GB2509141A

GB2509141A - Indicator glove for cyclists

Info

Publication number: GB2509141A
Application number: GB1223229.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bernard Else
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-12-21
Filing date: 2012-12-21
Publication date: 2014-06-25
Also published as: GB201223229D0

Abstract

An indicator glove comprises a fabric glove body 10 having a padded back portion 12 and a webbing region 14 to fit the fingers. The back of the glove includes one or more light sources 20 in the form of LEDs and arranged in the form of an arrow shaped indicator region 18. A contact region (30, figure 2) is set in the palm of the glove, and includes a pressure switch (32, figure 2) which is closed by pressure arising from contact, in use, with the handlebars. The glove may also have a wrist strap 16 which may be secured with hook and loop tape.

Description

tM:;: INTELLECTUAL

PROPERTY OFFICE

Application No. 0B1223229.4 RTM Date:18 April 2013 The following terms are registered trademarks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Velcro Intellectual Properly Office is an operaling name of Ihe Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk An indicator elove for cyclists

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an illuminated indicator glove and in particular to an indicator glove for use for example by cyclists whose illumination is controlled by contact with a surface such as a bicycle handlebar. -

Background

Indicator means for cyclists and motorcyclists are well known and among them wearable illuminated indicator means are known in the prior art, for example battery powered lit indicator devices to be worn on the arm, the wrist and the hand, and usable to indicate a direction of an intended turn by the user. Such devices are especially useful at night, and comprise light sources, a support structure such as an armband, wristband or glove, a battery and a switch means to turn the light sources on. However, prior art devices have a number of disadvantages, including a switch means that requires a specific action, for example locating and actuating a switch positioned on the glove, requiring a conscious! directed action to find and use a switch that is often small (for example to prevent accidental actuation), at a time when concentration on road conditions is needed. Other prior art devices use attitude or tilt switches to actuate light sources when an arm is raised. However, this only works when a specific degree of motion is achieved, which would not suit all users, and the light sources will turn off if the arm is moved away from the designed attitude. An improved wearable turn indicator for two wheeled vehicle user would have commercial and practical value.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar including the following: US2O1 10078842 discloses a glove and illuminating indicating system. The system includes a reed switch in the middle finger of the glove, a magnet connected to the thumb of the glove, and a lighting means. The system is configured such that bringing the reed switch and the magnet within a threshold distance from each other causes the reed switch to effect illumination of the lighting means.

W0201043858 discloses an indicator device that comprises a forearm attachment element for releasable attachment to a users forearm, and a hand attachment element for releasable attachment to a user's hand. The forearm attachment element has at least one electrically operable light emitting device, and the hand attachment element has a switch operable by the cyclist's hand to control the light emitting device. Preferably, the device is for a cyclist, the light emitting device being adapted for indicating a direction of turning.

GB2441295 discloses an LED module, mounted on the back of an all weather glove, contains one or more LED's and houses a battery to power them. An ON / OFF toggle switch is mounted on the side of the forefinger of the glove, such that the wearer may operate it with their thumb. The LED's may flash at a similar speed to a car indicator. The glove may be either full finger length or half finger. The invention is a safety device which may be worn by cyclists to increase their visibility when turning: the glove will be clearly visible to other traffic when the cyclist raises their arm in the normal way to indicate intention to turn.

W0200500051 discloses an illuminated glove having a light source that is switch activated between a continuous light mode, a blinking light mode or an off mode is readily visible in low light or no light conditions. The illumination source itself has a single light source that is utilized to become broadly illuminated through use of a polymer lens or light conducting fibers so that the illumination from the system is broadly distributed across the back palm side of the glove. The light source is activated either by a voice activated system, a single point dome switch or a double contact switch having the contacts located on the thumb and index finger so that the unit can be controlled by simply pressing the thumb against the index finger.

GB2386677 discloses an arm, wrist or hand worn illumination means comprises fitting means adapted to secure the illumination means to the user, a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on the external surface of the fitting means, an operating switch, a battery to provide power and an electronic operating system adapted to control the illumination of the light emitting diodes. The fitting means may be a glove, a wristband, an elbow or arm pad, or the sleeve of an article of clothing. The LEDs may be arranged in a cluster or in an arrow shape and are illuminated according to a programmable sequence when the switch is operated. In the embddiment where the fitting means comprises a glove the switch is a thumb-operated pressure switch mounted on the forefinger.

All the above devices comprise illuminated gloves having switch means mounted on a finger of the glove, requiring two fingers or a finger and a thumb to be pressed together to light the light sources. These device are disadvantageous as they need a specific action to light the glove and the glove to be worn in a specific way, i.e. that the switch is adjacent to. the finger or thumb.

GB2459969 discloses an indicator device for cyclists has a wristband carrying a number of LED lights which can be flashed by circuit when a tilt switch operates due to the cyclist making a hand signal by extending the arm outwards horizontally. The device has main on/off switch and battery power source. The tilt switch may comprise: a mercury switch; a movable magnetic element and a reed switch/hall sensor; a ball and contact switch; a weighted mechanical switch; or a optical switch.

W0200963169 discloses an 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.

Preferably, there are three of the tilt switches.

GB2440552 discloses a direction indicating device for a cyclist comprises a sleeve, band, bangle or gauntlet comprising on its outside surface a plurality of light emitting diodes and adapted to be filled around an arm of a cyclist. A battery is connected to the diodes through wiring and a switch is operable to supply electric current to illuminate the diodes when the arm is lifted, to indicate to a following road user that the cyclist intends to change direction. The diodes are arranged in the form of a arrowhead or chevron, and are positioned on the arm so that the or each arrowhead or chevron is pointing away from the shoulder and towards the hand, so that when the arm is raised they point in the direction which the cyclist intends to travel. The diodes can emit a coloured light. The battery may be rechargeable and a solar panel charging device may be incorporated in the device, the battery or the bicycle.

Alternatively the device may comprise a material or light emitting device which glows in the dark either due to fluorescence or phosphorescence or a radio active material whose radioactivity causes light to be emitted.

GB2398724 discloses a directional indicator for cyclists and equestrians consists of a pair of indicator devices attached to each of the arms of the rider. Each device may have an array of light emitting diodes, a power source and a switching device that will connect the light emitters to the power source. The switching device may be an attitude-sensing switch that will sense horizontal lateral extension of the rider's arm and connect the power source to the emitters. When powered, the light emitters may continuously emit light or be sequentially occulted under the control of electrical logical circuits. The device includes a mode selection switch that allows the operator to choose the pattern of occultation of the emitters.

The above four disclosures describe the use of tilt or attitude switches to illuminate the light sources. These devices have the disadvantage that the arm or hand must be held in a specific position to light the light sources. Not all cyclists in each circumstance will hold their arm in this position.

US7347578 discloses an apparatus that includes at least one article of apparel mountable on the hand of a user. The apparel is repositionable between a first configuration and a second configuration as the users hand is repositioned between a first shape and a second shape. An electrical power source, a light source and an electrical circuit operably coupled to both the power source and light source are disposed on the apparel. When the apparel is in the first configuration, the light source is energized and when the apparel is in the second configuration, the light source is de-energized. A control circuit may also be provided to control the energizing and de-energizing of the light source responsive to the repositioning of the apparel between its first and second configurations.

This device comprises a flexure responsive circuit element built into the glove that turns on the light sources to when the hand is extended.

DE202004014675 discloses a glove that has a flashing light that can be switched on for direction indicating by a spring contact. The flashing light is switched off again by the spring contact when the cyclist grips the steering handle. The flashing light can be switched off by bending the fingers and switched on by extending the fingers.

This device has a spring contact switch that is actuated by tension in a cable attached to a fingertip, so that when the hand is extended to be held out flat to signal a turn the increased tension in the cable actuates the switch and turns on the device.

The device has the advantage over others that no active decision and specific movement is needed to turn it on, but the mechanical design is complex and a specific position of the hand is needed to actuate it.

G82422527 discloses a glove fitted with a flashing indicating unit that is turned on via two switching contacts located on the forefinger and thumb of the glove which when pressed together complete a circuit and turn on the flashing indicating unit. The unit is lit by one or more LED's that are powered by a battery 1 located in the glove. The gloves allow a cyclist to be visible whilst performing hand signals. Preferably the flashing indicating unit is fitted to the back of the gloves, may be shaped eg. as a arrow and have an orange or red lamp unit or lamp. The device may also be worn on the hand of the user. Alternatively the LED and battery may be located on a band that is worn on the hand of the wearer where one of the contact plates is attached to the band and the second is attached to a separate thumb band that is connected to the battery via a wire.

This device uses a switch to turn on the LEDs when the hand is held in a specific position, for example like a blade, to indicate turning.

GB2421421 discloses a turn signal indicator for cyclists, horse riders, or the like is in the form of a wristband which comprises at least one light, a source of electric power for illuminating the light, and an actuation switch. The light is provided on the back side of the wristband as worn, and the switch is provided on the palm side. The actuation switch is then actuatable by bringing the switch into proximity to or contact with an external object without the need to actuate the switch using the fingers of either hand. The light may form an arrow or separate lights. The light(s) may be under timer control. An audible signal may also be provided.

GB231 6429 discloses a cycling glove which improves the safety of cyclists riding at night or in conditions of low visibility. The cycling glove comprises an outside layer provided with light source means and further comprising activation means wherein the activation means comprises a contact switch accommodated beneath the outside layer between a hand entered into the glove and the outside layer.

G82471684 discloses 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 arranged to be located, when worn by a user, toward the distal end of a users index or middle finger. The switch may be located, when worn by a user, on the back of the user's finger. LED's located on the glove are activated by applying pressure to the switch on the underside of a cyclists break lever. A second application of pressure to the switch 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 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.

The above three devices are actuated by bringing the switch into contact with a surface in order to turn on the light source. Again this relies on a conscious decision and a specific movement to light the device.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an indicator glove means comprising a glove comprising a back portion and a contact region comprising areas of the glove arranged in use on the palm and the fingers; at least one light source located on the back of the glove; at least one contact switch means located within the contact region of the glove, and in which when said at least one contact switch means is placed in contact with a surface the at least one contact switch means prevents the at least one light source from turning on.

The indicator glove means may further comprise a battery and a circuit connecting the battery and the at least one light source. The contact switch means may be operable with the circuit to prevent the at least one light source from turning on when the contact means is placed in contact with a surface.

Preferably the contact surface comprises regions of the glove that are arranged in use to come into contact with the handlebars of a bicycle when the handlebars are held by the gloved hand.

Preferably the circuit comprises control means operable to control the one or more light sources in response to an input from the contact switch means.

In a preferred embodiment the contact switch means comprises one or more pressure switches whose conductivity changes when pressure is applied. In some embodiments the contact switch means comprises a pressure-driven on/off switch that changes from conductive to non-conductive when a threshold pressure is exceeded, or from non-conductive to conductive. In an alternative embodiment the contact switch means comprises pressure sensing means whose output is read by the control means.

Preferably the glove comprises a component formed from a material more rigid than other adjacent materials in the contact region that overlies the pressure switch, so acting in use to transmit force from an extended area of the contract region to the pressure switch.

In some embodiments the pressure sensor comprises a pressure sensing component mounted on the glove adjacent to, for example under the surface of, the contact region. In alternative embodiments the pressure sensor comprises pressure sensitive conductive fabric forming part of the contact region of the glove, for example woven into or applied to the fabric of the glove.

In a further embodiment the contact switch means comprises proximity sensing means adapted to sense when the contact region of the glove is in contact with a surface. Such proximity sensing means are known in the art and in a preferred embodiment comprise capacitive sensing means, which detect the change in capacitive coupling between a first electrode and a second when in close proximity to a surface. In this embodiment the proximity sensing means is adapted so that it senses contact between the contact region and for example the handlebars of a bicycle, and communicates with the control means when the glove is taken off the handlebars.

In a preferred embodiment the glove comprises a plurality of contact switch means in a number of locations on the contact surface. In a preferred embodiment the glove comprises a first contact switch means located on the palm of the glove and a second contact switch means located on a finger of the glove.

In preferred embodiment the glove comprises a plurality of light sources arranged in a pattern on the back of the glove. Preferably the pattern comprises an arrow. In an alternative embodiment the light sources are arranged on the finger of the glove. In a preferred embodiment the light sources comprise two groups of light sources, one in a pattern on the back of the glove, and the second on the fingers of the glove.

Preferably the two groups of light sources are operable separately, for example, the pattern group may flash and the finger group may be lit without flashing.

In this way the glove means provides an indicator means for movement or turning of the bicycle visible from the rear of the bicycle, actuated by means of the pressure switch means when the user removes a hand from the handlebars. Preferably the visible light sources form an indication such as an arrow to indicate a direction of turn.

In preferred embodiments the control means is adapted to control the one or more light sources in response to a change in the conductivity of the contact switch means.

Preferably the contact switch means is a high resistance or open circuit when the contact region is out of contact with a surface and the control means is operable to turn on the light sources when the contact switch means is high resistance or open circuit. In an alternative embodiment the contact switch means is a low resistance or closed circuit when the contact region is out of contact with the surface and the control means is operable to turn on the light sources when the contact switch means is low resistance or a closed circuit. In a further embodiment the control means is responsive to a change of state of the contact switch means from high to low resistance and vice versa. In a further embodiment the circuit comprises capacitance sensing means to sense the capacitance resulting from contact of the contact region with a surface and the control means is operable to control the light sources in response to this sensing. In some embodiments the capacitance sensing means forms part of the control means.

In preferred embodiments the control means is operable to cause the light sources to flash. In embodiments comprising two groups of light sources the control means is preferably operable to cause a first group to be turned on in a separate manner from the second for example a first group forming a pattern on the back of the hand to flash and a second group on fingers of the glove to be lit steadily.

In preferred embodiments the control means comprises timer means to control the time of illumination of the light sources after an initial actuation by the contact switch means. In a preferred embodiment the timer enables the light sources for a period of 1 minute after actuation, more preferably 30 seconds1 more preferably still 20 seconds.

Preferably the circuit comprises a battery on/off switch means operable to inhibit turning on of the light sources. Preferably the on/off switch is operable to isolate the battery from the circuit, for example when the glove is not in use. In an alternative embodiment the on/off switch is operable to cause the control means to inhibit turning on of the light sources. In a preferred embodiment the on/off switch is actuated by a glove fastening means. Preferably the on/off switch forms part of a strap on the glove and is actuated by doing up the strap. Preferably the on/off switch comprises a conductive press stud that completes the circuit from the battery. In a preferred embodiment the on/off switch comprises a conductive strap means, for example conductive Velcro hook and eye fastening material. In an alternative embodiment the on/off switch comprises a switch unit located within the body of the glove.

Preferably the glove means comprises a battery enclosure provided within the glove.

In a preferred embodiment the battery enclosure comprises a pouch forming part of the fabric portion of the glove. In an alternative embodiment the glove comprises a rigid plastic portion arid the battery compartment is formed within the plastic portion.

Preferably the light sources comprise Light Emitting Diodes (LED5). Preferably the LEDs are high intensity LEDs. In some embodiments the light sources are all the same colour. In alternative embodiments comprising two groups of light sources the two groups are of different colours, for example a group in an arrow formation on the back of the hand are yellow and the group on the fingers are red.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows the rear side of an embodiment of the invention in the form of a glove; and Figure 2 shows the front side of the embodiment shown in figure 1

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to figures 1 and 2, an embodiment of the invention in the form of a fingerless glove comprises a fabric glove body 10 having a padded back region 12 and a webbing region 14 to fit the fingers, and a wrist strap 16 for example closed by Velcro. The back of the glove shown in figure 1 comprises an arrow shaped indicator region 18 comprising high visibility reflective material and having a number of light sources 20, preferably LEDs mounted within it, the light sources acting in use to illuminate the high visibility region or to form a pattern such as an arrow. Preferably five or more light sources are used to form the arrow as shown in figure 1. The glove may additionally comprise light sources in other locations, for example the webbing between the fingers. The glove comprises a battery storage compartment 24, in this embodiment provided at the wrist and having a cover flap for easy changing of the battery. The front, or palm side of the glove is shown in figure 2. The glove comprises a contact region 30 adapted to contact the handlebars in use. Preferably all or part of the contact region is padded as known in existing gloves. The contact region may comprise all or part of the palm of the glove, and may comprise portions of the fingers of the glove. The glove comprises contact switch means, in this embodiment shown as a pressure switch 32 located at a specific region of the contract region. The pressure switch 32 may be a normally open switch that is closed by pressure on the switch arising from contact with the handlebars. The glove preferably comprises a contact bar 34 formed as part of the glove that bears on the pressure switch 32 when pressure is applied to the contact region in the vicinity of the contact switch. In this way pressure on a larger portion of the contact region may cause the pressure switch to be actuated.

In some embodiments a control means may be provided comprising a circuit board mounted in the battery compartment.

The circuit controlling the light sources may be enabled by means of an on/off contact switch formed as part of the strap 16, for example the circuit being completed by conductive means closed when the strap is done up, such a conductive Velcro or a conductive press stud closure, Such enablement may comprise isolation of a battery connection by means of the on/off contact switch or may comprise isolation by a switch means enabled by a control means in response to a signal from the on/off contact switch.

The glove may be made from materials as known in the art, comprising breathable water resistant fabric, foam padding, leather and high visibility reflective fabric. The circuit may be formed within a waterproof sub-compartment or pocket formed from a preferably flexible plastic material. Light sources may be LEDs as known in the art.

Battery power may be from button cells having a combined voltage output high enough to run high intensity LEDs, for example 3.6V. The glove may comprise a spare battery pocket. LEDs, batteries and electronic components forming the control means may be housed in a rigid or semi-rigid plastic component mounted on the back of the glove.

Claims

Claims 1. An indicator glove means comprising a glove comprising a back portion and a contact region comprising areas of the glove arranged in use on the palm and the fingers; at least one light source located on the back of the glove; and at least one contact switch means located within the contact region of the glove, and in which when said at least one contact switch means is placed in contact with a surface the at least one contact switch means prevents the at least one light source from turning on.
2. A glove means as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a battery and a circuit arranged in use to connect said battery to the at least one light source.
3. A glove means as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2 wherein the contact surface comprises regions of the glove that are arranged in use to come into contact with the handlebars of a bicycle.
4. A glove means as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the circuit comprises control means operable to control the one or more light sources in response to an input from the contact switch means.
5. A glove means as claimed in any claim above wherein the contact switch means comprises one or more pressure switches arranged in use such that the conductivity of the pressure switch(s) changes on application of pressure.
6. A glove means as claimed in claim 5 further comprising a component of greater rigidity than other material of the contact region overlying the pressure switch.
7. A glove means as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the contact switch means comprises pressure sensing means whose output is read by the control means.
8. A glove means as claimed in claim 7 wherein the pressure sensor comprises pressure sensitive conductive fabric forming part of the contact region of the glove.
9. A glove means as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the contact switch means comprises proximity sensing means adapted to sense when the contact region of the glove is in contact with a surface.
10. A glove means as claimed in claim 9 wherein said proximity sensing comprise capacitive sensing means.
11. A glove means as claimed in any claim above comprising a plurality of contact switch means in a number of locations on the contact surface.
12. A glove means as claimed in any claim above comprising a plurality of light sources arranged in a pattern on the back portion of the glove.
13. A glove means as claimed in claim 12 wherein the pattern is an arrow arranged in use to point towards the fingers of the glove.
14. A glove means as claimed in claim 4 wherein the control means comprises timer means arranged in use to control the time of illumination of the light sources after an initial actuation by the contact switch means.
15. A glove means as claimed in any claim above comprising an onloff switch means operable to inhibit tuming on of the light sources.
16. A glove means as claimed in claim 154 wherein the onfoff switch is actuated by a glove fastening means.