GB2320322A - Bicycle indicators on handlebars - Google Patents

Abstract

A bicycle signalling device comprises a pair of indicators adapted to be mounted one each on each end of a bycicle handle bar. Each indicator includes a light source 3 which projects visibly beyond the end of the handle bar and a power cell is housed within the handle bar end. A switch means 8,11 is provided on each indicator which is operable by squeezing with the outer part of the hand. During operation the light source flashes in a manner analogous to that of a conventional vehicle indicator. The switch means is biased to an off condition. It is thus possible for the cyclist to operate the switch without removing his hand from the bar and if necessary while braking or changing gear so improving control and safety.

Description

This invention relates to a bicycle indicator device.

With an absence of a practical bicycle indicator signalling device on the market, cyclists rely primarily on hand signals and more than occasionally on the assumption that motorists can interpret a cyclists directional intentions.

A major problem of hand signalling is a reduction of directional control, and a compromising of a cyclists overall balance two factors that are compounded by the duration needed for effective signalling. These problems are further amplified in a poor visibility / low light situation.

It follows that irregularities in the road surface such as pot-holes, or hazard situations require a cyclist to have an optimum control of the handlebars.

It is known (EP 0505 182 B1) provides a method of signalling a directional change by lights mounted on flexible stalks secured and controlled by a control panel installed central on a handlebar.

It is known (U.S.5,418,696 2/1994) discloses a signalling device mounted beneath a saddle of a standard bicycle, with telescopic shafts housing a light source. These controlled by a front mounted switch means via an electrical cable secured to the bicycle frame.

Of the signalling devices mentioned, both have similar disadvantages, a significant one being the location and nature of the control / switch means. Additionaly an obtrusive and unwielding quality arguably make them impractical for todays cycling, where a compact design is desirable.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an effective and compact signalling device, specifically designed for bicycles.

The present invention attempts to provide a solution to the aforementioned disadvantages of the previous bicycle signalling devises, by means of location of an indicator and a practical, ergonomic switch in operation.

A desired system of indication is achieved by a pair of identical units of the bicycle indicating device, situated one at each end of a standard bicycle handle bar.

Each indicator includes a light source which projects visibly beyond the end of a bicycle handle bar, and this offers a vantage point provided by the widest point of a standard bicycle. The indicator has a switch means adapted to be actuated by manual squeezing so that a light source is illuminated. The switch means is designed to enable an ease of operation with a cyclists outer hand. It is thus possible for the cyclist to operate the switch without removing his hand from the handle bar, so improving safety and control.

The indicating device has a battery housing section adapted for accommodation in the end of the handle bar, thus allowing for a compact exterior It is preferred in the present invention that during operation the light source flashes in a manner analogous to that of a conventional vehicle indicator.

DESCRIPTION A bicycle indicator comprises a main body adapted to be mounted on the end of a handle bar. The main body consists of a battery housing and a support part which extends from the battery housing to support switch means and a light source.

The battery housing 22 is a cylindrical tube dimensioned to be received into the end of the handle bar.

The switch means is operated by squeezing / gripping with the hand. So that it can be easily found without looking the switch means is provided by a resiliently deformable switch ring 9 which is mounted to encircle the support part of the main body 7. The switch ring 9, which may be made of plastics material, supports a linearly operable switch across a chord of the ring so that the said switch is biased to an off condition and moved to an on condition when the ring is squeezed diametrically. An illustrated embodiment may be seen in figures 2 & 5. The switch ring 9 is split by a missing segment to have ends biased by a compression spring 21 extending between the ends of the switch ring 9.

Wherein the switch is a miniature pulse switch which causes a light source to flash when actuated.

In the illustrated embodiment the miniature pulse switch 11 is shown housed in an adapted moulded soft cover 10. The moulded cover 10 providing insulation and engagement of the miniature pulse switch 11. The miniature pulse switch 11 and the moulded cover 10 may be situated and secured within the main body 7 with fixing means exemplified by a component 12 and a screw 13.

DESCRIPTION The switch ring 9 is surrounded by a soft foam outer ring 8. According to the illustrated embodiment ; In operation a squeezing action from a cyclists hand onto the foam ring 8 transmits force to the switch ring 9, and spring 21. This in turn forces an integrated nodule in the switch ring 9 against the moulded cover 10, which in turn activates the miniature pulse switch 11.

The switch ring 9 is mounted around the main body 7 including the battery housing 22. In the illustrated embodiment this is achieved by tightening of the screw 13.

A fixing collar 16 is adapted to engage between the outside of the handle bar end and the main body 7 to secure the indicator to the handle bar. This is best illustrated in cross section, CSB, in figure 7 and CSC, in figure 8, and cross section profile in figure 2. According to the illustrated embodiment, the fixing collar 16 in figure 9 is shown adjacent to a representation of a standard hollow tube bicycle handle bar. The outlining phantom in figure 10 shows the position of a possible adapted foam grip for the bicycle handle bar, and additionaly, the relative position of the hollow tube of the handle bar within the fixing collar 16. In the embodiment, a flange in the interior of the collar 16 enables correct positioning on the handle bar, and allows an internal thread to be available for the fixing of the main body 7. The fixing collar 16 may be secured to the bicycle handle bar with a security feature such as screws 17 & 18.

DESCRIPTION It is preferred that the fixing collar 16 is constructed from a material which affords a resilient thread. In the illustrated embodiment the main body 7 is screwed into the fixing collar 16, with the battery section passing into the tube of the bicycle handle bar. A security feature such as screw 15 may be used to further secure the main body 7 to the collar 16.

A light source is mounted on the end of the main body 7 to project beyond the end of the handle bar. Referring to the illustrated embodiment, figure 4 shows a circuit panel 4 with an arrangement of five L.E.D.s (light emitting diodes) 3 secured to the main body 7 by a fixing as provided by two screws 5. Electrical energy required to power the five flashing L.E.D. bulbs 3 may be supplied by power cells (batteries) within the battery housing 22. A suitable electrical transmitting material may be used to form a circuit 14. The embodiment shows that a positive charge may run from the miniature pulse switch 11 and connect onto the appropriate position on the circuit panel 4.

A negative charge may originate from a sprung electrical contact 20, fixed to an end cap 19, located at the open end of the battery housing 22. The negative charge of circuit 14 may run along the length of the battery housing 22 and contact in turn the miniature pulse switch 11 and finally the circuit panel 4. To facilitate battery removal and replacement, the end cap 19 may have a 'snap-on' and 'flex-off' operation with the battery housing 22.

DESCRIPTION The L.E.D bulbs 3 and circuit panel 4, constituting the light source is protected by a transparent lens indicator cap 2.

The transparent lens indicator cap 2 is protected by a transparent buffer 1. In the illustrated embodiment it is preferred that the indicator cap 2 is made from a high impact, amber tint, transparent material, and that the buffer 1 is made from a soft, resilient, amber tint, transparent material.

According to the embodiment, an arrangement which facilitates the securing and dismantling of the transparent lens indicator cap 2 is best illustrated in figure 2, in profile, and in full frontal in figure 4.

The transparent lens indicator cap 2 is located into an inner edge at the switch end of the main body 7, and a tight, water resistant fit is achieved by a rubber ring 6.

DESCRIPTION A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which; Figure 1 shows the external design of the device in full profile, with a clear indication of four cross sections, CSA,CSB,CSC and CSD.

Figure 2 shows a symmetrical cross section through the device in full profile, with an indication of CSA,CSB,CSC & CSD.

Figure 3 shows the full frontal view of a transparent lens indicator cap & a transparent buffer only.

Figure 4 shows an arrangement of L.E.D1s(light emitting diodes) on a circuit panel, a fixing means (screws), and a rubber ring.

Figure 5 corresponds to CSA in Figure 1 & Figure 2.

Figure 6 corresponds to CSD in Figure 1 & Figure 2.

Figure 7 corresponds to CSB in Figure 1 & Figure 2.

Figure 8 Corresponds to CSC in Figure 1 & Figure 2.

Figure 9 shows a fixing collar of the device, and a representation of a bicycle handle bar.

Figure 10 illustrates an installation of the device onto a bicycle handle bar.

Figure 11 shows the device in an operative position on a bicycle handle bar.

Claims (11)

1. A bicycle indicator adapted to be mounted at one of the ends of a bicycle handle bar.

2. An indicator according to claim 1 having a battery housing adapted for accommodation in the end of the handle bar.

3. An indicator according to claim 1 or claim 2 having switch means adapted to be actuated by manual squeezing so that a light source is illuminated.

4. An indicator according to claim 3 wherein the switch means comprises a resiliently deformable switch ring which supports a linearly operable switch across a chord of the ring so that said switch is biased to an off condition and moved to an on condition when the ring is squeezed diametrically.

5. An indicator according to claim 4 wherein the switch ring is split by a missing segment to have ends and biased by a compression spring extending between the ends of the switch ring.

6. An indicator according to one of claims 4 or 5 wherein the switch is a miniature pulse switch which causes the light source to flash when actuated.

7. An indicator according to any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the switch ring is surrounded by a soft foam outer ring.

8. An indicator according to any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the switch ring is mounted around a main body including the battery housing, a fixing collar is adapted to engage between the outside of the handle bar end and the main body to secure the indicator to the handle bar.

9. An indicator according to claim 8 wherein a light source is mounted on the end of the main body to project beyond the end of the handle bar and is protected by a transparent lens indicator cap.

10. An indicator according to claim 6 wherein the transparent lens indicator cap is protected by a transparent buffer.

11. An indicator for a bicycle as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.