MXPA99010053A - Motion sensitive bicycle safety light and method of using same - Google Patents

Abstract

Se proporciona una luz de seguridad con sensibilidad al movimiento adaptada para unirse a una rueda de una bicicleta o una silla de ruedas. La luz de seguridad con sensibilidad al movimiento tiene (a) un interruptor sensible al movimiento que tiene (i) un forro no magnético que tiene un espacio en el mismo para formar un forro con cavidad que tiene una pared interior y una pared exterior;(ii) un cuerpo magnético contenido dentro del estuche que tiene un tamaño tal que el cuerpo magnético es móvil sobre la longitud del estuche si es electroconductivo por lo menos sobre la superficie exterior del mismo;(iii) por lo menos un imán permanente próximo a una porción de la pared exterior del forro tal que un campo magnético sustancialmente uniforme existe próximo a la pared interior del forro en elárea del forro donde el cuerpo magnético es capaz de permanecer cuando la luz estáen reposo;y (v) un primer par de conductores, por lo menos uno de los cuales tiene una porción de extremo dentro del forro y espaciado desde el cuerpo magnético cuando la luz estáen reposo, con las estipulaciones (l) cuando una porción de extremo de unúnico conductor estádentro del forro, el otro conductor estáen contacto con la pared exterior del forro y el forro es electroconductivo, y (2) cuando la luz se somete al movimiento, el cuerpo magnético es capaz de moverse desde elárea del forro próximo al forro de imán en contacto con el conductor y la pared interior del forro o el par de conductores para completar un circuito;(b) una pila que tiene una terminal positiva y una terminal negativa, uno de los primeros conductores es conectado a la terminal positiva y el otro primer conductor es conectado a la terminal negativa;(c) una fuente de luz conectada a la pila a través de un segundo par deconductores, un conductor es unido a una terminal de la pila y el otro conductor es unido a la otra terminal de la pila y cada uno del segundo par de conductores es unido a la fuente de luz;(d) una parte superior de extremo que emite luz cubre la fuente de luz;(e) una cubierta protectora que se extiende desde la parte superior de extremo que emite luz, con la fuente de luz, la pila y el interruptor sensible al movimiento contenido dentro de la parte superior de extremo que emite luz y la cubierta protectora;y (f) medios para unir la luz de seguridad con sensibilidad al movimiento a una rueda, de una bicicleta o silla de ruedas. El método que proporciona una bicicleta o silla de ruedas también se proporciona con una luz de seguridad con sensibilidad al movimiento.

Description

BICYCLE SAFETY LIGHT WITH SENSITIVITY TO THE MOVEMENT AND METHOD OF USE OF THE SAME FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a safety light or bicycle light safety device with movement sensitivity for use on bicycles, wheelchairs, and the like using a movement-sensitive switch and adapted to be attached to the wheel of a vehicle. bicycle or a wheelchair. The invention also relates to a method of use such as a bicycle safety light.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Different types of switches sensitive to movement have been suggested over the years. In various types, a sphere or piston moves inside a cylindrical liner. In one type, a sphere of magnetic material is retained within a cylindrical passageway in a non-magnetic liner and is displaced from the contacts by a permanent magnetic bar located in the liner perpendicular to the passageway. On impact the sphere is propelled in contact to close a R? F. 31835 switch. Alternatively, a single contact and a conductive body can also be used to effect the closing of the switch. In another type, a steel sphere is retained against an inverted circuit board through which the main cables run in the presence of a large magnet on the opposite side of the circuit board. Upon impact or vibration, the steel sphere immediately moves from the circuit board through the lining, breaking the contact and activating the alarm. In a further type, a nonmagnetic electrically conductive sphere floats within a non-magnetic non-conductive sheath filled with a non-conductive magnetic fluid and contacts protruding at one end of the liner. The permanent magnets can be placed on one or both ends of the liner or a hollow cylindrical magnet can surround the liner including the areas containing the weight and the contacts. The impact of a car to which the sensor is attached causes the weight to line the contacts, closing a circuit and operating, for example, an airbag. In another type, a movable permanent magnet is retained in place by a magnetic yoke in a non-magnetic liner. The movement causes the magnet to hit the surface of the liner, disrupting the formed magnetic circuit and changing from a switch-on position of the half-round switch to the off position. Suggested uses include detection of earthquakes or high load. Still, in a further type, a permanent magnet inside an electrically conductive cover in a conductive copper alloy housing and retained in an off position by a ring-shaped magnet and a spiral, i.e., a braking force. In the impact of, for example, a car, the movement of the magnet is immediate from the braking force, from the contact conductors, and closes a circuit. Still, in another type, a magnetized seismic piston located in a central portion of the device is retained in a condition not activated by the repulsion in the mass of a magnetic groove. Upon inertial force, or impact, the piston moves and is held against a pin to effect a closed circuit through contact and act, for example, as an ignition switch in an automobile collision. Also disclosed is a spherical piston predisposed against a piston seat by a magnet located on the opposite side of the seat. On impact, the piston moves, preferably through a damping fluid to close a circuit by means of impact contacts. In another type of device, a mobile load member carrying a contact held in the off position by a spring. The movement of the weight due to acceleration or deceleration causes the weight to move, bringing the weight to a stop with a stationary contact. In a different type of device, a balanced mass is substantially mounted to rotatably move about an axis and a pair of electrical contacts are provided to rotatably move about an axis. A pair of electrical contacts is provided with at least one direction in the path of the rotating movement of the mass. A source of electromotive force and a lighting means are connected to the contact means, the closure of the contact means, and the ignition of the illumination means only on the event of the angular acceleration of the balanced mass. In another type of device, a housing supports a power source and an electrically connectable light source. A movement switch connected between the on and off positions responsive to movement of the accommodation member. The switch may be a rotatably supported member, an elastic member, or a movement member (spherical bearing). A sliding magnetic member placed inside a spiral or piezoelectric that generates a source of power that can act as a power source and switch. In another device, a half-round switch for use with footwear or clothing is activated by a magnet movable under inertial forces between an ignition position where the magnet causes "the half-round switch to turn off and an off position where the The magnet allows the half-round switch to light up.The magnet is predisposed to the off position by means of compression springs, a magnet or can be by air drive.Several devices have been suggested for the use of bicycle safety light. type of device is an electric torch which is secured to the spokes of the bicycle wheel.The electric torch can be secured to a bracket mounted on the beam such that the light is directed radially outwardly.The use of a string of lights interwoven in the spoke of a bicycle wheel where the lights are connected to a battery and are switched on and off selectively by means of a toggle switch. The type provides a string of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in a clear liner mounted on the spokes of a bicycle wheel and a battery pack mounted on a wheel axle and electrically connected to the LED's. In another device, the light signals are provided on the wheels of a bicycle and a stack is secured to the frame of the bicycle. A conductive plate is mounted on a non-conductive disc on a wheel axle. A brush makes electrical contact with the conductive plate when the wheel rotates by pushing a spring against the brush to maintain an electrical circuit. Another bicycle light has a refractive housing that contains a light and a battery mounted on a bicycle wheel, the circuit which includes intermittent means for causing the light source to flash intermittently, and a motion sensor, such as a power switch. mercury, to activate the intermittent media. In a portable light and reflector to be used on the spokes of a bicycle wheel, a centrifugal switch is used to complete an electrical circuit between a light source and a power source. The centrifugal switch is essentially mechanical, which has a weight which makes contact with a support to complete a circuit and causes the lights to light when subjected to a centrifugal force. In a light adapted to be connected to the spokes of a wheel of a bicycle, the light stack is oriented radially to the interior of the light bulb in relation to the axis of the wheel. A spring switch normally predisposes the battery out of contact with the bulb when the wheel does not rotate, but allows the battery to be predisposed in electrical contact with the bulb with respect to the centrifugal force. In a bicycle safety light, an adjustment body is designed to be screwed into the male threads of an air valve of the bicycle wheel. A lamp body of the security device has a light bulb, a battery and a switch that fits in the adjustment body. The adjustment body is screwed into the air valve that activates the switch and turns on the bulb.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention, in one aspect, provides a motion sensitive safety light adapted to be attached to the wheel of a bicycle or a wheelchair comprising: (a) a switch responsive to movement comprising: (i) a non-magnetic liner having a space therein to form a cavity liner having an inner wall and an outer wall; (ii) a magnetic body contained within the liner having a size such that the magnetic body moves over the length of the liner and is electrically conductive at least on the surface thereof; (iii) at least one permanent magnet proximate a portion of the outer wall of the liner such that a substantially uniform magnetic field exists close to the inner wall of the liner in the area of the liner where the magnetic body is able to remain when the light is at rest, and (v) a pair of conductors, at least one of which has an end portion within the liner and spaced from the magnetic body when the light is at rest; with the stipulations (1) when an end portion of a single conductor is inside the liner, the other conductor is in contact with the outer wall of the liner and the liner is electrically conductive and (2) when the switch is subjected to movement, the The magnetic body is capable of moving from the areas of the lining close to the magnet in contact with the conductor and the inner wall of the liner or the pair of conductors to complete a circuit; (b) a stack having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, one of the conductors is connected to the positive terminal and the other conductor is connected to the negative terminal; (c) a light source connected to the battery through a second pair of conductors, one conductor is connected to the positive terminal of the battery and the other conductor is connected to the negative terminal of the battery and each of the second pair of conductors are attached to the light source; (d) an upper end portion that emits the protective light that covers the light source; (e) a protective cover extending from the upper end part emitting light, with the light source, the battery and the movement sensitive switch contained within the upper end part emitting light and the protective cover; and (f) means for attaching the safety light with sensitivity to movement to a wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair. Preferably, the protective cover and the open end of the. The upper end portion is cylindrical and the end portion of the inner portion of the protective cover and the outer portion of the light emitting upper end are threaded to allow for easy assembly and provide means to secure the protective cover to the upper part. upper end that emits light. Such a safety light with movement sensitivity is easily manufactured and the sensitivity can be easily determined by the relative size of the spherical magnetic body and the size of the magnet or magnets on the outer wall of the cylindrical liner as is well known to one skilled in the art. technique.

The substantially uniform magnetic field can be achieved, for example, by providing a ring-shaped magnet around the liner, when it is cylindrical, or by providing magnetic segments on the outer surface of the liner where the magnetic field is created within the liner. Such a substantially uniform magnetic field retains the magnetic body apart from the conductors and generally retains the suspended magnetic body, i.e., suspended within the liner. The magnetic attraction of the magnetic body by the magnet or the magnets is preferably such that moderate centrifugal force, such as turning, or moderate pushing, such as is found when the light is attached to a bicycle wheel or the wheel of a bicycle chair. wheels, it is enough to complete the circuit and cause the light to turn on. Upon the return of the light sensitive to the motion at rest, the magnetic body returns to the area of the magnetic field out of contact with the conductors and the circuit is interrupted. Preferably the safety light with movement sensitivity is attached to a rod of the air valve on the wheel of the bicycle or in a spoke or spokes of the wheelchair or bicycle wheel.

The present invention, in a further aspect, provides a safety light with ovi-responsive sensitivity adapted to be attached to a wheel of a bicycle or a wheelchair comprising: (a) a light source having a first conductor and a second driver who spread on it; (b) a stack having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, (c) a switch responsive to the movement comprising; (i) a non-magnetic conductive elongated sheath containing a hole therethrough to form a cavity in the liner containing an inner wall and an outer wall, a non-magnetic conductive flange at one end thereof and a window through the lining near the far end of the flange; (ii) a magnetic body contained within the liner that is of a size such that the body moves over the length of the liner while substantially filling the cross-sectional area of the liner; n (iii) at least one permanent magnet 'containing a positive pole and a negative pole butted to a portion of the outer wall of the shell and adjacent the flange such that a substantially uniform magnetic field exists close to the inner wall of the shell. lining in the area of the lining where the magnetic body is able to remain when the light is at rest; 10 (d) a non-magnetic non-conductive elongate inner body having a hole therethrough, an outer portion, a pair of angled planar surfaces formed on an outer end portion thereof to form indentations, and a port through each of the next indentations, the stack resides within the elongated inner body; the movement-sensitive switch resides inside the elongated inner body, the The flange of the liner is butted to a terminal of the stack; the first conductor of the light source that passes through the ports of the inner body and the window of the lining being of a size and shape and located such that the first conductor is not in contact with the liner, and a port on "the inner body through which the second conductor contacts the other terminal of the battery; (e) an upper end portion that transmits light close to the light source (d) an outer protective body attached to the upper end part that transmits light and that extends substantially to the length of the inner body, and (f) means to attach the safety light with movement sensitivity to a wheel of A bicycle or a wheelchair The present invention, in another aspect, provides a method that provides a wheel of a bicycle or a wheelchair with a safety light with movement sensitivity comprising: (1) joining at least a safety light with movement sensitivity to at least one wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair, the safety light with movement sensitivity comprises: (a) a movement sensitive switch comprising: (i) a non-magnetic liner containing a space therein to form a perforated liner having an inner wall and an outer wall; (ii) a magnetic body that contains within the liner that has a size such that the magnetic body moves over the length of the liner and is electrically conductive at least on the surface thereof; (iii) at least one permanent magnet close to the outer wall of the lining such that a substantially uniform magnetic field exists close to the inner wall of the liner in the area of the lining where the magnetic body is able to remain when the light is at rest, and 15 (iv) a first pair of conductors, at least one of which has an end portion within the liner and spaced from the magnetic body when the switch is at rest; 20 with stipulations (1) when an end portion of a single conductor is inside the liner, the other conductor is in contact with the outer wall of the liner and the liner is electrically conductive and (2) when the The switch is subjected to movement, the magnetic body is able to move from the area of the lining close to the magnet in contact with the conductor and the inner wall of the liner or the pair of conductors to complete a circuit; (b) a battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, one of the conductors is connected to the positive terminal and the other conductor is connected to the negative terminal; (c) a light source connected to the battery through a second pair of conductors, a conductor is connected to the positive terminal of the battery and the other conductor is connected to the negative terminal of the battery and each of the second pair of conductors is attached to the light source; (d) an upper end portion that emits the protective light which covers the light source; (e) a protective cover extending from the upper end part emitting light, with the light source, the battery and the movement sensitive switch contained within the upper end part emitting light and the protective cover; and (2) causing the bicycle or wheelchair to move such that the wheels re-activate the safety light with movement sensitivity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures la, lb and l are cross-sectional views of the modes of the movement-sensitive switch useful in the present invention. Figure Id is an end view of a mode of the movement sensitive switch useful in the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a light responsive to movement useful in the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of the safety light with movement sensitivity of the invention. Figure 4 is a top view of a portion of a preferred embodiment of a safety light with movement sensitivity of the present invention. Figure 5 is a cross sectional view with a partial cut-away of a portion of a preferred embodiment of a safety light with movement sensitivity of the present invention. Figure 6a is a top view showing a cylindrical liner with an alternative permanent magnet configuration.

Figure 6b is a top view showing a liner having a triangular cross section with multiple permanent magnets. Figure 6c is a top view showing a liner having a square cross section with multiple permanent magnets. Figure 7 is a side view of a mode of a safety light with movement sensitivity of the invention. Figure 8 is a side view of a bicycle having the movement-sensitive light of the present invention attached thereto. Figure 9 is a side view of another embodiment of a safety light with movement sensitivity of the invention. Figure 9a is a top view of the movement-responsive light of Figure 9. Figure 10 is a side view showing the safety light with sensitivity to movement of Figures 9 and 9a attached to a spoke of a bicycle. Figure 11 is a top view of a safety light with movement sensitivity of the present invention which utilizes the movement responsive switch of Figure le.

Figure 12 is a side view of the safety light with sensitivity to the movement of Figure 11 attached to the spoke of a wheel of a bicycle. Figure 13 is a perspective view of a mode of the safety light with movement sensitivity of the invention. Figure 14 is a top view of an embodiment of the safety light with movement sensitivity of the invention. Figure 15 is a perspective view of a wheelchair using the safety light with sensitivity to the movement of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE TNVKNUTON Figures la, lb and l are transverse sectional views of the movement sensitive switch useful in the present invention. In these Figures, similar elements are identified by similar numbers. In Figure la, the movement sensitive switch 10a comprises an elongated liner 12 which terminates at an end portion with a flange 13, the magnetic body 14, such as a steel or soft iron sphere, and a permanent magnet 15. The conductors 16a and 16b, sometimes referred to as lead wires, extend through the end of the liner 12 remote from the flange 13. When the switch is in the off position, the magnetic body 14 is immediately retained from the conductors 16a and 16b by the magnetic field created by the permanent magnet 15. When the switch 10a is subjected to movement, such as the centrifugal action or a pushing movement, the magnetic body 14 moves in position against the conductors 16a and 16b, forcing the conductors 16a and 16b come into contact with the inner wall of the liner 12, as shown in the imaginary lines. Or at least the outer surface of the magnetic body 14 or at least the inner surface of the liner 12 is electrically conductive to complete a circuit with the conductors 16a and 16b. The electroconductivity of the magnetic body 14 can be improved by known methods such as, for example, by coating it with copper or aluminum. Similarly, the inner wall of the liner 12 can be coated with copper or aluminum or the liner 12 itself can be formed of a conductive material such as copper, aluminum, or brass. In Figure Ib, the movement sensitive switch 10b is constructed similarly to the movement sensitive switch 10a except the conductor 16b is replaced by the conductor 16c which abuts the outer wall of the elongated liner 12. As shown in FIG. Figure 1, the permanent magnet 15 preferably abuts the flange 13. In this embodiment, the liner 12 is required to be electrically conductive while the magnetic body 14 does not need to be electroconductive. The electroconductivity of the liner 12 can be achieved as described with respect to Figure la. When the switch 10b is subjected to movement, the magnetic body 14 moves in position against the conductor 16a, forcing the conductor 16a to come into contact with the inner wall of the cylindrical liner 12, as shown in the imaginary lines, to complete a circuit with conductors 16a and 16c. In Figure 1, the motion-sensitive switch 10c is constructed with two pairs of conductors, the conductors 16a and 16b and the conductors 16d-and 16e. The permanent magnet 15 is located approximately at the midpoint of the longitudinal axis of the elongated liner 12. Thus, when the movement-sensitive switch is at rest, the magnetic body 14 remains at approximately the longitudinal midpoint of the liner 12 within the magnetic field created by the permanent magnet 15. When the switch is subjected to movement, the magnetic body 14 moves in contact f with either the conductors 16a and 16b or the conductors 16d and 16e as described with respect to the conductors 16a and 16b in Figure la. Depending on the movement to which the movement-sensitive switch is subjected, the magnetic body 14 can alternatively contact the conductors 16a and 16b and the conductors I 16d and 16e, thus, causing a flashing effect. In Figure Id, the move-sensitive switch 10D is shown in the end view with the conductors 16f and 16g placed transverse at one end of the liner 12a. The ring magnet 15 surrounds the lining 12a distant from the conductors. When the switch is at rest, the magnetic body 14 remains in the area of the lining 12a surrounded by the magnet 15. When the switch lOd is subjected to movement, the magnetic body 14 moves away from the area surrounded by the magnet 15 and in contact with 16f drivers and 16g, allowing the completion of a circuit. In each embodiment shown in Figures la, Ib, le, and Id, the conductors can be connected, for example, to a battery and a light source such as, for example, a light bulb or an LED.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the movement-sensitive switch 10a as shown in Figure 1 was connected to the positive terminal of the stack 17 through the conductor 16a and connected to the negative terminal of the stack 17 through of the driver 16b. The light 18 is connected to the positive terminal of the battery 17 through the lead 19a and connected to the negative terminal of the stack 17 through the driver 19b. In Figures 3, 4, and 5, a preferred embodiment of the light sensitive to the movement of the invention is shown. The schematic view of Figure '3 shows the components of motion-sensitive light . Figure 4 is a top view showing an LED installed in a non-conductive inner body and a non-magnetic conductive cylindrical liner. Figure 5 is a cross sectional view with a partial cut showing the movement sensitive switch, the inner body and the stack. The light sensitive to movement 30 includes a light source, for example, a diode that emits light (LED) 31, having a first conductor 32a and a second conductor 32b. The light source can be selected to provide the desired color of light to be transmitted when the circuit is turned off and the light is turned on. The elongated non-magnetic non-conductive inner body 33 has a hole 34 therethrough, the substantially cylindrical outer portion 35 having a longitudinal groove 36 parallel along the axis of the outer portion 35, a pair of angled flat surfaces 37a and 37b through which ports 38a and 38b cross. The non-magnetic non-conductive inner body 33 may be formed of materials known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, plastic, rubber, and the like. The conductor 32a is inserted through the port 38a through the hole 34 and through the port 38b as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The port 39 extends through the cylindrical outer portion 35 of the inner body 33 in the hole 34 and the conductor 32a extending from the light source 31 through the groove 36 and the port 39 in the hole 34. In the elongated non-magnetic non-conductive liner 41 there is a hole 42, a flange 43 and a window 44 which remain in the magnetic body 45, as shown in Figure 5. The pin 40 is provided in the flange 43 of the liner 41 and the notch 40a is provided in the end portion of the inner body 33 remote from the flat surfaces to provide a correct alignment of the conductor 32b and the window 44. Of course, the spigot may be on the inner body and the groove on the flange. The non-magnetic conductive elongated sheath 41 can be formed of materials known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, copper, aluminum, brass and the like Magnetic body 45 is commonly formed of steel, such as a steel bracket. To improve the conductivity of the magnetic body 45 a coating of a metal such as copper, aluminum or the like can be used. The permanent magnet 46 surrounds the liner 41 under the window 44 and preferably abuts the flange 43. The permanent magnet 46 also preferably attaches to the top "the narrowest portion 47 of the hole 34 of the inner body 33. The stack 48 remains within. of the hole 34 as shown in Figure 5 with the negative terminal 49 abutting the flange 43 of the liner 41 and the positive terminal 51, that is, the cylindrical surface of the stack 48, connecting to the terminal portion of the conductor 32a where the conductor 32a extends in the liner 34. Preferably, the non-magnetic protective outer body 52 extends over the elongated inner body 33. The protective outer body 52 can be formed of any material durable enough to protect the conductors and other portions of the switch responsive to movement contained within the inner body 33, such as, for example, non-magnetic metals, plastic and the like. The beam transmitting light 53 is preferably threaded at one end of the protective outer body 52. The ring O 54 is preferably provided at the junction of the outer body 52 and the upper end portion 53 provides the sealing means and is preferably provided with the portion threaded 59 which provides the joining means for attaching the safety light with sensitivity to movement to a rod of the air valve of a bicycle wheel. The end portion that transmits light 53 can be formed of materials known to those skilled in the art, such as plastic, and can be colored. The upper end 55 is preferably threaded into the other end of the protective outer body 52 with an O-ring 56 preferably providing the sealing means and the spring 57 which is inserted into a hole 58 in the upper end portion 55 ensuring contact between the negative electrode 49 of the stack 48 and the flange 43 of the liner 41. The upper end portion 55 may be formed of suitable materials known to one skilled in the art, such as, for example, non-magnetic metals, plastic and the like. * A substantially uniform magnetic field within the liner 41 is achieved by providing the ring-shaped magnet 46 around the cylindrical liner where the magnetic field can be created within the liner 41. Such a substantially uniform magnetic field retains the magnetic body 45 i apart from the conductor 32a and generally retains the magnetic body suspended, that is, suspended inside the cylindrical liner. The magnetic attraction of the magnetic body by means of the magnet (s) is preferably such that the centrifugal force is moderate, or rotated or moderately pushed, as it is found by raising the light of The safety with movement sensitivity is linked to the movement of the wheel of the bicycle or the wheelchair, it is sufficient to cause the magnetic body 45 to contact the conductor 32b and the inner wall of the lining 41 and complete the circuit that causes the light source to turn on. When the safety light with movement sensitivity is attached to the air valve stem of a bicycle wheel, the safety light is sufficient, when the bicycle travels at a sufficient speed, it seems provide a ring of light inside the edge of the wheel. On the return of the safety light with sensitivity to the movement at rest, the magnetic body returns to the area of the magnetic field, the circuit is interrupted and the light source is turned off.

EXAMPLE The objects and advantages of this invention are further illustrated by the following example, but the particular dimensions and materials thereof cited in these examples, as well as other details, should not be construed to excessively limit this invention. In this example, a light sensitive to movement was formed as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5. A copper cylindrical liner has an inner diameter of approximately 8.00 mm (0.315 inch), an outer diameter of approximately 8.71 mm (0.343). inch), and a length of approximately 13.46 mm (0.53 inch) with a flange having an outer diameter of approximately 10.80 mm (0.425 inch) and a thickness of approximately 1.27 mm (0.050 inch) was used. The window in the liner was oval in shape having a height parallel to the long axis of the liner of approximately 3.05 mm (0.120 inches) and a width of approximately 7.62 mm (0.300 inches). The spherical magnetic body was a soft iron sphere that has a diameter of approximately 7.92 mm (0.312 inch). The permanent magnet was formed from Plastalloy ™, available from Electrodyne Company, Batavia, Ohio, and had an inner diameter of approximately 8.71 mm (0.343 inch), an outer diameter of approximately 11.94 mm (0.470 inch), and a height of approximately 2.54 mm (0.100 inch). The permanent magnet that surrounds the lining and butt to the flange. The permanent magnet had a positive pole and a negative pole aligned in the direction of the height of the magnet, the magnetic direction is not critical with either the positive pole or the negative pole contacting the flange. A non-magnetic non-conductive inner body was formed from Delrin ™, a plastic mechanical grade available from DuPont Company, and having an outer diameter of approximately 11.73 mm (0.462 inch); the flat angular surfaces were approximately 4.19 mm (0.165 inches) in height along the long axis of the inner body and approximately 10.16 mm (0.400 inches) in amplitude. The smaller circumference between the flat surfaces was approximately 6.35 mm (0.250 inch). A lithium battery, Model No. K58L, available from Kodak, was used. The inner circumference of the inner body which was contiguous with the stack and the permanent magnet was approximately 11.94 mm (0.470 inch) in diameter, while the portion of the inner body contiguous with the cylindrical liner was approximately 11.73 mm (0.462 inch) in diameter. diameter. The LED used was a Super Bright 2000 MCD, of 1.85 volts and 20 milliamps of LED which had iron wires attached to it as conductors. The soft iron sphere was spaced approximately 0.635 mm (0.025 inch) from the conductor which passed through the ports in the inner body and over a portion of the window in the cylindrical liner. The outer body of the magnetic shield was formed of brass and had a length of approximately 36.07 mm (1420 inches), an inner diameter of approximately 14.43 mm (0.568 inch), and an outer diameter of approximately 16.00 mm (0.630 inch). Each end was provided with female threads that extend approximately to 5.08 mm (0.200 inches) in the outer body. The light emitting end top was formed of translucent plastic and had a length of approximately 18.03 mm (0.710 inch), an inner diameter of approximately 10.92 mm (0.430 inch) an outer diameter of approximately 16.26 mm (0.640 inch), and was provided with male threads extending approximately 5.08 mm (0.200 inch) along an open end of the upper end to join the nonmagnetic outer protective body and the female threads extending approximately 6.35 mm (0.250 inch) ) along the other open end to join a rod of the bicycle air valve. The upper end portion provided on the outer protective body remote from the upper end part emitting light was formed of aluminum, having an inner diameter of approximately 14.35 mm (0.565 inch), an outer diameter of approximately 16.26 mm (0.640 inch) ), and approximately 11.94 mm (0.565 inches) in length, with male threads extending approximately 5.08 mm (0.200 inch) along the open end of the upper end portion. A hole approximately 4.70 mm (0.185 inch) in diameter that extends approximately 5.08 mm (0.200 inch) in the center of the surface from the top end to the threaded portion. The spring fitted in the hole was formed of steel and was approximately 4.70 mm (0.185 inch) in diameter and approximately 10.16 mm (0.400 inch) in length. The O-rings provided for sealing purposes were approximately 1.65 mm (0.065 inch) thick and approximately 13.97 mm (0.550 inch) in internal diameter. When the motion-sensitive light as described above was subjected to centrifugal force, such as when it joins a rod of the bicycle air valve and the bicycle wheel is turned, the light remains on, until the movement is stop where in turn the light is interrupted. An alternative configuration of permanent magnet is shown in Figure 6, a top view of the cylindrical liner has a hole 42, a flange 43, and three equally spaced, equi-spaced permanent magnets 46a on the outer surface of the cylindrical liner to provide the substantially uniform magnetic field next to the inner wall of the cylindrical liner 41. As shown in Figures 6a, 6b and 6c, the elongated liner may be, for example, circular, triangular or square in cross section. Other cross sectional shapes may be used such as, for example, polygonal, elliptical and the like. The magnetic body may have a cross section similar to or different from the elongated liner. A cylindrical liner 41 shown in Figure 6a may have a spherical or ovoid magnetic body, the longer axis of the ovoid body being substantially aligned with the long axis of the liner. Figures 6b and 6c are shown with magnetic bodies similar to the liner in the cross section. However, the magnetic body can be spherical or ovoid or in other ways. Only the requirement is that the magnetic body is movable over the length of the liner, substantially filling the lining, and being able to contact the contact or contacts as necessary for the various modalities. The size of the magnet or the magnets can be adjusted such that the magnetic body is in the area of the magnetic field when the switch is at rest and can move out of the magnetic field when the switch is subjected to movement. Other elements of the invention are shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5 being cylindrical in cross section, such as, for example, the inner body, the outer protective body, and the upper end portions may also have transverse variant sections such as, for example, polygonal, ellipsoid, or irregular and other means of threads that can be used for the union of the element. A side view of the fully mounted movement-sensitive safety light 70 of Figure 3 is shown in Figure 7. Figure 8 shows the attachment of the safety light with movement sensitivity 70 to the air valve stem 71 on the bicycle wheel 72. As shown in Figures 9, 9a and 10, the safety light with movement sensitivity 90 of the present invention can be attached to a spoke of a bicycle wheel. The safety light with movement sensitivity, as shown in Figure 2, can be inserted into the outer protective body 91 which is in sealing contact with the upper end portion that transmits light 92 and the upper end portion 93. The securing latch 94 is provided on the outer protective body side 91 which provides the joining means for attaching the safety light with movement sensitivity 90 on the spoke 95 of the bicycle wheel 96. Of course, the Multiple light sensitive to movement can join multiple rays to add visibility or for aesthetic effects.

The motion-sensitive security light of the present invention can also be provided with motion-sensitive lights at each end as shown in Figure 11 using the movement-sensitive switch shown in Figure 1 with batteries and appropriate lights as described above. . Such motion sensitive light 100 attaches the movement sensitive switch and batteries to the outer protective body 101 which has the upper end portions that transmit light 102a and 102b to the end portions thereof in sealing contact with the outer protective body . The clamping means 103 is provided for the bridged connection of the safety light 100 between the spokes 104a and 104b of the bicycle wheel 105 as shown in Figure 12. With the motion-sensitive light 100 attached to the rays 104a and 104b as shown in Figure 12, the magnetic body 14 remains in the portion of the non-magnetic liner 12 when the bicycle wheel is at rest. When the bicycle wheel rotates, the magnetic body 14 alternately moves in contact with the conductors 16a, and 16b and the conductors 16d, and 16e, causing light with movement sensitivity to exhibit a flashing effect.

The safety lights with movement sensitivity of the present invention are particularly? useful when you want to drive the bicycle during the course of the afternoon or evening, such as purposes of transportation, exercise, newspaper delivery, and the like. The security lights with movement sensitivity of the invention are especially suitable for use on children's I-bikes. Children are often not responsible for carrying a flashlight or other types of security devices or using reflective protection when they are outside during periods of darkness or dusk. Reflective devices on bicycles are frequently inadequate to give notice to motorists and the front and rear lamps provide a substantially unidirectional warning to motorists. The security lights with movement sensitivity of the present invention turn on when the bicycle is in motion, ie, walking, and turns off when the bicycle is at rest, that is, not walking, so the power of the battery is conserved without the user having to turn off a switch manually as in some dispositives previous of the technique.

The safety lights with movement sensitivity of the present invention are also useful for those persons who require the use of a wheelchair. Especially in the winter months, it is sometimes necessary for wheelchair users to travel in their wheelchairs during nightfall and darkness, even just to cross a parking lot. Wheelchairs are not generally maneuverable and the user's safety can be affected if it is not visible to motorists. Some wheelchair users are also forced to travel along the edges of streets in climates where snowfall occurs and sidewalks are not cleared in a timely manner. It is difficult to be easily seen such wheelchair users by motorists. Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the safety light with movement sensitivity 110 having an end upper part transmitting a light 111 similar to the safety light with movement sensitivity 90 and clamping means 112. The light safety with movement sensibility 110 is attached to the spoke of the wheelchair 113 by the fastening means 112 as shown in Figure 13 with the upper end portion transmitting light directed towards the rim portion of the wheel. When the wheelchair is in motion, the centrifugal force is applied to the safety light with sensitivity to the movement of the magnetic body in contact with the drivers and turns on the light. When the wheelchair is at rest, the magnetic body returns to the area where the magnetic field is present, the circuit is interrupted and the light goes out. Figure 14 shows a top view of the safety light with movement sensitivity 115 having the upper end parts transmitting light Illa, and 111b at each end of the safety light similar to that shown in Figure 11 and the fastening means 116. the security light with motion sensitivity 115 is attached to the shaft of the wheelchair 117 by the fastener 116. with the safety light motion sensitivity 115 attached to beam 117 as shown in Figure 15, the spherical magnetic body 14 remains in the central portion of the non-magnetic conductive sheath 12 when the wheelchair is at rest. When the wheel of the wheelchair rotates, the body magnetic ball 14 alternately moves in contact with the conductors 16a and 16b and the leads 16d and 16e, causing the safety light motion sensitivity expose a sparkling effect. Various modifications and alterations of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention, and it shall not be restricted as indicated herein for illustrative purposes is noted that with respect to this date, The best method known by the applicant for carrying out said invention is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects or products to which it refers. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims (34)

1. V 1. A safety light with movement sensitivity adapted to join a wheel of a 5 bicycle or wheelchair characterized because it comprises: (a) a movement sensitive switch comprising:) (i) a non-magnetic skin that has a space 10 in the same to form a cavity liner having an inner wall and an outer wall; (ii) a magnetic body contained in the liner having a diameter such that the magnetic body is movable over the length of the liner and being 15 electroconductive at least on the surface thereof; (iii) at least one permanent magnet proximate a portion of the outer wall of the liner such that a substantially uniform magnetic field exists near the inner wall of the liner in the area of the liner where the magnetic body is capable of residing when the light is at rest; and (iv) a first pair of conductors, at least one of which has an end portion within the liner and spacing of the magnetic body when the light is at rest; with the stipulations that M) when one end portion of a single conductor is inside the liner, the other conductor is in contact with the outer wall of the liner and the liner is electrically conductive, and (2) when the light is subjected to movement, the magnetic body is able to move from the area of the lining close to the magnet in contact with the conductor and the inner wall of the liner or the pair of conductors to complete a circuit; (b) a battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, one of the first conductors is connected to the positive terminal of the battery and the other first conductor is connected to the negative terminal of the battery and each second pair of conductors is connect to the light source; (c) a light source connected to the battery through a second pair of conductors, one conductor is joined to the positive terminal and the other conductor is attached to the negative terminal; (d) an upper end part that emits light, covers the light source; (e) a protective cover extending from the upper end part that emits light, with the light source, the battery and the movement sensitive switch contained within the upper end part emitting light and the protective cover; and (f) the means for attaching the safety light with sensitivity to movement to a wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair.
2. 2. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 1, characterized in that the lining is circular, polygonal or elliptical in cross section.
3. 3. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 1, characterized in that the lining is cylindrical.
4. 4. The security light with movement sensitivity according to claim 1, characterized in that - the magnetic body is spherical, ovoid, or is polygonal in cross section.
5. 5. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic body is spherical.
6. 6. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 1, * characterized in that the outer protective body and the upper end part can independently be circular, ellipsoidal, polygonal or irregular in cross section.
7. 7. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 1, characterized in that the switch has at least one permanent magnet coextensive with the end of the liner distant therefrom, inside which a first pair of conductors extend.
8. 8. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 1, characterized in that the liner portion of the switch coextensive with the permanent magnet ends with a flange which is butted against the permanent magnet and 20 extends at least partially through the hole.
9. 9. The security light with sensitivity to movement according to claim 1, characterized in that the liner of the switch comprises copper or brass.
10. 10. The security light with movement sensitivity according to claim 1, characterized in that the light is a diode that emits light.
11. 11. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic body is a steel or a soft iron sphere.
12. 12. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 1, characterized in that the battery is a lithium battery.
13. 13. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 1, characterized in that the switch further comprises a third pair of conductors in the end portion of the liner distant from the first pair of conductors and at least one permanent magnet is located substantially centrally. along the long axis of the liner, a second stack, the positive pole which is connected to one of the third pair of conductors and the negative pole which is connected to the other third pair of conductors; a fourth pair of conductors, one end of one of the fourth pair of conductors connected to the positive pole of the second battery and the other end connected to a second source of light and one end of another of the fourth pair of conductors connected to the negative pole of the second battery and the other end connected to the second light source; and a second upper end part that transmits light on the second light source and attached to the outer protection body.
14. 14. A safety light with movement sensibility adapted to join a wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair characterized in that it comprises: (a) a light source having a first conductor and a second conductor extending therein; (b) a stack having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, (c) a switch responsive to the movement comprising; (i) a non-magnetic conductive elongated sheath containing a hole therethrough to form a cavity in the liner containing an inner wall and an outer wall, a non-magnetic conductive flange at one end thereof and a window through the lining near the far end of the flange; (ii) a magnetic body contained within the liner having a diameter such that the magnetic body moves over the length of the liner and is electro-ductive in at least 10 the surface thereof; (iii) at least one permanent magnet proximate a portion of the outer wall of the liner such that a substantially uniform magnetic field exists close to the 15 inner wall of the lining in the area of the lining where the magnetic body is able to remain when the light is at rest; (d) an elongated non-conductive, non-magnetic inner body having an orifice a 20 through it, an outer portion, a pair of angled flat surfaces formed on an outer end portion thereof to form indentations, and a port through each of the adjacent indentations, the The battery resides inside the elongated inner body; the movement-sensitive switch resides within the elongated inner body, the flange of the liner is butted to a terminal of the stack; the first conductor of the light source passing through the ports of the inner body and the window of the lining being of a size and shape and located such that the first conductor is not in contact with the liner, and a port in the body interior through which the second conductor contacts the other terminal of the stack; (e) an upper end portion that transmits light close to the light source; (f) an outer protective body attached to the upper end portion that transmits light and extends substantially to the length of the inner body; and (q) means for attaching the safety light with movement sensitivity to a wheel of a bicycle or a wheelchair.
15. 15. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 14, characterized in that the lining is circular, polygonal or elliptical in cross section.
16. 16. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 14, characterized in that the lining is cylindrical.
17. 17. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 14, characterized in that the magnetic body is spherical, ovoid, or is polygonal in cross section.
18. 18. The security light with movement sensitivity according to claim 14, characterized in that the magnetic body is spherical.
19. 19. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 14, characterized in that the inner body, the outer protective body and the upper end portions can be independently circular, ellipsoidal, polygonal or irregular in cross section.
20. 20. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 14, characterized in that the flange extends at least partially through the hole in the liner.
21. 21. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 14, characterized in that the liner and the flange of the switch comprise copper or brass.
22. 22. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 14, characterized in that the magnetic body of the switch is a steel or a soft iron sphere.
23. 23. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 14, characterized in that the light source is an LED.
24. 24. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 14, characterized in that the battery is lithium.
25. 25. The security light with movement sensitivity according to claim 14, characterized in that the inner elongated body has a longitudinal groove parallel to the long axis of the inner body and extends over the outer potion thereof and ending in the port through which the second driver contacts a terminal of the battery.
26. 26. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 14, characterized in that the permanent magnet is butted with the flange.
27. 27. The security light with movement sensitivity according to claim 14, characterized in that the outer portion of the flange and the inner wall of the inner body are provided with the coupling means for alignment of the window with the ports through the slits in the inner body.
28. 28. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 22, characterized in that the steel or the soft iron sphere is coated with a copper or aluminum.
29. 29. The security light with movement sensitivity according to claim 14, characterized in that more than one magnet provides the substantially uniform magnetic field proximate the inner wall of the liner.
30. 30. The security light with movement sensitivity according to claim 14, characterized in that an O-ring is provided at the junction of the outer protective body and the upper end part that transmits light.
31. 31. The security light with movement sensitivity according to claim 14, characterized in that the terminal portion of the upper end part transmitting light distant to the outer protection body is provided with female threads adapted to adjust the threads of an air valve of the bicycle wheel.
32. 32. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 14, characterized in that it additionally comprises an upper end part at the terminal portion of the outer protective body remote from the upper end part transmitting light. "~
33. 33. The safety light with movement sensitivity according to claim 14, characterized in that an O-ring is provided at the junction of the outer protective body and the upper end portion at the terminal portion of the outer protective body remote from the upper part of end that transmits light.
34. 34. A method that provides a wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair with a safety light with movement sensitivity characterized in that it comprises: (1) attaching a safety light with movement sensitivity to a wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair, the security light with sensitivity to movement that comprises; (a) a movement sensitive switch comprising: (i) a non-magnetic liner having a space therein to form a cavity liner having an inner wall and an outer wall; (ii) a magnetic body contained in the liner having a diameter such that the magnetic body is movable over the length of the liner and being electrically conductive at least on the surface thereof; (iii) at least one permanent magnet proximate a portion of the outer wall of the liner such that a substantially uniform magnetic field exists close to the inner wall of the liner in the area of the liner where the magnetic body is able to reside when the light it is at rest; and (iv) a first pair of conductors, at least one of which has an end portion within the liner and spacing of the magnetic body when the light is at rest; and (v) a pair of conductors, at least one of which has an end portion within the shell and is spaced from the magnetic body when the safety light is at rest; with the stipulations that (1) when an end portion of a single conductor is inside the shell, the other conductor is in contact with the outer wall of the shell and the shell is electrically conductive, and (2) when the light is subjected to movement , the magnetic body is able to move from the area of the lining close to the magnet in contact with the conductor and the inner wall of the liner or pair of conductors to complete a circuit; (b) a stack having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, one of the conductors is connected to a positive terminal and the other conductor is connected to the negative terminal; (c) a light source connected to the battery through a second pair of conductors, one conductor is joined to the positive terminal and the other conductor is attached to the negative terminal; (d) an upper end part that emits light, covers the light source; (e) a protective cover extending from the upper end part that emits light, with the light source, the battery and the movement sensitive switch contained within the upper end part emitting light and the protective cover; and (2) causing the bicycle or wheelchair to move such that the wheels re-activate the safety light with movement sensitivity. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A safety light with movement sensitivity adapted to join a wheel of a bicycle or a wheelchair is provided. The safety light with movement sensitivity has (a) a movement-sensitive switch having (i) a non-magnetic liner having a space therein to form a cavity liner having an inner wall and an outer wall; (ii) a magnetic body contained within the case having a size such that the magnetic body is movable over the length of the case and is electrically conductive at least on the outer surface thereof; (iii) at least one permanent magnet proximate a portion of the outer wall of the liner such that a substantially uniform magnetic field exists close to the inner wall of the liner in the area of the liner where the magnetic body is able to remain when the light it is at rest; and (v) a first pair of drivers, at least one of which has an end portion within the liner and spaced from the magnetic body when the light is at rest, with the stipulations (1) when an end portion of a single conductor is inside the liner, the another conductor is in contact with the outer wall of the liner and the lining is electrically conductive, and (2) when the light is subjected to movement, the magnetic body is able to move from the area of the lining near the lining of the magnet in contact with the conductor and the inner wall of the liner or the pair of conductors to complete a circuit; (b) a stack having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, one of the first conductors is connected to the positive terminal and the other first conductor is connected to the negative terminal; (c) a light source connected to the battery through a second pair of conductors, a conductor is connected to a terminal of the battery and the other conductor is connected to the other terminal of the battery and each of the second pair of conductors is attached to the light source; (d) an upper end part that emits light covers the light source; (e) a protective cover extending from the upper end part that emits light, with the light source, the battery and the movement sensitive switch contained within the upper end part emitting light and the protective cover; and (f) means for attaching the safety light with sensitivity to movement to a wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair. The method provided by a bicycle or wheelchair is also provided with a safety light with movement sensitivity.