WO2018154483A1

WO2018154483A1 - Signaling device for bicycles

Info

Publication number: WO2018154483A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/051113
Authority: WO
Inventors: Walter VUERICH
Original assignee: Bike & Joy S.R.L.
Priority date: 2017-02-22
Filing date: 2018-02-22
Publication date: 2018-08-30
Also published as: IT201700020092A1

Abstract

Signaling device (1) for bicycles comprising: at least a containment body (2) having a retaining portion (3), engageable to a handlebar (4) of a bicycle, and a containment portion (5); signaling means (7, 8, 10) associated with the containment body (2) comprising at least a signaling element (8) sliding between an inactive position, in which it is contained in the containment portion (5), and an active position, in which it protrudes from the containment portion (5) to make a visual signaling.

Description

SIGNALING DEVICE FOR BICYCLES

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a signaling device for bicycles.

Background Art

It is well known that the traditional custom of waving to one another is widespread among bicycle riders.

Such waving can be of different types, depending on whether two cyclists cross one another along their route or whether one cyclist is overtaking another.

In both cases, it is customary to take one hand off the handlebar of the bicycle and extend an arm, arranging the fingers of hand for a greeting.

Besides this kind of greetings, other greetings made with the hand or head are also known, adapted to send short service communications to other riders.

However, this custom represents a risk for each rider.

It is easy to appreciate how taking one hand off the handlebar means less control of the bicycle, increasing the risk of falling or accidents and becoming a source of danger not only for oneself but also for other riders.

It should also be underlined that campaigns are currently under way to raise awareness of this problem tied to the safety of each rider.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to provide a signaling device for bicycles which allows sending to the other riders the usual greeting in total safety.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a signaling device for bicycles which allows sharing and/or exchanging the different types of greeting with other riders or enthusiasts of the cycling sector.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a signaling device for bicycles which allows overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art within the scope of a simple, rational, easy, efficient to use and cost-effective solution.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present signaling device for bicycles having the characteristics of claim 1. Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the description of the following preferred, but not exclusive embodiments of a signaling device for bicycles, illustrated by way of an indicative, but non-limiting example, in the attached drawings in which:

Figures 1 and 2 are axonometric views of a first embodiment of the signaling device according to the invention;

Figures 3 and 4 are axonometric views of a second embodiment of the signaling device according to the invention;

Figures 5 and 7 are front sectional views of a third embodiment of the signaling device according to the invention;

Figure 6 is a side sectional view of a third embodiment of the signaling device according to the invention.

Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to these illustrations, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a signaling device for bicycles.

According to the invention, the signaling device 1 comprises a containment body 2 having a retaining portion 3, engageable to a handlebar 4 of a bicycle, and a containment portion 5.

Preferably, the containment body 2 is made up of a polymeric material.

The use of polymeric materials makes the containment body 2 lightweight and waterproof.

Advantageously, according to the present invention, the retaining portion 3 is associated with the containment body 2 to form a single body piece, however the alternative solution in which the retaining portion 3 can be separated from the containment body 2 cannot be ruled out.

Preferably according to the present invention, the retaining portion 3 is directly associable with the handlebar in a removable and interlocking manner.

The device 1 can be easily removed from the handlebar 4 through the retaining portion 3 and relocated later, for example to prevent its being stolen.

The use of adapters of known type which can be installed on the handlebar and adapted to be coupled to compatible retaining portions 3 cannot be ruled out. Still according to the invention, the device comprises signaling means 7, 8, 10 associated with the containment body 2 and comprising at least one signaling element 8 sliding between an inactive position (Figures 2 and 4), in which it is contained in the containment portion 5, and an active position (Figures 1 and 3), in which it protrudes from the containment portion 5 so as to make a visual signaling, for example a wave to a passer-by and/or a warning by means of the reproduction of symbols, schematically illustrated with the reference number 9, such as numbers and letters, or another type of signaling.

Advantageously, according to the present invention the signaling element 8 is micro-perforated, to reduce friction with the air and prevent deformations which could impede signal visibility.

Usefully, the signaling element 8 can be made of elastic type material, such as the elastic rubber obtainable from latex, to facilitate its disappearance inside the containment portion 5, occupying as little space as possible.

The use of other materials such as e.g. fabrics, synthetic fabrics, plastic material, etc. cannot however be ruled out.

Advantageously, according to the present invention, the device 1 can be made in different colors and in particular, the inscriptions and symbols 9 of the signaling element 8 can be made in different colors of the fluorescent type so as to allow them to be seen even when visibility is bad.

Usefully, the containment portion 5 is provided with an opening 6 through which the signaling element 8 can move to switch from one position to the other.

Advantageously, the signaling means 7, 8, 10 comprise at least a sliding element 7 associated with the signaling element 8 and sliding in the containment portion 5 for the passage from the inactive position to the active position and vice versa.

In these embodiments, the signaling element 8 is fixed to the sliding element 7 by means of a fixing element 10 at a connection point 11.

The signaling element 8, the sliding element 7 and the fixing element 10 can be separated from each other, for example to be replaced in case of maintenance or to reproduce signals each time different.

Usefully, the sliding element 7 comprises a flexible portion 7a adapted to guide the sliding of the signaling element into the containment portion 5 and out of it. Advantageously, the device 1 comprises structural means, for sake of simplicity not shown in the figures, secured to the sliding element 7 and associated with the signaling element 8 to drive the exit/entry from/in the containment portion 5.

The structural means comprise at least one rigid rod associated with the signaling element 8, adapted to support the signaling element 8 when it is in the active position.

In the present embodiments, the structural means comprise at least two stiff rods fitted in the signaling element 8.

In particular, in the active position, the rods are spaced apart from each other for displaying the signaling element 8, thus extending the signaling element 8 to increase the visibility thereof.

In the inactive position, on the other hand, the rods are moved close to each other for the containment of the signaling element 8 in the containment portion 5.

Equivalent solutions cannot be ruled out wherein instead of the rods there are portions of plastic material forming part of the signaling element 8 and having greater rigidity than the rest of the signaling element itself.

This way the signaling element 8 would be self-sustaining and would not require further structural elements.

Usefully, the device 1 comprises actuating means adapted to command the exit/entry of the signaling element 8 from/in the containment portion 5.

The actuating means, for simplicity not shown in the illustrations, allow the rider to command the exit of the signaling element 8 from the containment portion 5.

In particular, the actuating means comprise an activation element operatively connected to the sliding element 7 for activating the sliding of the signaling element 8 from the inactive position to the active position and vice versa.

The activation element is accessible to the rider who, by interacting with it, can activate the exit of the signaling element 8.

Usefully, the activation element is of the type of an activation button, but different solutions such as photocells, sensors and technically equivalent solutions cannot be ruled out.

Usefully, the activation element is operationally connected to an automatic movement system associated with the movement means and adapted to control the time the signaling element 8 remains in the active position.

In particular, the movement system commands the automatic release and return of the signaling element 8 for a first type of interaction with the activation element, e.g., a quick touch by the user.

For a second type of interaction, such as a prolonged touch by the operator, the movement system only commands the exit of the signaling element 8, keeping it in the active position.

In the latter case, the return of the signaling element 8 to the inactive position is commanded by the same movement system as a result of a subsequent interaction of the operator with the actuating element.

Preferably, the actuating means can be activated manually but the activation by means of wireless, Bluetooth or similar signals cannot be ruled out.

Usefully, the actuating means comprise electromechanical means associated with the sliding element 7 and with the activation element for the electromechanical mobilization of the sliding element 7.

In particular, the electromechanical means comprise a rechargeable battery which is adapted to supply electric energy to the electromechanical means themselves, by feeding them.

This way, the exit of the signaling element 8 is automatic, with the sliding element 7 being pushed by the electromechanical means.

Usefully, the actuating means comprise a locking element activatable for maintaining the signaling element 8 in the inactive position.

By activating or deactivating the locking element, the device 1 can be deactivated, and the exit of the signaling element 8 can be inhibited.

Advantageously, the device 1 comprises a closing element 12 associable with the containment portion 5 for the hermetic closure of the containment portion 5. In particular, the closing element 12 is associable with the opening 6 so as to close it hermetically when the device 1 is not in operation.

Preferably, the closing element 12 is of the type of a cap placed in the opening 6 and screwable to it so as to protect the containment portion 5, e.g., from rain, thus preventing the signaling element 8 from being damaged by water.

Furthermore, the closing element 12 has the purpose of preventing uncontrolled and inappropriate openings which could cause the signaling element 8 to exit at inappropriate times, e.g., when moving the bicycle, or loading it into the car, or when fitting the front wheel.

Such occurrence would create a risk for the user who could inadvertently be hit by the signaling element 8.

The equivalent solution cannot furthermore be ruled out whereby the closing element 12 is not screwable but, for example, it is closable by pressure or by bayonet coupling.

The device 1 also comprises movement means of the signaling element 8 which can be activated in the active position.

Preferably, the movement means move the signaling element 8 to the right and to the left simulating a wave of the hand, but different movements cannot be ruled out, in any case aimed at simulating a wave.

The movement means comprise at least one activation device adapted to control the activation of the movement means themselves.

The activation device comprises mechanical movement elements adapted to mechanically move the signaling element, but alternative solutions cannot be ruled out whereby the activation device comprises air elements for the pressure movement of the signaling element, just as solutions cannot be ruled out which combine those already mentioned.

In the first embodiment, illustrated in the Figures 1 and 2, the containment portion 5 extends vertically with respect to the handlebar of the bicycle. The flexible portion 7a, in the inactive position, is folded back to form two substantially parallel flaps within the containment portion 5.

In the second embodiment shown in the Figures 3 and 4, the containment portion 5 engages the space of the lower portion of the handlebar 4.

The flexible portion 7a, in the active position, takes on an L shape, following the sliding direction of the sliding element 7 which provides for a first substantially horizontal stretch, parallel to the handlebar, and a second substantially vertical stretch.

Other embodiments cannot be ruled out which have the signaling device 1 arranged in different ways with respect to those described in this treatise, e.g., in the proximity of the saddle or in another position of the bicycle frame.

Solutions cannot furthermore be ruled out which provide for a plurality of openings 6 of the containment portion 5 for the exit of the signaling element 8, or openings obtained in different positions, e.g. in lateral position with respect to the top.

Advantageously, the device 1 can be universally applied on all the types of bicycles, even for children.

The operation of the present invention is as follows.

The retaining portion 3 is attached to the handlebar 4, allowing the device 1 to be positioned in correspondence of the same.

The electromechanical means provide the sliding element 7 with the motion needed to slide and, therefore, to bring the signaling element 8 out of the containment portion 5 or inside it, according to the sliding direction.

By interacting with the activation element, the rider commands the mobilization of the sliding element 7 in one direction, causing the exit of the signaling element 8 from the containment portion 5, with the signaling element 8 which switches from the inactive position to the active position.

In the active position, the signaling element 8 is extended by the rigid rods which are moved away from each other, permitting greater visibility and making it possible to show the symbols 9.

Subsequently the mobilization of the sliding element 7 is activated in the other direction, causing the reintroduction of the signaling element 8 in the containment portion 5, with the signaling element 8 which returns to the inactive position.

The mobilization in the opposite direction is activated automatically, after an interval of 8-10 seconds, or manually by the operator depending on the type of initial interaction with the activation element.

According to a third embodiment (Figures 5, 6 and 7) the device is completely similar to the devices described in the first and second embodiments and differs in that it comprises sliding means 13, 14 associated with the signaling element 8 and adapted to move the signaling element 8 between the active position and the inactive position and vice versa.

In particular, the sliding means 13, 14 comprise at least one worm screw 13 rotatable with respect to a sliding direction 15, provided with a helical thread 16 and associated with the sliding element 7 to displace the signaling element 8 from the inactive position to the active position.

The worm screw 13 is, therefore, a helical cylindrical gear wheel the rotation of which is transmitted and transformed to make the sliding element 7 translate. In particular, the sliding means 13, 14 comprise at least one connecting element 14 having a first portion 14a inserted in the sliding element 7 and a second portion 14b inserted in the helical thread 16 for the transfer of motion from the worm screw 13 to the sliding element 7.

This way, the worm screw 13 interacts with the connecting element 14 in such a way as to transfer motion to the sliding element 7.

This solution makes it possible to transform the rotary motion of the worm screw 13 into the translational motion along the sliding direction 15.

In this third embodiment, the closing element 12 is associated with the containment portion 5 and is moveable from a closing position (Figure 8), in which the containment portion 5 is closed and the signaling element 8 is in the inactive position, to an opening position (Figures 6 and 7), in which the containment portion 5 is open and the signaling element 8 is in the active position. Usefully, the closing element 12 is hinged to the containment portion and preferably it has a maximum rotation of approx. 135 degrees with respect to the closing position.

In the illustrated embodiment the maximum rotation is 90 degrees with respect to the closing position.

Advantageously, the closing element 12 in the opening position is located behind the signaling element 8 with respect to a forward direction 18 of the bicycle 4.

Such solution permits using the closing element 12 as a support for the signaling element 8, preventing it from being bent backwards by the air when the vehicle is travelling in a forward direction 18.

Usefully, the signaling element 8 comprises an internal load-bearing layer 17 which is adapted to maintain the shape of the signaling element 8 in the active position.

In particular, the internal layer 17 comprises harmonic metal material.

This way, when the signaling element 8 comes out of the containment portion 5, the harmonic metal material opens and maintains a certain functional rigidity so as to prevent the same signaling element 8 from bending when the bicycle 4 is moving forward in motion.

Preferably, the internal layer 17 is made with a woven pattern, but different configurations cannot be ruled out, for example with parallel rod patterns or with multiple layers of overlapping weaves.

The use of different material, e.g. rigid polymeric material, cannot also be ruled out.

It has in practice been found that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

The fact is underlined that the special solution of providing a signaling device representing a symbol and/or an inscription makes it possible to pass on the usual greeting wave to the other riders in total safety and to share the different types of greetings with the other riders or enthusiasts of the cycling sector.

Claims

1) Signaling device (1) for bicycles, characterized by the fact that it comprises: at least a containment body (2) having a retaining portion (3), engageable to a handlebar (4) of a bicycle, and a containment portion (5);

- signaling means (7, 8, 10) associated with said containment body (2) comprising at least a signaling element (8) sliding between an inactive position, in which it is contained in said containment portion (5), and an active position, in which it protrudes from said containment portion (5) to make a visual signaling.

2) Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said signaling means (7, 8, 10) comprise at least a sliding element (7) associated with said signaling element (8) and sliding in said containment portion (5) for the passage from said inactive position to said active position and vice versa.

3) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises structural means secured to said sliding element (7) and associated with said signaling element (8) to drive the exit/entry from/in said containment portion (5).

4) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said structural means comprise at least two stiff rods associated with said signaling element (8), spaced apart from each other in said active position for displaying said signaling element (8), moved close to each other in said inactive position for the containment of said signaling element (8) in said containment portion (5).

5) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises actuating means adapted to command the exit/entry of said signaling element (8) from/in said containment portion (5).

6) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said actuating means comprise an activation element operatively connected to said sliding element (7) for activating the sliding of said signaling element (8) from said inactive position to said active position and vice versa.

7) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said actuating means comprise electromechanical means associated with said sliding element (7) and with said activation element for the electromechanical mobilization of said sliding element (7).

8) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said electromechanical means comprise a rechargeable battery adapted to supply electric energy.

9) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said actuating means comprise a locking element activatable for maintaining said inactive position.

10) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises a closing element (12) associable with said containment portion (5) for the tight closure of said containment portion (5).

11) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises movement means of said signaling element (8) which are activatable in said active position.

12) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises sliding means associated with said signaling element (8) and adapted to move the signaling element (8) between the active position and the inactive position and vice versa.

13) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said sliding means (13, 14) comprise at least one worm screw (13) rotatable with respect to a sliding direction (15), provided with a helical thread (16) and associated with said sliding element (7) to displace said signaling element (8) from said inactive position to said active position.

14) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said sliding means (13, 14) comprise at least one connecting element (14) having a first portion (14a) inserted in said sliding element (7) and a second portion (14b) inserted in said helical thread (16) for the transfer of motion from said worm screw (13) to said sliding element (7).

15) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises a closing element (12) associable with said containment portion (5) for the tight closure of said containment portion (5).

16) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said closing element (12) is associated with said containment portion (5) and is moveable from a closing position, in which said containment portion (5) is closed and said signaling element (8) is in the inactive position, to an opening position, in which said containment portion is open and said signaling element (8) is in the active position.

17) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said closing element (12) in the opening position is located behind said signaling element (8) with respect to a forward direction (18) of said bicycle (4).

18) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said signaling element (8) comprises an internal load-bearing layer (17).

19) Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said internal layer (17) comprises harmonic metal material.