GB2464323A

GB2464323A - Forearm indicator device

Info

Publication number: GB2464323A
Application number: GB0818719A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Finlay
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-10-13
Filing date: 2008-10-13
Publication date: 2010-04-14
Also published as: GB0818719D0; WO2010043858A1; EP2347396A1

Abstract

An indicator device 10 comprises a forearm attachment element 12 for releasable attachment to a user's forearm, and a hand attachment element 16 for releasable attachment to a user's hand. The forearm attachment element 12 has at least one electrically operable light emitting device 14, and the hand attachment element 16 has a switch 18 operable by the cyclist's hand to control the light emitting device 14. Preferably, the device 10 is for a cyclist, the light emitting device being adapted for indicating a direction of turning.

Description

Indicator Device The present invention relates to an indicator device, preferably but not necessarily exclusively for a cyclist, wearable by a user to signal.

Reflector devices which are wearable around an ankle to secure a user's trouser leg are known for cyclists, and front and rear flashing lights are also known to increase visibility. However, a reasonable number of accidents each year are caused by a vehicle driver or pedestrian not seeing a cyclist's arm indicating a left or right turn.

Furthermore, high visibility jackets used throughout industry are useful, but can be overlooked.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to the invention, there is provided an indicator device comprising a forearm attachment element for releasable attachment to a user's forearm, and a hand attachment element for releasable attachment to a user's hand, the forearm attachment element having at least one electrically operable light emitting device, and the hand attachment element having a switch operable by the user's hand to control the light emitting device.

Preferable andlor optional features of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 17, inclusive.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view from one side of one embodiment of an indicator device for a cyclist, in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view from the other side of the indicator device; Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the indicator device; Figure 4 shows part of the indicator device, when in use; and Figure 5 is another view of the indicator device, when in use.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a cyclist indicator device 10 which comprises a forearm attachment element 12 having a light emitting device 14, and a hand attachment element 16 having a switch 18 for operating the light emitting device 14.

The forearm attachment element 12 includes a cylindrical or frusto-conical flexible sleeve member 20, for example formed of elasticated material, such as Lycra RTM, two opposing elongate inner liner elements 22 which sandwich the sleeve member 20, and two opposing elongate outer cover elements 24 which are mounted on respective inner liner elements 22.

The inner liner elements 22 and the outer cover elements 24 have arcu ate lateral extents which are complimentarily shaped so that the inner liner element 22 is receivable within the outer cover element 24. Each inner liner element 22 and outer cover element 24 is preferably formed from medium to hard moulded rubber or plastics, and defines a tapering U-shaped or substantially U-shaped channel.

The inner liner element 22 includes a plurality of apertures 26 for breathing, and the apertures 26 are generally aligned and arranged to form a plurality of spaced chevrons pointing and decreasing in size towards the narrow end.

The outer cover element 24 also includes similar apertures 26 arranged in chevrons to match or substantially match those of the inner line element.

The outer cover element 24 also includes dedicated openings or windows 28 for the discharge of light from the light emitting device 14. These dedicated windows 28 are each formed as a chevron, again aligned and decreasing in size towards the nanow end of the outer cover element 24.

The light emitting device 14 includes a plurality of light emitting elements 30 which is interposed between the inner liner element 22 and the outer cover element 24. Each light emitting element 30 is arranged at a respective one of the dedicated windows 28 in the outer cover element 24 for the discharge of light therethrough. The light emitting elements 30 are preferably low-power electroluminescent panels 32, which are beneficially thin, flexible and light weight. Electroluminescent panels 32 operate even when damaged, emit very little heat, are not affected by vibration, and are waterproof or water-resistant.

The light emitting device 14 also includes a, preferably rechargeable, battery 34, housed in a battery compartment 36 in one of the outer cover elements 24, and a controller 38 in the other outer cover element 24. A recharging socket is provided in an outer surface of the battery compartment 36. The controller 38 typically includes control circuitry mounted on a PCB and which controls an ON-time of the light emitting elements 30, and a power switch for allowing the user to select a mode of operation. For example, the switch may provide a fully ON condition whereby the light emitting elements 30 remain ON, an intermittent ON condition whereby the control circuitry utilises a timer circuit to flash the light emitting elements 30, or an OFF condition. The intermittent ON condition may also have various settings to allow illumination in various patterns or sequences.

The sleeve member 20, inner liner element 22 and outer cover element 24 are preferably all connected together via one or more releasable straps 42, for example, including a hook and loop fastening device, such as Velcro RTM.

To connect the hand attachment element 16 to the forearm attachment element 12, an arm member 44 is used. The arm member 44 is preferably plastics and flexible, but preferably holds its shape. However, the arm member 44 may be shapable so that a user can alter the positioning of the arm member 44 for greater comfort. The arm member 44 is sandwiched between the inner liner element 22 and the outer cover element 24 at the nanow ends, and is connected by fasteners to the outer cover element 24 via slots 46.

The slots 46 allow for adjustment, and as such the fasteners are preferably releasable.

The hand attachment element 16 is provided at the end of the arm member 44 opposite the forearm attachment element 12. Preferably, the hand attachment element 16 is formed as one-piece with the arm member 44, but it may be connected as a separate element. Wiring is provided within the arm member 44 leading from the switch 18 of the hand attachment element 16 to the battery 34, controller 38 and light emitting elements 30 of the forearm attachment element 12.

The switch 18 of the hand attachment element 16 is preferably a sealed push button, and the hand attachment element 16 includes a releasable strap 48 for sole engagement of the hand attachment element 16 to a finger of a user. Although the hand attachment element 16 is connectable to one finger, it could be connected to more than one finger.

Preferably, the hand attachment element 16 is connectable to a user's index or first finger, so that the push button switch 18 can be operated by a user's thumb.

To provide further visibility, the outer cover elements 24 may include one or more reflectors 50, typically as spaced strips running along the longitudinal extent of the forearm attachment element 12.

In use, and with reference to Figures 4 and S in particular, a user pulls a said cyclist indicator device 10 on to each arm 52, tightens the forearm attachment element 12 to their forearm and inserts and tightens the hand attachment element 16 to their finger 54.

With the device powered ON via the power switch of the controller 38, when the cyclist wishes to turn, the push button switch 18 on the hand attachment element 16 is pressed by the user's thumb 56, if necessary prior to release of the handlebar 58, and the user's arm 52 is then raised to a generally horizontal position. Depending on the sequence that the light emitting panels 32 are set to, light is discharged therefrom. Due to the forward and rear facing light emitting panels 32, other vehicles and road users both on-coming and from behind can clearly see the indication.

Although a plurality of light emitting panels are suggested, only a single light emitting element on each side of the forearm attachment element may be provided. In this case, a plurality of openings or windows may be provided in each outer cover element, or a single opening or window for the discharge of light may be used.

The forearm attachment element may cover substantially the whole of a user's forearm from the wrist to the elbow, or may be made smaller, being more akin to an arm band or wristband for covering part of the user's forearm. This would be especially beneficial for a smaller person or child.

Although the device includes two inner liner elements and two outer cover elements, the inner liner elements may be formed together as a single part, and/or the outer cover elements may be fonied together as a single part.

The sleeve member is preferable and increases comfort, but may not be necessary.

The inner liner element may be dispensed with in favour of the outer cover element only, if the light emitting device can be suitably held thereby.

The indicator device is preferably for use by a cyclist, due to its convenience, but may be used in other fields and areas of industry. For example, it could be used by the police or emergency services, for stewards and staff when providing crowd control at events, in the construction industry as a warning or to direct vehicles, airports, and for marine safety. In all these cases, the arrows or chevrons may be altered as necessity and the job dictates, and the colour or colours used for the light emitting elements may be altered as required.

It is thus possible to provide an indicator device which is simple to manufacture, comfortable, robust and which provides excellent visibility, both fore and aft. The indicator device can be worn by the user, and thus does not require attachment to a vehicle or any tools. The indicator device can also be adjusted to suit almost any size of arm, from child to adult.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. An indicator device comprising a forearm attachment element for releasable attachment to a user's forearm, and a hand attachment element for releasable attachment to a user's hand, the forearm attachment element having at least one electrically operable light emitting device, and the hand attachment element having a switch operable by the user's hand to control the light emitting device.
2. An indicator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hand attachment element is connected to the forearm attachment element by an arm member.
3. An indicator device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the arm member is adjustable to select a distance between the forearm attachment element and the hand attachment element.
4. An indicator device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the forearm attachment element includes a sleeve member for encircling a user's forearm.
5. An indicator device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the forearm attachment element also includes an inner liner element supported by the arm band, and an outer cover element which engages with the inner liner element, the light emitting device being interposed between the inner liner element and the outer cover element.
6. An indicator device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the inner liner element and the outer cover element includes apertures for breathability.
7. An indicator device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the forearm attachment element includes a battery housing for a battery.
8. An indicator device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the forearm attachment element includes a switch and controller for controlling an ON-time of the light emitting device.
9. An indicator device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein two said light emitting devices are provided on opposite sides of the forearm attachment element.
10. An indicator device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the said at least one light emitting device includes at least one electroluminescent panel.
11. An indicator device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the said at least one light emitting device includes a plurality of light emitting panels.
12. An indicator device as claimed in claim 11, wherein adjacent said light emitting panels are of different sizes.
13. An indicator device as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the plurality of light emitting panels have points for indicating a direction.
14. An indicator device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the hand attachment element includes a strap for attachment to a user's finger.
15. An indicator device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the forearm attachment element includes at least one reflector.
16. An indicator device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the forearm attachment element is adapted to cover all or substantially all of a user's forearm.
17. An indicator device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is specifically adapted for use by a cyclist, the light emitting device being adapted for indicating a direction of turning.
18. An indicator device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.