GB2422527A

GB2422527A - An indicator glove

Info

Publication number: GB2422527A
Application number: GB0502075A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gordon Holmes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-02-01
Filing date: 2005-02-01
Publication date: 2006-08-02
Also published as: GB0502075D0

Abstract

A glove fitted with a flashing indicating unit that is turned on via two switching contacts located on the forefinger and thumb of the glove which when pressed together complete a circuit and turn on the flashing indicating unit. The unit is lit by one or more LED's that are powered by a battery 1 located in the glove. The gloves allow a cyclist to be visible whilst performing hand signals. Preferably the flashing indicating unit is fitted to the back of the gloves, may be shaped eg. as a arrow and have an orange or red lamp unit or lamp. The device may also be worn on the hand of the user. Alternatively the LED and battery may be located on a band that is worn on the hand of the wearer where one of the contact plates is attached to the band and the second is attached to a separate thumb band that is connected to the battery via a wire.

Description

P

Indicator Cycle Safety Glove This invention is designed to alert other road users to cyclists manoeuvring in traffic. It consists of a cycle glove with a yellow or red flashing beacon on the rear of the glove, which when extended in the manor descnbed by the Highway Code, will allow othe'road users which are behind the cyclist, to anticipate the turn.

There is also, within this application, a strap on version of the devise which performs the same function but may be worn either over gloves or directly on the hand Whilst it acknowledged that there are many warning lights currently displayed by cyclists, this invention is the only method of clearly and safely warning other vehicles of the intention of the cyclist to turn right or left.

Additionally, the method of use and operation, ensures that the wearer complies with the highway code as the contacts which operate the unit are situated on the thumb and first finger which are pressed together, completing the circuit ( Fig2) The time interval of the flashing unit is timed at approximately 1 second in equal periods of light and dark so as to mimic the intervals in use in modern motor cars.

This will minimise any confusion by other road users as to what the signal indicates.

The illuminated flashing unit attached to the back of the hand is made from a flexible plastic, coloured either yellow or red, and there may be more than one LED within the unit, depending on the required intensity of light. A reflector is desirable on the floor' surface of the unit so as to maximise the available light.

With reference to the attached drawings; Fig 1. Shows the glove with a button battery (1), which is the power source for the unit This battery, which rests on terminals which are sewn into the glove, is connected by a single electrical wire to the self contained light unit. The illumination is provided by a high intensity LED which is housed within a rectangular or shaped moulding (2). This illuminated unit is an integral part of the glove and is located on the back of the glove. In the case of a shaped unit (e.g. an arrow) or oblong unit, then the oblong or shape will point towards the direction of travel. A small electrical wire is the run from the unit, within the fabric of the glove, to a contact plate located on the first finger(3), just above the knuckle joint.

A second electrical wire is then run from the other battery terminal, within the fabric of the glove, to the right hand edge of the thumb This in turn is connected to a second contact plate (4).

Fig2.The contact plates are then pressed together and the circuit is completed thus operating the unit.

Fig3. Shows an elasticated band operates in the same way as the glove. The battery (1) is housed within the band, resting on terminals, and one terminal is connected to the LED unit (2), shown here as an arrow shaped moulding, which is in turn connected to the contact plate adjacent to the first knuckle (3). The other battery terminal is connected to a thumb band which incorporates the thumb contact plate..

Claims

Claims 1 The indicator glove consisting of a self contained high intensity

flashing LED bulb connected to a button battery and in turn connected by electrical wire to two metal contact plates which form an integral part of the garment.
2. The glove as claimed in claim 1 is operated by squeezing the contact plates with the hand shaped like a blade.
3. The glove as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 will have an orange illuminated unit or LED lamp so as to conform to road traffic laws.
4. The glove as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 will have an illuminated unit or LED lamp which will flash in equal periods of light and darkness so as to conform with the intervals used on motor vehicles.
5. The contact plates will be of dimpled design so as to operate in wet conditions.
6. Materials used in the gloves construction will be water resistant 7 An indicator band substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.