GB2564143A

GB2564143A - A lighting device

Info

Publication number: GB2564143A
Application number: GB1710784.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Pridmore Andrew
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-07-05
Filing date: 2017-07-05
Publication date: 2019-01-09
Anticipated expiration: 2037-07-05
Also published as: GB2564143B; GB201710784D0

Abstract

A lighting device 99 for a cycle, comprising a mudguard 3, a light source 2 and one or more photovoltaic cells 9, wherein the one or more photovoltaic cells 9 are arranged on the top surface of the mudguard 3 and arranged to supply electrical current to a battery, so as to power the light source 2 and provide an electrical charging outlet. The light source may be mounted to a bicycle by bracket 1, and the mudguard 3 mounted to the light source 2. The mudguard may further be mounted to the light source 2 by a pivoting connection 7 such that the angle of the mudguard may be altered without effecting the light source 2.

Description

The present invention relates to a lighting device, in particular a lighting device for a cycle.

Background

Increasing numbers of people in the world enjoy cycling, either for leisure or transportation. Cycling for transportation in particular requires safety lighting, which may be directed to front and/or rear of the cycle.

Leisure cyclists in particular are liable to go off-road, or cycle in conditions more where there is mud and water. Such conditions can cause problems for the cycle or for cycle users.

In particular a rear wheel may throw up water and dirt during cycling. The dirt or water is then liable to cover a rider’s back or clothing, or the cycle itself. More particularly but not solely a problem occurs where cycle lights are covered or obscured thereby causing dangerous obfuscation of the light.

Prior Art

CN 205 469 421 discloses a bicycle lamp, comprising a housing and a lamp, a USB charging jack, controller, an inverter and a solar panel, solar panel, the inverter is electrically connected to the solar cell panels.

CN 104 648 540 (JU) discloses a bicycle mudguard comprises a fixing clamp, a base frame, an electric layer, and a waterproof layer; the electric layer contains a solar cell panel. A light intensity detector operates with a lithium cell to power a bicycle taillight. The solar cell panel is used for charging the lithium cell so that the bicycle taillight does not need to be additionally installed by the user.

DE 102 006 038 225 (KUHBLANK) discloses a lamp with an attachable and detachable voltage source for LEDs integrated in a mudguard of a bicycle. LEDs radiate light in longitudinal, forward and backward directions. The mudguard has holding or clamping sockets for the LEDs and solar cells are arranged in or on the mudguard. Solar cells form a flexible deformable solar cell foil. An on-off switch is arranged between a battery and the LEDs and is operable by an intensity sensor.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a lighting device for a cycle, comprising: a mudguard, a light source and one or more photovoltaic cells, wherein the one or more photovoltaic cells are arranged on the top surface of the mudguard and arranged to supply electrical current to a battery, so as to power the light source and provide an electrical charging outlet.

The light source may comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs). Such LEDs may be located in a housing, which light housing may be located at one end of the mudguard. At least one discrete light source may also be included in the mudguard.

The light housing may be separate or separable from the mudguard. The housing ideally is shaped and dimensioned to accept the battery. In other embodiments the battery may be provided integrally within the mudguard.

The mudguard and housing are ideally electrically connected, for example using a flexible connecting means, so as to accommodate movement in the mudguard in use, and using a temporary connecting means so as to accommodate whole displacement and replacement of the mudguard from the housing.

The mudguard may comprise an elongate member, extending from a distal unsupported end, to a proximal end with a cycle attachment mechanism. Such cycle attachment mechanism may comprise a clamp or clip. The cycle attachment mechanism may be connected to the mudguard or to the housing.

It may be envisaged that the mechanism comprises an adjustable means for enabling attachment to a seat posts or cycles.

The mechanism may comprise a closure means that is configured to orient in one direction and ideally includes a locking means. In this way theft of the mechanism is rendered more difficult.

In some embodiments an attachment mechanism may comprise a mudguard orientation alteration means so as to for example alter angle between the mudguard and cycle and/or light housing.

In some embodiments an attachment mechanism may comprise a light housing orientation alteration means so as to enable an angle between the mudguard and cycle or light housing to be altered.

In some embodiments the attachment mechanism may enable quick release of the mudguard from the light housing, or the mudguard and light housing from the attachment mechanism, so as to allow for removal of expensive items from the cycle when parked.

In some embodiments the mudguard comprises: a substantially rigid elongated member with the solar cells providing on the top surface. This member, or lower surface thereof, may be formed from a longitudinal curved structure so as to accommodate a tyre thereunder. The member, or top surface thereof, may comprise a longitudinal curved structure to better accommodate solar capture from different directions.

On this basis the member, top surface or solar cells, may comprise a lateral curvature, so as to better accommodate solar capture from plural directions.

In some embodiments the device optionally includes retro-reflective parts. Such retro-reflective parts may be arranged on the mudguard, sides or end thereof, or on or adjacent the light housing

In other embodiments the device may comprise further lighting, for example arranged so as to extend lit areas along the mudguard, along the sides and/or at the end.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention, divided into the light source and the mudguard;

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1, connected together for use;

Figure 3 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figures 6 show sketches of two further embodiments of the device according to the present invention; and

Figure 7 shows a sketch of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, in use.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown a lighting device 99 for a cycle, comprising a mudguard 3, a light housing 1 comprising light sources and a plurality of photovoltaic cells 9 arranged on the top surface 19 of the mudguard to supply electrical current to the one or more light sources via a cable 80.

The embodiment thereby comprises a bicycle mudguard with an integrated solar panel for charging a rear light, adjoining the cycle seat post 1000 in use and protected by the mudguard.

The light comprises an outward connector 13, such that any surplus energy can be stored for use by external devices.

The solar cells 9 are located across the top surface 19 of the mudguard to maximise the amount of sunlight collected and the lower surface 20 is wider to allow for more coverage and protection.

The mudguard protects the bicycle, light and user from mud, water and other debris.

The light housing 2 is arranged with a first cycle attachment mechanism 4 comprising an annular rigid band which is arranged to surround the seat post in use and comprises a semi-permanent closure bolt 6 passing through tongues extending from the outer of the annular seat post band. The bolt 6 also provides an attachment point for a cradle 5, into which the housing 2 is slotted in use. Advantageously this allows the housing, and attached mudguard to be removed with facility for prevention of theft.

The housing comprises an activation button 8 that enables the user to alter lighting conditions, for example allowing control of intermittent lighting patterns.

The bolt 6 provides a pivot point enabling the mechanism 4 to articulate the housing in reference to the cycle, allowing an angle adjustment to allow the user to position the light housing so that the rear light is rendered more visible and the mudguard protects it from debris.

The mudguard is arranged with a second attachment mechanism 7 to attach the mudguard to the cycle via the first attachment mechanism 4 and also enabling it to articulate with reference to the light housing. The second attachment mechanism comprises a bolt 7 extending through tabs extending from the housing bottom and top surface of the mudguard.

The cells 9 are positioned across the top surface 19 of the mudguard to collect energy during the daytime, which is stored in a battery (not shown). A thin cover protects cells from weather and prevents damage and the cells are arranged to flex over the curved mudguard to fit an arcuate side profile and allow for movement in use.

A bright yellow cable 80 permanently connects the cells to the light housing and battery.

In some embodiments the light may be integrated into the mudguard to make such embodiments quick to install and providing a less cluttered seat post. In this way the device may be removed from the cycle when not in use and to deter theft. In other embodiments the mudguard and cells may be removable when not in use to deter theft.

The embodiment pictured detaches from a seat post clamp so that the user can remove the valuable part of the embodiment when it is not in use. The easy release cradle mechanism allows for quick removal of the light and mudguard so that it can’t be stolen. Release is achieved by a resilient tab which at rest locks the housing in the cradle, such that pushing it away frees the release of the housing.

In the pictured embodiment the light has a housing for 8 LEDs, a PCB and batteries for storing charge.

A micro-USB port 18 is further included to allow the user to charge their mobile devices from additional power stored. Such port 18 may be two-way so it can also be used as a means of charging the battery during winter months when sunlight is sparse.

Reflective strips 10 along the mudguard sides are inclined to the sides of the cycle to help spread light along the embodiment and improve the visibility of the user’s cycle.

The pictured embodiment further comprises the following:

Mudguard width extension 11

Internal rubber shim 16 for the seat post attachment band, to limit damage to the seat post

3mm LEDs

Polycarbonate lens protective light cover 12

Silicone On/ Off button 8

M5 socket head screw bolts 7, 6

Inner micro USB input 15

Outer micro USB input 18

Silicone USB port cover 13

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 as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

1. A lighting device for a cycle, comprising a mudguard, a light source and one or more photovoltaic cells, wherein the one or more photovoltaic cells are arranged on the top surface of the mudguard and arranged to supply electrical current to a battery, so as to power the light source and provide an electrical charging outlet

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the light source is included in a housing which is adapted to be attached by a first attachment means to the cycle in use.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the first attachment means comprises a semi-permanent band about the cycle seat post and a cradle for the housing.

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the housing slots into the cradle, and is held in place by a resilient tab.

5. A device according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the housing is attached to the mudguard at a second attachment mechanism.

6. A device according to claim 4 wherein the second attachment mechanism comprises a pivot point extending below the light source housing.

7. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a rechargeable battery.

8. A device according to claim 7 wherein the battery comprises an input port.

9. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the mudguard comprises retroreflective parts.