WO2006018615A1

WO2006018615A1 - Signalling apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2006018615A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/003167
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benjamin Alan Jackson
Original assignee: Benjamin Alan Jackson
Priority date: 2004-08-18
Filing date: 2005-08-12
Publication date: 2006-02-23
Also published as: GB0418519D0; GB2431713A; GB2431713B; GB2417186A; GB0703293D0

Abstract

The invention provides signalling apparatus comprising: a power source (15), a light (2) and an inertial switch (3), operably connected between the power source and the light. The use of a pendulum-type inertial switch provides axis-dependent immunity from unintended activation. Connection means (13) may be provided to enable the apparatus to be secured, in use, to a user's hand or wrist, and maintaining it, in use, in a fixed position thereon. The invention has particular application for use as an indicator for cyclists.

Description

SIGNALLING APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to signalling apparatus that may be worn by or held by an individual to indicate or give instructions to others by means of light signals.

Background and Prior Art known to the Applicant

In order to maintain and increase safety on the roads, it is important that road users can signal their intention to others. Powered vehicles such as cars and lorries have, for many years, had indicator lights located on each side of the vehicle, front and back, that the driver can use to indicate his or her intended actions. These indicators are usually flashing, and are of relatively high intensity, powered by the vehicle's electrical system. Similarly, motorcycles frequently have indicator lights, again powered by the vehicle's electrical system. Non-powered vehicles, such as bicycles, usually rely on hand signals. Extending an ami and hand horizontally indicates the cyclists' intention to turn in that direction. Whilst such hand signals - when properly executed - provide a good indication of the cyclists' intentions during daylight hours, the situation is more difficult at night. This is especially the case in poorly-lit areas, where other road users may be unable to see the cyclists hand signals. Solutions to this problem have been attempted by the use of battery-powered indicator lights mounted on the rear (and sometimes the front) of the bicycle. However, the lack of any suitable and substantial power source on cycles usually means that these indicators are only useful at night. Thus, a cyclist needs to change the mode of signalling between day and night from hand signals to battery-powered indicators. Furthermore, indicator lights mounted on the rear of a bicycle are much closer together than they would be on a car, creating the possibility of confusion between a left and a right signal.

It is an object of the present invention to attempt a solution to this problem.

Summary of the Invention

In a broad aspect of the invention there is provided signalling apparatus comprising: a power source; a light; and an inertial switch, operably connected between the power source and the light.

In a first preferred subsidiary aspect, the inertial switch is a pendulum switch. The use of a pendulum switch of appropriate configuration - described further below - allows the device to have axis-dependent immunity from unwanted activation caused by e.g. vibration. This is of particular benefit in the context of an indicator light for cyclists where up-and-down movements of the hand, perpendicular to the plane of the palm, such as might be caused by the vibration of a bumpy road are desired not to activate the device, whereas a chopping movement of the hand, parallel to the plane of the palm should cause activation.

In a second preferred subsidiary aspect, the inertial switch comprises a so-called tactile switch and a moveable weight, so arranged that sudden movement of the apparatus causes the moveable weight to actuate the tactile switch. This arrangement allows a single "activating axis" to be chosen, and suitable choice of the sensitivity of the tactile switch allows the sensitivity of the signalling device to be tailored to specific requirements. In this second aspect, it is preferred that the inertial switch comprises a tube; a weight - such as a ball bearing - slidably located within the tube; and one or two tactile switches located at one or each end of the tube, so that impact of the weight on the or one of the switches causes the switch to actuate.

In any aspect of the invention the apparatus further comprises timing means, operably connected to the power source, light and switch, and arranged so that, following actuation of the switch to illuminate the light, the timing means switches off the light after a predetermined time. This automatic operation of the indicating light saves power and prevents unwanted signals without needing a user to take further action.

Also in any aspect of the invention, the signalling apparatus further comprises connection means to enable the apparatus to be secured, in use, to a user's hand or wrist, and maintaining it, in use, in a fixed position thereon. Preferably, the connection means comprises a glove.

Included within the scope of the invention is a signalling apparatus substantially as described herein, with reference to an as illustrated by any appropriate combination of the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates signalling apparatus designed to attach around a user's palm;

Figure 2 illustrates the device of figure 1, in use;

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein the apparatus is formed as part of a glove;

Figure 4 and figure 5 are schematic^' diagrams illustrating the assembly of various functional parts of the invention; Figure 6 and 7 illustrate alternative embodiments of the invention comprising one or more finger-engaging portions connected to a wrist-band; and

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of an inertial switch suitable for use in the invention.

Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a particularly preferred embodiment where the power source, switch, and light form a single unit mounted on a glove.

Figures 10-12 are schematic illustrations of a particularly preferred for of inertial switch, in three configurations

Figure 13 illustrates direction-specific sensitivity of inertial switches.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the signalling apparatus, generally indicated by 1 , where the light 2 and switch 3 are mounted on a connection means comprising a strap 4. The power source is not illustrated in this diagram but may conveniently be built into the housing for the light 2. The strap 4 has two ends 5, 6 that join together to enable the strap 4 to be positioned on a user's hand or wrist and maintaining it, in use, in a fixed position thereon. In this embodiment, the strap 4 also has cut out sections 7 and 8 to ensure that the apparatus is correctly positioned on a user's hand and maintained there.

Figure 2 illustrates the embodiment of figure 1 in place on a user's hand 9. The strap 4 is positioned across the back of the palm of the hand, the two cut out shapes 8 and 7 engaging respectively with the user's thumb 10 and first finger 1 1. In this embodiment, the operating switch 3 is positioned between the first finger 11 and the thumb 10 and is operable by the user using the proximal phalange 12 of their thumb in opposition with the first finger 1 1. This position is particularly advantageous: although the movement is easy to make, it is not one that is used often in everyday contexts, and so accidental switching of the light is avoided. Figure 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention whereby the connection means is provided in the form of a glove 13. In this embodiment, the operating switch 3 is mounted on the side of the first finger 11 enabling it to be operated by the tip 14 of a user's thumb 10. The light 2 in this embodiment is mounted on the back of the glove 13. Again, the power source is not illustrated in figure 3.

Figure 4 shows, schematically, a typical arrangement of power 15, switch 3 and light 2. The power source 15 would typically be a dry cell battery, although it is envisaged that a piezoelectric power source could readily be incorporated into the glove to provide power upon clenching and unclenching of a user's fist. When a dry cell battery is used, there is an unexpected advantage in using a large cylindrical battery (i.e. a cylinder whose length is significantly greater than its diameter) as these are easier for a user to install and replace, especially with cold hands. The switch may be a conventional push button switch, especially those known in the art as 'tactile' switches. These tactile switches require a pre-defined minimum pressure from the user to actuate the switch and give a positive tactile feedback to the user upon such actuation. Alternatively, the switch 3 may comprise a tilt switch, i.e. one that is actuated depending on the orientation of the switch assembly. In this way, when a user's hand is horizontal, gripping the handlebars of the bicycle, the switch will be in its off position. Then, when a user extends his arm to signal a turn, the new orientation of the switch will trigger illumination of the light.

It is particularly advantageous, however, that the switch comprises an inertial switch. Inertial switches are known in themselves and are used, e.g. to trigger the deployment of airbag safety devices in motor vehicles. By using an inertial switch whereby the hand needs to be moved in a sudden or jerky motion to actuate the switch, accidental triggering of the light will be avoided.

It is particularly advantageous if the user needs to make a downward chopping motion with their hand - much like a karate chop - to trigger the inertial switch. In this way, the device will encourage and train the user to make very clear distinct hand signals in order to actuate the device. This action will then become second nature and lead to clearer hand signals from the user even when the device is not worn, for example, in the daylight. Given this teaching, the skilled addressee will be able to position an inertitil switch to produce this functionality.

The_. light 2 of the device may be a traditional tungsten filament bulb, but it is particularly advantageous if the light comprises one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) as these combine the properties of having high light output, long life, low power consumption and are available in a range of colours.

Figure 5 illustrates, schematically, an arrangement whereby the power 15, switch 3 and light 2, are supplemented by a timer 16. The function of the timer 16 is to accept a signal from the switch 3 and cause the light 2 to illuminate for a pre-determined period. For typical cyclists' use, this is preferably in the order of 5 to 30 seconds. The advantage of this is that it prevents the cyclist having to positively switch off the light when no longer required. This feature is particularly advantageous when an inertial type switch is used in the apparatus, as the sudden movement of the hand required to switch on the light may not feel appropriate for a user when extinguishing it.

Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of the signalling apparatus wherein the connection means comprises a wrist band 17, a finger-engaging portion 18 and a connecting portion 19 joining the two together. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as it does not require the user to wear a complete glove - which may be hot to wear — or to have a band such as that illustrated in figure 2 that the user may feel might interfere with full mobility of the hand. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 6, the switch 3 is located to the side of the first finger 11 allowing it to be" pressed by the thumb 10. In this embodiment, the finger-engaging portion 18 may conveniently take the form of a ring that surrounds the finger.

Figure 7 illustrates a further embodiment of this device comprising a wrist band 17, a connecting portion 19 and two finger-engaging portions 18 and 18a. The incorporation of this additional finger-engaging portion 18a leads to added stability in the positioning of

^• the switch 3. Also illustrated is the assembly of power source and light (schematically illustrated as 21) on the back of the connecting portion 19. In this embodiment (and that of figure 6) it is particularly advantageous that the connecting portion 19 be of an elastic nature so that a user may comfortably clench and unclench their fist. In this embodiment, there foie, an alternative means of switching may be employed including a switch that is responsive to the elastic deformation of the connecting portion 19. Such a switch may take the form of a strain gauge, or be directly responsive to the movements resulting from the elastic deformation of the connecting portion 19.

Figure 8 illustrates, as a schematic cross-section, a particularly advantageous embodiment of an inertial switch for use in the present invention. The switch comprises a tube 22 and a weight 24 slidably located within the tube 22. At each end of the tube is located a tactile switch 23 and 23a that is actuated when the weight 24falls to one end of the tube 22. Whilst the presence of a tactile switch 23 at both ends of the tube 22 gives optimum response and is readily adapted to left or right handed use, the inertial switch assembly would also perform adequately with a tactile switch at only one end of the tube 22.

Figure 9 illustrates a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention where the connection means comprises a glove 13 and the light 2, the power source 15 in the form of a battery and an inertial switch 3 are incorporated into a single unit affixed to the back of the glove 13.

Figure 10 illustrates an especially preferred embodiment of an inertial switch for use in the present invention. In this type of inertial switch (which we shall refer to as a "pendulum switch"), there is a pair of electrical contacts, separated from each other and held apart, at rest, by biasing means. The contacts are mounted such that they may move together in response to an externally applied inertial force (working against the biasing means), caused by acceleration of the device. With sufficiently high acceleration, the contacts touch each other to provide an electrical signal to trigger the device. By suitable choice of biasing means, and suitable choice of a weighted contact, the device may be tuned to react to a desired acceleration. An alternative configuration is also envisaged where the contacts are held together at rest by biasing means, and an applied acceleration separates the contacts to provide an electrical signal. In the embodiment of Figure 10, the pendulum switch, generally indicated by 25, comprises an arm 26, mounted on a pivot 27, and having a weighted bob 28. In this embodiment, the ami 26 serves as one electrical contact, and there are provided an additional two contacts 29a and 29b; the provision of two contacts has the benefit of allowing the device to activate in either of two directions, allowing a cj'cle indicator unit to function as either a left- and right-handed version. The biasing means in this embodiment is provided by a pair of springs 30a and 30b, attached to the arm at one end, and fixed at the other.

Figure 10 illustrates the sλvitch at an "at rest" configuration, with the ami 26 held between the two contacts 29. Figure 11 illustrates the unit after a small acceleration, where the ami 26 has not moved sufficiently to close the circuit between the ami 26, and a contact 29. Figure 12 illustrates a configuration where sufficient acceleration has been applied to displace the arm 26 to such an extent as to close the circuit with contact 29a. In this way, with appropriate wiring, the pendulum switch may activate the indicator light.

This type of pendulum switch may be configured to be sensitive to acceleration in one direction, whilst being relatively unaffected by acceleration in another. Figure 13 illustrates this feature with reference to the three x, y, z axes illustrated therein, with the z axis being into the plane of the page. Figure 13 (a) illustrates an inertial switch of the ball- tactile switch type described above. When located in the orientation shown, the switch is sensitive to acceleration with a component in the x direction, but relatively unaffected by acceleration in other directions. Figure 13(b), however, is in an orientation that reacts to acceleration in the y direction, and generally not to acceleration in other directions. Similarly, Figure 13(c) shows an inertial switch of the pendulum-switch type orientated to be sensitive to acceleration in the y direction, but relatively unaffected by other movements, whereas Figure 13(d) has the pendulum-switch orientated to be reactive primarily to acceleration in the x direction in favour of other directions.

Figure 13(e) and 13(f) illustrate an alternative embodiment of a pendulum switch, in plan view and cross-section respectively. This embodiment has a first central contact 31, and a second circular contact 32. The two contacts are kept apart, at rest, by biasing means in the form of springs 30. The crossection in Fig 13(1) illustrates how the second circular contact 32 is situated above the springs, so allowing the first contact 31 to move in response to an acceleration, to close the circuit and provide an electrical signal. This form of a pendulum switch is responsive to accelerations in both the x and y directions, but not to components of acceleration in the z direction. In the context of a hand-mounted signalling system, configurations such as those illustrated in Figs 13 (a) to 13(d), i.e. with a single acceleration-responsive axis are particularly preferred, as they render the system immune to false activation in the face of the shaking that is likely to occur when a user's hands are gripping the handlebars. This shaking is typically of an up-and-down movement with the palm of the hand pointing down, whereas when signalling, the palm is raised to a forward-facing direction, and a chopping action with the hand may activate the signal.

It will be appreciated that in all of the embodiments described herein, a left and right handed pair of such signalling apparatus will be particularly useful to cyclists, allowing them to signal both left and right turns. Also, the invention would have application in more complex signalling situations by incorporating lights — perhaps of differing colours - on both the palm and back of one or each hand of a user. In this way, for example, a cyclist's signal would be seen from both back and front.

Claims

H)CLAIMS

1. Signalling apparatus comprising: a power source; a light; and an inertial switch, operably connected between the power source and the light.

2. Signalling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the inertial switch is a pendulum switch.

3. Signalling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the inertial switch comprises a so- called tactile switch and a moveable weight, so arranged that sudden movement of the apparatus causes the moveable weight to actuate the tactile switch.

4. Signalling apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the inertial switch comprises a tube; a weight — such as a ball bearing - slidably located within the tube; and one or two tactile switches located at one or each end of the tube, so that impact of the weight on the or one of the switches causes the switch to actuate.

5. Signalling apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising timing means, operably connected to the power source, light and switch, and arranged so that, following actuation of the switch to illuminate the light, the timing means switches off the light after a predetermined time.

6. Signalling apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising connection means to enable the apparatus to be secured, in use, to a user's hand or wrist, and maintaining it, in use, in a fixed position thereon.

7. Signalling apparatus substantially as described herein, with reference to an as illustrated by any appropriate combination of the accompanying drawings.