GB2525408A - Cycle safety light - Google Patents

Cycle safety light Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2525408A
GB2525408A GB1407176.5A GB201407176A GB2525408A GB 2525408 A GB2525408 A GB 2525408A GB 201407176 A GB201407176 A GB 201407176A GB 2525408 A GB2525408 A GB 2525408A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
turn signal
indicator system
light
cycle
signal indicator
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1407176.5A
Other versions
GB201407176D0 (en
Inventor
Avril Neesam
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB1407176.5A priority Critical patent/GB2525408A/en
Publication of GB201407176D0 publication Critical patent/GB201407176D0/en
Publication of GB2525408A publication Critical patent/GB2525408A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
    • B62J6/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices on cycles; Mounting or supporting thereof; Circuits therefor
    • B62J6/05—Direction indicators
    • B62J6/055—Electrical means, e.g. lamps
    • B62J6/056—Electrical means, e.g. lamps characterised by control means
    • B62J6/057—Automatic activation, e.g. by sensors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
    • B62J6/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices on cycles; Mounting or supporting thereof; Circuits therefor
    • B62J6/16—Arrangement of switches
    • B62J6/165—Wireless switches
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B5/00—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied
    • G08B5/004—Reflective safety signalling devices attached on persons
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
    • B62J6/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices on cycles; Mounting or supporting thereof; Circuits therefor
    • B62J6/02—Headlights
    • B62J6/028—Headlights specially adapted for rider-propelled cycles with or without additional source of power
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
    • B62J6/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices on cycles; Mounting or supporting thereof; Circuits therefor
    • B62J6/04—Rear lights
    • B62J6/045—Rear lights indicating braking

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Abstract

A turn signalling system 100 for a cyclist comprises at least one indicator light 108 which is switched on when a proximity sensor means determines that a hand of the cyclist has been moved away from the bicycle, such that movement of the arm to make a turn hand signal switches the indicator light on. The sensing means preferably comprises one of an RFID tag or reader 112a attached to the handlebars and the other of an RFID tag or reader 112b attached to the hand 110 of the cyclist, with the indicator light 108 switching on for a first period of time when the reader and tag are moved apart. The indicator light may additionally switch on for a second period of time when the reader and tag are brought together. The indicator light is preferably worn by or attached to the arm or hand 110 of the cyclist, and preferably flashes repeatedly when switched on. The system may include further lights (not shown), such as headlights or brake lights, which are switched on and off according to the sensed movements of the hand.

Description

Cycle Safety Light This invention relates to a cycle turn indicator system, and in particular, but not exclusively, relates to a cycle turn indicator system comprising an indicator light configured to turn on when a first portion of the cycle turn indicator system is in close proximity to a second portion of the cycle turn indicator system, and to turn off when the first portion and the second portion are remote from each other.
Introduction
The use of safety lights is recommended when riding a cycle on a road. In some jurisdictions, there are legal requirements for cycles to be fitted with lights and/or reflectors. In the UK, for example, the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 sets out the regulations governing cycle lights.
It is also recommended for cyclists to use hand signals to indicate their intentions when cycling on roads. It can, however, be difficult for other road users to see the hand signals of cyclists, especially in low-light conditions. It is desirable for cyclists to be as visible as possible on the road and to indicate their intentions as clearly as possible when using the road, for example when riding in heavy traffic.
Statements of Invention
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a cycle turn signal indicator system, the turn signal indicator system comprising: one or more indicator lights; a first portion attachable to a cycle; and a second portion attachable to a rider of the cycle, wherein the turn signal indicator system is configured such that when the first portion and the second portion are in close proximity to each other the indicator light turns off and when the first portion and the second portion are remote from each other the indicator light turns on.
The indicator light may be disposed on the first portion of the cycle turn signal indicator system. The indicator light may be disposed on the second portion of the cycle turn signal indicator system.
The turn signal indicator system may comprise one or more further portions, for example a third portion and a fourth portion etc. The further portions may be attachable to the cycle or the rider. The indicator light may be disposed on the further portion.
The first portion may comprise one or more other lights. The second portion may comprise one or more other lights. The further portion may comprise one or more other lights. The other light may be a forward-facing light, for example a white light configured to illuminate the path of the rider. The other light may be a rearward-facing light, for example a red light. The other light may be a brake light. The other light may be configured to flash. The other light may have configurable levels of brightness.
The turn signal indicator system may be configured such that when the first portion and the second portion are in close proximity to each other the other light turns off and when the first portion and the second portion are remote from each other the other light turns on.
The cycle turn signal indicator system may be configured such that indicator light turns on for a predetermined time when the first portion and the second portion are remote from each other. The cycle turn signal indicator system may be configured such that the indicator light turns on for another predetermined time before turning off when the first portion and the second portion are in close proximity.
The cycle turn signal indicator system may be configured such that other light turns on for a predetermined time when the first portion and the second portion are remote from each other. The cycle turn signal indicator system may be configured such that the other light turns on for another predetermined time before turning off when the first portion and the second portion are in close proximity.
The cycle turn signal indicator system may be configured such that the indicator light changes from a first illumination setting to second illumination setting when the first portion and the second portion are remote from each other, for example from a first illumination setting where the indicator light is constantly on to a second setting illumination where the indicator light flashes repeatedly. The cycle turn signal indicator system may be configured such that the indicator light changes back from the second illumination setting to the first illumination setting when the first portion and the second portion are in close proximity to each other, for example from the setting where the indicator light flashes repeatedly to the setting where the indicator light is constantly on.
The cycle turn signal indicator system may be configured such that the other light changes from a first illumination setting to second illumination setting when the first portion and the second portion are remote from each other, for example from a first illumination setting where the indicator light is constantly on to a second setting illumination where the indicator light flashes repeatedly. The cycle turn signal indicator system may be configured such that the other light changes back from the second illumination setting to the first illumination setting when the first portion and the second portion are in close proximity to each other, for example from the setting where the indicator light flashes repeatedly to the setting where the indicator light is constantly on.
The first portion and/or further portion may be attachable to a handlebar region of the cycle. The first portion and/or further portion may be attachable to a seat-post region of the cycle. The second portion may be attachable to a hand, wrist and/or an arm of the rider. The further portion may be attachable to the rider, for example a leg, arm and/or head of the rider. The further portion may be attachable to a bag of the rider.
The turn signal indicator system may comprise a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device. The first portion may comprise a passive REID tag. The second portion may comprise the passive RFID tag. The further portion may comprise the passive RFID tag. The first portion may comprise an active RFID reader. The second portion may comprise the active RFID reader. The further portion may comprise the active RFID reader. The first portion may comprise an active RFID tag. The second portion may comprise the active REID tag. The further portion may comprise the active REID tag.
The second portion may comprise a glove. The indicator light may comprise a strip of indicator lights, for example LED5. The indicator light may be configured to flash repeatedly, for example the indicator light may be configured to flash for the predetermined time. The other light may comprise a strip of lights, for example LEDs.
The other light may be configured to flash repeatedly, for example the other light may be configured to flash for the predetermined time and/or in a predetermined sequence.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating a turn signal indicator system for a cycle, the turn signal indicator system comprising: one or more indicator lights; a first portion attachable to a cycle; and a second portion attachable to a rider of the cycle, wherein the method comprises: positioning the second portion in close proximity to the first portion as to turn off the indicator light; and positioning the second portion remote from the first portion as to turn on the indicator light.
The method may comprise positioning the second portion in close proximity to the first portion as to turn off another light, for example a brake light; and positioning the second portion remote from the first portion as to turn on the other light.
A cycle may comprise one or more turn signal indicator systems according to the present invention.
Brief Description of the Drawing
For a better understanding of the present disclosure, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 shows a cycle turn indicator system.
Detailed Description
Figure 1 shows a cycle turn indicator system 100 comprising a first portion 102 and a second portion 104. The first portion 102 is attachable to a cycle, for example the handlebar 106 of the cycle, and the second portion 104 is attachable to a rider of the cycle, for example to the hand 110 and/or wrist of the rider. It may be appreciated, however, that the first portion 102 may be attachable to any part of the cycle, and that the second portion 104 may attachable to any part of the rider, for example to a bag of the rider.
The cycle turn indicator system 100 comprises one or more indicator lights 108, for example a turn indicator light or a repeater light configured to flash repeated. It is common for indicator lights 108 to be orange, but it may be appreciated the indicator light 108 may be of any colour. The indicator lights 108 may be disposed on the first and/or second portions 102, 104 of the cycle turn indicator system 100. For example, the first portion 102 aftached to the cycle and may comprise the indicator light 108.
Additionally and/or alternatively the second portion 104 attached to the rider and may comprise the indicator light 108. The first and second portions 102, 104 may comprise one or more other lights. For example, the first and second portions 102, 104 may comprise a light configured to illuminate the path of the rider, e.g. a forward-facing white light, and/or a rear-facing brake light.
In the example of figure 1, the second portion 104 comprises the indicator light 108.
The turn signal indicator system 100 is configured such that when the first portion 102 and the second portion 106 are brought into close proximity, for example by the rider taking hold of the handlebar 106, the indicator light 108 turns off and when the first portion 104 and the second portion 106 are moved remote from each other, for example by the rider removing their hand from the handlebar 106 to make a hand signal, the indicator light 108 turns on. In this manner, the rider of the cycle need not operate any buttons or switches in order to activate or deactivate the turn signal indicator system 100. Furthermore, since the turn signal indicator system 100 is only activated when the first and second portions 102, 104 are moved remote from each other, the turn signal indicator system 100 according to the present invention encourages the rider of the cycle to use hand signals whilst riding.
The cycle turn indicator system 100 may comprise one or more further portions, for example a third and/or fourth portion etc., that are attachable to the cycle and/or the rider. The further portions may each comprise the indicator light 108 and/or the other light. The further portion may be placed on the back of the cycle and/or the rider, and may comprise a light configured increase the rearward visibility of the rider and the cycle to approaching traffic, for example a flashing red light. Alternatively and/or additionally, the further portion may be placed on the handlebar of the cycle to further illuminate the path of the cycle. The further portion may be configured as a duplicate of either the first or second portions. In one example, each of the portions of the cycle turn indicator system 100 may comprise a single light, that is configured to perform the function of the indicator light 108 and the other light, for example the single light may be configured to illuminate the path of the rider whilst the rider's hand has hold of the handlebar, and the flash repeatedly when the rider makes a hand signal.
The cycle turn indicator system 100 may be configured such that one or more of the other lights of any of the portions may be activated and/or deactivated in a similar manner to the indicator light 108. For example, the cycle turn indicator system 100 may comprise the third portion comprising a brake light that is off when the first portion 102 and the second portion 106 are brought into close proximity, for example by the rider taking hold of the handlebar 106, and turns on when the first portion 104 and the second portion 106 are moved remote from each other, for example by the rider removing their hand from the handlebar 106 when making the hand signal.
In one example, the cycle turn indicator system 100 may be configured such that indicator light 108 and/or the other light turns on for a predetermined time when the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 are moved remote from each other. For example, the indicator light 108 and/or the other light may be configured to flash repeatedly for a predetermined time, for example approximately 5 to 10 seconds, upon the rider removing their hand 110 from the handlebar 106.
In another example, the cycle turn indicator system 100 and/or the other light may be configured such that the indicator light 108 is on for another predetermined time before turning off when the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 are in close proximity.
For example, upon the rider placing their hand 110, and therefore the second portion 104, close to the first portion 102, the indicator light 108 and/or the other light may flash repeatedly for the other predetermined time, for example approximately 5 to 10 seconds, before turning off.
The cycle turn indicator system 100 may comprise a radio-frequency identification (REID) system. In the example of figure 1, the first portion 102 comprises a passive REID tag 112a and the second portion comprises an active REID reader 112b. The REID system may be configured to turn on the indicator light 108 when the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 remote from each other. The RFID system may be configured to turn off the indicator light 108 when the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 remote from each other. The passive REID tag 1 12a of the first portion 102 does not require a power source and the active REID reader 1 12b of the second portion 104 may be powered by the power source of the indicator light 108.
It will be appreciated that the REID system of the cycle turn indicator system 100 may be of any configuration that turns the indicator light on and off in the manner according the present invention. For example, the first portion 102 may comprise the active REID reader 112b and the second portion 104 may comprise the passive REID tag 112a. In another example, the REID system may be comprise an active REID tag and an active REID reader 112b. It is appreciated though that the REID system may comprise any appropriate number of REID tags and/or readers. In this manner, any of the portions of the cycle turn indicator system 100 may comprise the passive REID tag 112a, the active REID reader 1 12b and/or the active REID tag.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been described by way of example with reference to one or more examples, it is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (18)

  1. Claims 1. A cycle turn signal indicator system, the turn signal indicator system comprising: one or more indicator lights; a first portion attachable to a cycle; and a second portion attachable to a rider of the cycle, wherein the turn signal indicator system is configured such that when the first portion and the second portion are in close proximity to each other the indicator light turns off and when the first portion and the second portion are remote from each other the indicator light turns on.
  2. 2. A turn signal indicator system according to claim 1, wherein the indicator light is disposed on the first and/or second portions.
  3. 3. A turn signal indicator system according to claim 1 or 2, the turn signal indicator system comprising a further portion attachable to the cycle and/or the rider.
  4. 4. A turn signal indicator system according to claim 3, wherein the indicator light is disposed on the further portion.
  5. 5. A turn signal indicator system according to any preceding claim, wherein the cycle turn signal indicator system is configured such that the indicator light turns on for a predetermined time when the first portion and the second portion are remote from each other.
  6. 6. A turn signal indicator system according to any preceding claim, wherein the cycle turn signal indicator system is configured such that the indicator light tums on for another predetermined time before turning off when the first portion and the second portion are in close proximity.
  7. 7. A turn signal indicator system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the portions comprise one or more other lights.
  8. 8. A turn signal indicator system according claim 7, wherein the turn signal indicator system is configured such that when the first portion and the second portion are in close proximity to each other the other light turns off and when the first portion and the second portion are remote from each other the other light turns on.
  9. 9. A turn signal indicator system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first portion is attachable to a handlebar region of the cycle.
  10. 10. A turn signal indicator system according to any preceding claim, wherein the second portion is attachable to a hand, wrist and/or an arm of the rider.
  11. 11. A turn signal indicator system according to any preceding claim, wherein the turn signal indicator system comprises a radio-frequency identification device.
  12. 12. A turn signal indicator system according to any preceding claim, wherein second portion comprises a glove.
  13. 13. A turn signal indicator system according to any preceding claim, wherein the indicator light comprises a strip of indicator lights.
  14. 14. A turn signal indicator system according to any preceding claim, wherein the indicator light is configured to flash repeatedly.
  15. 15. A method of operating a turn signal indicator system for a cycle, the turn signal indicator system comprising: one or more indicator lights; a first portion attachable to a cycle; and a second portion attachable to a rider of the cycle, wherein the method comprises: positioning the second portion in close proximity to the first portion as to turn off the indicator light; and positioning the second portion remote from the first portion as to turn on the indicator light.
  16. 16. A method according to claim 15, the turn signal indicator system further comprising: one or more other lights disposed on the first portion, the second portion and/or another portion of the turn signal indicator system, the method further comprising positioning the second portion in close proximity to the first portion as to turn off the other light; and positioning the second portion remote from the first portion as to turn on the other light.
  17. 17. A turn signal indicator system as described herein, with reference to, and as shown in the accompanying drawing.
  18. 18. A method as described herein, with reference to the accompanying drawing.
GB1407176.5A 2014-04-23 2014-04-23 Cycle safety light Withdrawn GB2525408A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1407176.5A GB2525408A (en) 2014-04-23 2014-04-23 Cycle safety light

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1407176.5A GB2525408A (en) 2014-04-23 2014-04-23 Cycle safety light

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201407176D0 GB201407176D0 (en) 2014-06-11
GB2525408A true GB2525408A (en) 2015-10-28

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Family Applications (1)

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GB1407176.5A Withdrawn GB2525408A (en) 2014-04-23 2014-04-23 Cycle safety light

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2159647A (en) * 1984-05-31 1985-12-04 Raymond Keith Hunter Direction indicating means
US6992572B1 (en) * 2004-10-29 2006-01-31 Gary Fraser Bevin Direction indicator system
GB2421421A (en) * 2004-12-24 2006-06-28 Colin Appleby Turn signal indicator on wristband
US20080290999A1 (en) * 2007-05-25 2008-11-27 Yu-Yu Chen Unified control device for bicycle accessory
GB2454815A (en) * 2007-11-14 2009-05-20 Kenneth Sidney Tedder Cyclist turn indicators using tilt switches
US20130272004A1 (en) * 2012-04-16 2013-10-17 Szu-Fang Tsai Remote control for bicycle headlight and rear light

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2159647A (en) * 1984-05-31 1985-12-04 Raymond Keith Hunter Direction indicating means
US6992572B1 (en) * 2004-10-29 2006-01-31 Gary Fraser Bevin Direction indicator system
GB2421421A (en) * 2004-12-24 2006-06-28 Colin Appleby Turn signal indicator on wristband
US20080290999A1 (en) * 2007-05-25 2008-11-27 Yu-Yu Chen Unified control device for bicycle accessory
GB2454815A (en) * 2007-11-14 2009-05-20 Kenneth Sidney Tedder Cyclist turn indicators using tilt switches
US20130272004A1 (en) * 2012-04-16 2013-10-17 Szu-Fang Tsai Remote control for bicycle headlight and rear light

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Publication number Publication date
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