GB2092350A

GB2092350A - Inadvertance warning devices

Info

Publication number: GB2092350A
Application number: GB8103159A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: KAVIA MOULDED PRODUCTS Ltd
Current assignee: KAVIA MOULDED PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date: 1981-01-29
Filing date: 1981-01-29
Publication date: 1982-08-11

Abstract

A warning device is applied to a motorcycle sidestand to give warning if an attempt is made to ride the motorcycle when the sidestand has not been retracted. The warning device has a position-dependent switch 1 which is applied to the sidestand and is operatively connected to an alarm device. In one embodiment the switch is a mercury switch, moulded into a plastics structure which is clamped around the sidestand. The switch operates a buzzer 26 if the motorcycle battery switch is actuated without first retracting the sidestand. A capacitive filter 29 may be used to prevent actuation of the alarm by transient signals. The second switch may instead be associated with ignition, starter control or the rider seat. In addition to the warning, the ignition circuitry may be interrupted.

Description

SPECIFICATION Warning devices This invention relates to a warning device particularly for use with a motorcycle sidestand.

Motorcycles are usually provided with sidestands in the form of a strut or leg which is movable between an extended position at which it projects downwardly for engagement with the ground and a retracted position at which it is stowed clear of the ground.

With this arrangement it is important to ensure that the strut or leg is retracted before riding the motorcycle since otherwise the extended sidestand may strike the ground during banking or leaning and thereby cause an accident.

An object of the present invention is to try to avoid the occurrence of such accidents by providing a simple yet reliable device which can give warning to a motorcycle rider in the case where he has failed to retract a sidestand of such motorcycle prior to riding.

According to one aspect of the present invention therefore there is provided a warning device for a motorcycle sidestand which sidestand is movable between retracted and extended positions thereof, said device comprising an electrical switch mounted on said sidestand so as to be movable therewith, said switch being operationally position-dependent so as to adopt operative and inoperative states thereof respectively in extended and retracted positions of the sidestand, and electrical warning means connected to the switch so as to be rendered operable and inoperable by the switch respectively in the said operative and inoperative states thereof.

With this arrangement it will be appreciated that it is necessary to move the sidestand to its retracted position in orderto renderthewarning means inoperable. Thus, in the case where a rider of the motorcycle has failed to retract the sidestand prior to riding he can be made aware of this by observation of the operability of the warning means.

The arrangement may be such that the warning means is in fact operated whenever the sidestand is in its extended position. Alternatively and preferably however such operation is only effected when a further switching device is actuated, such further switching device being associated with use of the motorcycle such as an ignition switch or main battery switch, a starter control, a pressure sensitive switch actuated when the rider sits on the motorcycle seat or any other suitable kind of control or switch.

The warning means may take any suitable form including visual devices such as electrical lamps and/or audible devices such as electrical buzzers, bells, sirens or the like. The warning means may also be adapted to initiate protective action such as interruption of the ignition circuitry. In a particularly preferred embodiment the warning means is also used to give indication of some otherfailure or operational state of the motorcycle. Thus, the warning means may also be used to give indication of the operation of turning indicators of the motorcycle.

With regard to the position-dependent switch this may be permanently or detachably secured to the sidestand as desired. In a particularly preferred embodiment the switch is secured to an adjustable clamp structure which can be tightened around the sidestand and which is suitable for use with elongate sidestands of a range of different cross-sectional dimensions and/or shapes. Said clamp structure may be defined by two plastics mouldings having mutually confronting grooves or channels therein and which can be tightened together, with the sidestand engaging the grooves or channels, by means of screws passed through one moulding and engaging bores in the other moulding.

The position-dependent switch may take any suitable form but preferably comprises a pair of spaced terminals projecting into a cavity which contains a globule of a conductive liquid, particularly mercury, which liquid can move towards and away from a position at which the terminals are bridged by the globule in dependence on the disposition of the switch. The cavity may be formed within a plastics moulding which moulding may be integral with or attached to one of the above mentioned clamp structure mouldings.

In order to avoid the possibility of inadvertent operation of the warning means with the sidestand retracted, due for example to motion of the positiondependent switch during riding, a suitable filter or blocking circuit may be interposed between the switch and the warning means. This circuit may comprise a capacitive filter, a timing device or any other suitable arrangement which prevents operation of the warning means by switch signals of short duration.

Whilst it is visualised that the invention will find particular application in the context of a motorcycle sidestand it is to be understood that the device of the invention may also find use in connection with sidestands of other motorised or non-motorised two-wheel vehicles or indeed for any other suitable purpose related to the detection of the disposition of a movable member having extended and retracted states.

The invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure lisa sectional view of a housed warning means for use with one form of a warning device according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a view partly sectioned at 2-2 of a position-dependent switch and associated clamping structure of the warning device; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the arrangement of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the arrangement of Figures 2 and 3; and Figure 5 is a circuit diagram of the warning device.

The warning device of the drawings is for use with a motorcycle sidestand of conventional form and which comprises an elongate metal strut or leg which can be pivoted between an extended position at which it projects downwardly for engagement with the ground to support the motorcycle in inclined disposition thereon, and a retracted position at which it is stowed clear of the ground.

The warning device includes a position-dependent switch 1 and a clamping structure 2 as shown in Figures 2 to 4 which are defined together by four moulded plastics parts 3, 4, 6, 35. As can be seen from Figures 3 and 4 two of these parts 3,4 are clamping members of said clamping structure 2 which are generally plate-shaped and have channels 5 on their inner surfaces 7, 8, such channels 5 having flat bottom walls and inclined flat side walls. The clamping members 3,4 can be secured together by screws 9 passed through holes in one member 3 and engaging bores in the other member 4 so that the channels 5 confront each other and define a passage of generally hexagonal cross-section.

The member 3 has an integral side extension 10 set at an angle relative to the axis of the adjacent channel 5 and a cavity 11 is formed in this extension and opens at one side of the member 3. The open end of the cavity 11 is closed by insertion therein of a projecting element 12 at one end of the part 6. The part 6 has a further projecting element 13 at the other end which extends over and adjacent the surface of the extension 10 which forms part of the said inner surface 7 of the member 3. The part 6 has moulded therein twin parallel electrical conductors which have free ends 14, 15 extending from the projecting elements 12, 13. The free ends 14 of the conductors at the element 12 form terminals for engagement with a globule 16 of mercury which is provided within the cavity 11, thereby to define a position-dependent mercury switch 1.The part 35 comprises a tabular sleeve 16 having a perpendicular side arm 17 at one end. The arm 17 fits in a slot 18 in the extension 10 and the opposite end of the sleeve fits securely around the projecting element 13. An electrical cable 19 runs through the sleeve 16 and leads 20 of the cable are soldered to the free conductor ends 15 at said element 13. At the first said end of the sleeve 16 the cable 19 passes through and is a tight fit within a narrow orifice 36 of the sleeve 16. The part 35 is held in position by means of a screw 21 which is passed through the extension 10 and engages a bore in the arm 17. A ridge 22 is moulded onto the surface 7 of the extension 10 adjacent the slot 18 and, as the screw 21 is tightened, this presses against the cable 19 to hold same tightly in position and also to facilitate sealing of the cable relative to the sleeve orifice 36.

In use, the two clamping members 3,4 are clamped tightly around the motorcycle sidestand so that the mercury switch 1 adopts the disposition shown in Figure 2 when the sidestand is retracted (i.e. with the sidestand axis at X-X in the drawing).

With this disposition the mercury switch 1 is in an "off" state. When the sidestand is extended (axis X-Y) the mercury switch 1 is in an "on" state. The shaped channels 5 facilitate secure clamping with different sizes and shapes of sidestands.

The electrical cable 19 extends upwardly from the switch 1 and is connected to an alarm unit, as shown in Figure 1, which conveniently may be mounted on the motorcycle handle bars.

The alarm unit comprises a two-part plastics housing 23, 24 having a mounting bracket 25 and containing an electrical buzzer 26 mounted behind a grill 27. The unit also contains filter circuitry 28 and is connected to the motorcycle battery via the usual ignition or main battery switch. As can be seen from the circuit diagram of Figure 5, the leads 20 from the mercury switch are connected to a transister switching circuit which includes a large value capacitor 29 connected to the base of a transister 30. The arrangement is such that the transistor 30 is actuated to effect operation of the buzzer 26 whenever the battery supply is switched on and the mercury switch 1 is closed (because the sidestand is in the extended position). Thus, an audible warning is given if an attempt is made to ride the motorcycle without first retracting the sidestand.When the sidestand is retracted the mercury switch 1 is in the "off" position. However, on riding the motorcycle the vibration and/or motion thereof may cause the mercury globule 16 to contact the terminals 14 and thereby close the switch 1 for a short period of time.

The capacitor 29 prevents actuation of the transistor 30 by these transient switching signals in so far as closure of the switch 1 must be maintained for a predetermined period of time (to allow discharge of the capacitor) before actuation of the transistor can occur. Inadvertent operation of the buzzer can therefore be avoided.

The device described above can afford effective protection against accidents caused by unretracted sidestands and is of simple yet reliable construction.

In particular, the clamping structure 2 and mercury switch 1 are formed so as to be hard-wearing, waterproof and suitable for use with a wide range of sidestands.

It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiment which are described by way of example only.

CLAIMS (filed 11 Jan 1982) 1. A warning device for a motorcycle sidestand which sidestand is movable between retracted and extended positions thereof, said device comprising an electrical switch mounted on said sidestand so as to be movable therewith, said switch being operationally position-dependent so as to adopt operative and inoperative states thereof respectively in extended and retracted positions of the sidestand, and electrical warning means connected to the switch so as to be rendered operable and inoperable by the switch respectively in the said operative and inoperative states thereof.

2. A warning device according to claim 1, wherein the said warning means is arranged to operate in the operative state of said switch only when a further switching device is actuated.

3. A warning device according to claim 2, wherein said further switching device is associated with the use of the motorcycle.

4. A warning device according to claim 3, wherein said further switching device comprises an ignition switch of the motorcycle.

5. Awarning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said warning means comprises a visual device.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. The warning device includes a position-dependent switch 1 and a clamping structure 2 as shown in Figures 2 to 4 which are defined together by four moulded plastics parts 3, 4, 6, 35. As can be seen from Figures 3 and 4 two of these parts 3,4 are clamping members of said clamping structure 2 which are generally plate-shaped and have channels 5 on their inner surfaces 7, 8, such channels 5 having flat bottom walls and inclined flat side walls. The clamping members 3,4 can be secured together by screws 9 passed through holes in one member 3 and engaging bores in the other member 4 so that the channels 5 confront each other and define a passage of generally hexagonal cross-section. The member 3 has an integral side extension 10 set at an angle relative to the axis of the adjacent channel 5 and a cavity 11 is formed in this extension and opens at one side of the member 3. The open end of the cavity 11 is closed by insertion therein of a projecting element 12 at one end of the part 6. The part 6 has a further projecting element 13 at the other end which extends over and adjacent the surface of the extension 10 which forms part of the said inner surface 7 of the member 3. The part 6 has moulded therein twin parallel electrical conductors which have free ends 14, 15 extending from the projecting elements 12, 13. The free ends 14 of the conductors at the element 12 form terminals for engagement with a globule 16 of mercury which is provided within the cavity 11, thereby to define a position-dependent mercury switch 1.The part 35 comprises a tabular sleeve 16 having a perpendicular side arm 17 at one end. The arm 17 fits in a slot 18 in the extension 10 and the opposite end of the sleeve fits securely around the projecting element 13. An electrical cable 19 runs through the sleeve 16 and leads 20 of the cable are soldered to the free conductor ends 15 at said element 13. At the first said end of the sleeve 16 the cable 19 passes through and is a tight fit within a narrow orifice 36 of the sleeve 16. The part 35 is held in position by means of a screw 21 which is passed through the extension 10 and engages a bore in the arm 17. A ridge 22 is moulded onto the surface 7 of the extension 10 adjacent the slot 18 and, as the screw 21 is tightened, this presses against the cable 19 to hold same tightly in position and also to facilitate sealing of the cable relative to the sleeve orifice 36. In use, the two clamping members 3,4 are clamped tightly around the motorcycle sidestand so that the mercury switch 1 adopts the disposition shown in Figure 2 when the sidestand is retracted (i.e. with the sidestand axis at X-X in the drawing). With this disposition the mercury switch 1 is in an "off" state. When the sidestand is extended (axis X-Y) the mercury switch 1 is in an "on" state. The shaped channels 5 facilitate secure clamping with different sizes and shapes of sidestands. The electrical cable 19 extends upwardly from the switch 1 and is connected to an alarm unit, as shown in Figure 1, which conveniently may be mounted on the motorcycle handle bars. The alarm unit comprises a two-part plastics housing 23, 24 having a mounting bracket 25 and containing an electrical buzzer 26 mounted behind a grill 27. The unit also contains filter circuitry 28 and is connected to the motorcycle battery via the usual ignition or main battery switch. As can be seen from the circuit diagram of Figure 5, the leads 20 from the mercury switch are connected to a transister switching circuit which includes a large value capacitor 29 connected to the base of a transister 30. The arrangement is such that the transistor 30 is actuated to effect operation of the buzzer 26 whenever the battery supply is switched on and the mercury switch 1 is closed (because the sidestand is in the extended position). Thus, an audible warning is given if an attempt is made to ride the motorcycle without first retracting the sidestand.When the sidestand is retracted the mercury switch 1 is in the "off" position. However, on riding the motorcycle the vibration and/or motion thereof may cause the mercury globule 16 to contact the terminals 14 and thereby close the switch 1 for a short period of time. The capacitor 29 prevents actuation of the transistor 30 by these transient switching signals in so far as closure of the switch 1 must be maintained for a predetermined period of time (to allow discharge of the capacitor) before actuation of the transistor can occur. Inadvertent operation of the buzzer can therefore be avoided. The device described above can afford effective protection against accidents caused by unretracted sidestands and is of simple yet reliable construction. In particular, the clamping structure 2 and mercury switch 1 are formed so as to be hard-wearing, waterproof and suitable for use with a wide range of sidestands. It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiment which are described by way of example only. CLAIMS (filed 11 Jan 1982)

1. A warning device for a motorcycle sidestand which sidestand is movable between retracted and extended positions thereof, said device comprising an electrical switch mounted on said sidestand so as to be movable therewith, said switch being operationally position-dependent so as to adopt operative and inoperative states thereof respectively in extended and retracted positions of the sidestand, and electrical warning means connected to the switch so as to be rendered operable and inoperable by the switch respectively in the said operative and inoperative states thereof.

6. A warning device according to any one of

claims 1 to 5, wherein said warning means comprises an audible device.

7. Awarning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said warning means is adapted to initiate protective action.

8. Awarning device according to claim 7, wherein said protective action comprises interruption of the ignition circuitry.

9. A warning device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the warning means is also used to give indication of another failure or operational state of the motorcycle.

10. Awarning device according to claim 9, wherein the warning means is also used to give indication of the operation of turning indicators of the motorcycle.

11. Awarning device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said switch is secured to an adjustable clamp structure which can be tightened around the sidestand.

12. A warning device according to claim 11, wherein said clamp structure is defined by two plastics mouldings having mutually confronting grooves or channels therein and which can be tightened together with the sidestand engaging the grooves or channels.

13. Awarning device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said position-dependent switch comprises a pair of spaced terminals projecting into a cavity which contains a globule of a conductive liquid.

14. Awarning device according to claim 13, wherein said cavity is formed within a plastics moulding.

15. Awarning device according to claim 14, when dependent on claim 12, wherein said plastics moulding containing said cavity is integral with or attached to one of the said clamp structure mouldings.

16. Awarning device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein a filter or blocking circuit is interposed between the said switch and the warning means.

17. Awarning device according to claim 16, wherein said filter or blocking circuit comprises a capacitive filter.

18. Awarning device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

19. A motorcycle with a sidestand having applied thereto a warning device substantially as herein be fore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.