GB2490496A - Handlebar mounted lamp - Google Patents

Abstract

A wand 1 with forward & rear cycle LED lights 4, 6 is mounted on a small stem 2 attached to end of a bicycle's handle bar by means of straps 9. A sprung hinge 3 allows the wand to fold backwards. When not in use, the lamp may be folded and used as a hand-held torch.

Description

Leighilte bicycle lights This invention relates to a device that provides cyclists with better protection at night from overtaking traffic.

An after dark road traffic accident on the A3 in which 16 year old, Leigh, died, shows that there is a need for improved visibility for cyclists after dark. There seems to be a lack of any standard for cyclists at night, particularly with rear clip on lamps that can't be monitored by the rider to see if they are functioning correctly, or are even still attached. Fitting Leighlites would go a long way to rectifying these problems.

A Leighlite comprises of light emitting diodes (LED's) set in a wand' that incorporates both front & rear lights. It is attached quickly & easily over the offside cycle handle bar grip. It extends from the handlebar grip into the path of overtaking traffic, effectively giving the cyclist more width. It is sprung hinged so the rider can hold it backwards with two fingers to negotiate narrow spaces (gates etc). This hinge also works for ease of carrying, as a Leighlite folds into its self, then, is fastened closed using the same fastenings that attach it to the handle bars. In the folded, fastened state, it measures approximately 160mm X 28mm diameter round & can be used as a standard LED torch.

The device would be a supplement to the existing rear light, as there would be deemed to be a blind spot were the rider filtering traffic queues, or, riding on a roundabout. However, safety is improved as the rider is able to see their rear light is functioning & is given the benefit of over 250mm extra width from overtaking traffic. Also, the fact that it uses (2) larger AA batteries for longer life, & encourages the use of both lamps, it would make a big improvement for cyclist safety. The blind spot can be overcome by fitting a nearside Leighlite.

* In its stowed folded state the device can be used as a standard torch & can be comfortably kept in a coat / jacket pocket.

* Quick & easy to fit & remove.

* Adjustable stop hinge -so can fit all standard handle bars: rear pointing / dropped, swept & straight handlebars.

* Has no need to be produced handed.' -Leighlite can be fitted for both nearside as well as offside (when 2 fitted).

* Four-way water-resistant switch: 1, Off. 2, clear (front! torch) only. 3, Front & rear constant.

4, Front & Rear flashing.

* 2 X AA batteries for extra economy & power life.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example & with reference to the accompanying two drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a Leighlite open at 45 degrees. #2 is placed against the handlebar grip & straps #9 fasten the device in place. Dependent on the type of handlebar (rear pointing /dropped, swept or straight) that is fitted to the bicycle, the outwardly sprung Leighlite has to be set by fixing a stop' to the desired angIe (180 -270 degrees).

The LED wand,' #1, is then at 90 degrees to the forward direction of the bicycle, with #4 clear front cycle light LEDs facing forward & #5 red, to the rear.

To operate the lights there is a four-way water-resistant switch # 7a/b. Setting 1 is off, setting 2 is front cycle light (& handheld torch) is on constant, setting 3 is both cycle front & rear are on constant & setting 4 is both cycle front & rear are on constant.

Figure 1: 1. Is the double-sided Leighlite LED Wand 2. Handlebar grip attachment. (Plastic with soft rubber lining to mate with handle bar grip) 3. Adjustable hinged joint, sprung to open from 180 -270 degrees 4. Forward facing clear front cycle light & handheld torch LEDs 5. Rear facing red lens 6. LEDs 7. a+b: locations for four-way water-resistant switch 8. Device is sprung outward (to pre-set angles) 9. Elastic straps (20mm width) 10. Poppa' fixings Figure 2 is a view from above. It shows how on various handlebars the device(s) are set at different sprung open angles.

Figure 2: 11. Leighlite adjusted at 270 degrees for rear pointing handle bars 12. Leighlite adjusted at 225 degrees for swept handlebars 13. Leighlite adjusted at 180 degrees for straight handlebars 14. No need to be handed.' Leighlites need no modification to attach to Nearside or for Right-hand-drive countries

Claims (3)

1. Claims 1. The Leighlite is an original idea that aides cyclist safety by putting the rear bicycle light further into overtaking motorist's vision & providing cycles over 250mm of extra width' after dark, by making use of the protruding handlebar.
2. 2. The Leighlite encourages cyclists to use both front & rear lights as they are incorporated together.
3. 3. The Leighlite in the stored-folded position can be used as a standard LED torch.