GB2386677A

GB2386677A - Hand, wrist or arm direction indicator device

Info

Publication number: GB2386677A
Application number: GB0208716A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Dow
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-03-19
Filing date: 2002-04-16
Publication date: 2003-09-24
Also published as: GB0208716D0; GB0206487D0

Abstract

An arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means 12 comprises fitting means 13, 13a adapted to secure the illumination means to the user, a plurality of light emitting diodes 14 mounted on the external surface of the fitting means, an operating switch 16, a battery 19 to provide power and an electronic operating system 17 adapted to control the illumination of the light emitting diodes. The fitting means may be a glove (1, figure 1), a wristband, an elbow or arm pad, or the sleeve of an article of clothing. The LEDs may be arranged in a cluster or in an arrow shape and are illuminated according to a programmable sequence when the switch is operated. In the embodiment where the fitting means comprises a glove the switch (5, figure 1) is a thumb-operated pressure switch mounted on the forefinger.

Description

INDICATOR DEVICE

This invention relates to an indicator device, in particular, but not exclusively, for us when cycling on a public road.

When indicating to other traffic that they wish to turn left or right, cyclists must hold their arm out in the direction of turn. However, when visibility is poor, for example at night, cyclists' arms cannot be seen by other road users, which can be dangerous if they intends to turn across the path of other traffic. Further, even when visibility is good, a cyclist can be ignored or missed by other road users because a bicycle is small compared to other traffic, and is situated adjacent to the curb where they can be difficult to see. The present invention is intended to overcome some of these problems.

According to the present invention arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means comprise fitting means adapted to secure the illumination means to the user, a number of light emitting diodes mounted on the external surface of the fitting means, an operating switch, and an electronic operating system adapted to control the illumination of the light emitting diodes.

In a preferred construction the fitting means comprise a cycle glove. It will be appreciated that the fitting means can comprise any arm, wrist or hand worn item, for example a wrist band, elbow pad or the sleeve of a larger item for example a pull-over or jacket.

The electronic operating system can be adapted to flash the LEDs on and off in a substantially similar manner to a flashing car indicator light when the operating switch is depressed.

-2- It will be appreciated that the internal workings of the electronic control box are well known, and can features a circuit board with programmable timing means.

Preferably the LEDs are orange, and are formed into a cluster. The operating switch can be a thumb operated pressure switch mounted on the exposed side of the forefinger section of the glove. Further, the LEDs and the electronic operating system can be powered by a battery mounted on the back of the glove.

It will be appreciated that LEDs come in many forms. It is known to provide LED clusters for traditional bicycle night lights, because they are visible from up to a mile away, and the light emitted is highly directional.

This is advantageous because the LEDs will be highly visible from behind the user, but will not dazzle fellow cyclists or pedestrians positioned to the side of the user.

In one construction an Agilent HLMP-DJ, or equivalent, LED is used, because of its orange colour, and because it provides approximately 9.5 candela of light and has a 6 degree main beam.

It will be appreciated that the invention can be performed in various other ways. For example, the LEDs can be arranged into an arrow shape to indicate direction, or the LEDs can be adapted to flash in various different ways to alert other road users to the user's presence.

It will be further appreciated that this invention can be applied to any type of road user's glove, or other arm, wrist or hand worn item, for example a motorcycling glove, or car driving glove, for use in particular, but not exclusively, for vintage motorcycles and cars which do not have indicator lights. In addition, the invention can be

-3- applied to any form of glove, or other arm, wrist or hand worn item for use where visual communication is required, for example directing traffic, or any other form of vehicle, for example aircraft or boats.

The invention can be performed in various ways,.

But two embodiments will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top view of a cycling glove according to the present invention; and, Figure 2 is a top view of a wrist band -- fir according to the present invention.

In Figure 1 a cycling glove 1 is provided with light emitting diodes 2, which are mounted on its back 4, an operating switch 5, and an electronic control box 11.

The LEDs 2 are adapted to flash in the manner of a car indicator light. The LEDs 2 are arranged in a cluster on an LED mounting plate 3 fixed on the back 4 of the glove 1..A Operating pressure switch S is provided on the exposed side 6 of the forefinger section 7. Battery 8 (shown in outline) is housed in a pocket 9 provided with a hook and loop fastener 10, so it can be removed for recharging or replacement. Control box 11 (also shown in outline) is sewn into the back 4 of the glove 1. The control box is provided with a programmable electronic timing circuit (not shown) which controls the flashing of the LEDs. Wires (not shown) are sewn into the back 4 of the glove 1 and connect the switch 5, the battery 8, the control box 11 and the LEDs 2. The LEDs are orange coloured Agilent HLMP-DJ LEDs.

In use the user of the glove 1 releases their hand from the handlebars of the bicycle and extends their arm horizontally outwards, in the direction they intend to

-4- turn. The user then depresses the switch 5 with the end of their thumb. When the switch 5 is depressed an electric circuit is created with the battery 8 providing power to the electronic control box 11 and the LEDs 2. The electronic control box 11 makes the LEDs flash in the manner of a car indicator light. When the user releases the switch 5 the LEDs stop flashing.

In Figure 2, a wrist band 12 is provided with fitting means in the form of the two portions of a hook and loop fastener 13, 13a, mounted at each end of the wrist band 12, light emitting diodes 14, which are mounted on the outer surface IS of the wrist band 12, an operating switch 16, and an electronic control box 17. The LEDs 14 are adapted to flash in the manner of a car indicator light.

The LEDs 14 are arranged in a cluster on an LED mounting plate 18 fixed on the outer surface 15 of the writs band 12. Operating switch 16 is provided on the outer surface 15 of the wrist band and is position so it will be disposed on the upper facing portion lea of the wrist band 12 when it is worn by the user. Battery 19 (shown in outline) is housed in a pocket 20 provided with a hook and loop fastener 21, so it can be removed for recharging or replacement. Control box 17 (also shown in outline) is sewn into the fabric of the wrist band 12. The control box 17 is provided with a programmable electronic timing circuit (not shown) which controls the flashing of the LEDs 14. Wires (not shown) are sewn into the fabric of the wrist band 12 and connect the switch 16, the battery 19, the control box 17 and the LEDs 14. The LEDs 14 are orange coloured Agilent HLMP-DJ LEDs.

In use the user of the wrist band 12 first operates the LEDs 14 by operating the switch 16 with their opposite hand. The user then releases their hand from the handlebars of the bicycle and extends their arm

-5- horizontally outwards, in the direction they intend to turn. When the switch 16 is depressed once an electric circuit is created with the battery 19 providing power to the electronic control box 17 and the LEDs 14. The electronic control box 17 makes the LEDs 14 flash in the manner of a car indicator light. When the user again depresses the switch 16 with their opposite hand the electric circuit is discontinued, and the LEDs 14 stop flashing. It will be appreciated that the illumination mechanism as shown in the embodiments in both Figure 1 and 2 could be incorporated into other forms of clothing which can be fitted to an arm, wrist or hand, for example an elbow pad, the sleeve or cuff of a jacket or pull-over, or a palm band.

Thus an arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means is provided with a readily operatable direction indicator light which will effectively alert other road users in any lighting conditions of the intentions of the user. In addition the LEDs require very little power, so a small battery only is required, which is light weight and does not effect the movement of the glove or other fitting means. As described above it will be appreciated that this invention can be performed in various other ways. For example the LEDs can be arranged in the shape of an arrow head, or the LEDs can be adapted to flash in various ways to further alert other road users of the user's presence.

In addition the invention can be applied to any type of glove, or other arm, wrist or hand worn item where the user is required to communicate with others visually, for example in the control of aircraft.

Claims

-6- Claims

1. An arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means comprises fitting means adapted to secure the illumination means to the user, a number of light emitting diodes mounted on the external surface of the fitting means, an operating switch, and an electronic operating system adapted to control the illumination of the light emitting diodes.

2. An arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means as claimed in Claim 1 in which the fitting means comprises a glove.

3. An arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means as claimed in Claim 2 in which the glove is adapted for use when cycling, and the light emitting diodes are mounted on the back of the glove.

4. An arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means as claimed in Claim 1 in which the fitting means comprises a wrist band.

5. An arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means as claimed in Claim 1 in which the fitting means comprises an elbow or other arm pad.

6. An arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means as claimed in Claim 1 in which the fitting means comprises the sleeve of an article of clothing.

7. An arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means as claimed in any of Claims 2 - 6 in which the electronic operating system is provided with a timing circuit adapted to illuminate the light emitting diodes according to a programmable sequence.

-7-

8. An arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means as claimed in Claim 7 in which the programmable sequence comprises the light emitting diodes flashing on and off in the manner of a road vehicle direction indicator light.

9. An arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means as claimed in Claim 8 in which the fitting means comprises a glove, and the operating switch is a thumb-operated pressure switch, mounted on the exposed side of the forefinger of the glove.

10. An arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means as claimed in Claim 8 in which the fitting means comprises an arm or wrist mounted article or portion of an article of clothing, and the operating switch is a two position switch adapted to open an electric circuit in a first position, and to close an electric circuit in a second position, and which is adapted to be operated by the user's opposite hand.

11. An arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means as claimed in Claim 9 or 10 in which the light emitting diodes are illuminated according to the programmable sequence when the operating switch is operated.

12. An arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means as claimed in Claim 11 in which the light emitting diodes emit an orange light.

13 An arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means as claimed in Claim 12 in which power means are provided comprising a battery mounted in a socket provided on the exterior surface.

-8-

14. An arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means as claimed in Claim 13 in which the light emitting diodes are formed into a cluster.

15. An arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means as claimed in Claim 14 in which the light emitting diodes are formed into an arrow head shape.

16. An arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means as claimed in Claim 14 or 15 in which the light emitting diodes comprise Agilent HLMP-DJ light emitting diodes.

17. An arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means as substantially as described herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings.