GB2471684A

GB2471684A - Glove incorporating a turn signal indicator

Info

Publication number: GB2471684A
Application number: GB0911783A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Timothy James Baxter; Alexander James King; Ashley James Moore
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-07-07
Filing date: 2009-07-07
Publication date: 2011-01-12
Also published as: GB0911783D0

Abstract

A glove is provided for use by cyclists to highlight to other road users an intention to manoeuvre a turn. The glove comprises a pressure activated switch 63 arranged to be located, when worn by a user, toward the distal end of a user's index or middle finger. The switch 63 may be located, when worn by a user, on the back of the user's finger. LED's 62 located on the glove are activated by applying pressure to the switch 63 on the underside of a cyclists break lever 64. A second application of pressure to the switch 63 may cause the LED's to flash, and a third will deactivate the LED's. A replaceable battery may be stored in the wrist section 67 of the glove. The invention is particularly suited to allowing a user to activate the turn signal indicator whilst allowing the user to keep their hands on the handlebars of the bicycle.

Description

Turn Signal Indicator

introduction

Field of Invention

This invention relates to a device for wearing on the hand of a user incorporating at least one light source and a switch for operating the light source. The invention relates particularly to an item such as a glove or an attachment to be worn over the hand for cyclists wherein the light can be activated by the cyclist to improve visibility ofa turn signal.

Related Art Turn signal indicators are required by all motorised road vehicles to provide a visual signal to other road users and pedestrians. Bicycles are not fitted with such indicators.

To indicate a turn cyclists generally use a hand signal.

Hand signals are not easily seen and can make the cyclist's intentions unclear to other road users. Poor visibility, adverse weather conditions, low light and darkness can increase the problem even when wearing brightly coloured and/or highly reflective clothing.

It has been suggested that lights may be worn on the arm or hand of the cyclist and operated when making a turn signal so as to increase visibility of the gesture. A number of inventions have been created and proposed to overcome this problem.

For example GB patent application GB244 1295 describes a glove having an LED module, containing one or more LEDs and a battery to power them, mounted on the back of the glove. An ON / OFF toggle switch is mounted on the side of the forefinger of the glove for operation by the thumb. GB23 10788, GB23 16429 and GB2274156 describe very similar arrangements. These gloves all operate the light source on contact between the thumb and side of the index finger. However such a switch arrangement may be prone to accidental operation or otherwise located in a position difficult to operate when cycling.

German utility model publication DE2020040 14675 describes a glove arrangement comprising a light source wherein operation of the light source is controlled by a spring switch. The spring switch, located on the back of the hand portion of the glove, is tethered to the end of a finger. Curling or straightening the fingers governs whether or not the spring contact is open or closed and thus controls the light source.

German patent application DE19836915 describes an arrangement that also relies on curling of the fingers to activate a light source but which uses strain gauges. These devices require a suitably flat hand shape when indicating and a suitably curled hand shape when not signalling which may not be appropriate for all users.

A wrist worn light source for turn indication (http://wwwsafefurr.com/ordertitrni) is also known. This device includes a tilt sensor for activating the light source which may not be appropriate for all riding styles. Further devices which have an onloff control which can be operated independently of any hand shape or orientation are preferred as they have the advantage of being useable as a light source for the cyclist should they need to repair a puncture for example in the dark.

Summary of the Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device including a light source and a control switch that can be worn on the hand of a cyclist and operated to improve visibility of a signalling gesture which is easily controlled by the user and allows the user complete control over when they want to operate the light source.

Thus according to the present invention there is provided a device adapted to be worn on the hand of a user, comprising at least one light source and a switch for operating the light source, wherein the switch is arranged so as to be located, when worn by a user, toward the distal end of the user's finger.

Preferably the switch is arranged so as to be located on the topside of the finger, i.e. the back of the finger in use. By distal end of the user's finger is meant generally between the middle knuckle and the tip of the finger. Preferably the switch is located, in use, on either the index or the middle finger. In one embodiment however there may be a switch on both fingers.

By arranging the switch toward the distal end of the user's finger and especially on the back of either of the index or middle fingers, the switch can be operated by a cyclist by moving their finger so that the switch presses against the side of the brake level. This pressure causes activation of the switch and hence control of the light source. It will be understood that a cyclist in normal riding position generally places his hands in a position on the handlebar of the bicycle where the brake lever is within reach. The present inventors have realised that such an arrangement allows a cyclist to operate the switch by bringing their finger into contact with the side of the brake level. For example, for a generally horizontal handlebar the brake level movement, for activating the bakes, is towards the cyclist. By bringing their finger into contact with the underside of the brake level it acts as a non-moving member and allows the cyclist to apply sufficient pressure to the switch to activate the lights. This can be achieved without the cyclist needing to remove his hand from the handlebar or perform any difficult hand movements. Thus the switch is preferably arranged such that, in use by a cyclist riding a bicycle, it may be operated by the cyclist moving his/her finger carrying the switch into contact with the bicycle brake lever to apply pressure to the switch whilst keeping substantially the rest of their hand on the handlebar.

The switch can be positioned so as to be located in use anywhere on any finger that can easily be brought into contact with the brake lever. For instance the end of the finger could be used or the front portion of the finger. However these positions may result in accidental activation and so the back of the finger is preferred. It is also preferred to located the switch on the index or middle fingers as these fingers are generally the most independently moveable.

According to the invention there is provided a turn signal indicator in the form of a full finger glove, fingerless glove or an attachment to be worn over the naked hand or an existing glove. Hereon in all three designs are to be referred to as the turn signal indicator.

The turn signal indicator will include appropriate control circuitry for controlling or synchronising the turn signal indicator.

As mentioned the switch may be controlled by the user applying pressure to the underside of the brake lever with either the index, middle or both fingers. The control circuitry may be configured so a single application of pressure can be used to activate the said light to operate in mode one (always on, i.e. constant illumination). A second application of pressure can be used to activate a second mode of illumination (flashing). A third application of pressure will deactivate the said light. Other modes may be used as well, for instance different colours could be activated and/or different frequencies of flashing. Other control methods may also be used for selecting the modes, for instance briefly pressing the switch may activate/deactivate a first mode whereas applying pressure to the switch for a longer period of time may activate a different mode. If the device comprises more than one switch the different switches may activate different modes.

In one embodiment the modes of operation, characteristics of the illumination in a mode and manner in which the modes are selected may be configured by the user, for instance by a selector switch positioned elsewhere in the device or by programming the control circuitry.

The turn signal indicator is suitable for the use by riders of bicycles. The design enables finger operation which means the users' hands can remain on the handlebars and in control of the bike.

The, or each light will be provided by one or more light sources, which may be any convenient light source, such as LEDs, flat LEDs, laser diodes etc. The lights may be a single light or a design of lights such as an arrow and can incorporate colour such red or orange. The light may be displayed on any part of the back and palm sides of the hand.

The switch may stand proud of the surface or be integrated in the turn signal indicator design, which could be made of a soft flexible fabric pressure sensor/switch.

The turn signal indicator may comprise a power source or may have a suitable interface for receiving power from an external power source. Conveniently however the power source is integrated into the turn signal indicator. The power source required to provide the electrical power could consist of slim line battery such as a lithium battery. The battery will be replaceable and be housed in the wrist strap section of the turn signal indicator.

All the circuitry contained in the turn signal indicator to connect the power source lights and switch will be covered for protection. The covering may be a plastic or fabric and preferably waterproof The covering may cover the entire electrical components except for the light.

The full fingered and the fingerless glove designs of the turn signal indicator will be made from comfortable, durable materials such as Gortex (Reg. TM) as found in standard commercial cycling gloves. The glove will be made in various standard sizes. The wristband section may have a break in the back at one point which is joined by means of a clasp, Velcro (Reg. TM) or some other means to secure the design to the users' hand.

The attachment design of the turn signal indicator will be made from comfortable, durable and elasticised material. The attachment will comprise an elastic strap worn around the index and/or the middle finger and around the palm of the hand to hold the attachment in place over the naked hand or an existing glove.

Brief Summary of Drawings

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings of which; Figure 1 shows the turn signal indicator in the form of the full fingered glove design to be worn on a user's hand.

Figure 2 shows the turn signal indicator in the form of the fingerless glove design to be worn on a user's hand.

Figure 3 -shows the turn signal indicator in the form of the attachment design to be worn on a user's naked hand or over an existing glove.

Figure 4 shows the main electrical components of the turn signal indicator.

Figure 5 shows the turn signal indicator in use by a rider of a bicycle who is using the turn signal indicator to indicate a right hand turn.

Figure 6 shows the finger operation of the switch on the turn signal indicator.

Detailed Description of Drawings

Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a turn signal indicator of the present invention in the form of a full fingered cycling glove.

The glove includes a pressure switch 1. The switch may be made from a soft flexible material such as nylon or a rigid material such as plastic. In the illustrated embodiment the switch is located on back of the finger section of the glove corresponding to the index finger. This location allows easy operation of the switch as will be described later. In other embodiments however the switch may instead be located on the back of the finger section of the glove corresponding to the middle finger, i.e. the location indicated by arrow 4.

The glove also includes a light source for the turn signal indicator, located on the back of the main body of the glove. The light source may comprise one or more LEDs.

The lights may be of an orange colour or could be in any other colour, such as red.

The lights are shown in an arrow formation; however the lights could be in any design, any combination of colours or located on any point of the turn signal indicator.

The power source for the turn signal indicator is, for example, a replaceable flat battery stored in the wrist section 3 of the glove. The wrist section 3 will also consist of a strap to fasten the turn signal indicator to the users hand; this may be joined by Velcro (Reg. TM) or any other suitable fastening device. The wrist section may also comprise a master switch, such as a small slider switch, for switching the turn signal indicator on and off, this may allow a user to turn the device completely off when not required.

The glove in figure 1 will typically be made from a durable, lightweight water resistant material as per the majority of cycling gloves currently on the market. The electrical components that connect and control the switch, lights and the power source will be covered in similar material to those that make up the glove to protect the components.

The lights 2 may be covered by a clear or transparent material such as plastic to protect the lights and associated components from the elements.

Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a the turn signal indicator in the form of a fingerless cycling glove.

In this embodiment the majority of the glove is fingerless, i.e. most of finger and thumb sections have an open end 5 through which the finger or thumb extends when worn. In this embodiment the switch 1 is again located toward the end of the index finger. The switch is held in place by making the index finger section 6 a full fingered section. The full finger section could alternatively be on the middle finger with an alternative switch location 4. The full finger section on the glove 6 may have the underside portion of the design cut out.

The back of the hand and wrist portions of this embodiment may be the same as described above in relation to figure 1.

Figure 3 another embodiment of the turn signal indicator in the form of an attachment, designed to be worn over the naked hand or an existing glove.

The attachment has a finger section 35 which is arranged to be worn over the index finger or the hand, although it may alternatively be worn, or be arranged to be worn, over the middle finger 37 if preferred. The finger section may be a tubular section of elasticised material that would provide a reason grip to the finger. The finger section has a switch 31 located, in use, towards the tip of the back of the relevant finger.

The attachment also has a wrist section 33 for attaching around the wrist. The wrist section 35 may include a batteiy for powering the turn signal indictor. The wrist section may comprise an elasticated material which is positioned by sliding it over the hand or it may comprise fastening straps for fastening around the wrist. The straps may be elasticated and fastened by any convenient means such as a Velcro TM fastening.

The turn signal indicator also has an array 32 of light sources arranged in the form on arrow. The light sources 32 may be mounted on a suitable lightweight, durable and weatherproof material and may have fastening straps for attaching in position on the back of the hand. Additionally or alternatively a strip of connecting material may link the lights 32 to the wrist section 33. The connecting material 34 may be arranged to leave parts of the underlying hand 36 uncovered.

This embodiment of the invention there can be worn over an existing glove or directly on the hand of a user without being a full glove arrangement. Other arrangements will, of course, occur to those skilled in the art.

Reference is now made to figure 4, which shows control electronic circuitry 41 within the turn signal indicator. The pressure switch in figures 1, 2 and 3 will be part of a switch means 42, which when activated sends a signal 46 to a control means 44, such as a microconfroller. The controller 44 then activates one or more of the light sources in the turn signal indicator. A second activation of the switch 42 may cause the controller 44 to make one or more of the lights 45 flash, A third activation of the switch 42 may cause the controller 44 to deactivate all lights 45. The power source 43 will supply the electrical power to the control means 44 and the light 45.

Figure 5 show the turn signal indicator 53 in use by a cyclist 51 while turning right.

When a cyclist wants to turn they will activate the turn signal indicator and then raise their arm 52. In the case of figure 5 the right arm at a right angle to their body to indicate a turn. The lights on the back on turn signal indicator 53 will highlight to road users behind the cyclist 51 their intention to turn. The cyclist 51 can also twist their arm 52 and the turn signal indicator 53 in a 180 degree motion to turn the direction of the lights forward, to highlight to oncoming road users the cyclists 51 intention to make a turn. However some embodiments of the turn signal indicator may also comprise at least one light which is on the front of the hand when a turn signal is being made to provide an indication to oncoming traffic. The cyclist 51 then completes the turn lowers their hand and deactivates the turn signal indicator.

Figure 6 depicts how the cyclist controls and activates the lights on the turn signal indicator.

Before a cyclist raises their arm to show their intention to make a turn, see figure 5, the turn signal indicator needs to be activated. When the cyclist needs to activate the lights 62, the cyclist raises their finger with the switch 63 up against the brake lever 64 to apply pressure to the switch. The brake lever 64 is usually held in place by a clamp 66 that attaches the lever 64 to the bicycle handlebar 65.

The action of applying pressure to the switch 63 on the underside of the brake lever 64 will cause the lights 62 to be activated. A second application of pressure on the switch 63, again by pressing the switch 63 on the underside of the brake lever 64, may cause the lights 2 to flash. All without the need of the cyclist removing their hand from the handlebar grip 61.

The cyclist can then indicate their turn manoeuvre by raising their arm 67. Once the indication is complete the cyclist places their hand back on the handle bar grip 61, applies pressure to the switch 63 by pressing the switch 63 on the underside of the brake lever 64, to deactivate the lights 62.

The present invention therefore allows a cyclist to activate the turn signal indicator when required without needing to remove their hand from the handlebars. Thus the lights are activated before the arm is raised ensuring maximum visibility of the turn signal. It will be appreciated that many cyclists may be able to perform a braking manoeuvre and activate the switch if necessary to slow down before signalling. The positioning of the switch is such that accidental activation is unlikely and thus there is no distraction to the cyclist.

Claims

Claims 1. A device to be worn on the hand of a user comprising at least one light source and a switch for operating the at least one light source wherein the switch is arranged so as to be located, when worn by a user, toward the distal end of a user's finger.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the switch is arranged so as to be located, when worn by a user, on the back of a user's finger.
3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the device comprises a full fingered glove and the switch is located towards the end of the index or middle finger portion of the glove.
4. A device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the device comprises a fingerless glove and the switch is located towards the end of the index or middle finger portion of the glove.
5. A device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the device comprises an attachment to be worn over the user's naked hand or over an existing glove and the switch is arranged, so as to be located, when worn by the user, towards the end of the index or middle finger of the user.
6. A device indicated in claim 5 that incorporates elastic straps to hold the attachment in place over the users hand or existing glove.
7. A device as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 6, in which the switch is arranged such that, in use by a cyclist riding a bicycle, it may be operated by the cyclist moving their finger carrying the switch into contact with the bicycle brake lever to apply pressure to the switch whilst keeping their hand on the handlebar.
8. A device as claimed in any proceeding claim, in which the device includes control circuitry arranged to operate the at least one light source in at least a constant illumination mode..
9. A device as claimed in any proceeding claim, in which the device includes control circuitry arranged to operate the at least one light source in at least a flashing illumination mode.
10. A device as claimed in any proceeding claim comprising control circuitry arranged, on each activation of the switch, to cycle from one mode of operation to another mode of operation wherein the modes of operation comprise a constant illumination mode, a flashing illumination mode and an off mode.
11. A device as claimed in any proceeding claim, wherein the switch comprises a fabric pressure sensor.
12. A device as claimed in any proceeding claim, which the switch comprises a solid pressure activated switch, having a fabric covering.
13. A device as claimed in any proceeding claim wherein any control circuitry is concealed by water proof fabric except for at least one light.
14. A device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a power source.
15. A device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the power source is located in the wrist section of the device.
16. A device as claimed in any proceeding claim, wherein at least one light source is arranged so as, in use, to be positioned in a first position on the back of the user's hand.
17. A device as claimed in any proceeding claim where the at least one light source is arranged to display an arrow shape when illuminated.
18. A device as claimed in claim 16 or 17 wherein at least on light source is arranged so as to be located, in use, on the front side of the user's hand.
19. A device as claimed in any proceeding claim where at least one of the at least one light sources is amber or red coloured when illuminated.
20. A device or turn signal indicator, substantially as herein described, with reference to or shown in the accompanying drawings.
21. A device that encompasses a switch that activates a light source by the user's action of carrying the switch into contact with the bicycle break lever, whilst allowing the user to keep their hands on the handlebar.