GB2539162A

GB2539162A - Iluminated safety device

Info

Publication number: GB2539162A
Application number: GB1422053.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adalberto Diaz De La Pena Federico; Vaughan Robin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-12-11
Filing date: 2014-12-11
Publication date: 2016-12-14
Anticipated expiration: 2034-12-11
Also published as: GB2539162B

Abstract

A safety device 1A,1B suitable for a bicycle comprises a flexible wand 2 which is mounted on a supporting pod P. The wand 2 comprises one or more light pipe 3 that transmit light from one or more high-intensity LEDs (12, figure 2) at the lower end of the wand 2 within the pod and travels up the light pipes 3. Light-diverting projections 5, 5A spaced at intervals along the wand 2 capture light within the light pipes 3 and divert it laterally outwards. In an embodiment the arrangement is such that red light is projected rearwardly from a bicycle in beams (r) which are visible as points of light to drivers of following vehicles. The wand 2 is preferably divided into sections by separable folding connectors 4 which enable the sections to be uncoupled and the wand 2 packed into a bag or other container when not in use..

Description

Illuminated safety device The present invention relates to an illuminated safety device for a vehicle. The invention relates particularly but not exclusively to an illuminated safety device for a bicycle. In preferred embodiments the device is in the form of a semi-rigid wand or pole.

Flexible light-emitting wands for bicycles are known, e.g. from US 4,099,222. This patent discloses a flexible wand having a light at the top powered by a battery at the base. Consequently a pair of electrical leads are required between the battery and the light. This increases the manufacturing cost and compromises the reliability of the device.

US 3,890,497 discloses an illuminated safety pole or wand for a bicycle in which the pole is made of transparent material and acts as a light pipe. A narrow beam of light is directed into the lower end of the pole and is guided up the pole. A continuous spiral of adhesive tape is wound round the pole. Light which strikes the tape is not reflected back into the pole but instead escapes into the tape. The tape is light diffusing and scatters light hack into the wand. Some of this scattered light exits the wand at the side opposite the tape and hence the tape appears illuminated from the inside.

However it would be desirable to provide a more intense light emission than is achievable by light scattering within a wand, given that there are many light sources on vehicles in heavy traffic, all competing for the drivers' attention.

Accordingly the present invention provides an illuminated safety device for a vehicle, the safety device comprising a light transmissive wand arranged in use to he coupled at a lower end thereof to a light source for injecting light up the wand light pipe, the light wand having at least one discrete light-directing portion longitudinally spaced apart from said light source and arranged in use to direct a beam of light laterally from the light pipe.

Preferably said beam of light subtends an angle of less than 180° (more preferably less than 10° to 90°) in the radial plane of the light pipe.

This enables light to he directed where it needs to be seen, typically to the rear of the bicycle or other vehicle on which the safety device is carried.

In one embodiment the wand comprises diametrically opposed discrete light-directing portions which direct beams in opposite directions. For example the beams are preferably directed forwardly and rearwardly, thereby enhancing visibility both to following and oncoming traffic. In accordance with the UK Highway Code, the light emitted rearwards is in emitted in the red spectrum of light whereas the light emitted forwards is white light or yellow light.

Preferably a plurality of such light-directing portions are distributed along the wand and arranged in use to direct such beams of light laterally from the wand at different elevations above the light source.

In this manner the beams appear to drivers of following vehicles as a linear pattern of light spots, which is more easily noticed than a single light spot. Also the beams (apparent as light spots) are located at or near the driver eye heights of different vehicles, e.g. vans, buses and lorries.

In order to make the light spots more noticeable they may be illuminated by a flashing or interrupted light source such as for example a flashing light emitting diode (LED).

Preferably, said discrete light-directing portion comprises a projection having an upper reflecting surface which is inclined downwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the light pipe. Such a reflecting surface (which is preferably planar and may optionally, but need not, he silvered) acts as a prism and reflects light laterally out of the light pipe.

Conveniently said discrete light-directing portion further comprises a lower surface which in use emits light reflected from said upper reflecting surface.

Conveniently said lower surface has a convex profile in the longitudinal plane of the light pipe. This tends to create the appearance of a bright point source of light.

Preferably said wand comprises two or more separable sections. This feature enables the device to be disassembled after use and conveniently carried e.g. in a small hag.

Preferably said separable light pipe sections are connected by a hinged connector which enables the light pipe to be folded after separating said sections. This feature simplifies assembly and disassembly and prevents loss of one or more sections.

Conveniently said hinged connector comprises a flexible linkage which can be extended to allow separation of said sections.

Preferably said hinged connector comprises a mating plug and socket for optically coupling abutting ends of said sections. This feature protects the abutting ends (e.g. against dirt and rain).

Conveniently said hinged connector comprises two collars at respective ends of said flexible linkage, said sections being fitted within respective collars. Preferably said flexible linkage and collars are integrally moulded from plastics material.

In a preferred embodiment the safety device further comprises a support pod housing said light source and including a guide for holding the lower end of said light pipe above said light source. Preferably said light pipe is removable from said guide without disassembling said support pod.

Conveniently said support pod further comprises a rear light for said vehicle.

Preferably the illuminated safety device includes a mounting bracket for securing the device to a bicycle.

The invention also provides a vehicle provided with an illuminated safety device as defined above.

Preferably said at least one discrete light-directing portion is located at least 2 metres (eg 2 to 2.6 metres) above ground level. This ensures maximum visibility to a driver of a lorry, whose eye height is typically about 2.4 metres above ground level.

Further preferred features are defined in the dependent claims and are described below.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example only with reference to Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawing, wherein: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a bicycle provided with two (alternative) safety devices in accordance with the invention; The height (h) above ground level of the upper extremity of the wand 2 is suitably 2.0 to 2.6 metres, e.g. 2.4 metres, in order to correspond to eye level of a driver of a lorry or other heavy vehicle and ensure maximum visibility.

Referring to Figure 2, the mounting pod P comprises an outer casing 6 in which is housed a flexible printed circuit board 8 on which is mounted one or more high-brightness white LEDs 12, one or more red LEDs 7, and control circuitry 11 for controlling the operation of the LEDs according to the input from a switch 10 mounted on the casing of the pod. The arrangement is powered by a battery 9 and the white or red LEDs can be operated independently. The One or more LEDS can be illuminated continuously or may be operated intermittently so as to produce flashing lights.

Each light pipe 3 is circular in cross-section and extends downwardly through an aperture 6A in the upper portion of the casing 6 and is fitted into a vertical bore formed in a mounting block 9 of translucent plastics material mounted on the circuit board 11. A cap (not shown) is provided for fitting in the aperture 6A in the casing 6 to keep rain and dust out when the lowermost light pipe 3 of the wand 2 is removed from the pod 6.

The light-directing projections 5 and 5A shown in longitudinal cross-section in Figure 2 each include an upper face 51 which is inclined at an acute angle 0 to the longitudinal axis of the respective light pipe 3, such that a proportion of the rays travelling upwardly through the light pipe strike this face 51 and are reflected laterally relative to the axis of the light pipe as shown by rays (rl). These rays exit a lower, convex surface 52 which forms a beam with only a slight angle of divergence in the vertical plane, controlled by the curvature of surface 52. Angle 0 (phi) is suitably in the range of 55° to 60°. Optionally the face 51 can be silvered. The rays (r2) which miss face 51 continue up the light pipe 3 and are diffracted at the interface between the light pipes3, 3a, 3b and some of these will strike a similar upper face 51 of a higher light-directing projection in the next light pipes 3, 3a, 3b up the wand 2.

Some rays will reach the uppermost light-directing projection 5A which, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, has a rearwardly facing red filter 53. Hence the driver of a following vehicle will see a red light at the top of the device, at a height of about 2.0 to 2.6 (preferably about 2.4) metres and will see the other red lights projected out of the lower projections 5A.

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic sectional side elevation of two light-directing portions and also the support pod of the safety devices of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded sketch perspective view from above of a section of light pipe and its sheath as used in the embodiments of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic side elevation of the hinged connector used in the embodiments of Figure 1, shown in a disconnected state, Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 but showing the hinged connector in its connected state, and Figures 6 and 7 show a ball and socket connection for connecting the safety device to a bicycle.

Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a bicycle with two alternative safety devices 1A and 1B, the first of which is now described. The first safety device IA is connected to the bicycle by means of a bracket (e.g. in the form of a damp of plastics material) indicated generally at C. This bracket is shown mounted at the upper end of one of the seat stays above the rear wheel but could be mounted on the seat tube for example. Safety device lA is in the form of a flexible wand 2 carrying a pennant at its distal end, and comprises five sections 3 each of which includes a light pipe 3 of light-transmissive plastics material (e.g. Poly methyl methacrylate (MMA) or polycarbonate), a connector 4 and light-directing projection 5 or 5A at spaced intervals along the length of the wand 2 and at the top distal end of the wand 2.. The lowermost section of the wand 2 is detachably mounted in a mounting pod P carried on the rear end of mounting bracket C. Mounting pod P includes a conventional rear light 19 (Figure 2).

Figure 2 shows the light-directing projections 5 and 5A; the light-directing projections 5 generate beams in a single direction (either rearwards or forwards) whereas the light-directing projections 5 generate beams as indicated by ray lines r in two directions (forwards and rearwards), The rays (r) of safety device lA are omitted purely for ease of illustration.

In some cases it will not be practicable to have a mounting bracket above a rear wheel, so the alternative safety device 1B is used instead of the safety device 1A. Safety device 1B comprises six sections rather than five, is shown mounted on the lower portion of a seat stay. In all other respects it is similar to safety device lA and therefore will not be described in further detail.

Figure 3 shows the projection 5A in perspective, and it will be seen that its lateral sides are parallel and that it has a width approximating to the diameter of light pipe 3. This is also true of projection 5. Consequently the horizontal angle of divergence El (theta) of the beam is less than 180 and is preferably less than 10° to 90° in order to maximise the brightness of the light spot seen by following traffic. By angle of divergence is meant the full-width half-maximum (FWHM) angle of divergence.

Referring further to Figure 3, it will be seen that the light pipe 3 has a protective sheath 13, 10 preferably of opaque material, which terminates in upper projecting portions 13A and 13B which in use fit against the root portions of the light-directing projection 5A.

Although the light-directing projections 5 and 5A are shown integrally moulded with the body of the light pipe 3, it is envisaged that they could be formed separately (of the same material as or different material from the light pipes 3) and fitted onto it at suitable spacing. In other embodiments the light-diverting portions 5 5A could he formed as cut-outs (not shown) in the light pipe rather than as projections such as. for example horizontal V-shaped channels the upper surface of which constitute a prism face that deflects the light laterally relative to the axis of the light pipe 3). However it would be necessary to avoid undue weakening of the wand 2.

In order to facilitate storage and packing of the wand 2, each section is detachably coupled to its adjacent section by a folding connector 4 as shown (in the uncoupled state) in Figure 4. Connector 4 comprises first and second collars 141 and 142 fitted around upper and lower light pipes 3a and 36 respectively, and linked by a corrugated strip 140 which forms a living hinge. Connector 4 is suitably moulded of resilient plastics material. When all the sections are in the uncoupled state shown in Figure 4, the wand 2 can be folded into a compact form and stowed away, e.g. in a laptop computer bag. Preferably each end of the light pipe 3, 3a, 3b is protected by a cap (not shown) to prevent contamination or damage of the faces F that abut each other when the sections are assembled to form the wand 2.

Light pipe 3a has a socket portion 15 which mates with a plug portion 16 of light pipe 3b. Plug portion 16 includes a cutout to accommodate light-directing projection 5 and also includes a key portion which fits into a corresponding channel (not shown) in socket portion 15, to prevent relative rotation of the two light pipes when connected. This also ensures that those facing rearwards or forwards are aligned with each other.

The coupled configuration is shown in Figure 5 and it will he seen that end face F of light pipe 3h abuts the corresponding end face of light pipe 3a to form an interface within the socket portion 15 and collar 141 assemblies. Preferably the faces F abut each other tightly so that light is transmitted from one light pipe 3, 3a,3b to the next light pipe 3, 3a, 3b by diffraction at the interface. This prevents ingress of rain or dirt which would disrupt optical transmission from lower light pipe 3, 3a,3b to upper light pipe 3,3a, 3b.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7 the clamp C has a tubular rod 17 that has a ball 18 formed at a distal end of the rod 17. The pod 6 is provided with a complementary shaped socket 19 for receiving the ball 17. The socket 19 comprises two parts 20, 21 that are connected by a hinge 22. The part 20 is provided with a locking key 23 that locates in a locking socket 25 to enable to two parts 20, 21 to be firmly clamped together to hold the ball 18 firmly in the socket 19. The inner surface of the socket 19 has rubber gripers 26 that engage with the ball 17 when the two parts 20, 21 are clamped together. The ball 17 and socket 19 enable to pod 6 and wand 2 to be positioned relative to the bicycle so as to optimise the position and height of the wand 2.

Although the described embodiments are intended for use with cycles (both child and adult), it is envisaged that they could also be used on other vehicles, such as mobility scooters, motorcycles, cycle trailers (particularly child cycle trailers) and possibly boats, for example.

In the above embodiments each light pipe 3, 3a, 3h of the wand 2 comprises a unitary body made of light transmissive plastics material encased in an outer sleeve 13.. It is to be understood that each the light pipes 3, 3a, 3b could comprise a plurality of light transmissive filaments (for example glass filaments or plastic filaments) assembled in a bundle that is encased by an outer opaque protective sheath 13. Light is transmitted along the individual filaments of the bundle of filaments, and light at the interface of the outer sleeve 13 and the bundle is reflected back into the light pipes 3, 3a, 3b. Selected filaments of the bundle may extend from a region adjacent the one or more red LEDs 7 and terminate adjacent the rearward facing projections 5 or SA, whereas other filaments extend from a region of the one or more white LEDs 12 and terminate adjacent the projections 5 or 5A that face forwards. In an alternative design (not shown) all the filaments in the lowermost light pipe 3, 3a, 3b are illumined by a single light source and a filter having a red region and a white region is placed between a white light source and the lower end of the lowermost light pipe 3, 3a, 3b so that the light is split into red light or white light. The red light being transmitted by selected fibres that terminate adjacent the deflecting faces 51 to project red light out of the rearward facing projections 5 or 5A.

As described above, at least the preferred embodiments of the safety device have the following advantages: (a) They have a double function as an illuminated pole and the rear light of a cycle in compliance with regulations.

(b) They can be manufactured at low cost to the consumer.

(c) They are mechanically resistant to use and damage on the roads.

(d) They arc easily detachable by the user for protection against theft and vandalism.

(e) They are portable and can be carried in a small bag, such as a laptop PC bag.

(f) They are reliable (no additional electrical connections are needed) and efficient in power consumption.

(g) They can be manufactured by common production methods with materials widely available.

(h) They are ergonomic in use and installation.

(i) They arc adaptable for use in slow vehicles such as child and adult bikes, mobility scooters and child bicycle trailers; and (j) They can be installed on most types of cycles, including those which carry rear racks, cases and panniers.

Claims

Claims 1. An illuminated safety device for a vehicle, the safety device comprising a light transmissive wand arranged in use to be coupled at a lower end thereof to a light source for injecting light up the wand light pipe, the light wand having at least one discrete light-directing portion longitudinally spaced apart from said light source and arranged in use to direct a beam of light laterally from the light pipe.
2. An illuminated safety device according to claim 1 wherein said beam of light subtends an angle 0 of less than 180° in the radial plane of the light pipe.
3. An illuminated safety device according to claim 2 wherein said beam of light subtends an angle of less than 10° to 90° in said radial plane.
4. An illuminated safety device according to any preceding claim wherein said wand comprises diametrically opposed discrete light-directing portions which direct beams in opposite directions.
5. An illuminated safety device according to any preceding claim wherein a plurality of such light-directing portions are distributed along the wand and arranged in use to direct such beams of light laterally from the wand at different elevations above the light source.
6. An illuminated safety device according to any preceding claim wherein said discrete light-directing portion comprises a projection having an upper reflecting surface which is inclined downwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the wand.
7. An illuminated safety device according to claim 6 wherein said discrete light-directing portion further comprises a lower surface which in use emits light reflected from said upper reflecting surface.
8. An illuminated safety device according to claim 7 wherein said lower surface has a convex profile in the longitudinal plane of the wand.
9. An illuminated safety device according to any of claims 6 to 8 wherein said upper reflecting surface is planar.
10. An illuminated safety device according to any preceding claim wherein said wand comprises two or more separable light pipe sections.
11. An illuminated safety device according to claim 10 wherein said light pipe sections are connected by a hinged connector which enables the wand to he folded after separating said sections.
12. An illuminated safety device according to claim 11 wherein said hinged connector comprises a flexible linkage which can be extended to allow separation of said light pipe sections.
13. An illuminated safety device according to claim 12 wherein said hinged connector comprises a mating plug and socket for optically coupling abutting ends of said light pipe sections.
14. An illuminated safety device according to claim 12 or claim 13 wherein said hinged connector comprises two collars at respective ends of said flexible linkage, said light pipe sections being fitted within respective collars.
15. An illuminated safety device according to claim 14 wherein said flexible linkage and collars are integrally moulded from plastics material.
16. An illuminated safety device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a support pod housing said light source and including a guide for holding the lower end of said light pipe above said light source.
17. An illuminated safety device according to claim 16 wherein said light pipe is removable from said guide without disassembling said support pod.
18. An illuminated safety device according to claim 16 or claim 17 wherein said support pod further comprises a rear light for said vehicle.
19. An illuminated safety device according to any preceding claim having a mounting bracket for seeming the device to a bicycle.
20. An illuminated safety device according to any preceding claim wherein said light source is an LED powered by a battery.
21. An illuminated safety device according to any preceding claim wherein said at least one discrete light-directing portion includes a coloured filter.
22. An illuminated safety device according to any preceding claim wherein said light pipe and at least one discrete light-directing portion are integrally moulded from light-transmissive plastics material.
23. A vehicle provided with an illuminated safety device as claimed in any preceding claim.
24. A vehicle as claimed in claim 23 wherein said at least one discrete light-directing portion is located at least 2 metres above ground level.
25. A vehicle as claimed in claim 24 which is a cycle, a motorcycle, a cycle trailer, or a mobility scooter.
26. An illuminated safety device substantially as described hereinabove with reference to Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawing.
27. A bicycle substantially as described hereinabove with reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawing.