GB2562445A - Indicator - Google Patents

Indicator Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2562445A
GB2562445A GB1619771.7A GB201619771A GB2562445A GB 2562445 A GB2562445 A GB 2562445A GB 201619771 A GB201619771 A GB 201619771A GB 2562445 A GB2562445 A GB 2562445A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
leds
band
indicator
power source
indicator according
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Withdrawn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
GB1619771.7A
Other versions
GB201619771D0 (en
Inventor
thomson Paul
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 GB1619771.7A priority Critical patent/GB2562445A/en
Publication of GB201619771D0 publication Critical patent/GB201619771D0/en
Publication of GB2562445A publication Critical patent/GB2562445A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
    • A41D13/01—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches with reflective or luminous safety means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C15/00—Other forms of jewellery
    • A44C15/0015—Illuminated or sound-producing jewellery
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D19/00—Gloves
    • A41D19/015—Protective gloves
    • A41D19/0157—Protective gloves with luminous or reflective means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/2661—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions
    • B60Q1/2673—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions on parts worn by the driver, e.g. clothes, gloves or bags, specially adapted to provide auxiliary vehicle signalling
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21L—LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF, BEING PORTABLE OR SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION
    • F21L4/00—Electric lighting devices with self-contained electric batteries or cells
    • F21L4/02—Electric lighting devices with self-contained electric batteries or cells characterised by the provision of two or more light sources
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S10/00—Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect
    • F21S10/06—Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect flashing, e.g. with rotating reflector or light source
    • F21S10/063—Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect flashing, e.g. with rotating reflector or light source for providing a rotating light effect
    • F21S10/066—Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect flashing, e.g. with rotating reflector or light source for providing a rotating light effect by selectively switching fixed light sources
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
    • F21V21/08—Devices for easy attachment to any desired place, e.g. clip, clamp, magnet
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
    • F21V21/08—Devices for easy attachment to any desired place, e.g. clip, clamp, magnet
    • F21V21/0816—Strap fasteners, e.g. fasteners with a buckle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
    • F21V23/04—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches
    • F21V23/0435—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches activated by remote control means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V33/00—Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
    • F21V33/0004—Personal or domestic articles
    • F21V33/0008—Clothing or clothing accessories, e.g. scarfs, gloves or belts
    • 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
    • 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
    • G08B5/006—Portable traffic signalling devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D2600/00—Uses of garments specially adapted for specific purposes
    • A41D2600/10—Uses of garments specially adapted for specific purposes for sport activities
    • A41D2600/104—Cycling
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Abstract

An indicator for a cyclist, comprising a flexible band 1 wearable on a hand, wrist or arm, the band comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes 4, 5, at least two of which are arranged at diametrically opposed locations on the band; a power source; and a mechanical switch 7 for supplying power from the power source to illuminate the LEDs. Preferably there are LEDs spaced equally around the band, and additional LEDs 6 provided at edge portions pointing axially to the arm at right angles to the LEDs 4, 5. Preferably the band comprises a receiver adapted to receive a short-wave UHF signal as part of a warning system. A method of operating the indicator to indicate direction or presence to other road users is also claimed.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Indicator
Abstract Title: Cyclist LED indicator band (57) An indicator for a cyclist, comprising a flexible band 1 wearable on a hand, wrist or arm, the band comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes 4, 5, at least two of which are arranged at diametrically opposed locations on the band; a power source; and a mechanical switch 7 for supplying power from the power source to illuminate the LEDs. Preferably there are LEDs spaced equally around the band, and additional LEDs 6 provided at edge portions pointing axially to the arm at right angles to the LEDs 4, 5. Preferably the band comprises a receiver adapted to receive a short-wave UHF signal as part of a warning system. A method of operating the indicator to indicate direction or presence to other road users is also claimed.
1/1
INDICATOR
Background to the Invention [0001] This invention relates to an indicator, particularly for use by a cyclist, and a method of use of the indicator.
[0002] Conventionally, a cyclist extends one arm in order to indicate his or her intended direction to other road users. Such a signal can be difficult to see, particularly at night or in dark winter conditions.
[0003] WO 2015/038440 Al therefore describes a glove incorporating an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) on a back face of the glove. The LEDs can be activated to provide a flashing indicator, visible when the cyclist raises his hand. The indicator is only visible from behind. Also, gloves are unsuitable in hot weather.
[0004] In a different technical field, namely that of entertainment of audiences at shows, WO 2013/021209 Al describes a wristband including LEDs and an antenna allowing the LEDs to be activated by a radiofrequency signal.
Summary of the Invention [0005] The present invention provides an indicator for a cyclist, comprising a flexible band wearable on a hand, wrist or arm, the band comprising a plurality of LEDs, at least two of which are arranged at diametrically opposed locations on the band, a power source, and a mechanical switch for supplying power from the power source to illuminate the LEDs.
[0006] The diametrically opposed locations of the LEDs provide an indication to other road users located in front of the cyclist as well as those located behind.
[0007] In embodiments of the indicator, said LEDs are spaced equally around the entire band, or around the majority of the band. One or more additional LEDs can be provided at one or more edge portions, facing substantially at right angles to the diametrically opposed LEDs.
[0008] In one embodiment, the band is formed as a continuous loop capable of being donned over the user's hand. Alternatively, the band can include a releasable fastener arranged to form the band into a loop, and this may be adjustable to fit the user's hand, wrist or arm.
[0009] The indicator can be arranged to illuminate the LEDs continuously until the switch is used to deactivate them. Alternatively or additionally, the indicator can include circuitry arranged to cause the LEDs to flash on and off.
[0010] Optionally, the indicator can include a receiver adapted to receive a short range signal, in particular a short-wavelength UHF signal such as a Bluetooth ® signal, for control of the LEDs.
[0011] The invention also provides a method indicating a direction or presence to road users, comprising: wearing on the hand, wrist or arm a directional indicator comprising a flexible band, the band comprising a plurality of LEDs, at least two of which are arranged at diametrically opposed locations on the band, a power source, activating the LEDs, such the indicator is visible from locations forward and rearward of the wearer.
[0012] The indicator may include a mechanical switch, activation of the LEDs comprising operating said switch to supply power from the power source to illuminate the LEDs. Alternatively or additionally, the indicator can include a receiver adapted to receive a short range signal, in particular a short-wavelength UHF signal such as a Bluetooth ® signal, activation of the LEDs comprising operating a portable device to provide said short range signal.
[0013] Activation of the LEDs can comprise illuminating the LEDs continuously. Alternatively or additionally, the LEDs can be made to flash on and off.
Brief Description of the Drawing [0014] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with respect to the accompanying drawing, the single figure of which shows a band according to an embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description of Particular Embodiments [0015] The drawing shows a band capable of being worn around the palm of the hand or the wrist or arm. The band comprises a flexible strap 1, which, in this embodiment, can have its free ends joined together by means of a clip 2. The clip allows adjustment of the size of the band's circumference. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the strap is formed from an elastomer which can stretch to fit over the user's hand.
[0016] A module 3 of plastics material forms part of the band. This includes a battery, such as a lithium cell, which can be rechargeable, and control circuitry for the band.
[0017] LEDs, are arranged around the entirety of the band. In this example, strap LEDs 4 are arranged around the strap 1, so as to be visible through respective apertures in the strap material. Alternatively, the material of the strap can be translucent, and the LEDs can be housed within the material.
[0018] The module 3 also includes LEDs, namely face LEDs 5 which complete the sequence of the strap LEDs 4, and edge LEDs 6 on the edge of the module, which face substantially at right angles to the face LEDs 5.
[0019] A switch 7 is provided on the strap 1. In this example, the switch 7 is an on/ off pushbutton switch of known type.
[0020] The battery, the LEDs 4, 5, 6 the switch 7, and other components such as a microcontroller and current limiting resistors, are electrically connected in a manner known to those skilled in the art. In the simplest embodiment, the circuit is arranged such that the LEDs are illuminated when the switch 7 is depressed, and extinguished when the switch 7 is depressed again. In an alternative version, depressing the switch causes the LEDs 4, 5, 6 to flash on and off. In a further alternative version, successive actuations of the switch 7 cause the LEDs to remain lit, to flash on and off, and to switch off.
[0021] Indicators according to the invention are provided in pairs so that a cyclist can wear one indicator on each hand, wrist or arm. The cyclist uses the appropriate indicator to provide a signal of the cyclist's intended direction, when the arm is extended, at least some of the strap LEDs 4 and face LEDs 5 being clearly visible to road users ahead of the cyclist as well as behind, even in dark conditions. In addition, the edge LEDs 6 are visible from the side.
[0022] The indicator may optionally include a receiver adapted to receive a Bluetooth ® signal, for control of the LEDs. This can be in addition to, or instead of, the mechanical switch 7. The Bluetooth-enabled indicator is paired with a portable device, typically a mobile telephone, which has been programmed with suitable software. The device is conveniently mounted to the user's bicycle in a known manner enabling the user to control the LEDs by operating the device.
[0023] As an alternative to its use as a directional indicator, the band of the invention can be worn as a safety device by a child or adult, for example as a pedestrian, to make the wearer visible, for example on dark mornings or evenings.

Claims (15)

1. An indicator for a cyclist, comprising a flexible band wearable on a hand, wrist or arm, the band comprising a plurality of LEDs, at least two of which are arranged at diametrically opposed locations on the band, a power source, and a mechanical switch for supplying power from the power source to illuminate the LEDs.
2. An indicator according to claim 1, wherein said LEDs are spaced equally around the band.
3. An indicator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more additional LEDs are provided at one or more edge portions, facing substantially at right angles to the diametrically opposed LEDs.
4. An indicator according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the band is formed as a continuous loop capable of being donned over the user's hand.
5. An indicator according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the band includes a releasable fastener arranged to form the band into a loop.
6. An indicator according to claim 5, wherein the fastener is adjustable for fitting the band to the user's hand, wrist or arm.
7. An indicator according to any preceding claim, arranged to illuminate the LEDs continuously until the switch is used to deactivate them.
8. An indicator according to any preceding claim, including circuitry arranged to cause the LEDs to flash on and off.
9. An indicator according to any preceding claim, including a receiver adapted to receive a short range signal, for control of the LEDs.
10. An indicator according to claim 9, wherein the receiver is adapted to receive a short-wavelength UHF signal.
11. A method of indicating a direction or presence to road users, comprising: wearing on the hand, wrist or arm a directional indicator comprising a flexible band, the band comprising a plurality of LEDs, at least two of which are arranged at diametrically opposed locations on the band, a power source, and activating the LEDs, such the indicator is visible from locations forward and rearward of the wearer.
12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the indicator includes a mechanical switch, activation of the LEDs comprising operating said switch to supply power from the power source to illuminate the LEDs.
13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the indicator can include a receiver adapted to receive a short range signal, activation of the LEDs comprising operating a portable device to provide said short range signal.
14. A method according to claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein activation of the LEDs comprises illuminating the LEDs continuously.
15. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein activation of the LEDs comprises causing the LEDs to flash on and off.
Intellectual
Property Office
Application No: GB1619771.7
GB1619771.7A 2016-11-23 2016-11-23 Indicator Withdrawn GB2562445A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1619771.7A GB2562445A (en) 2016-11-23 2016-11-23 Indicator

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1619771.7A GB2562445A (en) 2016-11-23 2016-11-23 Indicator

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201619771D0 GB201619771D0 (en) 2017-01-04
GB2562445A true GB2562445A (en) 2018-11-21

Family

ID=57993992

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1619771.7A Withdrawn GB2562445A (en) 2016-11-23 2016-11-23 Indicator

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2562445A (en)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0086651A2 (en) * 1982-02-12 1983-08-24 Martin Purcell Wearable warning device
GB2159647A (en) * 1984-05-31 1985-12-04 Raymond Keith Hunter Direction indicating means
EP0166534A1 (en) * 1984-05-29 1986-01-02 Infratron (Uk) Limited Visual indicator safety device
WO1999047009A1 (en) * 1998-03-17 1999-09-23 Daniel Simon Black A pedal cyclist indicator
GB2373990A (en) * 2000-12-23 2002-10-09 Ecoflow Ltd Safety armband
NZ527675A (en) * 2003-08-19 2003-10-31 Gary Fraser Bevin Direction indicator system that is activated and deactivated automatically
US20050275193A1 (en) * 2004-05-28 2005-12-15 Lee Richard C Vehicle safety lighting & signaling system
WO2011132009A2 (en) * 2010-04-23 2011-10-27 Nyiradi Laszlo Driving indicator with led integrated in bracelet for cyclists and motor-cyclists

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0086651A2 (en) * 1982-02-12 1983-08-24 Martin Purcell Wearable warning device
EP0166534A1 (en) * 1984-05-29 1986-01-02 Infratron (Uk) Limited Visual indicator safety device
GB2159647A (en) * 1984-05-31 1985-12-04 Raymond Keith Hunter Direction indicating means
WO1999047009A1 (en) * 1998-03-17 1999-09-23 Daniel Simon Black A pedal cyclist indicator
GB2373990A (en) * 2000-12-23 2002-10-09 Ecoflow Ltd Safety armband
NZ527675A (en) * 2003-08-19 2003-10-31 Gary Fraser Bevin Direction indicator system that is activated and deactivated automatically
US20050275193A1 (en) * 2004-05-28 2005-12-15 Lee Richard C Vehicle safety lighting & signaling system
WO2011132009A2 (en) * 2010-04-23 2011-10-27 Nyiradi Laszlo Driving indicator with led integrated in bracelet for cyclists and motor-cyclists

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201619771D0 (en) 2017-01-04

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
S20A Reinstatement of application (sect. 20a/patents act 1977)

Free format text: REQUEST FOR REINSTATEMENT FILED

Effective date: 20180406

Free format text: REQUEST FOR REINSTATEMENT ALLOWED

Effective date: 20180510

WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)