GB2528844A

GB2528844A - An indicator system for cycles

Info

Publication number: GB2528844A
Application number: GB1413476.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gary Whaley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-07-30
Filing date: 2014-07-30
Publication date: 2016-02-10
Also published as: GB201413476D0

Abstract

An indicating light system for a cycle which includes front left and right turn indicators 10, 12, each comprising mounting means at least partially located in a tubular handlebar, a light housing, a light source, a control switch to control the light switch, a battery pack 24 mounted on the cycle frame and connection cables to connect the battery to the indicating lights. The system may further comprise rear left and right turn indicators 40. Each of the front indicators might comprise a rear view mirror mounted on a stalk or stem. The control switch might be a push button, and timer might be used to allow the light source to remain flashing for a set period of time. An accelerometer might sense acceleration or deceleration of the cycle, and this can be used to control the brightness of a rear light source. The battery pack might comprise a solar panel. The cycle might be a push bicycle.

Description

An indicator system for cycles

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to indicator systems for cycles, including motorcycles, adapted to indicate turning, braking or both, and in particular to a system comprising handlebar mounted indicator devices.

Background

A large number of indicator devices for cycles, herein including motorcycles, are known in the prior art. Typically certain of these are mounted on the handlebars and comprise handlebar-mounted turn indicator lights. These devices are often limited by having the power source in the form of batteries contained within the device, for example inside the tubular handlebar, such that the available power to drive the light source in the indicator is low and battery life is short. Also, in many existing designs the indicator light is itself small and, being located often on the top or front of the handlebar, is liable to be obscured by the ricer's hand, and so is poorly visible or not visible at all from some or more directions. Additionally, present switch means are poorly adapted for ready use, and require a user to move their hand significantly to use them. The present invention provides an improved cycle indicator system with a range of design features according to the embodiment that overcome disadvantages

of the prior art.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: US2O1 10115614 discloses: A direction light and illumination device for bicycle includes a direction light unit arranged to a bicycle handling and a rear portion of a bicycle frame. The direction light unit includes a front support, a rear support, a front left light, a front right light, a rear left light, a rear right light, and a controller. The front left light and the front right light are arranged to two ends of the front support. The rear left light and the rear right light are arranged to two ends of the rear support. The controller is electrically connected to all direction lights so as to light up both two right or left lights for indicating a turning direction for safety.

EP2189358 discloses: This invention proposes a turning-light integrated grip for bikes. Its main features comprises: (1) An invisible wiring is hided inside the grip, and also (2) The turning signal light module is hided and protected inside a corresponding outer ring so that aesthetic merits can be reached. (3) Automatic power-off electrical function makes the product more practical for uses. The whole invention helps to enhance the safety of bike riding, and aforementioned features help the product to be more practically for use and marketing.

W0200285694 discloses: A bicycle light comprises a light head operable to emit light of one colour such as white in one direction and light of another colour such as red in the opposite direction, and a mounting for attaching the light head to an end of a bicycle's handlebars, preferably the off-side end of the handlebars. The bicycle light enhances the visibility of the cyclist by adopting a novel position for the light, and it also encourages motorists to give the cyclist a wider berth while overtaking. The mounting may include a flexible stem, and in one embodiment the stem may be retractable into the handlebars.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an indication system for a cycle comprising: A left and a right indicator device each comprising: a mounting means adapted to fit inside the end of a tubular handlebar, a light housing having at least a transparent region.

a light source inside the light housing, and a control switch mounted on the light housing to control the light source, a battery pack adapted to mount on the cycle frame and to power the light sources, connection cables to connect the battery pack to the left and right indicator devices.

In some embodiments an indicator device further comprises a rear view mirror assembly comprising a mirror, the rear view mirror assembly being mounted on a stalk mounted on or extending from or adjacent the indicator device.

In some embodiments the indicator device further comprises a mirror indicator light source visible from a region of the rear view mirror assembly.

In some embodiments the mirror indicator light source comprises an electrical light source mounted on the rear view mirror assembly and controlled by the control switch.

In some embodiments the mirror indicator light source comprises a light pipe within the stalk adapted to carry light from the light source and to display the light from a region of the rear view mirror assembly.

In some embodiments the control switch is a push button switch mounted on the end of the indicator assembly. Preferably the switch is distal from the mounting means, wherein the switch is on the distal end of the handlebar in use.

In some embodiments the push button switch is a push-on release-off momentary contact switch and the system comprises a timer mechanism such that once lit the light source remains lit for a period of time. In some embodiments the system is adapted such that the light sources flash once they are turned on by the control switch.

In some embodiments the push button switch is a latching switch that remains on until pushed a second time.

In some embodiments the light housing is detachable from the mounting means, for example as a push fit to the mounting means, or a bayonet-type push and turn filling.

In some embodiments having a rear view mirror assembly the assembly and stalk may be removable from the indicator device.

In this way the system provides a turning indicator means that is conveniently located on the ends of the handlebars and provides a clearly visible indication from the side and the rear of the cycle. Provision of turning indicators on rear view mirror assemblies extending from the handlebar-mounted indicator devices allows the indication to be seen even more clearly. The use of a separate, cycle -mounted battery pack provides a greater reserve of power than in prior art devices that typically have used batteries mounted within the turn indicator devices, so having limited lighting power and duration.

In some embodiments the system further comprises a back plate unit adapted to mount on a rearward portion of the cycle, such as on the seat post or a rear stay of the frame, comprising: A central portion having one or more central rear light sources, A left and a right side portions mounted to the left and right of the central portion each comprising a rear indicator light source, and Back plate unit connection cables to connect the rear indicator light sources to the control switches such that the left rear indicator light source is activated together with the left front indicator light source and the right rear indicator light source is activated together with the right front indicator light source.

In some embodiments one or more connection cables are a plug fit to the battery pack, the indicator devices, or both.

In some embodiments the system comprises an accelerometer adapted to sense acceleration or deceleration of the cycle. In some embodiments the system is adapted such that the accelerometer senses deceleration of the cycle and the system causes the central rear light source to be lit. In this way the system provides a warning that the cycle is slowing, for example as a result of braking or running onto a pothole. In some embodiments the system is adapted such that the accelerometer senses acceleration of the cycle and causes the central rear light to be turned off. In some embodiments the system comprises a timer such that once lit the central rear light source remains lit for a period of time. In some embodiments the accelerometer is provided within the back plate unit. In some embodiments the accelerometer is provided within the battery pack.

In some embodiments the system is adapted such that the central rear light source may be turned on and left on at a first level of brightness and then may be raised to a second, higher level of brightness when deceleration is sensed by the accelerometer.

In some embodiments the back plate unit comprises one or more central rear light sources adapted to be lit under control of a control switch, and one or more separate central rear light sources adapted to be lit under control of the accelerometer. In some embodiments the control switch may be one or both of the control switches provided on the left and right front indicator devices, or may be a separate switch provided on the back plate unit or the battery pack.

In this way the back plate unit is adapted to provide a rear safety light and a brake warning light.

In some embodiments the left and right side portions are mounted flexibly on the central portion such that they may bend about at least a vertical axis. In this way the side portions may move if knocked, so reducing the risk of their being broken off from the central rear portion in the case that the cycle is dropped, for example.

In some embodiments the battery pack further comprises battery charging means. In some embodiments the battery charging means comprises a solar panel. In some embodiments the battery charging means comprises a mains power supply unit connected to the battery pack by means of a low voltage charging socket. Ideally the charging means comprises a trickle solar charge mechanism and integral battery capable of fast charge from a mains electrical supply.

Light sources may be any electrically powered light source, though advantageously they will be LED5 as known in the art. Herein the term transparent' includes the meaning translucent'.

Connection cables may be connected to the battery pack by means of any suitable connector. In some embodiments the connector is a USB connector.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the system according to the invention mounted on cycle.

Figure 2 shows a right indicator device forming part of the system as shown In figure 1 comprising a rear view mirror assembly.

Figure 3 shows a left indicator device forming part of the system as shown in figure 1 comprising a rear view mirror assembly.

Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the right indicator assembly as shown in figure 2.

Figure 5 shows a battery pack forming part of the system as shown in figure 1.

Figure 6 shows a back plate unit forming part of the system as shown in figure 1.

Detailed DescriDtion of Figures Referring to figures 1 to 6, an embodiment of an indication system for a cycle according to the present invention comprises: A left indicator device 10 and a right indicator device 12 each comprising: a mounting means 14 adapted to fit inside the end of a tubular handlebar, a light housing 16 having at least a transparent region 18, a light source 20 inside the light housing, and a control switch 22 mounted on the light housing to control the light source, a battery pack 24 adapted to mount on the cycle frame and to power the light sources, and connection cables to connect the battery pack to the left and right indicator devices.

In this embodiment an indicator device further comprises a rear view mirror assembly comprising a mirror 32, the rear view mirror assembly being mounted on a stalk 34 mounted on the indicator device, and a mirror indicator light source 36 visible from a region of the rear view mirror assembly, the mirror indicator light source 36 comprising a light pipe 38 within the stalk 34 adapted to carry light from the light source 20.

In this embodiment the control switch 22 is a push button switch mounted on the end of the indicator assembly.

In this embodiment the push button switch 22 is a push-on release-off momentary contact switch and the system comprises a timer such that once enabled the light source 20 flashes for a period of time.

In this embodiment the light housing 16 is detachable from the mounting means 14, for example as a push fit to the mounting means.

In this embodiments one or more connection cables are a plug fit to the battery pack by means of socket 26.

In this embodiment the system further comprises a back plate unit 40 adapted to mount on a rearward portion of the cycle, such as on the seat post 42 or a rear stay 44 of the frame, comprising: A central portion 46 having one or more central rear light sources, A left 48 and a right 50 side portions mounted to the left and right of the central portion each comprising a rear indicator light source, and Back plate unit connection cables to connect the rear indicator light sources to the control switches such that the left rear indicator light source is activated together with the left front indicator light source and the right rear indicator light source is activated together with the right front indicator light source.

In this embodiment the back plate unit 40 comprises an accelerometer adapted to sense deceleration of the cycle and the system then causes a central rear light source to be lit 52. In this way the system provides a warning that the cycle is slowing, for example as a result of braking.

In this embodiment the back plate unit comprises a central rear light source 54 adapted to be lit under control of a control switch to form a safety light, and two separate central rear light sources 52 adapted to be lit under control of the accelerometer, provided to the left and right of the safety light.

In this embodiment the left and right side portions are mounted flexibly on the central portion by means of flexible supports 55 such that they may bend about at least a vertical axis. In this way the side portions may move if knocked, so reducing the risk of their being broken off from the central rear portion in the case that the cycle is dropped, for example.

In this embodiment the battery pack further comprises battery charging means in the form of solar panel 56 and mounting clips 57 to mount it onto the cycle frame, for example the top tube of the frame as shown in figure 1.

In this embodiment the light sources are LEDs as known in the art, and connection cables are connected to the battery pack by means of a USB connector 26.

Referring to figure 4, an indicator device, here shown as the right indicator device 12 but the left indicator device will have similar components and construction, comprises: A mounting means 14 comprising in order from left to right in figure 4, A tightening nut 60, A rubber compression bung 62 to fit inside the tubular handlebar, A tightening bolt 64 to compress the bung 62 axially so causing it to expand radially to grip the inside of the handlebar, A bolt holder 66 having a recess within it (not shown) to receive the light housing 16, the bolt holder comprising a first cylindrical portion 68 to fit inside the end of the handle bar and a second larger cylindrical portion 70 to abut the end of the handlebar.

A transparent light housing component 72 adapted to fit into the bolt holder 66: in some versions of this embodiments the component 72 is adapted to fit removably into the bolt holder, the component 72 having a first cylindrical portion 74 to fit into the bolt holder and a second cylindrical portion 76 having substantially the same external diameter as that of the second portion 70 of the bolt holder; A reflector 78 adapted to fit within the transparent component 72 and to surround the light source 20, A light source 20. here a LED, mounted on a PCB 80 and connected to connection cables 82 via an end cap 84 to receive the PCB 80, A push-button switch (not shown) is mounted on the on the reverse side of the PCB to the light source 20, and is actuated by a push button cap 86.

A rear view mirror assembly 30 comprises: A mirror 32, a housing 90 comprising a first housing portion 92 and a second portion 94, a transparent light source region 96 filling into the housing 90, a stalk 34 to support the rear view mirror assembly, the stalk being adapted to mount on the indicator device by means of mounting hole 98 provided in the bolt holder 66 and extending into the transparent light housing by means of hole 100. The stalk comprises within it light pipe 38 having a first end 102 to receive light from the light source 20 and to convey it to its second end 104 where it is transmitted via the transparent region 96. The light pipe comprises an input region 106 and is adapted to transmit the light from a direction along the axis of the device 12 to the upward direction along the stalk.

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. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, 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, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. 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 as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. An indication system for a cycle comprising: a left and a right indicator device each comprising: a mounting means adapted to fit inside the end of a tubular handlebar, a light housing having at least a transparent region, a light source inside the light housing, and a control switch mounted on the light housing to control the light source, a battery pack adapted to mount on the cycle frame and to power the light sources, and connection cables to connect the battery pack to the left and right indicator devices.
2. A system according to claim 1 wherein an indicator device further comprises a rear view mirror assembly comprising a mirror, the rear view mirror assembly being mounted on a stalk mounted on the indicator device.
3. A system according to claim 2 wherein the indicator device further comprises a mirror indicator light source visible from a region of the rear view mirror assembly.
4. A system according to claim 3 wherein the mirror indicator light source comprises an electrical light source mounted on the rear view mirror assembly and controlled by the control switch.
5. A system according to claim 3 wherein the mirror indicator light source comprises a light pipe within the stalk adapted to carry light from the light source and to display the light from a region of the rear view mirror assembly.
6. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the control switch is a push button switch mounted on the end of the indicator assembly.
7. A system according to claim 6 wherein the push button switch is a push-on release-off momentary contact switch and the system comprises a timer such that once lit the light source remains flashing for a period of time.
8. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the light housing is detachable from the mounting means.
9. A system according to any of claims 2 to 8 wherein rear view mirror assembly and stalk are removable from the indicator device.
10. A system according to any preceding claim further comprising a back plate unit adapted to mount on a rearward portion of the cycle, such as on the seat post or a rear stay of the frame, comprising: a central portion having one or more central rear light sources, a left and a right side portions mounted to the left and right of the central portion each comprising a rear indicator light source, and back plate unit connection cables to connect the rear indicator light sources to the control switches such that the left rear indicator light source is activated together with the left front indicator light source and the right rear indicator light source is activated together with the right front indicator light source.
II. A system according to any preceding claim comprising an accelerometer adapted to sense acceleration or deceleration of the cycle.
12. A system according to claim 11 adapted such that the accelerometer senses deceleration of the cycle and the system causes a rear light source to be lit.
13. A system according to claim 11 or claim 12 adapted such that a central rear light source may be turned on and left on at a first level of brightness and then may be raised to a second, higher level of brightness when deceleration is sensed by the accelerometer.
14. A system according to any of claims 11 to 13 wherein the back plate unit comprises one or more central rear light sources adapted to be lit under control of a control switch, and one or more separate central rear light sources adapted to be lit under control of the accelerometer.
15. A system according to any of claims 10 to 14 wherein the left and right side portions are mounted flexibly on the central portion such that they may bend about at least a vertical axis.
16. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the battery pack further comprises a solar panel.
17. A system according to any preceding claim wherein an indicator device comprises: A mounting means comprising: A tightening nut, A rubber compression bung to fit inside the tubular handlebar having an axial hole to receive a tightening bolt, A tightening bolt adapted to receive the tightening nut and operable to compress the bung axially so causing it to expand radially to grip the inside of the handlebar, A bolt holder having a recess within it to receive the light housing; A light housing comprising: A transparent light housing component adapted to fit into the bolt holder, A light source provided within the light housing and mounted on a PCB 80 and connected to connection cables, A push-button switch mounted on the light housing to control the light source.
18. A device according to claim 17 further comprises a rear view mirror assembly comprising A mirror, a housing comprising a transparent light source region fitting into the housing, and a stalk to support the rear view mirror assembly, the stalk being adapted to mount on the indicator device, the stalk comprising within it a light pipe having a first end to receive light from the light source and to convey it to its second end where it is transmitted via the transparent region.