GB2477213A

GB2477213A - Illuminated wheel

Info

Publication number: GB2477213A
Application number: GB1101216A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Grossman
Original assignee: H Grossman Ltd
Current assignee: H Grossman Ltd
Priority date: 2010-01-26
Filing date: 2011-01-25
Publication date: 2011-07-27
Also published as: GB201101216D0; WO2011092458A1; GB201001240D0; CN102821976A

Abstract

A wheel 10 for a vehicle 5 such as a bicycle 15 comprises at least one illuminatable or illumination means 45. The illuminatable or illumination means 45 may be provided on one side or both sides 65, 66 of the wheel 10, for example on one or more spokes 50 thereof. The illumination means 45 may be recessed into the spokes 50, and further may be substantially flush with the surface of said spokes 50.

Description

IMPROVED WHEEL

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to an improved wheel, and to a vehicle comprising at least one such wheel. The invention particularly, though not exclusively, relates to a wheel for use with a self or foot-propelled vehicle or pedal vehicle, such as a bicycle, or alternatively a tricycle, scooter, micro-scooter or collapsible scooter. The invention particularly, though not exclusively, relates to such vehicles adapted for use by children or infants.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

Vehicles such as bicycles, tricycles and other self-propelled vehicles such as scooters, are popular with adults, and particularly with young people, children and infants as recreational or play articles, and as means of transport.

A problem exists with visibility of such vehicles, particularly when viewed from the side in dark or poorly lit surroundings. This is because conventional lights on such vehicles are mounted to be frontward and/or rearward facing. Thus, when viewed from the side, such a vehicle and a rider thereof, may be either poorly illuminated or not illuminated at all.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviate and/or mitigate one or more disadvantages in the prior art.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide an improved wheel and/or vehicle.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a wheel and/or vehicle having a novel lighting arrangement.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a wheel and/or vehicle having a novel lighting or illumination effect.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to seek to improve the safety, e.g. road safety, of a vehicle and/or rider by improving visibility when viewed from at least one side and preferably both sides.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a wheel, such as a wheel for a vehicle, the wheel comprising at least one illuminatable or illumination means.

The wheel may comprise a plurality of spokes, e.g. extending between a hub and a rim or outer rim.

The rim may be circular.

A tyre, e.g. a rigid tyre or alternatively a pneumatic tyre, may be provided on the outer rim.

The illumination means may be provided on or associated with at least one or a plurality of the spokes. For example, each spoke may beneficially comprise at least one illumination means.

Illumination means may be provided on one side and/or on another side of the/each wheel.

Beneficially, illumination means may be provided on both sides of the wheel.

At least one and preferably each spoke may comprise a first portion on one side of the wheel and/or a second portion on another side of the wheel. Said at least one and preferably each spoke may comprise third and/or fourth (forward and rearward) portions extending between the first and second portions. The third and/or fourth portions may laterally or transversely extend between sides of the wheel.

At least one and preferably each spoke may comprise a quadrilateral shape in cross-section.

The first and/or second portions may comprise surface or at least partially planar portions.

The illumination means may be provided on the first and/or second portions.

At least one illumination means may be provided on a plurality of spokes, and preferably on each spoke, and may be disposed concentrically or substantially equally radially distal with one another, e.g. from a hub of the wheel. In this way such illumination means may form points on a circle on a side of the wheel. The points may be viewed as, or appear as, a closed circle when the wheel rotates, in use.

The/each illumination means may be provided within a recess or aperture (blind hole or hole) on the wheel, the/each recess or aperture optionally and advantageously being provided on a respective spoke. By such provision the/each illumination means may be protected, e.g. from accidental damage, by an outer surface of at least a portion of the wheel, e.g. a side or spoke of the wheel. In such instance the need for an additional and/or separate cover for the/each illumination means may be avoided.

The/each illumination means may not protrude beyond an outer end of a respective recess or aperture, and/or may not protrude beyond an outer surface of the wheel.

The/each illumination means may be substantially flush with an outer end of a respective recess or aperture, and/or may be substantially flush with an outer surface of the wheel. By such provision, protection of the/each illumination means within the/each recess or aperture is permitted, while maintaining adequate visibility of the/each illumination means to a user/onlooker.

The outer end of the recess or aperture may be open, such that the illumination means may be visible therethrough, at least in use. In other words, preferably there is not provided a cover or the like over the recess or aperture.

The/each recess or aperture may be provided on one or more spokes. Each recess or aperture may be provided on a respective spoke, e.g. each spoke may be provided with or may comprise one recess or aperture.

The/each recess or aperture may be provided on a side portion of the/each spoke, e.g. on a left and/or right side portion thereof. By such provision visibility of the/each illumination means may be optimised.

In one embodiment, the/each spoke may be quadrilateral in cross-section. In such instance the/each recess or aperture may be provided on the first and/or second portion thereof.

In another embodiment, the/each spoke may be substantially circular or oval in cross-section. In such instance the/each recess or aperture may be provided on a side/side facing portion of the/each spoke, e.g. on a left and/or right side portion thereof.

The illumination means may be electrically powered, e.g. by electrical power means, e.g. by electrical power means carried by the wheel. The illumination means may be powered by one or more batteries. Alternatively, the illumination means may be powered by a generator or dynamo which may be powered by rotational movement of the wheel.

The battery(ies) may be provided within a compartment or control box. The battery(ies)/compartment may be provided on the wheel, e.g. between a pair of adjacent spokes, or beneficially within the wheel, e.g. within one of the spokes. The battery(ies)/compartment may be provided between first and second sides of the wheel.

The wheel may comprise first and second (left and right) side portions. The first and second side portions may be secured together by securing or connection means, such as screws.

One of the first or second portions may comprise a plate member and a/the rim, beneficially integrally formed one with the other. The other of the first or second portions may comprise a further plate member. The plate member may provide a plurality of spokes. The further plate member may provide a plurality of spokes.

The wheel and/or one or more of the spokes may beneficially be at least partially hollow, or alternatively may be solid.

The wheel may be formed from a plastics or polymer material, e.g. a rigid mouldable plastics or polymer material, e.g. a thermoplastic. Alternatively or additionally, the wheel may be formed from a metallic material.

The tyre may be formed from rubber.

The/each at least one illuminatable means may comprise at least one light emitting diode (LED). The illumination means may be of the same or of a mixture of colours.

At least some of the illumination means may be distributed in a closed shape, such as a circle, e.g. centred on or relative to a hub of the wheel, e.g. on one or both of the left and right sides. In an alternative implementation the illumination means may fan out from the hub of the wheel, e.g. in lines extending from the hub of the wheel, the lines possibly being straight or wavy.

The wheel may comprise a switch, such as an on/off switch, for the at least one illumination means. The switch may provide a number of at least one position to operatively allow the at least one illumination means to illuminate in a predetermined manner, e.g. continuously or in a predetermined sequence under the control of optional electronic control means.

The switch may comprise a rocker switch or push button switch.

The switch may be provided on one of the spokes, e.g. on one of the first or second portions.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising at least one wheel according to the first aspect of the present invention.

The vehicle may be a self-propelled or foot-propelled vehicle. The vehicle may be a pedal powered vehicle.

The vehicles may beneficially comprise two wheels. The vehicle may comprise two, three or four wheels.

Advantageously, the vehicle may preferably be a bicycle, e.g. a pedal-less cycle or a pedal cycle. Alternatively, the vehicle may be a tricycle. Alternatively, the vehicle may be a unicycle. Alternatively, the vehicle may be a scooter, e.g. a collapsible scooter or micro scooter" Alternatively, the vehicle may be a four wheeled vehicle, e.g. a toy car or go-kart.

The at least one wheel may comprise a front wheel(s) and/or a rear wheel(s) of the vehicle.

The vehicle may comprise one or more of: a frame, steering column, handlebars, a saddle or seat, and a wheel(s).

The vehicle may comprise at least one braking means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are: Figure 1 a view from one side of a vehicle having wheels according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a non-illuminated state; Figure 2 a partial view from another side of the vehicle of Figure 1, wherein the rear wheel is in a first illuminated state; Figure 3 a further partial view from the another side of the vehicle of Figure 1, wherein the rear wheel is in a second illuminated state; Figure 4 a yet further partial view from the one side of the vehicle of Figure 1, wherein the rear wheel is in a non-illuminated state; Figure 5(a) an enlarged partial view from the another side of a wheel of the vehicle of Figure 1, wherein the wheel is in an illuminated state; Figure 5(b) an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the wheel of the vehicle of Figure 5(a); Figure 6 a diagram of electronic circuitry of either of the wheels of the vehicle of Figure 1; Figure 7 a perspective view from the front and to one side of a vehicle comprising wheels according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 a perspective assembly view from the front and to one side of the vehicle of Figure 7; Figure 9 a perspective assembly view from one end and to one side of a wheel of the vehicle of Figure 7; Figure 10 a diagram of electronic circuitry of a wheel of the vehicle of Figure 7; Figure 11 a perspective view from the front and to one side of a tricycle having at least one wheel according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 a side view of the tricycle of Figure 11; Figure 13 a top view of the tricycle of Figure 12; and Figure 14 a perspective view from the front and to one side of a tricycle having at least one wheel according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring initially to Figures 1 to 6, there is shown a vehicle 5 comprising at least one wheel 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The vehicle 5 comprises a self-propelled or foot-propelled vehicle; particularly in this embodiment the vehicle 5 comprises a bicycle (e.g. children's bicycle) 15, and particularly a pedal-less bicycle. As can be seen, the bicycle 15 being intended for use by children comprises a push-along type vehicle propelled by a rider pushing with their feet upon the ground. The vehicle 5 of this embodiment therefore does not comprise pedals or associated chain drive mechanism. It will, however, be appreciated that in a modification, pedals and associated chain drive mechanism may be provided, as known in the art. Such may be of benefit for bicycles intended for use by older children or by adults.

It will be understood that the wheel 10 of the invention can find use in any self-propelled, foot-propelled or pedal propelled vehicles, e.g. beneficially bicycles, but also unicycles, scooters, e.g. collapsible scooters or "micro-scooters", or four wheeled vehicles, e.g. toy cars or go-karts.

In this embodiment the at least one wheel 10 comprises a front wheel(s) and a rear wheel(s) of the vehicles 5. The vehicle 5 further comprises a frame 20, steering column 25, handlebars 30 and a saddle or seat 35. The vehicle 5 also comprises at least one braking means 40; in this embodiment a rear brake means 40.

Each wheel 10 comprises at least one illuminatable or illumination means 45.

Each wheel 10 comprises a plurality of spokes 50, e.g. extending from a hub 55 to a rim or outer rim 60, the outer rim 60 being circular.

A tyre 64, e.g. a rigid tyre or alternatively a pneumatic tyre, is provided on the outer rim 60.

The illumination means 45 are provided on a plurality of the spokes 50. In this embodiment each spoke 50 beneficially comprises at least one illumination means 45.

Illumination means 45 are provided on one side 65 and on another side 66 of each wheel 10.

In this embodiment, each spoke 50 is substantially quadrilateral in shape in cross-section. Each spoke 50 comprises a first portion 70 on one side 65 of the wheel and/or a second portion 75 on the other side 66 of the wheel 10. Each spoke 50 comprises third and/or fourth (forward and rearward) portions 80,85 extending between the first and second portions 70,75.

In an alternative embodiment, each spoke 50 may be substantially circular or oval in shape in cross-section.

The first and/or second portions 70,75 comprise surface portions 90 or at least partially planar portions. The illumination means 45 are provided on the first and/or second portions 70,75.

At least one illumination 45 is be provided on each of the plurality of spokes 50, the illumination means 45 being disposed concentrically or substantially equally radially distal with one another. In this way such illumination means 45 form points 95 on a circle on a side of the wheel 10. The points 95 are viewable or perceivable as a closed circle when the wheel 10 rotates, in use.

Each illumination means 45 is provided within a recess or aperture 100 on a respective spoke 50 of the wheel 10. By such provision each illumination means 45 is protected, e.g. from accidental damage, by a surface (e.g. surface portion 90) of first portion 70 or second portion 75 of spokes 50. Thus, the need for an additional and/or separate cover for the/each illumination means 45 is avoided.

Each illumination means 45 does not protrude beyond an outer end 10, of a respective recess or aperture 100, and/or does not protrude beyond an outer surface of the spoke 50 of the wheel 10.

In this embodiment, each illumination means 45 is substantially flush with the outer end 101 (shown in dotted line) of the respective recess or aperture 100. By such provision, protection of the/each illumination means 45 within the/each recess or aperture 100 is permitted, while maintaining adequate visibility of the/each illumination means 45 to a user/onlooker. The outer end 101 of the recess or aperture is open, such that the illumination means 45 is directly visible therethrough.

The illumination means 45 are electrically powered. In this embodiment the illumination means 45 are powered by one or more batteries 110. Alternatively, the illumination means 45 can be powered by a generator or dynamo which may be powered by rotational movement of the wheel 10.

The battery(ies) 110 are provided within a compartment or control box 115.

The compartment 115 is provided on the wheel 10, e.g. between a pair of adjacent spokes 50. The compartment 115 is provided between one side 65 and another side 66 of the wheel 10.

The wheel 10 comprises first and second (left and right) side portions 120,125.

The first and second side portions 120,125 are secured together by securing or connection means, such as screws 126.

One of the first or second portions 120,125 comprises a plate member and the rim 60 integrally formed together. The other of the first or second portion 120,125 comprises a further plate member. The plate member and further plate member suitably aligned provide the plurality of spokes 50.

The wheel 10 and/or one or more of the spokes 50 are beneficially at least partially hollow. Alternatively, such can be solid.

Each wheel 10 can be formed from a plastics or polymer material, e.g. a rigid mouldable plastics or polymer material, e.g. a thermoplastic. Alternatively or additionally, each wheel 10 can be formed from a metallic material. The tyre 64 can be formed from rubber.

The/each at least one illuminatable means 45 comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED). The illumination means 45 can be of the same or of a mixture of colours.

At least some of the illumination means 45 are distributed in a closed shape, such as a circle, e.g. centred on the hub 55 of the wheel 10, e.g. on one or both of the left and right side walls. In an alternative implementation the illumination means 45 can fan out from the hub 55 of the wheel 10, e.g. in lines extending from the wheel 10, the lines possibly being straight or wavy.

The wheel 10 comprises an on/off switch 130 for the at least one illumination means 45. The switch 130 provides at least one on position to operatively allow the at least one illumination means 45 to illuminate in a predetermined manner, e.g. continuously or in a predetermined sequence under the control of optional electronic control means 135. The on/off switch 130 comprises a rocker switch in this embodiment, or alternatively, a push button switch. The on/off switch 130 is provided on one of the spokes 50.

In use, a user or rider can switch on the illumination means 45 via the on/off switch 130. Thereafter, the user or rider can mount the vehicle 5 and propel the vehicle 5 across the ground using their feet. Rotation of the wheel(s) 10 thereby creates a visual effect which may be visually pleasing and/or act to increase the visibility of the vehicle 5 to an observer -particularly an observer positioned to a side of the vehicle 5.

Referring now to Figures 7 to 10, there is shown a vehicle 5a in the form of a bicycle iSa comprising at least one wheel iOa according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 5a is similar in many respects to the vehicle 5 of Figures 1 to 6, like parts being designated by like numerals but suffixed "a". In this embodiment, the LEDs 45a are similarly recessed.

In the wheel lOa the batteries (not shown) are contained within a battery compartment within a void between the first and second side portions 120a,125a.

The first and second side portions 120a,125a are releasably secured to one another by screws 1 26a.

Access to the battery(ies) is effected either by disassembly of the wheel 1 Oa by releasing screws 126a or alternatively via a cover or lid (not shown) provided on the wheel 1 Oa, e.g. on the hub or one of the spokes 50.

Referring now to Figures 11 to 13, there is shown a vehicle 5b in the form of a tricycle 15b comprising three wheels and one of which is a wheel (front wheel) lOb according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 5b is similar in many respects to the vehicles 5,5a, like parts being designated by like numerals but suffixed b'. The wheel lOb can be substantially the same as the wheel 10 or the wheel lOa. In this embodiment the LEDs 45b are similarly recessed.

In this embodiment the wheel 1 Ob comprises a front wheel of the vehicle Sb.

iS Referring now to Figure 14, there is shown a vehicle Sc in the form of a tricycle lSc comprising three wheels, one of which is a wheel (front wheel) bc according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle Sc is similar in many respects to the vehicles 5, Sa, Sb, like parts being designated by like numerals but suffixed "c".

The wheel lOc can be substantially the same as the wheel 5, 10, bOa or lOb. In this embodiment the LEDs are similarly recessed.

In this embodiment the wheel 1 Oc comprises a front wheel of the vehicle 1 Oc.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the present invention hereinbef ore described are given by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A wheel, such as a wheel for a vehicle, comprising at least one illuminatable or illumination means.
2. A wheel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wheel comprises a plurality of spokes extending between a hub and a rim, the rim being circular.
3. A wheel as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, wherein each illumination means is provided within a recess or aperture on the wheel, the/each recess or aperture optionally being provided on a respective spoke.
4. A wheel as claimed in claim 3, wherein each illumination means does not protrude beyond an outer end of a respective recess or aperture, and/or does not protrude beyond an outer surface of the spoke.
5. A wheel as claimed in either of claims 3 or 4, wherein each illumination means is substantially flush with an outer end of the respective recess or aperture.
6. A wheel as claimed in any of claims 3 to 5, wherein an end of the recess or aperture is open, such that the illumination means are visible therethrough.
7. A wheel as claimed in any of claims 3 to 6, wherein each spoke comprises to least one recess or aperture.
8. A wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a tyre, such as a rigid tyre or, a pneumatic tyre, is provided on the rim.
9. A wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the illumination means is provided on or in association with at least one or a plurality of the spokes, optionally each spoke comprising at least one illumination means.
10. A wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein illumination means are provided on one side and/or on another side of the/each wheel, optionally illumination means being provided on both sides of the wheel.
11. A wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one or each spoke comprises a first portion on one side of the wheel and/or a second portion on another side of the wheel, and said at least one or each spoke comprises third and/or fourth (forward and rearward) portions extending between the first and second portions, the third and/or fourth portions optionally laterally or transversely extending between sides of the wheel.
12. A wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one or each spoke is substantially quadrilateral in cross-section.
13. A wheel as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first and/or second portions comprise surface or at least partially planar portions.
14. A wheel as claimed in either of claims 11 or 13, wherein the illumination means are provided on the first and/or second portions.
15. A wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one illumination means is provided on a plurality of spokes, and optionally on each spoke, and are disposed concentrically or substantially equally radially distal with one another, such that the illumination means form points on a circle on a side of the wheel.
16. A wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the illumination means are electrically powered.
17. A wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the illumination means are powered by one or more batteries.
18. A wheel as claimed in any of claims ito 16, wherein the illumination means is powered by a generator or dynamo which is powered by rotational movement of the wheel.
19. A wheel as claimed in claim 17, wherein the battery(ies) is/are provided within a compartment or control box, the battery(ies)/compartment being provided on the wheel, such as between a pair of adjacent spokes, or within the wheel and/or within one of the spokes.
20. A wheel as claimed in either of claims 17 or 19, wherein the compartment is provided between first and second sides of the wheel.
21. A wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wheel comprises first and second (left and right) side portions.
22. A wheel as claimed in claim 21, wherein the first and second side portions are secured together by securing or connection means, such as screws.
23. A wheel as claimed in either of claims 21 or 22, wherein one of the first or second portions comprise a plate member and a/the rim, optionally integrally formed one with the other, the other of the first or second portions comprises a further plate member, and optionally the plate member and/or further plate member provide a/the plurality of spokes.
24. A wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wheel and/or one or more of the spokes is/are at least partially hollow.
25. A wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wheel is formed from a plastics or polymer material, such as a rigid mouldable plastics or polymer material, such as a thermoplastic.
26. A wheel as claimed in any of claims 1 to 24, wherein the wheel is formed from a metallic material.
27. A wheel as claimed in claim 3 or any of claims 4 to 26 when dependent upon claim 3, wherein the tyre is formed from rubber.
28. A wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the/each at least one illuminatable means comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED).
29. A wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the illumination means are of the same or of a mixture of colours.
30. A wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least some of the illumination means are distributed in a closed shape, such as a circle, optionally centred on a hub of the wheel, optionally on one or both of the left and right walls.
31. A wheel as claimed in any of claims 1 to 29, wherein the illumination means fan out from the hub of the wheel, optionally in lines extending from the wheel, the lines optionally being straight or wavy.
32. A wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wheel comprises an on/off switch for the at least one illumination means.
33. A wheel as claimed in claim 32, wherein the switch provides a number of at least one position to operatively allow the at least one illumination means to illuminate in a predetermined manner, such as continuously or in a predetermined sequence under the control of electronic control means.
34. A wheel as claimed on in either of claims 32 or 33, wherein the on/off switch comprises a rocker switch or push button switch.
35. A wheel as claimed in any of claims 32 to 34, wherein the switch is provided on one of the spokes.
36. A vehicle comprising at least one wheel according to any of claims 1 to 35.
37. A vehicle as claimed in claim 36, wherein the vehicle is a self-propelled or foot-propelled vehicle.
38. A vehicle as claimed in either of claims 36 or 37, wherein the vehicle is a pedal powered vehicle.
39. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 36 to 38, wherein the vehicle is a bicycle.
40. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 36 to 38, wherein the vehicle is tricycle, a unicycle, or a scooter, such as a collapsible scooter or micro-scooter, or a four wheeled vehicle, such as a toy car or go-kart.
41. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 36 to 40, wherein one wheel comprises a front wheel(s) or a rear wheel(s) of the vehicle.
42. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 36 to 41, wherein the vehicle comprises one or more of a frame, steering column, handlebars and a saddle or seat.
43. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 36 to 42, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one braking means.
44. A wheel as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
45. A vehicle comprising at least one wheel as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.