WO2011061663A1

WO2011061663A1 - A signalling apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2011061663A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/055136
Authority: WO
Inventors: Omar Alessandrini
Original assignee: Omar Alessandrini
Priority date: 2009-11-19
Filing date: 2010-11-12
Publication date: 2011-05-26
Also published as: ITMI20092034A1

Abstract

A signalling apparatus, in particular for motorcyclists, comprising: a supporting structure (2), including or associable with a garment (2a) that can be worn by a motorcyclist; at least one first assembly (10) of light-signalling devices, mounted on said supporting structure (2), in such a manner that it can be seen when said garment (2a) is worn by said motorcyclist; a processing unit (50) connected to said first assembly (10) of light-signalling devices and configured for receiving a signal (100) representative of a deceleration or braking to which said supporting structure (2) has been submitted; comparing said signal (100) with a first threshold (S1); activating said first assembly (10) of light-signalling devices if said deceleration is, in module, greater than said first threshold (S1).

Description

A SIGNALLING APPARATUS

Description The present invention relates to a signalling apparatus, in particular for motorcyclists.

It has been increasingly more felt by motorcyclists a need for garments increasing safety during use of the motorcycle. To this aim garments are known that are able to also drastically reduce the conseguences for the rider resulting from a fall from the motorcycle.

A first type of known garments comprises one or more protection elements inserted in one or more parts of a jacket worn by the motorcyclist. These protection elements, usually made of a high-strength plastic material, have the task of absorbing part of the impact resulting from the fall, thus protecting the motorcyclist at least partly. The protection elements are usually inserted in suitable pockets of the jacket formed at the motorcyclist's elbows, shoulders and backbone . Another type of garment of the known art comprises one or more air bags automatically becoming inflated upon a fall. The air bags are placed inside the pockets of the jacket worn by the motorcyclist. The air bag too has the task of absorbing part of the kinetic energy due to the fall, thus protecting the motorcyclist's safety.

The above described garments, while efficient, have the disadvantage that they are passive safety devices, i.e. safety devices only intervening when the motorcyclist has already fallen out of the transport means . In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a signalling apparatus overcoming the mentioned drawbacks of the known art.

In particular, it is an aim of the present invention to make available an apparatus that is able to minimise the risk that impacts between the motorcyclist and the vehicles that are in close proximity thereto may occur, in particular those vehicles that are behind the motorcyclist in question.

Another aim of the invention is to make available an apparatus enabling the motorcyclist to be clearly visible, in case of fall, even in badly lighted streets, above all if the motorcyclist is unable to move (and therefore reach a safe place) after the occurred accident.

The technical task mentioned and the aims specified are substantially achieved by a signalling apparatus, comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the appended claims.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the invention given only by way of example and as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Fig. 1 shows a signalling apparatus of the invention put into practice through use of a garment;

- Fig. 2 is a block diagram representative of some elements of the invention.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, a signalling apparatus in accordance with the present invention has been generally identified by reference numeral 1.

Apparatus 1 first of all comprises a supporting structure 2 on which the different components described hereinafter are preferably mounted.

Advantageously, the supporting structure 2 can comprise or consist of a garment 2a, such as a jacket. Alternatively, the supporting structure 2 can be associated with said garment 2a. For instance, the supporting structure 2 can have a conformation similar to that of a backpack or a sling and the function of same can be that of supporting the different elements to be described in the following, instead of holding objects.

Generally, any garment for motorcyclist can be usefully employed instead of the jacket shown in Fig. 1 for putting the present invention into practice.

Apparatus 1 further comprises at least one first (10) assembly of light-signalling devices mounted on said supporting structure 2. In particular, the first assembly 10 of light- signalling devices is mounted on the supporting structure 2 in such a manner that it can be seen when apparatus 1 is used by the motorcyclist, i.e. when the garment 2a is worn by the motorcyclist. Preferably, the first assembly 10 of light-signalling devices is mounted on garment 2a in such a manner that it is positioned at the motorcyclist's back when said rider wears the garment 2a.

Advantageously, the light-signalling devices belonging to said first assembly 10 are LEDs .

Apparatus 1 further comprises a processing unit 50. Preferably, the processing unit 50 is mounted on the supporting structure 2.

The processing unit 50 is connected to the first assembly 10 of light-signalling devices. The processing unit 50 receives a signal 100 representative of a deceleration or braking suffered by the supporting structure 2, i.e. the motorcyclist.

Signal 100 can come from a control system 98 mounted on board the vehicle driven by the motorcyclist. In this case apparatus 1 is advantageously provided with a wireless communication module 99 (Bluetooth®, for example) , configured for receiving said signal 100 from system 98 and sending it on to the processing unit 50.

Signal 100 therefore can be generated as a function of a braking command, imposed to the vehicle by the motorcyclist, or as a function of a deceleration detection suffered by the vehicle, and therefore by the motorcyclist and the supporting structure 2, through suitable sensor means.

Alternatively, signal 100 can come from a deceleration sensor 40 suitable to determine the deceleration suffered by the supporting structure 2 and mounted on the supporting structure 2 itself.

In the preferred embodiment, the deceleration sensor 40 can be an accelerometre sensor, configured for detecting the only deceleration suffered by the motorcyclist, i.e. the acceleration suffered in a predetermined direction (practically, in the direction opposite to the motorcycle's normal moving forward). The processing unit 50 then carries out a comparison between signal 100 and a first predetermined threshold SI.

Afterwards the processing unit 50 activates the first assembly 10 of light-signalling devices if the detected deceleration is greater, in module, than said first threshold SI.

Practically, in the difficult situation in which the motorcyclist is submitted to a particularly strong deceleration (typically, an abrupt and sudden braking) , the processing unit 50 activates the first assembly 10 of light-signalling devices. In this way, other individuals, such as other motorcyclists or motorists that should be in the vicinity of the motorcyclist who is making use of apparatus 1, are immediately warned about the occurred dangerous situation and will be put in the best conditions for avoiding an impact with the motorcyclist in question, for example.

Advantageously, apparatus 1 further comprises a second assembly 20 of light-signalling devices. Advantageously, the light-signalling devices belonging to said second assembly 20 are LEDs .

Preferably, the devices of the second assembly 20 are mounted on the supporting structure 2 so that they are positioned at the motorcyclist's back when the latter uses apparatus 1, i.e. when he/she wears garment 2a. With reference to the second assembly 20 of light- signalling devices, the processing unit 50 is configured for activating it when the detected deceleration is greater in module than a second threshold S2.

In particular, the second threshold S2 is preferably greater than the first threshold SI.

In the light of the above, it is apparent that, for decelerations of some extent, the processing unit 50 activates the first assembly 10 of light-signalling devices, and leaves the light devices of the second assembly 20 deactivated; for decelerations of greater extent, the processing unit 50 activates the second assembly of light-signalling devices.

Advantageously, for decelerations greater in module that said second threshold S2, both the first and second assemblies 10, 20 of light-signalling devices can be activated, so as to draw the attention as much as possible of all drivers that are in the immediate vicinity.

In the preferred embodiment, apparatus 1 further comprises a third assembly 30 of light-signalling devices .

Advantageously, the light-signalling devices belonging to said third assembly 30 are LEDs.

Diagrammatically shown in Fig. 1 is the third assembly 30 of light-signalling devices in which said devices are positioned at the back portion of the motorcyclist's arms. Within the present invention, these devices can be also mounted at the front portion of the motorcyclist's arms.

The third assembly 30 of light-signalling devices is interlocked with the processing unit 50 and is governed by the latter between a first and a second operating condition, in which:

- in the first operating condition, that is determined when the deceleration is smaller in module than a third threshold S3, they remain constantly lit up;

- in the second operating condition, that is determined when the deceleration is greater in module than the third threshold S3, they alternate switching on and off, thus defining a flashing condition. In this manner, under normal driving conditions, i.e. when there are no strong and sudden brakings, the third assembly 30 of light-signalling devices remains continuously switched on so as to signal the motorcyclist's overall dimensions.

On the contrary, when a particular strong deceleration is detected by means of said deceleration sensor 40 or similar detection device being part of system 98, the signalling devices of the third assembly 30 flash so as to further draw the attention of the drivers that are close to the motorcyclist who is using apparatus 1, i.e. wearing garment 2a.

In particular, the third threshold S3 can be substantial equal to the first threshold SI or the second threshold S2. Alternatively, the third threshold S3 can have a different value both from the first and the third thresholds SI, S2. In the preferred embodiment, the light-signalling devices of the third assembly 30 are mounted on the supporting structure 2 in such a manner that they are positioned at the arms of the motorcyclist wearing garment 2a.

Preferably, apparatus 1 further comprises a battery power unit 60, mounted on the supporting structure 2.

The power unit 60 is at least connected to the processing unit 50 to provide electric energy to the latter .

Advantageously, the power unit 60 can supply electric energy also to the first, second and/or third assemblies 10, 20, 30 of light-signalling devices.

The power unit 60 can be recharged, by a USB connection, for example. In addition or alternatively, apparatus 1 can further comprise one or more solar panels 70, preferably mounted on the supporting structure 2 so that they are positioned at the motorcyclist's shoulders when the latter wears garment 2a. The solar panels 70 are connected to the power unit 60 to enable said power unit to be recharged.

Preferably, the processing unit 50 is configured for: receiving a signal 110 representative of the brightness level of the environment in which apparatus 1 is ;

comparing said signal (110) with a reference value Rl;

^• activating at least the third assembly 30 of light- signalling devices if the brightness level is lower than said reference value Rl .

In this way, apparatus 1 is able to cause activation of the third assembly 30 of light-signalling devices only when required, i.e. when the lighting conditions of the street are insufficient (typically after the sunset and/or in dark areas such as the inside of tunnels) .

Preferably, apparatus 1 comprises a bright

80, adapted to generate said signal 110.

Alternatively, signal 110 can come from wireless connecting means, consisting of said wireless communication module 99, for example. This wireless connecting means is connected, through wireless connections, to system 98 and receives signal 110 therefrom, which signal is then sent on to the processing unit 50.

Preferably, apparatus 1 further comprises a fourth assembly 31 of light-signalling devices, mounted on said supporting structure 2.

Advantageously, the devices belonging to the fourth assembly 31 can be seen both by people looking head-on at the motorcyclist who is using apparatus 1, and by people looking at the motorcyclist from the back. By way of example, the fourth assembly 31 of light- signalling devices can be divided into two subassemblies, each disposed at a motorcyclist's respective shoulder, as diagrammatically shown in Fig. 1.

Preferably, the light-signalling devices of the fourth assembly 31 are LEDs.

Preferably, the processing unit 50 is configured for: - receiving a signal 120 representative of the inclination or a change of direction of the supporting structure 2;

- activating the fourth assembly 31 of light-signalling devices as a function of such a signal 120.

It is to be noted that signal 120 can be representative both of a true inclination of the supporting structure 2, as described, and of a command imparted by the motorcyclist, asking the system 98 to signal the imminent direction variation, which in turn involves a modification in the inclination of the vehicle and the motorcyclist who is driving it. Should signal 120 come from system 98 (i.e. in case activation by the driver of the traditional turn indicators already mounted on the vehicle is taken as the reference) , apparatus 1 will be able to make use of the wireless connection module 99 for receiving such a signal 120 and sending it on to the processing unit 50. In an embodiment, apparatus 1 comprises an inclination sensor 90, mounted on the supporting structure 2 and adapted to detect an inclination of the supporting structure 2 itself, i.e. the inclination of the motorcyclist using apparatus 1. In this case, the processing unit 50 is configured for:

comparing this signal 120 with a predetermined reference R2;

- activating the fourth assembly 31 of light-signalling devices if the inclination is greater than said predetermined reference R2.

Therefore, through the signalling devices of the fourth assembly 31 it is possible to provide a clear and efficient indication about the motorcycle's change of direction (usually signalled through the traditional indicators) .

It should be noted that the signalling obtained through the devices of the fourth assembly 31 can be added to or replace that obtained through the traditional turn indicators.

The invention achieves important advantages. First of all, the present invention makes available a garment capable of minimising the risk that impacts between the motorcyclist and the vehicles that are in the immediate vicinity thereof may occur - in particular those vehicles that are behind the motorcyclist in question.

In addition, the garment in accordance with the invention provides precise indications, in an efficient and clear manner, to the vehicles close to the motorcyclist about the conditions that appear to be critical for the occurrence of incidents (sharp brakings, changes of direction, etc.).

Another advantage resides in that the motorcyclist using the apparatus of the invention can be clearly visible, in case of fall, also in slightly lit streets, above all in case the motorcyclist would be unable to move (and therefore reach a safe place) following the occurred incident .

Claims

1. A signalling apparatus, in particular for motorcyclists, comprising:

- a supporting structure (2), including or associable with a garment (2a) that can be worn by a motorcyclist;

- at least one first assembly (10) of light-signalling devices, mounted on said supporting structure (2), in such a manner that it can be seen when said garment (2a) is worn by said motorcyclist;

- a processing unit (50) connected to said first assembly (10) of light-signalling devices and having a configuration suitable for:

receiving a signal (100) representative of a deceleration or braking to which said supporting structure (2) has been submitted;

^• comparing said signal (100) with a first threshold (SI) ;

activating said first assembly (10) of light- signalling devices if the absolute value of said deceleration is greater than said first threshold (SI) .

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising a deceleration sensor (40) adapted to generate said signal (100) and mounted on said supporting structure (2) .

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said first assembly (10) of light-signalling devices is mounted on said supporting structure (2) in such a manner that it is positioned at the back of said motorcyclist when the latter is using said apparatus (1) -

4. An apparatus as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising a second assembly (20) of light-signalling devices that are preferably mounted on said supporting structure (2) in such a manner that they are positioned at the back of said motorcyclist when the latter is using said apparatus (1), said processing unit (50) having such a configuration that said second assembly (20) of light-signalling devices is activated when the absolute value of said deceleration is greater than a second threshold (S2), said second threshold (S2) being greater than said first threshold (SI) .

5. An apparatus as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising a third assembly (30) of signalling devices interlocked with said processing unit (50) and suitable to be governed by the latter between a first and a second operating condition, in which :

- in the first operating condition, determined when the absolute value of said deceleration is lower than a third threshold (S3) , said signalling devices remain constantly lit;

- in the second operating condition, determined when the absolute value of said deceleration is greater than said third threshold (S3) , said devices alternate switching on and off, thus defining a flashing condition .

6. An apparatus as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising a battery power unit (60) mounted on said supporting structure (20) and connected at least to said processing unit (50).

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, further comprising one or more solar panels (70), preferably mounted on said supporting structure (2) in such a manner that they are positioned at the motorcyclist's shoulders when the latter is using said apparatus (1), said solar panels (70) being connected to said power unit (60) to enable recharging of same.

8. An apparatus as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said processing unit (50) has a configuration suitable for:

· receiving a signal (110) from a brightness sensor (80), which signal is representative of said brightness level ;

comparing said signal (110) with a reference value (Rl⁾ ;

· activating at least said third assembly (30) of light-signalling devices if said brightness level is lower than said reference value (Rl) .

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, comprising said brightness sensor (80) , wherein said brightness sensor (80) is mounted on said supporting structure (2).

10. An apparatus as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising:

- a fourth assembly (31) of light-signalling devices mounted on said supporting structure (2),

said processing unit (50) having a configuration suitable for:

receiving a signal (120) representative of an inclination or change of direction of said supporting structure (2 ) ;

activating said fourth assembly (31) of light- signalling devices as a function of said signal (120) .

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, comprising an inclination sensor (90) adapted to generate said signal (120) and mounted on said supporting structure (2), said processing unit (50) having a configuration suitable for:

comparing said signal (120) with a predetermined reference (R2);

activating said fourth assembly (31) of light- signalling devices if said inclination is greater than said predetermined reference (R2).

12. An apparatus as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising a wireless communication module (99), mounted on said supporting structure (2) and associated with said processing unit (50), said wireless communication module (99) having a configuration suitable for:

- receiving, through a wireless connection, said signal (100) from a control system mounted on a cycle or motorcycle, which signal is representative of a deceleration or braking to which said supporting structure (2) and/or said signal (110) representative of said brightness level and/or said signal (120) representative of an inclination of said supporting structure (2) have been submitted;

- sending on one o more of said signals (100, 110, 120) to said processing unit (50).