GB2589579A

GB2589579A - A cycle safety integrated light and anti-theft device

Info

Publication number: GB2589579A
Application number: GB1917569.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Phillips Andrew
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-12-02
Filing date: 2019-12-02
Publication date: 2021-06-09
Also published as: GB201917569D0

Abstract

A safety light device for a bicycle comprising a light source and a power source, capable of being secured to any tube of a bicycle by means of a theft-resistant fitting. Preferably the device is capable of preventing or deterring the theft of other components of the bicycle such as the handlebars or brakes. The device may have an adjustable fitting (112, fig 1d) that allows mounting onto stems of differing widths. The device may have a charging port and a rechargeable battery, a plurality of LEDs and prevents the removal of the handlebar by means of theft-proof bolts (10).

Description

A CYCLE SAFETY LIGHT DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cycle safety integrated light and anti-theft device, in particular cycle safety in low-light conditions; more particularly but not exclusively enhancing safety of a cycle from the front and rear directions and preventing the theft of both the light and other components on the bicycle.

Background

Increasing awareness of environmental and costs concerns across many societies.

As a result of this many people are choosing to cycle.

Cycling can however prove dangerous, given how crowded many highways have become, and how exposed the cycle users are. It can be particularly dangerous in low-light conditions with limited visibility for other road users of the cyclists. Cyclists therefore need lights on their bikes, but these are normally of a type easily removed by hand.

Another increasing problem for cyclists is theft of expensive components which are only secured to the bike with bolts which can be removed using commonly available tools.

Prior Art

TW 2009 02373 (YANG CHAO-SHUN et al) discloses a body and an integrated light device. The body comprises a connection and transverse tubing. The body comprises a receiving groove. The lighting device is held and received in the receiving groove and may be an active lighting device or a positive lighting device. The active lighting device comprises one or more than one illuminating members. The positive lighting device may be a light reflector.

WO 2010 128 761 (SE0 HO SUNG et al) discloses a stem mounted light wherein the power source is located in the stem part and the light source in the faceplate. it comprises: a stem body made of aluminium; a removable plate to cover the battery compartment; and a transparent light cover for the light source. The light source is mounted in the faceplate and connected to the power source through internal cabling.

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

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a light secured in the faceplate position comprising two strips which will fit onto an existing stem. The unit will also be supplied with a so that it can be secured onto any tube part of the bicycle, for instance on the seatpost for a rear facing light.

The will comprise a power source and a light source.

In some embodiments, the light part may be replaceable with fixings for alternative accessories, or the alternative accessories themselves, such as a mounting for a bell, mobile phone, or cycle computer.

In some embodiments, anti-theft bolts are supplied so that the unit and other components cannot be removed from the bicycle without the use of a special tool.

In some embodiments the outer comprises a translucent material. In this way the outer may be arranged to diffuse the light source substantially across the outer. For example the outer may comprise a frosted material.

In some embodiments the material of the outer may be tinted or coloured so as to enhance visibility, for example so as to provide a red, orange or yellow effect.

In some embodiments the fitting will provide for an angle of adjustment that will allow the light or other attachment to be angled either up or down as necessary for the user.

In some embodiments the fitting will provide for lateral adjustment that will allow mounting on various stem types regardless of the width between the mounting bolts.

In some embodiments, the fitting may be used as a mounting point for other components or accessories such as GPS units or mobile phone mounting points.

In some embodiments the alternative mounting system comprises a worm-gear hose-clamp.

In some embodiments the alternative mounting system comprises a ring part with a hinge.

In some embodiments the power source comprises a battery or batteries. In some embodiments the battery or batteries comprises a high capacity power source such as a lithium-ion battery or batteries.

In some embodiments the power source is rechargeable using a connection means such as a lead and universal serial bus (USB) connector. In some embodiments. the power source may be rechargeable using wireless charging, dynamo, or solar technologies.

In some embodiments the power source is displaceable. In such embodiments the power source may comprise a displaceable battery or batteries such as coin cells, AA or AAA batteries, or rechargeable lithium batteries.

In some embodiments the power source is rechargeable by displacement of the battery or batteries from the device, for example for placement into a charging adaptor or similar.

In some embodiments the light source comprises one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), so as to draw minimal power from the power source, and arrangeable in some embodiments to provide light patterns or variations. For example in some embodiments the device comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) and may be arranged to display lighting sequences or colour variation, so as to better attract attention.

The device may comprise a light source activation means. Such activation means may be manual and/or automatic. For example in some embodiments the activation means may comprise an accelerometer, so as to register if the cycle and device are moving, for example after activation, so as to enhance visibility or brightness of the light source.

In some embodiments the device further comprises a push button activation. The button may be arranged to be manually pushed by the user as required.

In some embodiments the device may comprise inter-machine operability such as Bluetooth (RTM) or other remote wireless or wired connectivity and activation mechanism so as to enable signal to be sent to and received from a separate device.

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 la shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device; Figure lb shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure la with the addition of faceplate mounting system; Figure lc shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure lb; Figure ld shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure la with the addition of a worm-drive hose-clamp mounting system; Figure 2a shows a side-on view of the embodiment shown in Figure lb; Figure 2a shows a side-on view of the embodiment shown in Figure ld; Figure 3 shows a frontal view of the embodiment shown in Figure lb; Figure 4 shows a view from beneath of the embodiment shown in Figure lb; Figure 5a shows the embodiment shown in Figure lb, in use attached to a bicycle stem; and Figure 5b shows the embodiment shown in Figure lb, alongside bicycle handlebars and stem.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of the cycle safety integrated light and anti-theft device 101 comprising a housing outer 4, and a lens 2, wherein the PCB 3 is comprising the power source and light source, and wherein on account of the formation of the housing and the lens the light source is arranged to diffuse throughout the lens 2, aiding in visibility for a user on a cycle.

The housing outer 4 is roughly 45x30x2Omm allowing it to blend seamlessly in with the other components of the bicycle, until the light source is activated.

The faceplate strips 5 and 6 are designed to fit round a standard 31.8mm handlebar and secure it to the bicycle stem.

Activation comprises an on/off button 1 which fits flush with the lens 2 to provide a watertight seal. The switch is positioned in the centre of the lens 2 and may be easily turned on/off by users wearing gloves.

A micro USB charging port is protected against water ingress by a rubber flap/tab cover 9. The tab 9 peels back and down and reveals the micro USB port for charging.

The USB port cover 9 is formed from a soft rubber or TPE and has one leg that push fits into the housing 4. The cover 9 has a small finger groove to allow the user to peel the cover 9 open when the battery needs to be plugged in and charged, and is rubber to provide a splash-proof seal. The cover 9 is also flush with the housing 4.

The lens 2 comprises a diffusing formation, with multiple faces directing in multiple directions.

A PG (printed circuit board) 3 mounts into the housing 4 and is held in place by a lens 2.

The PCB 6 contains the micro USB port, a processor, x12 Everlight (RIM) 2835 LED (0.2w, 10 lumens), a front mounted tact switch and various capacitors and resistors.

The LED is bright enough to see the light during daylight.

Four large bosses hold the PCB 6 in place and mounting screws secure into these bosses. The lens 2 comprises a rectangular part with recessed sides and a hole in the front for the push button.

The housing 4 is CNC aluminium and contains all electronics.

The faceplate arms 5 and 6 are CNC machined and hold in place the locking plate 7, which allows the adjustment of the angle of the light unit 101. The faceplate arms 5 and 6 also move laterally between locking plate 7 and the housing 4, which allows the unit 101 to fit onto a wider variety of bicycle stems.

Locking plate 7 is a CNC machined aluminium part which attaches to the rear of the housing 4 using the tamper-proof bolt 8.

Faceplate arms 5 and 6 are secured to the bicycle stem using the bolts 10. These bolts are tamper-proof and can only be removed using a special tool provided with the unit 101.

As shown in Figure 5 the unit 101 is arranged to fit onto a standard bicycle stem. It is secured into position using four bolts 10 (figure 1c). The faceplate strips 5, 6, are designed to be used with a 31.8mm diameter handlebar. A shim or spacer may be inserted to allow handlebars of different diameters to be used.

Figures 1d and 2b show unit 101 with the alternative worm-drive hose-clamp mounting mechanism comprised of a flexible band 112, a worm-drive unit 114, and a tamper-proof bolt 113. This mounting system allows unit 101 to be mounted onto any tube with a theft-proof mounting system. The bolt 113 is turned with a proprietary tool to drive the worm gear 114, tightening the band 112.

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

Claims 1. A cycle safety light device comprising a light source and a power source, which secures to the stem of a bicycle in the faceplate position.
2. A cycle safety light device comprising a light source and a power source, which secures to any tube of the bicycle using a theft resistant fitting.
3. A device according to claims 1 and 2 wherein the unit is designed to be tamper resistant in order to prevent and deter theft of the device.
4. A device according to claims 1 and 2 wherein the unit is designed to be tamper resistant in order to prevent and deter theft of other components of the bicycle such as the handlebars, brakes, and shifters.
5. A device according to claim 1 wherein the fitting allows mounting onto a range of different stems by being adjustable in width.
6. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising a charging port and a rechargeable battery.
7. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising a plurality of LEDs.
8. A device according to claim 1 which prevents the removal of the handlebar unit of the bicycle by the use of theft-proof bolts.