GB2454815A

GB2454815A - Cyclist turn indicators using tilt switches

Info

Publication number: GB2454815A
Application number: GB0821622A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenneth Sidney Tedder
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-11-14
Filing date: 2008-11-26
Publication date: 2009-05-20
Anticipated expiration: 2028-11-26
Also published as: GB2454815B; GB0821622D0; WO2009063169A1

Abstract

Apparatus (2) for indicating when a cyclist (4) intends to turn right or left, including a first device (6) for attachment to a right arm (8) of the cyclist (4) and for indicating when the cyclist (4) intends to turn right, and a second device (10) for attachment to a left arm (12) of the cyclist (4) and for indicating when the cyclist (4) intends to turn left. The first and the second devices (6, 10) each have attachment means (16) for attaching the device to the arm (12), such as a strap which may be fastened using a Velcro (RTM) fastener, battery-operated indicator means (18), such as LEDs, which becomes illuminated when the arm (12) of the cyclist (4) is extended to indicate the intended turn, and at least two tilt switches (20, 22, 24, figure 16). The tilt switches are arranged so as to prevent unwanted illumination of the indicator means (18) in response to a different movement of the arm (8). Preferably, there are three of the tilt switches (20, 22, 24). The apparatus may include a plurality of LEDs arranged in a line, or forming an arrowhead, and may illuminate sequentially to emphasise the intended turn.

Description

APPARATUS FOR INDICATING

WHEN A CYCLIST INTENDS TO TURN RIGHT OR LEFT

This invention relates to apparatus for indicating when a cyclist intends to turn right or left.

A cyclist normally indicates when he or she intends to turn right or left by raising their arm. The arm should preferably be at right angles to the cyclist's shoulder, with the palm of the hand facing frontwards. Even if a cyclist gives a good hand signal, there is always a danger that a following motorist may not see the hand signal and may collide with the cyclist. This is especially so at night.

It is an aim of the present invention to reduce this problem.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided apparatus for indicating when a cyclist intends to turn right or left, which apparatus comprises a first device for attachment to a right arm of the cyclist and for indicating when the cyclist intends to turn right, and a second device for attachment to a left arm of the cyclist and for indicating when the cyclist intends to turn left, and the first and the second devices each comprising attachment means for attaching the device to the arm, battery-operated indicator means which becomes illuminated when the arm of the cyclist is extended to indicate the intended turn, and at least two tilt switches which are such that they each prevent unwanted illumination of the indicator means in response to a different movement of the arm.

The apparatus of the present invention is thus able to operate to indicate when the cyclist intends to turn right or left. Because the indicator means illuminates, there is an increased chance of a driver of a following vehicle seeing the indication from the cyclist, as compared to the case when the cyclist does not have the apparatus of the present invention and simply raises his or her right or left arm. Thus the apparatus of the present invention is able to make a substantial improvement to road safety.

The indicator means illuminates when the cyclist is giving a correct or substantially correct hand signal. At other times, the indicator means will not illuminate due to the complementary blocking action of the two tilt switches.

Thus, for example, the two tilt switches may be such that the indicator means will not illuminate when the cyclist is changing hand position on the handle bars of the cycle, or when the cyclist is adjusting a cycling helmet, or when the cyclist is adjusting glasses, or when the cyclist is simply wiping his or her face. However, once the cyclist gives a correct or substantially correct hand signal, then the tilt switches will allow the indicator means to illuminate. As indicated above, in use, one of the devices will be on a right arm of the cyclist, and another one of the devices will be on a left ann of the cyclist.

The apparatus of the invention may be one in which there are two of the tilt switches, and in which a first one of the tilt switches operates consequent upon an upward movement of the arm, and the second one of the tilt switches operates consequent upon a downward movement of the arm.

Thus, the first tilt switch will operate consequent upon an upward movement of the arm, and the second tilt switch will operate consequent upon a downward movement of the arm, whereby the two tilt switches will operate to prevent illumination of the indicator means unless the arm is extended and within a predetermined angular range to the horizontal.

The apparatus of the invention may be one in which there are three of the tilt switches, and in which a first one of the tilt switches operates consequent upon an upward movement of the arm, a second one of the tilt switches operates consequent upon a downward movement of the arm, and a third one of the tilt switches operates consequent upon a rotational movement of the arm, whereby the three tilt switches prevent illumination of the indicator means unless the arm is extended and within a predetermined angular range to the horizontal, and the hand of the arm is facing front and within a predetermined angular range about a notional horizontal axis through the hand.

The apparatus of the present invention may be one in which the tilt switches are the only switches that control the passage of current from a battery or batteries to the indicator means, whereby the apparatus does not require a separate on/off switch for turning the apparatus on and off.

Alternatively, the apparatus of the present invention may have a separate on/off switch for turning the apparatus on and off.

The apparatus may use any suitable and appropriate battery or batteries. Thus, for example, the apparatus may use a battery or batteries of the type used in hearing aids.

Preferably, the indicator means is a flashing light indictor means The indicator means may however be a continuous light indicator means if desired.

The indicator means may be a single light source or a plurality of separate light sources. The separate light sources of the indicator means may be arranged in a line. The light sources may then illuminate sequentially one after the other to simulate movement in the intended direction of movement.

Alternatively, the light sources may simply flash at the same time. The line of light sources may terminate in an arrowhead for emphasizing the intended turn. Generally, any suitable and appropriate light source or light sources may be employed for the indicator means. Thus, for example, the light source or light sources may be a tubular light source, a single bulb, or a plurality of light emitting diodes.

The apparatus may be one in which the indicator means extends over a curve to facilitate the indicator means being seen from different viewing points.

Preferably, the attachment means is for attaching to a part of the arm below the elbow. The attachment means may however attach elsewhere on the arm if desired.

Preferably, the attachment means is for attaching to a forearm part of the arm. The attachment means can then be attached just above a wrist, so that the attachment means will not interfere with a watch that might be worn by the cyclist. The attachment means can attach directly to the arm if there is no clothing on the part of the arm to which the attachment mean is being attached. Alternatively, the attachment means can attach to clothing, for example a shirt, jumper or jacket if the clothing is being worn by the cyclist.

The attachment means may comprise a flexible band for fitting around the arm. Other types of attachment means may be employed if desired.

Preferably, the flexible band is a strap. The strap preferably has adjustment means. The adjustment means then enables the length of the strap to be varied, for example if it has to fit over different layers of clothing as may be worn by a cyclist at different times of the year andlor in different temperatures.

Preferably, the adjustment means is a matrix of interlocking plastics members of the type that push together to engage and that pull apart to disengage. The matrix of interlocking plastics members are preferably hook and loop members. Such hook and loop members are available under the Registered Trade Mark Velcro. Other types of adjustment means may be employed so that, for example, the adjustment means may be a buckle. The flexible band may be an elastic band which can stretch to give the ability for directly fitting onto an arm, or over different layers of clothing on the arm.

The apparatus may include extension means for extending the battery life. The battery life may be extended by turning the power for the battery on/off very fast so that a person looking at the apparatus believes the indicator means is on. With such a circuit, the indicator means could be arranged to be permanently on or to flash, while still saving battery life. The extension means for extending the battery life may be an electronic circuit.

The apparatus of the invention may also include control means for controlling the intensity of light from the indicator means. The control means may be an electronic circuit. The control means may alter the resistance of the current to the indicator means.

The apparatus of the invention may be one in which the first and the second devices are each provided with placement means for indicating how the first device is to be placed on the right arm of the cyclist, and how the second device is to be placed on the left arm of the cyclist. The use of the placement means helps to ensure that a cyclist does not place the devices such that they are facing the wrong way when they are worn, for example as might occur if the first device intended for the right arm were to be placed on the left ann, and vice versa. The use of the placement means is advantageous in ensuring that the tilt switches are able to operate correctly and as intended. Any suitable and appropriate type of placement means may be employed including, for example, one or more direction arrows and/or designs for the first and second devices which help to ensure that the first and second devices are only worn when they are the correct way up.

The apparatus of the invention may have a microcontroller. The microcontroller may be a chip which senses movement and non-movement.

The chip may be programmed to stay live for a predetermined period of time, for example four -five seconds, before shutting off. The chip may then become live again directly it senses movement. Such an arrangement may help to save battery power, and thereby increase battery life.

The chip is easy to seal. This helps appropriate parts of the apparatus to be produced as a sealed unit.

Light emitting diodes or other light sources are able to be controlled by the microcontroHer.

The apparatus may comprise an electronic circuit comprising one or more capacitors and one or more transistors.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a cyclist with apparatus of the invention, and in which a first device is attached to a right arm of the cyclist, and the first device is such that indicator means is illuminated; Figure 2 shows the cyclist of Figure 1 but with the first device being such that the indicator means is not illuminated; Figure 3 -7 indicate positions in which the indicator means of the first device is on or off as shown; Figure 8 indicates horizontal angles covered by first and second tilt switches forming part of the first or second device forming part of the apparatus of the invention; Figure 9 shows rotational angles covered by a third tilt switch forming part of the first or second devices forming part of the apparatus of the invention; Figure 10 shows the circuit for a first or second device used in the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 11 shows a first or second device used in the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a further design for apparatus of the present invention; Figure 13 shows the inside of part of the apparatus shown in Figure 12; Figure 14 shows a circuit for use in apparatus of the invention; Figure 15 is an exploded view of part of further apparatus of the present invention; Figure 16 is an exploded view of part of the apparatus shown in Figure 15; and Figure 17 is a front view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 16.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown apparatus 2 for indicating when a cyclist 4 intends to turn right or left. The apparatus 2 comprises a first device 6 for attachment to a right arm 8 of the cyclist 4 and for indicating when the cyclist 4 intends to turn right. The apparatus 2 also comprises a second device 10 for attachment to a left arm 12 of the cyclist 4 and for indicating when the cyclist 4 intends to turn left. The cyclist 4 is shown on a bicycle 14.

The first and the second devices 6, 10 each comprise attachment means 16 for attaching the device 6 or 10 to the arm 8, 12 respectively.

The first and the second devices 6, 10 also each comprise battery-operated indicator means 18 (see Figures 10 and 11). The indicator means 18 becomes illuminated when the arm of the cyclist 4 is extended to indicate the intended turn, as shown in Figure 1 Each device 6, 10 also comprises three tilt switches 20, 22, 24 (see Figure 10). The tilt switches 20, 22, 24 are such that a first one of the tilt switches operates consequent upon an upward movement of the arm, a second one of the tilt switches operates consequent upon a downward movement of the arm, and a third one of the tilt switches operates consequent upon a rotational movement of the arm. Thus the three tilt switches, 20, 22, 24 work together to prevent illumination of the indicator means 18 unless the arm to which the device 6, 10 is attached is extended and within a predetermined angular range to the horizontal, and the hand 26 of the arm is facing front and within a predetermined angular range about a notional horizontal axis through the hand.

A comparison of the positions of the cyclist 4 shown in Figures 1 and 2 indicate when the first device 6 will be on, and when the first device 6 will be off. The second device 10 will always be off in the two positions shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figures 3 -7 show various positions in which the first device 6 will be on or off. For simplicity of illustration, the cyclist 4 is shown as standing. Also for simplicity of illustration, only the right arm 8 of the cyclist 4 is shown as being moved. Movement of the left arm 12 will cause operation of the second device 10 in the same manner as movement of the right arm 8 causes operation of the first device 6. The first and the second devices 6, 10 operate the same as each other.

Figure 8 is a front view of the first device 6 or the second device 10.

The angle of horizontal movement controlled two of the three tilt switches is shown by the lined parts 28, 30. The shaded parts 28, 30 correspond to the illustrated predetermined angular range to the horizontal at which two of the tilt switches will permit current from a battery or batteries to pass to the indicator means 18 when the arm of the cyclist 4 is extended to indicate an appropriate turn.

Figure 9 shows a lined part 32 at which the third tilt switch will permit current from the battery or batteries to pass to the indicator means 18 to illuminate it. The part 32 operates when the hand 26 of the arm is facing front and within the illustrated predetermined angular range. This predetermined angular range is about a notional horizontal axis through the hand. The angular range is not through a notional vertical axis through the hand because a notional vertical axis through the hand would involve movement as the cyclist is actually effecting a turn on the bicycle. The three tilt switches work together to ensure that the indicator means 18 only becomes illuminated when all three conditions required by the three tilt switches to pass current are present. If one condition is not present, then the indicator means 18 will not illuminate.

Figure 10 shows a circuit 34 for the first device 6 or the second device of the apparatus 2. The circuit 34 comprises the three tilt switches 20, 22, 24, an on/off switch 38 and the indicator means 18. The indicator means 18 is shown as a plurality of light emitting diodes 40 which are arranged in a line.

The switch 38 may be used to switch the apparatus 34 completely on or off.

If the switch 38 is inadvertently left on, then the battery 36 will normally not run flat because it is unlikely that all three tilt switches 20, 22, 24 will be in a position permitting current from the battery 36 to illuminate the light emitting diodes 40 of the indicator means 18.

Referring to Figure 11, there is shown the indicator means 18 provided in a housing 42. The housing 42 is shown as having the on/off switch 38.

The light emitting diodes 40 preferably flash when illuminated but they may simply omit a continuous source of light if desired.

The housing 42 is shown attached to the attachment means 16. The attachment means 16 is for attaching to a forearm part of the arm of the cyclist 4. The attachment means comprises a flexible band in the form of a strap 44. The strap 44 has adjustment means 46. The adjustment means 46 are two overlapping pads each comprising a matrix of interlocking hook and loop plastics members of the type sold under the Registered Trade Mark Velcro. Thus the strap 44 can be shortened or lengthened for fitting around the arm of the cyclist 4, in dependence upon whether the arm of the cyclist 4 is covered by clothing, and if so, different layers of clothing depending upon different temperatures as occur at different times of the year.

The use of the apparatus 2 will indicate clearly when the cyclist 2 is intended to turn right or left. This will provide a considerable increase in road safety, and may save the cyclist from injury or death.

Referring to Figure 12, there is shown apparatus 48 for indicating when a cyclist intends to turn right or left. The apparatus comprises a wrist strap 50 to which is secured a back moulding 52. The back moulding 52 provides the base part of a housing for light emitting diodes 54. Each light emitting diode 54 is countersunk into a reflector 56. The light emitting diodes are covered by a transparent cover 58. A silicone seal 60 seals everything together and prevents the ingress of water as might occur during use of the apparatus 48 when it is raining.

Figure 13 shows the inside of the apparatus 48 with the back moulding 52 removed. There is shown a printed circuit board assembly 62, two batteries 64, battery connectors 66, fixing screws 68, the transparent cover 58, and the silicone seal 60.

Figure 14 shows a microcontroller controlled circuit 70. The circuit 70 comprises a first part 72 providing information on all sensors closed, a second part 74 controlling flashing of light emitting diodes, and a third part 76 for ascertaining if any sensor is open. The circuit 70 operates on power-up from a power-up part 78. The interconnection of the parts is as shown. After power-up, the microcontroller is constantly checking three tilt sensors. If all of the three tilt sensors are closed, then the microcontroller turns a transistor on, which turns on four light emitting diodes.

Referring to Figures 15 and 16, there is shown in exploded form parts of apparatus 80 for indicating when a cyclist intends to turn right or left. The apparatus 80 comprises a back moulding 82, a reflector moulding 84, a transparent cover moulding 86, and a tilt switch support moulding 88. Also shown are a silicone seal 90, a Velcro (Registered Trade Mark) wrist strap 92, pan head post self-tapping screws 94, and a printed circuit board tilt switch assembly 96. Two batteries (not shown) fit to the assembly 96. Also shown in Figure 15 are light emitting diodes 98, and light emitting diode reflectors 100 which are formed as recesses in the reflector moulding 84.

Figure 16 shows in more detail the tilt switch moulding assembly 88 and the printed circuit board assembly 96 As can be seen from Figure 16, there is shown the printed circuit board assembly 96. The printed circuit board assembly 96 has two positive battery connectors 102, and two negative battery connectors 104. A tilt switch support moulding 106 supports three tilt switches 108 as shown. The four light emitting diodes 98 are shown extending from the printed circuit board assembly 96.

Figure 17 is a front view of the three tilt switches 108 as shown in Figure 16. Figure 17 illustrates the relative positioning of the three tilt switches 108.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been give by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the tilt switches 20, 22, 24 may operate over different ranges than those indicated in Figures 8 and 9. Other types of attachment means and adjustment means may be employed to those shown in the drawings. The apparatus 2 is shown being used on a bicycle but it could also be used on a tricycle. The cyclist may be any cyclist of any age. In the apparatus of the present invention, two or more than three tilt switches may be employed.

Thus, for example, four tilt switches may be employed to give a narrower range of movement of the arm of the cyclist causing operation of the indicator means. When the apparatus of the invention has three tilt switches, then the apparatus can be used on either wrist. When the apparatus has two tilt switches, then the apparatus may be specifically constructed for use on the intended wrist. In the apparatus of the present invention, any suitable and appropriate tilt switches may be employed including non-mercury tilt switches.

The on-off switch 38 in Figure 10 may be omitted.

Claims

1. Apparatus for indicating when a cyclist intends to turn right or left, which apparatus comprises a first device for attachment to a right arm of the cyclist and for indicating when the cyclist intends to turn right, and a second device for attachment to a left arm of the cyclist and for indicating when the cyclist intends to turn left, and the first and the second devices each comprising attachment means for attaching the device to the arm, battery-operated indicator means which becomes illuminated when the arm of the cyclist is extended to indicate the intended turn, and at least two tilt switches which are such that they each prevent unwanted illumination of the indicator means in response to a different movement of the arm.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which there are two of the tilt switches, and in which a first one of the tilt switches operates consequent upon an upward movement of the arm, and the second one of the tilt switches operates consequent upon a downward movement of the arm.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which there are three of the tilt switches, and in which a first one of the tilt switches operates consequent upon an upward movement of the arm, a second one of the tilt switches operates consequent upon a downward movement of the arm, and a third one of the tilt switches operates consequent upon a rotational movement of the arm, whereby the three tilt switches prevent illumination of the indicator means unless the arm is extended and within a predetermined angular range to the horizontal, and the hand of the arm is facing front and within a predetermined angular range about a notional horizontal axis through the hand.

4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the tilt switches are the only switches that control the passage of current from a battery or batteries to the indicator means, whereby the apparatus does not require a separate on/off switch for turning the apparatus on and off.

5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 -3 and including an on/off switch for turning the apparatus on and off.

6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the indicator means is a flashing light indicator means.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 in which the indicator means is a plurality of separate light sources.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 in which the separate light sources are arranged in a line.

9. Apparatus according to claims 6, 7 and 8 in which the separate light sources illuminate sequentially one after the other to simulate movement in an intended direction of movement.

10. Apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9 in which the line of separate light sources terminates in an arrowhead for emphasizing the intended turn.

11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the indicator means extends over a curve to facilitate the indicator means being seen from different viewing points.

12. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the attachment means is for attaching to a part of the arm below the elbow.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 in which the attachment means is for attaching to a forearm part of the arm.

14. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the attachment means comprises a flexible band for fitting around the am,.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14 in which the flexible band is a strap.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 in which the strap has adjustment means.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16 in which the adjustment means is a matrix of interlocking plastics members of the type that push together to engage and that pull apart to disengage.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 in which the matrix of interlocking plastics members are hook and loop members.

19. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including extension means for extending the battery life.

20. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including control means for controlling the intensity of light from the indicator means.

21. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first and the second devices each include placement means for indicating how the first device is to be placed on the right arm of the cyclist, and how the second device is to be placed on the left arm of the cyclist.

22. Apparatus for indicating when a cyclist intends to turn right or left, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.