Patent Application
20070063831
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to safety devices. Specifically, the present invention relates to a signaling device mounted on a garment for use with a vehicle or bicycle.
2. Description of Related Art
Both motorcycles and bicycles make up a significant portion of the traffic on roads. However, although popular, there is extreme danger associated with riding motorcycles and bicycles on the road. One of the greatest problems associated with motorcycles and bicycles is the inability of many drivers to see the motorcycles/bicycles on the road. Because of their size, motorcycles/bicycles are oftentimes difficult to see. Additionally, because motorcycles have signaling lights which are smaller than conventional automobiles, drivers do not observe motorcycles signals when stopping, slowing, or indicating a turn. Likewise, drivers do not notice bicyclists providing hand signals. A device and system is needed which provides an enhanced signaling system to bicycles and motorcycles.
Although there are no known prior art teachings of a device such as that disclosed herein, prior art references that discuss subject matter that bears some relation to matters discussed herein are U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,099 to Harris (Harris), U.S. Pat. No. 6,097,287 to Lu (Lu), U.S. Pat. No. 6,834,395 to Fuentes (Fuentes), U.S. Pat. No. 3,906,443 to Musselman (Musselman), U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,629 to Tigwell (Tigwell), U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,707 to Gebelein et al. (Gebelein), U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,168 to Whiting (Whiting), U.S. Pat. No. 6,538,567 to Stewart (Stewart), U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,016 to Restauro (Restauro), U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0145864 to Spearing (Spearing), U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0184262 to De Silva (De Silva), and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0134439 to Moore et al. (Moore).
Harris discloses a motorcycle safety helmet which has a rearward facing auxiliary brake lamp secured to a helmet which is connected by an optic or sonic link to the brake light system of a motorcycle. However, Harris does not teach or suggest a signaling system affixed to a garment of the rider. Harris suffers from the disadvantage of providing a signaling system to a modified helmet. Such modifications on a helmet are currently not permitted by federal law. Additionally, Harris merely discloses a system which is connected to the brake light system of a motorcycle by a sonic or optical link which can easily be broken if a clear line of sight is not provided between the helmet and the transmitting device located on the motorcycle. Additionally, Harris does not teach or suggest a system for indicating a turn.
Lu also discloses a helmet safety system which produces a supplemental warning signal when a braking system of an associated vehicle is actuated. The system includes a warning signal coupled to a wire loop and flux generator adapted to be coupled to the braking system of the vehicle. When the braking system of the vehicle is actuated, the flux generator draws current from the vehicle and the flux generator creates flux when the braking system is actuated to power the warning signal. However, Lu does not teach or suggest a signaling device worn on a jacket of the rider. Additionally, Lu does not teach or suggest the use of a wireless radio telecommunications link to the motorcycle. Likewise, Lu does not disclose a device providing a turn signal indicator. Lu suffers from the disadvantage of utilizing a complex device to interface with the braking system by requiring the use of a device providing a flux detector, thereby increasing the cost and complexity of the device.
Fuentes discloses a safety garment worn by a rider which provides a turn indication or a brake indication. The garment includes a receiver for receiving signals from the signaling system of the motorcycle. However, Fuentes does not disclose an interface for transmitting the brake or turn signal indication to the garment. Additionally, Fuentes does not teach or suggest a safety garment or accessory for use on a bicycle.
Musselman discloses an automatic brake light switch for a bicycle. A sensing device attached to the brakes of a bicycle sends a signal via a cable to a brake light located at the rear of the bicycle. Musselman does disclose a sensing device activated when the cyclist brakes. However, Musselman does not teach or suggest utilizing a wireless radio communications link to a light indication device worn by the cyclist.
Tigwell discloses an apparatus for actuating and de-actuating a brake light affixed to a motorcyclist's helmet without any interface with the motorcycle. The helmet includes an accelerometer which senses deceleration forces to trigger the brake light. Tigwell does disclose an illumination device triggered by an accelerometer. However, the illumination device of Tigwell is mounted on a helmet. Tigwell does not teach or suggest a light indication device worn on a garment or backpack of a person. Additionally, Tigwell does not teach or suggest any interface with a motorcycle (i.e., no wireless communications).
Gebelein discloses a helmet-mounted brake light system which communicates via an infrared beam with an interface device attached to a motorcycle. The interface device is a proximity switch which senses when a hand brake is actuated. The interface of Gebelein does not include an electrical interface with the wiring system of the motorcycle. Additionally, Gebelein does not teach or suggest utilizing an RF wireless communications link. Gebelein merely discloses the use of an IR communication device. Additionally, Gebelein only discloses the use of a brake light on a helmet, not a lighting system affixed to the back of the motorcyclist.
Whiting discloses a helmet light system for a motorcycle which includes a transmitter mounted on a motorcycle for broadcasting an RF signal to a receiver mounted on the helmet. The transmitter includes a microprocessor that is connected to the brake light circuit and turn light circuit. Whiting utilizes a pulse generator to illuminate the helmet mounted light. Whiting does disclose a wireless radio communications link between the motorcycle and the light device. Whiting also discloses interfacing the microprocessor with the electrical system of the motorcycle. However, Whiting does not teach or suggest the use of insulation displacement connectors (IDCs) to interface with the wiring system. In addition, Whiting does not teach or suggest a lighting system mounted to the back of the motorcyclist.
Stewart discloses a motorcycle jacket which has turn signal lights attached to the back of the jacket. The lights are physically connected to wiring system of the motorcycle electric system. Stewart discloses connecting directly to the wiring system of the motorcycle lighting system. Stewart also discloses a garment which includes a bank of lights on the back of the garment. However, Stewart does not teach or suggest utilizing an RF wireless communications link. Stewart merely splices into the wiring system of the motorcycle with a cable connected to the jacket. Additionally, Stewart only discloses a turn signal indication and not a brake indication.
Restauro discloses a garment having illuminated traffic signals. The garment includes a power cord attached to the motorcycle. In a similar fashion as described by Stewart, Restauro discloses an interface with the wiring system of the motorcycle. Restauro does disclose a garment having a bank of lights located on its back side. However, Restauro does not teach or suggest a wireless radio communications link between the garment and the motorcycle. Additionally, Restauro does not teach or suggest how the wiring system is interfaced.
Spearing discloses a light signaling system attached to a garment. The garment is connected to the lighting wiring system of a motorcycle. The light signaling system is directly connected to the wiring of the lighting system of the motorcycle. Spearing does not teach or suggest a wireless radio communications link. Additionally, Spearing does not disclose how the light system interfaces with the wiring system of the motorcycle.
De Silva discloses a safety signal jacket having a light array located on the back of the jacket. De Silva includes a control device mounted on the shoulder straps to actuate the lights. De Silva does not teach or suggest a wireless link between the garment and the jacket interfacing with the motorcycle. De Silva suffers from a major disadvantage in that the lights must be actuated by the person manipulating controls on the shoulder straps of the garment.
Moore discloses a light system mounted to a bicycle or motorcycle helmet. The lighting system includes one or more accelerometers which may be mounted in the helmet or on the bicycle/motorcycle, and a processor adapted to process the signals from the accelerometers. Moore discloses utilizing an RF link for communicating with the helmet and the accelerometer on the bicycle. However, Moore does not teach or suggest mounting a light array on the back of a garment. Additionally, Moore does not teach or suggest utilizing the RF link to communicate with a sensing device located on the brakes of a bicycle.
In regards the patents disclosing lights located on helmets worn by riders, these patents suffer from the fact that a device that is attached to helmets is against current federal regulations. Furthermore, these patents do not teach or suggest affixing the lights to directly to garments, which provides a surface area which is far more visible to other motorists. None of these patents which disclose lights on the helmet discuss the problems associated with attaching devices to helmets or the deterioration of the structural integrity of the helmet. In regards to those patents which include wires connecting a garment to the motorcycle, there are also significant safety concerns. For example, wire related injuries may result during an accident if a wire is attached between the garment and the motorcycle.
Finally, none of the patents disclose a simple way of interfacing with the motorcycle wiring system. Existing prior art references merely disclose splicing wires, which is complicated, increases the danger of electrical problems through modification of the wiring system of the motorcycle, and increases the cost of utilizing professional mechanics to install the interface.
Thus, it would be a distinct advantage to have a simple and economical signaling device worn by a rider of a bicycle or motorcycle. The device may include a wireless radio link to the motorcycle or bicycle. In regards to a motorcycle, the device should include an effective interface to the braking and signaling system. It is an object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus.
In one aspect, the present invention is a signaling system for a motorcycle or bicycle providing a light indication to other motorists. An indication mechanism is attached to a garment of the rider. The indication mechanism has at least two banks of LEDs arrays and a wireless radio receiver. A signal interface is linked to the wiring system of the motorcycle light system. The signal interface intercepts signals transmitted on the wiring system of the motorcycle light system. The system also includes a wireless radio transmitter in communication with the signal interface. When the signal interface detects a signal sent through the wiring system of the motorcycle, the signal interface sends a signal via the transmitter to the receiver of the indication mechanism. The indication mechanism then illuminates the appropriate bank of LED arrays to provide a light indication to warn other motorists.
In another aspect, the indication mechanism may be worn by a cyclist. The signals come from a battery source and through a brake-activated sensing device which detects any braking action by a braking mechanism of the bicycle. This system also includes a wireless radio transmitter in communication with the signal interface. When the sensing device detects a braking action by the braking mechanism, the signal interface sends a signal via the transmitter to the receiver of the indication mechanism. The indication mechanism then illuminates the appropriate bank of LED arrays.
In still another aspect, the indication mechanism may be worn by a cyclist. However, rather than utilizing a signal interface, the indication mechanism may include an accelerometer to detect deceleration of the bicycle. Once deceleration of the bicycle is detected, the appropriate banks of the LED arrays on the indication mechanism illuminate.
A signaling device for use by a rider on a motorcycle or bicycle is disclosed.
Preferably, the indication mechanism is affixed to a jacket, but any garment worn by the rider may be utilized. Additionally, the indication mechanism is preferably removable and may be held in position to the garment by any attachment means, such as Velcro strips or straps. Also, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the indication mechanism is affixed to a jacket constructed of body armor popular with motorcyclists. In this embodiment, because of the foam construction of the body armor jacket, the indication mechanism may be imbedded within the foam to provide a flush profile with the outer surface of the jacket where the indication mechanism and the jacket meet.
The indication mechanism 14 also includes the receiver 18 and a power source 40. The power source is preferably a lithium battery or series of batteries used for powering the indication mechanism 14. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lithium power source includes a recharge port 42 allowing an AC/DC adapter cable to be attached to the indication mechanism for recharging the indication mechanism. Additionally, the indication mechanism preferably includes an accelerometer 44. The accelerometer 44 senses motion of the garment and indication mechanism. When the accelerometer senses motion, the indication mechanism changes from a “sleeper” mode to an active mode. In the active mode, the receiver is powered to receive any signals from the transmitter. After a period of time (e.g., 2 minutes) without sensing any motion by the accelerometer, the indication mechanism goes to the sleeper mode, which powers down all systems, thereby preserving the battery power. Thus, when the garment is not in use (e.g., in a closet), the indication mechanism is powered to off to preserve battery power. However, once the garment is moved, the accelerometer automatically turns the light mechanism to the powered position without any intervention by the motorcyclist. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, rather than utilizing an accelerometer, an on/off switch may be used. Although not shown in
The transmitter 20 is preferably a radio frequency (RF) transmitter providing a wireless communication to the receiver 18. However, any wireless radio protocol and transmitter may be utilized for transmitting signals to the indication mechanism 14. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmitter transmits to a specific separate address associated with one receiver. Thus, the transmitter does not inadvertently provide signals to other light indication mechanisms worn by other motorcyclists in close proximity to the first transmitter.
The transmitter may be affixed to the motorcycle in any location. Any attachment means may also be utilized. However, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmitter is affixed to a back portion of a license plate bolt of the motorcycle. Alternatively, the transmitter may be affixed by one or more cable ties 70 directly to any part of the motorcycle.
With reference to
In a similar manner, the turn signal indications are propagated when a turn signal on the motorcycle is used, thereby sending a signal to one of the turn signal wires. If the right turn signal is illuminated on the motorcycle, a signal is sent through the right turn signal wires 56 which, in turn is intercepted by the IDCs 58 and 60. The IDCs send the signal to the transmitter 20 which is received by the receiver 18. The receiver, through the processor, sends a signal to the right bank 32 to illuminate the LED lights of the right bank. The right bank 32 is normally off and automatically extinguishes when the turn signal is cancelled. The computer processor may be able to distinguish between a brake light and a turn signal, thus sending the appropriate signal to the bank 30 or 32 to either flash or illuminate constantly. For example, if the brake light is applied and the right turn indicator is on, the right bank 32 flashes while the left bank illuminates constantly. Alternatively, the lights may be set to a timer to extinguish after a predetermined time period.
The signaling system 10 provides a simple interface to the motorcycle's wire system and enables an additional light indication which provides a superior lighting indication for other motorists. The signal system is easily installed on the motorcycle and may be easily attached to a garment of the rider. The present system utilizes an interface which does not require extensive rewiring of the motorcycle, but rather, taps into the existing wiring system without the need to splice or cut the existing motorcycle wiring system.
Preferably, the indication mechanism is affixed to a backpack or camelback watering device commonly worn by cyclists, but any garment worn by the rider may be utilized. Additionally, the indication mechanism is preferably removable and may be held by an attachment means such as Velcro strips or straps.
The indication mechanism 114 also includes an optional receiver 118 and a power source 140. The power source is preferably a lithium battery or series of batteries used for powering the indication mechanism 114. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lithium power source includes a recharge port 142 allowing an AC/DC adapter cable to be attached to the indication mechanism for recharging the indication mechanism. Additionally, the indication mechanism preferably includes an accelerometer 144. The accelerometer 144 senses motion of the garment and indication mechanism. When the accelerometer senses motion, the indication mechanism changes from a “sleeper” mode to an active mode. In the active mode, the receiver is powered to receive any signals from the transmitter. After a period of time (e.g., 2 minutes) without sensing any motion by the accelerometer, the indication mechanism goes to the sleeper mode, which powers down all systems, thereby preserving the battery power. Thus, when the garment is not in use (e.g., in a closet), the indication mechanism is powered to off to preserve batter power. However, once the garment is moved, the accelerometer automatically turns the light mechanism to the powered position without any intervention by the cyclist. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, rather than utilizing an accelerometer, an on/off switch may be used. Although not shown in
The indication mechanism also includes an accelerometer 202. A single-axis accelerometer may be utilized to sense any deceleration of the bicycle. However, any type of accelerometer may be utilized, such as a three axis accelerometer. The accelerometer may be located on the indication mechanism or affixed separately on the bicycle. If the accelerometer is located on the bicycle, the transmitter 120 is installed on the bicycle to communicate the signals received from the accelerometer to the receiver within the indication mechanism. However, preferably, the accelerometer is mounted in the indication mechanism 114. In this case, no wireless transmitting device is needed.
If the transmitter is utilized, the transmitter 220 may utilize an RF transmitter providing a wireless communication to the receiver 118. However, any wireless radio protocol and transmitter may be utilized for transmitting signals to the indication mechanism 114. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmitter transmits to a specific separate address associated with one receiver. Thus, the transmitter does not inadvertently provide signals to other light indication mechanisms worn by other cyclists in close proximity to the first transmitter.
With reference to
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the accelerometer 202 or an additional accelerometer may be used to provide a signal through the processor to the LED array to illuminate a turn signal indication. The accelerometer may sense the cyclist leaning to the left side or the right side and provide a corresponding signal to the LED array. The LED array may include a turn signal indication in a similar fashion as described for the motorcycle embodiment. Thus, the cyclist when desiring to illuminate a turn signal indication, leans in the desired direction (i.e., right or left), which illuminates the appropriate LED array. Additionally, the accelerometer may detect the centrifugal forces when the cyclist is turning, thereby sending a signal to the appropriate LED array to provide a turn signal indication.
In another alternate embodiment of the present invention, in place of an accelerometer, the signaling system may also include an optional transmitter 120 affixed to a sensing device 121 (see
The signaling system 110 of the present invention provides a signaling device worn by a cyclist to warn other motorists that the cyclist is decelerating or stopping. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the signaling system may include a turn indication signal as described for the signaling system 10.
In still another alternate embodiment of the present invention, the indication mechanism may be affixed to a back portion of a trailer pulled by a vehicle. The vehicle may incorporate the signal interface 24 within the vehicle and transmit a signal to the indication mechanism on the trailer.
While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility.
Thus, the present invention has been described herein with reference to a particular embodiment for a particular application. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the present teachings will recognize additional modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope thereof.
It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and all such applications, modifications and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
