GB2549733A

GB2549733A - A rear view device

Info

Publication number: GB2549733A
Application number: GB1607246.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Schofield Nigel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-04-26
Filing date: 2016-04-26
Publication date: 2017-11-01

Abstract

A portable rear-view device comprises a hand engagement member 12, a connector 14 attached to the hand engagement member, and a mirror 16 attached to the connector. The hand engagement member 12 may comprise an elasticated loop or a glove. It may be adjustable in size to fit a variety of hands. The connector preferably has a first surface 20 attachable to the hand engagement member and a second surface 22 to which the mirror is attached. The first and second surfaces are preferably not parallel. The mirror may be attached by a ball and socket mechanism 24, 26 so that the angle of the mirror face is adjustable relative to the connector. The connector or the mirror may be detachable from the hand engaging member in the event of a fall. The invention may be provided in the form of a kit comprising at least one of each part. The device is useful when cycling, skateboarding, skiing or horse riding.

Description

A Rear View Device

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a portable rear view device and, in particular, one that can be worn on the back of a user’s hand.

Background to the Invention

When a person is engaged in particular sporting and recreational activities, for example cycling, running, snowboarding, skateboarding, skiing & equestrian sports, there is often a desire, and it can also be beneficial and advantageous enhancing both experience and safety, to be able to see what is behind, that is, to the rear of, them.

Cycling, and to some extent skateboarding, is becoming ever more popular as a form of transport for recreational riding and commuting. Riding, both commuting and recreational, in traffic, busy cycle routes and pathways can present many hazards. A person can improve their safety by being aware of other vehicles and people on their routes and, in particular, those that are behind them either at a distance or closing in to possibly overtake.

For sporting activities such as cycling, skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding & equestrian sports knowledge of a competitor’s and/or team mate’s position and the manoeuvres they are making can provide valuable information that may help formulate a participant’s strategy and next moves.

To look to the rear by just turning the head, shoulders or body while participating in such activities can cause a change in weight distribution and balance, which, in turn, can affect directional control and can take the participant’s general eye-view away from the forward direction of travel. Cyclists often struggle to see behind them without turning their heads, which can be dangerous and may lead to them swerving in the road. Rear view mirrors are available for cyclists and, generally, these are mounted upon the handle bars or frame of the bicycle. However, such devices are nonnally in a fixed position and the angle of viewing cannot be readily changed, which may present a problem when car headlights are, or sunlight is, reflected into a cyclist’s eyes. In such a situation, the cyclist maybe temporarily blinded.

Body mounted devices, such as those worn on the arm, are also available, however, adjusting the viewing angle on those can be dangerous as the user needs to bend their arm to do so, which may adjust the handlebars and cause the user to swerve.

Similarly, when participating in activities such as skiing, skateboarding or snowboarding, it is often those behind a participant that pose the most danger to that person. Therefore, it is advantageous for the participant to be able to see behind them. In such sports, it is difficult or impossible to position a mirror on the equipment and, where it might be possible, for example on a ski pole, it is impractical and difficult to use.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a portable rear view device comprising; a hand engagement member; a connector attached to the hand engagement member; and a mirror attached to the connector.

Preferably, the hand engagement member is a glove, a strap or an elasticated loop. The hand engagement may be a glove that engages a user’s hand or it may be an elasticated loop through which a user’s fingers may pass. Where a glove is employed, it may be provided with attachment means at a position that equates to the back of the user’s hand. Alternatively, the attachment means may be positioned over the base of the thumb or another part of the hand. In the case of an elasticated loop, the loop is sized and shaped to be positioned across tlie palm of a user’s hand. The elasticated loop may comprise a plastics material section attached to an elasticated strap, the plastics material section being shaped ergonomically, for example to contour to a user’s palm and/or the back of a user’s hand.

By attaching the mirror to the back of a user’s hand, the user can readily adjust the position and angle of the mirror to see behind them without having to move their head or shoulders, thereby reducing the change in the user’s weight distribution. Additionally, if a light source is reflected into the user’s eyes, a small movement of the hand is sufficient to redirect the light away firom the user’s eyes. Therefore, only small movements of the hand are required to adjust the position and angle of the mirror. Furthermore, because only small movements are required, the user requires less physical movement of their trunk or limbs than with other devices to see behind them, thereby making the user safer. Clearly, larger movements, particularly those involving the wrist or whole arm, will result in large changes in angle of the mirror with respect to the user’s eyes. The use of a strap or an elasticated loop allows the device to be used on either hand.

Advantageously, the hand engagement member is size-adjustable. The hand engagement member may be size-adjustable to allow for it to be adjusted to the size of a user’s hand and also so that, should the user wear a glove, the device can be worn over that glove. Additionally, the device can be size-universal wherein it is size-adjustable, negating the need for a user to have to obtain a specific size.

In one arrangement, the angle of the mirror face is adjustable relative to the connector. This allows the angle to he adjusted without need to move the cormector. This may be particularly advantageous in finding the best position when in use, without having to adjust the position of the user’s hand.

It is preferable that the connector has a first surface that is attached to the hand engagement member and a second surface to which the mirror is attached and, more preferably, the first surface of the connector is non-parallel with the second surface of the connector. Having two surfaces on the connector allows for it to be readily connected to both the hand engagement member and the mirror. Additionally, where the two surfaces are not parallel to one another, the mirror is attached to the hand engagement member at an angle. This can be advantageous in aligning the mirror for rearward viewing because the user’s hand is likely to be positioned with the rear of the hand faeing in a different direction than directly behind the user. The angle between the first surface and the second surface maybe between 10® and 60° and, preferably, it is between 15° and 50® with a partieularly beneficial angle between 20° and 40°.

It is advantageous that the mirror is attached to the connector by a ball-and-socket joint positioned on the second surface. This allows for a large range of motion between the connector and the mirror, thus allowing the mirror to be angled in a range of positions, thereby giving more adjustability and a larger range of vision to the device.

In one embodiment, part of the ball-and-socket joint located on the connector is positioned off-set fiOm the longitudinal axis of the connector. By off-setting the position of the mirror relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector, the angle of the mirror may be better adjusted.

In one arrangement, the connector is a truncated cone, A truncated cone is a convenient shape for the connector as it allows the connector to be provided with two surfaces for cormecting with the respective parts of the device whilst tapering such that it does not interfere with the mirror when adjusted to extreme angles. Additionally, the truncated cone shape provides a wide range of angles for the mirror.

It is preferable that the connector is releasably attachable to the hand engagement member. This allows the mirror and connector to be removed from the hand engagement member when not required and also allows for the device to break apart upon impact, thereby reducing the risk to the user.

Wh^-e the connector is releasably attachable to the hand engagement member, it may be affixed to the hand engagement member via a hook-and-eye system with respective parts of the hook-and-eye system located on the connector and the hand engagement member. Whilst other connection mechanisms are envisaged, for example, adhesive, sucker cups and poppers, the use of a hook-and-eye system is relatively inexpensive and simple to use, whilst also allowing quick removal of the device in a collision situation or where a user wishes to remove the device for storage,

It maybe further advantageous that the mirror is releasably attachable to the connector. Allowing the parts to be disconnected, again, makes the device safer in a collision situation and also allows the device to be stored in a more compact manner.

Preferably, the rear surface of the mirror is concave. Having a concave rear surface to the mirror allows for the connector to protrude into the envelope of the mirror, which, in turn, allows for a greater range of motion and so a wider range of viewing angles.

The invention extends to a kit comprising: at least one hand engagement member; at least one connector, the attachment being attachable to the hand engagement member, and at least one mirror, the mirror being attachable to the coimector.

Such a kit may be provided in the form of a plurality of hand engagement members, for example, two or more different sizes of elasticated loop or strap and/or one or more gloves. This enables the device to he used by a user with varying needs, for example, when undertaking both cycling in warm weather with no gloves on and snow sports where thick gloves maybe warm. Additionally, different sizes and/or shapes of connector, which may have different angles between the surfaces, may be provided to allow the user to choose the most suitable connector for the purpose. As an example, the kit may contain a first connector with parallel surfaces for snow sports and a second connector with nonparallel surfaces for cycling. Furthermore, different types of mirror may be provided in the kit for different purposes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a drawing showing a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a front view of part of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a top view of the part of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a side view of the part of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a view of part of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is an assembled view of two parts of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 8 is an exploded view of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a different embodiment of a part of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 10 is a further embodiment of a part of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 11 is another embodiment of a part of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 12 is a side view of the part of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a top view of the part of Figure 11;

Figure 14 shows another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 15 shows the device of Figure 14 in another arrangement;

Figure 16 shows a further view of the device of Figure 15;

Figure 17 shows a ftarther embodiment of the invention;

Figure 18 shows another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 19 shows a device according to the present invention in use by a cyclist;

Figure 20 shows a device according to the present invention in use by a snowboarder; and Figure 21 shows a device according to the present invention in use by a skier.

Detmled Descrintion of Exemplary Embodiments

Figures 1 to 13 show a device 10 comprising a hand engagement member 12, a connector 14 and a mirror 16. The hand engagement member 12 comprises an elasticated loop having a first part of a hook-and-eye connection system 18a along a portion of the loop.

In the embodiment shown, the part 18a is the ‘eye’ part of the hook-and-eye connection system, although it will be appreciated that it may be the ‘hook’ part. Being elasticated, the hand engagement member 12 is adjustable to allow it to adapt to various diameters.

The connector 14 comprises a first surface 20, which is substantially flat, and a second surface 22. The second surface 22 is arranged at an angle with the first surface 20, thereby positioning it in a non-parallel arrangement. The angle between the first surface 20 and the second surface 22 is 30° and the second surface is provided with a ball-part 24 of a ball and socket joint. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 9, the ball-part 24 is located centrally on the second surface 22. The connector 14 and its first surface 20 and second surface 22 may be manufactured integrally or it may comprise a plurality of parts connected together, The first surface 20 is provided with a second part 18b of the hook-and-eye connection fixedly adhered to it. The connector 14 is releasably mounted on the hand engagement member by the first part 18a and the second part 18b of the hook-and-eye connection system.

The mirror 16 comprises the socket-part 26 of a ball-and-socket joint and the socket-part is centrally located on the back of the mirror 16. The reflective .surface 16a of the mirror 16 is convex or substantially flat. Figures 3 and 5 show the freedom of movement of the mirror relative to the connector.

As shown in the figures, the mirror 16 is mounted on the connector 14 by engaging the ball-and-socket joint (24 and 26) and in that mounted arrangement, the angle of the mirror 16 relative to the connector 14 can be adjusted to obtain a desirable view behind the user.

Figures 9 to 11 show further shapes for the connector 14 that provide different ranges of angles for the mirror 16 when attached thereto and that have different aerodynamic properties.

Figures 11 to 13 show an alternative, conical connector 14a that comprises a first, lower surface, 20a, which tapers to an apex at the other end, with the apex comprising a ball portion 24a. The ball portion 24a is offset from the longitudinal axis of the connector 14a. An angle between the first surface 20a and the apex is between 20° and 40° on one side and between 40° and 60° on the opposite side. The mirror 16 in this embodiment engages the bedl portion 24a via a socket section 26a on its rear surface.

Figure 14 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 engaging a user’s hand 28. The hand engagement member 12 engages the user’s hand 28 in such a manner that the user’s thumb 28a is external to the loop of the hand engagement member and the fingers 28b pass through the loop. The device 10 is positioned against the user’s palm and across the back of the user’s hand 28. When the device is worn, the user is able change the position of their hand 28 to adjust the view behind them.

Figures 15 and 16 show the hand engagement member 12 in the form of an elasticated loop which is employed in combination with a glove 30. The user positions the device in a similar manner to that shown in Figure 14; however, a glove 30 is worn by the user.

Due to the elasticated nature of the hand engagement member 12, the device 10 is able to be worn by the user whether a glove 30 is worn or not.

Figure 17 shows an arrangement in which the device 10 is attached by a hand strap 12a, wherein the hand strap 12a further comprises a thumb loop 12b, through which a user’s thumb is positioned. In this figure, the user is also wearing a glove 30, although that could be omitted.

In Figure 18, the hand engagement member is a glove 32. In this embodiment, the glove is provided with the first part 18a of a cormection system, such that the first part 18a is integral to, or fixedly attached to, the glove 30. The connector 14 attaches to the glove 30 in the same way as it connects to the hand engagement member of Figures 1, 14, 15, 16 and 17.

Figures 19 to 21 show a user 34a on bicycle 36, a user 34b on a snowboard 38 and a user 34c on skis 40, respectively. The device 10 provides a view behind the user 34 without them having the change tlieir body position. The device may also be used in other sports and other situations, including, but not limited to, running, horse riding, skating, skateboarding and walking.

In use, prior to starting a sport or activity, the user puts the device 10 onto their hand(s) and positions their hand where it is most likely to be for the duration of the activity. With the other hand, the user adjusts the mirror to give the desired rear-view. The user can then use the mirror when undertaking the activity.

Where parts of connection mechanisms are disclosed herein, it will be appreciated that they conld be the other way around. For example, the ball or socket of a ball and socket joint may be on either of the respective parts with the other part of the mechanism attached to the other part. The ball and socket joint, or connection, may be of the snap-fit variety and they snap together and can be readily released by pulling them apart. Alternatively, the joint maybe more permanent.

The mirror may be fixedly connected to the connector rather than being adjustable relative thereto. This may be either through a permanent connection or by way of a one-piece, integral moulding. Similarly, the connector may be fixedly connected to the hand engagement member either by a permanent cormector or as an integral structure. Furthermore, the whole device may be fixedly connected together or constructed as a one-piece device with all of the parts being integral with one another.

The connector may comprise a cellular structure, such as a foam, or it may comprise a plastics material.

It is envisaged that in one arranganent, the angle between the first surface and the second surface of the connector may be adjustable. In such an arrangement, the mirror may be attached to the connector at a predetermined angle or it may be adjustable. Allowing the angle between the surfaces to be adjusted allows for a larger range of motion between the hand engagement member and the mirror face.

The connection part on the back of the mirror may be offset from the centre of the mirror to provide a different level or angular adjustment. The reflective surface of the mirror may be concave but it is preferable that it is either flat or convex, The mirror may comprise one or more materials selected from a group comprising: plastics material (for example poly(methyl methacrylate); glass; and polished metal. The mirror can be any shape, for example a regular polygon, including those with between 1 and 10 sides, or any irregular shape.

Claims

1. A portable rear view device comprising; a hand engagement member; a connector attached to the hand engagement member; and a mirror attached to the connector.

2. A portable rear view device according to claim 1, wherein the hand engagement member is a glove or an elasticated loop.

3. A portable rear view device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the hand engagement member is size-adjustable.

4. A portable rear view device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the angle of the mirror face is adjustable relative to the connector.

5. A portable rear view device according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector has a first surface that is attached to the hand engagement member and a second surface to which the mirror is attached.

6. A portable rear view device according to claim 5, wherein the first surface of the connector is non-parallel with the second surface of the connector.

7. A portable rear view device according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the mirror is attached to the connector by a ball-and-socket joint positioned on the second surface.

8. A portable rear view device according to claim 7, wherein the part of the ball-and-socket joint located on the connector is positioned off-set fi-om the longitudinal axis of the connector.

9. A portable rear view device according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector is a truncated cone.

10. A portable rear view device according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector is releasably attachable to the hand engagement member.

11. A portable rear view device according to claim 10, wherein the connector is affixed to the hand engagement member via a hook-and-eye system with respective parts of the hook-and-eye system located on the connector and the hand engagement member.

12. A portable rear view device according to any preceding claim, wherein the mirror is releasably attachable to the connector.

13. A portable rear view device according to any preceding claim, wherein the rear surface of the mirror is concave.

14. A kit comprising: at least one hand engagement member; at least one connector, the attachment being attachable to the hand engagement member; and at least one mirror, the mirror being attachable to the connector.