WO2014197925A1

WO2014197925A1 - A turning indicator arrangement for identifying a cyclist's intentions of turning while riding a bicycle

Info

Publication number: WO2014197925A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/000580
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard WIERZBINSKI
Original assignee: Wierzbinski Richard
Priority date: 2013-06-11
Filing date: 2014-06-04
Publication date: 2014-12-18
Also published as: AU2014280834A1

Abstract

A turning indicator arrangement for identifying a cyclist's intention of turning while riding a bicycle including a band adaptable to be fixed about a finger of the cyclist, an illuminatable device supported by the band, a switch to operate said illuminatable device between an 'on' or 'off' state, and wherein said switch is operatable between the 'on' or 'off' states for the illuminatable device through a hand gesture of the cyclist.

Description

A TURNiNG INDICATOR ARRANGEMENT FOR IDENTIFYING A CYCLIST'S INTENTIONS OF TURNING WHILE RIDING A BICYCLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] This invention relates to a turning indicator arrangement for a cyclist so as to identify the cyclist's intentions of turning within surrounding traffic whi!e riding a bicycle.

[002] More importantly, this invention relates to a new and unique improved way that will offer a safe, convenient and trouble free arrangement for a cyclist to indicate his or her intentions that they wish to make a turn amongst traffic.

BACKGROUND ART DISCUSSION

[003] Conventionally when cyclists wish to provide a means of their intention to turn when riding a bicycle so as to avoid any conflict with surrounding traffic, a cyclist would extend out one arm in the direction of the desired turn.

[004] As is to he expected, riding in amongst traffic and then having to take one hand off the handlebar of the bicycle can be an unsafe practice, as riders' stability is significantly reduced with just the single hand controlling the turning bicycle.

[005] In order to overcome this problem of having to extend one arm of the cyclist out in the direction of turning, alternative devices have been made available to the market all of which to date for the most part are either ineffective, cumbersome or difficult to use or simply problematic in that their own installation and application presents other problems to which the rider becomes exposed to. [006] For example, iiiuminated indicator lights can be attachable to the bicycle, but many of which require to be manually operated by taking at least one hand of the handle bars of the bicycle.

[007] Still further, the problem with such arrangements is that these indicator lights are often too bulky voiding the bicycle of its aesthetic appeal and also provide inherent risk to the user as many as stated above are manually operated and therefore the user must take their eyes off the road as they activate the manual switch in order to illuminate the indicator.

[008] Other indicator lights have been placed on certain locations of the bicycle, for example at the end of handlebars or as part of the foot pedals but as is to be expected their visibility can be limited to traffic in certain directions and in the case of the pedals they also restrict the cyclist to one type of pedal to be used with the bike.

[009] Alternative arrangements for indicating means have also seen

ii!uminatab!e lights attached to parts of the cyclist including helmets and jackets.

[010] In the case of that helmet it is difficult for other road users to determine the actual intended turning direction of the cyclist and many of these kinds of indicator lights adapted to be used with the helmets are not suitable for a variety of helmet styles.

[011 3 In the case of attaching indicator lights to the rear of jackets and so forth, this means that the cyclist must always wear the jacket if it is going to rely upon the jacket as a means of showing the cyclist's intentions of turning which becomes problematic in different weather conditions, say for example in hot conditions where wearing a jacket would be uncomfortable or alternatively in wet conditions when more appropriate wet weather clothing will be required to safeguard the cyclist. [012] Other solutions attempting to solve the problem of being able to safely identify a cyclist's intention of turning while riding a bicycle include wearing an illuminated glove but once again these kinds of gloves are not necessarily suitable for all weather conditions and for the most part cannot be clearly seen in traffic in all directions.

[013] Accordingly there remains a need in the general field associated with being able to identify a cyclist's intention of turning while riding a bicycle, that can be done so through an arrangement that can overcome the problems and the shortcomings referred to in the pre-existing embodiments that were discussed above.

[014] Therefore it is an object of this invention to provide an improved arrangement for identifying a cyclist's intentions of turning while riding a bicycie than hitherto has been made available.

[015] Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent in a complete reading of this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[016] Accordingly in one form of the invention there is provided a turning indicator arrangement for identifying a cyclist's intention of turning while riding a bicycie, said arrangement including:

[017] a band adaptable to be fixed about a finger of the cyclist;

[018] an iliuminatable device supported by said band;

[019] a switch to operate said iliuminatable device between an 'on' or 'off' state;

[020] and wherein said switch is operatable between the 'on' or 'off states for the iliuminatable device through a hand gesture of said cyclist. [021] In preference the switch includes a trigger arm,

[022] In preference leverage of the trigger arm instigated by the hand gesture of the cyclist translates into a mechanical push effect upon a switch contact of the switch so as to close or open a switch circuit to operate the illuminatable device respectively between the 'on' or Off state.

[023] In preference in one embodiment the trigger arm of the switch would rest in the proximity of the knuckle region of the finger of the hand of the cyclist such that an outward and/or upward extension of the finger of the user pushes the trigger arm into the mechanical push effect upon the switch contact of the switch so as to close or open the switch circuit to operate the iliuminatable device respectively between the 'on' or Off state.

[024] In preference in an alternative embodiment the trigger arm rests along the finger of the hand of the cyclist such that an outward and/or upward extension of the finger of the user pushes the trigger arm into the mechanical push effect upon the switch contact of the switch so as to close or open the switch circuit to operate the illuminatable device respectively between the On' or 'off state.

[025] In preference in a further alternative embodiment the trigger arm is leveraged such that an extension and contact of another finger on the hand of the cyclist pushes the trigger arm into the mechanical push effect upon the switch contact of the switch so as to close or open the switch circuit to operate the illuminatable device respectively between the 'on' or 'off state.

[026] In preference the band includes a flexible sheath.

[027] In preference the band and the sheath are a continuous single piece.

[028] In preference the sheath is configured so as to encapsulate and hold therein a main body including the iliuminatable device. [029] In preference the sheath is transparent and waterproof.

[030] In preference the illuminated device includes a series of symmetrically arranged LED's on a top surface of the main body such that when the main body is encapsulated in the sheath and the illuminated device is in the 'on' state and the LED's are emitting light, said light from the LED's is adapted to diffuse through the transparent sheath encapsulating the main body of the arrangement.

[031] In preference the main housing body includes internal electrical and/or electronic circuitry and/or a micro-controller to provide a timing sequence for timing of flashing, light intensity, colour and/or period of operation of the illuminatabie device when in the 'on¹ state.

[032] For example if it was so wished for just a single hand gesture to switch on the illuminatabie device when the cyclist intends to turn, timing sequences within the circuitry can then switch off indication after a period of time if such options are wished to be utilised.

[033] Still further, a degree of flashing, light intensity, colour and other similar features can all be adjusted to preferred set levels by the user as required depending upon various road conditions and so forth.

[034] In preference the band is adjustable by way of a series of holes along part of the length of the band.

[035] An advantage of such an arrangement is that by having the ring supported by an adjustable band means that it is easily adaptable to be fixed in place along any and/or each of the fingers of the hand of the cyclist.

[036] Alternatively the adjustability of the band makes the same ring suitable over a wide range of hand sizes such as those for children, women, men and so forth. [037] In preference in an alternative embodiment the arrangement includes a main housing body supported at distai ends of the adjustable band.

[038] ^,n preference there is a plurality of iiiuminatabie devices, preferably at least one iiiuminatabie device laterally extending from the front of the main body and one iiiuminatabie device extending laterally out from the rear of the main housing body.

[039] In preference the or each iiiuminatabie device is made up of one or more LED lights.

[040] An advantage of such an arrangement with lights laterally extending out from both the front and rear of the main housing body provides a more improved means so they can be seen by traffic in ail directions.

[041] In preference the main body housing encloses a battery adapted to power the iiiuminatabie device.

[042] In an alternative embodiment of the invention the arrangement includes a solar arrangement in order to inherently provide power to charge and illuminate the iiiuminatabie device.

[043] As this embodiment has the illuminated device extending out from both the front and the rear of the main housing body, the effects of wearing the ring in reverse are the same as those discussed precedingly in that a hand gesture involving the outward and/or upward extension of the fingers of the hand results in a biomechanical action of the trigger arm to push up against the push button switch in order to activate the switch to illuminate the iiiuminatabie device between an On' and 'off state as required.

[044] Advantageously this unique arrangement provides a simple

biomechanical activiation mechanism in order to operate an iiiuminatabie device so as to identify a cyclist's intention of turning while riding a bicycle. [045] The arrangement allows quick reaction time for a user and there is no manual switch that needs to be turned 'off' and 'on' by having the cyciist have to take one hand of the handle bars and so forth, thereby avoiding any risk in having to have the cyclist take their eyes off the road in order to activate the switch to operate the illuminated device.

[046] The adjustable band means it can be used on any finger and on any size hands and with LED lights extending out from both the front and back, means that surrounding traffic is able to view the illumination in all directions including oncoming and rear traffic.

[047] As is to be appreciated an illuminafable ring can be fitted on either or both hands, and on multiple fingers as well.

[048] Should the cyclist wish to wear gloves, again this presents no problems as the illuminatable ring with its adjustable band can easily fit around the fingers of a worn glove.

[049] In certain instances if increased illumination is required a user could wear the illuminafable finger ring on more than one finger of the hand.

[050] In the preferred embodiment as the hand gesture simply requires the out and/or upward extension of the fingers, the cyclist still retains full control of the hand upon the handlebar thereby losing no rider stability during turning.

[051] Through the use of appropriate illumination the lights would be suitable for use either during the day and/or night.

[052] In order now to describe the invention in greater detail preferred embodiments will be described with the assistance of the following illustrations BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[053] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the arrangement in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[054] Figure 2 is a more general underside perspective view of the

arrangement shown in Figure 1.

[055] Figure 3 is a perspective view in a preferred embodiment of the invention of the band and sheath included as part of the arrangement,

[056] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the main housing, including the illuminatable device.

[057] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of how the arrangement can be configured upon a finger of a cyclist.

[058] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of an alternative arrangement as to how the arrangement can be configured to the finger of a cyclist.

[059] Figure 7 is a schematic representation illustrated in one embodiment how the illuminated device can be switched to an "on⁵ state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[060] Referring to the drawings now in greater detail wherein a turning indicator arrangement (10) is shown in Figures 1 and 2 and the two parts making up the turning indicator arrangement that being the sheath (12) and band (17) shown in Figure 3 and the main housing body (14) supporting the illuminatable device in Figure 4.

[061] Referring now to Figures 1 to 4 wherein the turning indicator arrangement (10) includes the fiexibie transparent moulded sheath (12) that forms a continuous integral body with the band (17) that includes a plurality of holes (18) wherein the band (17) is adapted to pass through the slot (20) as best seen in Figure 3 to then be clipped in place with the band (17) itself then resting in the indented trough (22) on the upper part of the sheath (12).

[062] The sheath (12) with its moulded flexible resiliency is able to encapsulate the main housing body (14).

[063] As best seen in Figure 4 the main housing body (14) includes on its top surface the LED lights (26a), (26b) and (26c) configured such that once the switch to operate the illuminatable device is set to the 'on' state by the activation of the trigger arm (16) which will be discussed in greater detail in connection with Figure 7, these LED lights (26a), (26b) and (26c) will then illuminate in a sequence of pulses determined upon by the microcontroller (not shown) included as part of the main housing body structure which will provide a timing sequence for the flashing, light intensity, colour and/or period of operation of these LED lights (26a), (26b) and (26c) as part of the illuminatable device when in the On' state.

[064] A series of tab extensions (24a), (24b) and (24c) are illustrated on Figure 4 and these assist in clipping the main housing body (14) into its encapsulated configuration with the waterproof and transparent sheath (12) which will then cover the main housing body (14).

[065] As the sheath (12) is transparent when the LED lights (26a), (26b) and (26c) illuminate, that lighting is able to diffuse out from the sheath to be observable by those in the surroundings of the cyclist, including on coming traffic.

[066] In the embodiment shown, powering of the LED's (26a), (26b) and (26c) comes from a battery (28) which is clipped into place by the clip (30). [067] Nonetheless, as discussed previously there is a variety of ways and alternative mechanisms by which powering of the iiluminatabie device can be achieved including so!ar. The invention is not intended to be limited to any single type of power source for the iiluminatabie device which in the preferred embodiment includes the LED lights (26a), (26b) and (26c).

[068] In Figure 5 the turning indicator arrangement (10) is positioned on the finger (31) of the hand of the cyclist with the trigger arm (16) of the turning indicator arrangement (10) positioned running down the finger. In Figure 6 the turning indicator arrangement (10) is positioned on the finger (31) of the hand of the cyclist with the trigger arm (16) of the turning indicator arrangement (10) positioned about the knuckle (32) of the hand of the cyclist.

[069] In either configurations shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6, outward and/or upward extension of the finger results in leverage of the trigger arm (16) so as to create a mechanical push effect upon the switch contact of the switch included as part of the main housing body which will control the iiluminatabie device of the three LED's (26a), (26b) and (26c) in this preferred embodiment so that the switch contact (not shown) of the switch (not shown) will either close or open a switch circuit (not shown) that will operate the iiluminatabie device respectively between the 'on' or the 'off^' state.

[070] In Figure 7 the leverage of the trigger arm (16) is instigated by the hand gesture (29) of the cyclist as translated into a mechanical push of the trigger arm (16) upon the switch contact (not shown) of the switch (not shown) within the main housing body (14) of the turning indicator arrangement (10) so as to close or open a switch circuit (not shown) to operate the iiluminatabie device respectively between the 'on' or the 'off' state. Figure 7 shows the light rays (34) illuminating out from the device.

[071] White Figures 5, 6 and 7 show preferred ways in which the arrangement

[10] can be positioned on the hand of the cyclist in order for the biomechanical action to leverage the trigger arm (16), as introduced previously there is a variety of ways in which the hand gesture of the cyclist is able to operate the trigger arm (16) and this could include one finger actually crossing over and pressing down upon the turning indicator arrangement (10) generally or upon the trigger arm (16) directly.

[072] The positioning of the three LED s (26a), (26b) and (26c) internally are designed to diffuse the light to give a more even flash.

[073] Further, the arrangement of the LED s (26a), (26b) and (26c) and the ability to diffuse the Iight to give a more even flash will also enable the user the flexibility to direct light at a specific road user if necessary,

[074] As introduced above, the arrangement can be used on either or both hands.

Claims

1. A turning indicator arrangement for identifying a cyclist's intention of turning while riding a bicycle, said arrangement including: a band adaptable to be fixed about a finger of the cyclist; an illuminatable device supported by said band; a switch arrangement to operate said illuminatable device between an 'on' state or 'off state; and wherein said switch is operatable between the On' state or 'off state for the illuminatable device through a hand gesture of said cyclist.

2. The turning indicator arrangement of claim 1 wherein the switch arrangement includes a trigger arm.

3. The turning indicator arrangement of claim 2 wherein leverage of the trigger arm instigatable by the hand gesture of the cyclist translates into a mechanicai push effect upon a switch contact of the switch arrangment so as to close or open a switch circuit to operate the illuminatable device respectively between the 'on' state or 'off state.

4. The turning indicator arrangement of claim 3 wherein the trigger arm of the switch arrangement would rest in a proximity of a knuckle region of a finger of a hand of the cyclist such that an outward and/or upward extension of the finger of the cyclist pushes the trigger arm into the mechanicai push effect upon the switch contact of the switch arrangement so as to close or open the switch circuit to operate the iliuminatabie device respectively between the 'on' state or Off state.

5. The turning indicator arrangement of claim 3 wherein the trigger arm rests along a finger of a hand of the cyclist such that an outward and/or upward extension of the finger of the cyclist pushes the trigger arm into the mechanical push effect upon the switch contact of the switch arrangement so as to close or open the switch circuit to operate the iliuminatable device respectively between the 'on' state or 'off state.

6. The turning indicator arrangement of claim 3 wherein the trigger arm is leveraged by contact of another finger on the hand of the cyclist that pushes the trigger arm into the mechanical push effect upon the switch contact of the switch arrangement so as to close or open the switch circuit to operate the iliuminatable device respectively between the 'on' state or 'off state.

7. The turning indicator arrangement of claim 1 wherein the band includes a flexible sheath.

8. The turning indicator arrangement of claim 7 wherein the band and the sheath are a continuous single piece.

9. The turning indicator arrangement of claim 8 wherein the sheath is configured so as to encapsulate and hold therein a main housing body, said main housing body including the iliuminatable device.

10. The turning indicator arrangement of claim 9 wherein the sheath is transparent and waterproof.

11. The turning indicator arrangement of claim 9 wherein the iliuminatable device includes a series of symmetrically arranged LED's on a top surface of the main housing body such that when the main housing body is encapsulated in the sheath and the illuminated device is in the On' state and the series of symmetrically arranged LED's are emitting light, said light from the series of symmetrically arranged LED's is adapted to diffuse through the transparent sheath encapsulating the main housing body.

12. The turning indicator arrangement of claim 11 wherein the main housing body includes internal electrical and/or electronic circuitry and/or a micro- controlier to provide a timing sequence for timing of flashing, tight intensity, colour and/or period of operation of the illummatabie device emitted light when said arrangement is in the 'on' state.

13. The turning indicator arrangement of claim 1 wherein the band is adjustable by way of a series of holes along part of a length of the band.

14. The turning indicator arrangement of claim 9 wherein the main body housing supports a battery adapted to power the illuminatable device.

15. The turning indicator arrangement of claim 1 further including a soiar arrangement to power the illuminatable device.