated bicycle light and bell assembly according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 shows a side view in section as seen along plane 50-50 in figure 3 showing components of the assembled collocate bicycle light and bell according to one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 6 shows a rear perspective view showing the collocated bicycle bell only.

[0038] Figure 7 shows a rear view showing the collocated bicycle bell only.

[0039] Figure 8 shows a front perspective view showing the handlebar mounting bracket and female lock cam according to one embodiment.

[0040] Figure 9 shows an exploded perspective view showing components of the collocated bicycle light and bell assembly.

[0041] Figure 10 Shows perspective view of a collocated bicycle light and bell mounted to a handlebar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The present invention relates to a collocated bicycle light and bell assembly comprising of a forward-facing light source and a rear facing metal domed ringer.

[0043] Referring to FIGS 1, 2, and 3 there is shown a collocated bicycle light and bell assembly 10 according to one embodiment, that includes a circular mounting bracket 26 with rear handlebar clamp 27. A female lock cam 23 is attached to mounting bracket 26. The striker spring 24 has a weighted mallet 25 affixed to it. The striker spring is moveably attached to the mounting bracket 26 such that it can be retracted by the user and released to strike the domed ringer. The light body 12 houses the front optical lens 14 the optical lens 14 has the opening for the light switch and the lens membrane 17 is glued to the optical lens 14 to prevent ingress of dust and liquid inside the light body 12. The light body 12 has additional side cut outs to allow side light illumination from the LEDs through the optical lens 14 for improved cyclist side view safety.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the light body 12 comprises a CNC machined aluminium, but could alternatively be made from plastic, steel, carbon fibre or other suitable material.

[0045] FIG 4 also shows a top view elevation of the collocated bicycle light and bell assembly 10 according to one embodiment showing section lines 50-50.

[0046] FIG 5 shows the collocated bicycle light and bell assembly 10 in aside cross section as seen between the section lines 50-50 in figure 4 midline of the handlebar mounting bracket and light body 12 according to one embodiment. The main housing contains the power circuit board 13 with USB connector, which is connector by wires to the LED circuit board 16 which is mounted to light body 12. In this embodiment the LED circuit board has three LED diodes equally spaced on a pitch circle diameter centrally fitted to the LED circuit board 16. The LED optical lens 14 has three optic lenes centrally positioned to each LED to produce the primary forward facing light source or forward illumination beam pattern.

[0047] The LED optic lens 14 produces either a forward spot beam or forward wide flood beam depending on lens optic geometry. The on/off mode switch stalk 17 is connected to the power circuit board and fits through an opening in the LED circuit board 16, finally locates in the LED optical lens 14. The on/off mode switch stalk controls the operation of the LED light source by pressing the button point on the lens membrane cover 15. The light seal 19 is trapped behind the LED optical lens and light body 12 providing an ingress protection seal for minimising dust and water ingress.

[0048] The rechargeable battery pack 18 is sandwiched in between the power circuit board and the LED circuit board. The battery pack 18 has a connector wire that connects to the power circuit board 13.

[0049] Figure 5 also shows the position of the domed ringer 20 in between the light body 12 and the male lock cam 22 according to one embodiment. The bell isolator ring 21 is clinched by the male lock 22 to retain the dome ringer 20 centrally, in a way that allows the domed ringer 20 to rotate freely and reverberate when struck by the Bell mallet 25.

[0050] FIG 5 also shows the position of the female lock cam 23 which is secured to the mounting bracket 26. The striker spring 24 is trapped in place by the mounting bracket 26. Mounted to the striker spring is the bell mallet 25. The striker spring 24 with bell mallet 25 is shown in the neutral position and is clear of the domed ringer 20 outer surface, on retraction of the striker spring 24 the bending moment of the spring wire material along with the mass of the attached bell mallet 25 creates enough energy to enable the bell mallet to rotate past the neutral position and continue forward contacting the outer surface of the domed ringer 20 thereby reverberating the domed ringer and producing the bell like sound resonance. The domed ringer can reverberate freely within the assembly due to the geometry and material selection of bell isolator 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the striker spring 24 comprises a spring steel, but could alternatively be made from aluminium, stainless steel, or other suitable material. In the illustrated embodiment, the striker spring 24 has a wire diameter of approximately 2 mm and in alternative non-illustrated embodiments, the striker spring 24 may have a wire diameter of between approximately 0.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0051] FIG 6 and 7 show the rear view of the collocated bicycle light and bell assembly according to one embodiment, the handlebar mounting bracket 26 is not shown for clarity. The male lock cam 22 is centrally located through the circular opening of the dome ringer 20. Centrally located inside the male lock cam 22 is the USB charging port that is attached to the power circuit board 13. The male lock cam 22 permits for a 90 degree turn to clamp into female lock cam 23 positioned on the handlebar mounting bracket 26. Once the cams are locked together the collocated bicycle light and bell assembly 10 is fully secure to the bicycle handlebar.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the domed ringer 20 has a diameter of approximately mm and a thickness of 1.2 mm. In alternative non-illustrated embodiments, the domed ringer may have a diameter of between approximately 30 and 70 mm and a thickness between approximately 0.5 and 5 mm. In alternative non illustrated embodiments, the domed ringer may be non-round but elliptical in outer profile.

[0053] The domed ringer 20 is generally made from a metal or a metal alloy and is formed into its domed round cylindrical shape by any suitable means known to those skilled in the art, for example, by casting or machining or deep drawing. The dome ringer may be bronze, brass, steel, aluminium, titanium, steel or stainless steel, or copper. The Surface finish of the material of the dome ringers may be natural, polished, painted, anodised, plated with material such as copper, zinc, or any other suitable finish.

[0054] FIG 8 shows the handlebar mounting bracket assembly according to one embodiment with female lock cam 23 and bell striker spring 24 with bell mallet 25. The handlebar mounting bracket 26 and the handlebar clamp 27 is dimensioned to fit securely about a cylindrical bicycle handlebar 28. The handlebar clamp 27 can rotate open to allow attachment to the bicycle handlebar and then be securely clamped by the tightening of the clamping fastener screw. In one embodiment the inside diameter of the handlebar mounting bracket 26 is approximately 31.8 mm to accommodate a standard size bicycle handlebar. In another embodiment, the handlebar mount bracket has an inside diameter of approximately 22.2 mm to accommodate a smaller size bicycle handlebar. It will be appreciated that the size could be varied to accommodate different sized bars for different applications.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting bracket 26 and handlebar clamp 27 comprises of a robust plastic, but could alternatively be made from aluminium, steel, carbon fibre or other suitable material.

[0056] FIG 9 shows a partially exploded view of the collocated bicycle light and bell assembly 10 according to one embodiment. As shown in greater detail in FIG 2 the circular bell isolator locates inside the smaller through hole opening of the domed ringer. In this illustrated embodiment the internal small through hole diameter within domed ringer 20 is approximately 16 mm in diameter, creating enough space to allow the usb battery charging connector to protrude through and locate inside the male lock cam 22 that also locates through the small through hole of the domed ringer.

[0057] To ensure the domed ringer can freely reverberate when struck with the bell mallet the bell isolator ring 21 locates inside the domed ringer internal small through hole and is made from a polymeric material, with a material density that allow the dome bell to have enough flexural free movement, so the domed ringer outer surface reverberates on strike from the bell mallet 25.

[0058] The striker spring 24 and bell mallet 25 are to be fastened permanently together by any suitable means known to those skilled in the art.

[0059] The striker spring 24 with bell mallet 25 sub-assembly can be replaced if damaged by removing the female lock cam from the handlebar mounting bracket and sliding out the sub assembly from the recess groove within the handlebar mounting bracket 26.

[0060] FIG 10 shows a perspective view of collocated bicycle light and bell mounted to a handlebar

[0061] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated that the disclosure may be embodied in many other forms. It will also be appreciated that the disclosure described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The disclosure also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to, or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of the steps or features.

[0062] Also, it is to be noted that, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural aspects unless the context already dictates otherwise.

[0063] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or group of elements or integers but not the exclusion of any other element or integer or group of elements or integers.

[0064] Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any country.

[0065] The subject headings used herein are included only for the ease of reference of the reader and should not be used to limit the subject matter found throughout the disclosure or the claims. The subject headings should not be used in construing the scope of the claims or the claim limitations.

[0066] The description provided herein is in relation to one or more embodiments which may share common characteristics and features. It is to be understood that one or more features of one embodiment may be combinable with one or more features of the other embodiments. In addition, a single feature or combination of features of the embodiments may constitute additional embodiments.

[0067] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless indicated otherwise herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the example embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential.

[0068] Future patent applications may be filed on the basis of the present application, for example by claiming priority from the present application, by claiming a divisional status and/or by claiming a continuation status. It is to be understood that the following claims are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any such future application. Nor should the claims be considered to limit the understanding of (or exclude other understandings of) the present disclosure. Features may be added to or omitted from the example claims at a later date.

EDITORIAL NOTE 2022202243 There are three pages of claims only

Claims

1. A collocated bicycle light and bell assembly, the assembly comprising a forward facing light and a rear facing domed bell ringer.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the light is housed at least partially within the dome of the bell ringer.

3. The assembly according to claims 1 or 2, wherein one or more components for powering and/or controlling the light are housed within the dome of the bell ringer.

4. The assembly according to any one of claim 1 to 3, wherein the assembly comprises a mounting means for mounting the assembly to the bicycle

5. The assembly according to claim 4, wherein the mounting means comprises a male/female inter-lockable cam arrangement for mounting to a complementary male/female mounting means on the bicycle.

6. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the assembly comprises a bell isolator to allow the bell ringer to rotate and ring freely when the assembly is mounted to the bicycle.

7. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein the bell isolator comprises a resilient polymeric material.

8. The assembly according to claims 6 or 7, wherein the light is supported directly or indirectly by the bell isolator.

9. The assembly according to claim 8, wherein the light is fixedly connected to the mounting means and the mounting means is supported by the bell isolator.

10. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the dome of the bell ringer comprises an apical aperture through which the assembly is mounted to the bicycle.

11. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein the bell isolator is located around the aperture to isolate the bell ringer from the assembly.

12. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the bell ringer is composed of one or more of brass, aluminium, and steel.

13. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the assembly further comprises a means for attaching the assembly to the bicycle.

14. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein the means for attaching the assembly to the bicycle comprises a clamp or a strap.

15. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the assembly comprises a striker for striking the bell ringer.

16. The assembly according to claim 15, wherein the striker is connected to the means for attaching the assembly to the bicycle.

17. The assembly according to claim 15, wherein the striker is connected the mounting means for mounting the assembly to the bicycle.

18. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the light comprises one or more LEDs or COB LEDs.

19. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the light provides an output of at least 20 lumens in constant light mode.

20. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the optics for the light may be adjusted to provide either a focussed beam pattern or a wide beam pattern.

21. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the light and the bell assembly is re-mountable to the bicycle by hand.

22. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the light is rechargeable.

23. A combination product comprising the following parts:

a domed bell ringer; and

a light;

wherein the light is adapted for assembly with the bell ringer to form a collocated bicycle light and bell assembly having a forward-facing light and a rear facing domed bell ringer.

24. A bicycle with an attached collocated light and bell assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

25. A method for producing a collocated bicycle light and bell assembly, the method comprising:

producing a collocated bicycle light and bell assembly having a forward facing light and a rear facing dome bell ringer.

26. A collocated bicycle light and bell assembly produced according to claim 25.

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