GB2417186A

GB2417186A - Signalling apparatus for personal wear

Info

Publication number: GB2417186A
Application number: GB0418519A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Benjamin Alan Jackson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-08-18
Filing date: 2004-08-18
Publication date: 2006-02-22
Also published as: GB2431713B; WO2006018615A1; GB2431713A; GB0418519D0; GB0703293D0

Abstract

The invention provides signalling apparatus comprising: a power source; a light; a switch, operably connected between the power source and the light; and connection means to enable the apparatus to be secured, in use, to a user's hand or wrist, and maintaining it, in use, in a fixed position thereon. The invention provides for the use a range of switch options, including tilt switches, inertial switches and strain-actuated switches. The invention has particular application for use as an indicator for cyclists. The apparatus may comprise a glove (Fig 3) or a strap (Fig 2) worn on the hand or, as shown, a wrist band 17 connected to finger portions 18 by a back portion 19. The switch 3 may be provided on the index finger for actuation by the thumb. Alternatively stretching of the elastic back portion 19 on bending the fingers may actuate a strain-gauge switch. A further embodiment (Fig 9) uses a tilt or inertia switch which may comprise a ball in a tube to operate the light on tilting or movement of the wearer's hand. A timer may switch off the light.

Description

SIGNALLING APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

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

Background and Prior Art known to the Applicant

In order to maintain and increase safety on the roads, it is important that road users can signal their intention to others. Powered vehicles such as cars and lorries have, for many years, had indicator lights located on each side of the vehicle, front and back, that the driver can use to indicate his or her intended actions. These indicators are usually flashing, and are of relatively high intensity, powered by the vehicle's electrical system.

Similarly, motorcycles frequently have indicator lights, again powered by the vehicle's electrical system. Non-powered vehicles, such as bicycles, usually rely on hand signals.

Extending an arm and hand horizontally indicates the cyclists' intention to turn in that direction. Whilst such hand signals - when properly executed - provide a good indication of the cyclists' intentions during daylight hours, the situation is more difficult at night.

This is especially the case in poorly-lit areas, where other road users may be unable to see the cyclists hand signals.

Solutions to this problem have been attempted by the use of batterypowered indicator lights mounted on the rear (and sometimes the front) of the bicycle. However, the lack of any suitable and substantial power source on cycles usually means that these indicators are only useful at night. Thus, a cyclist needs to change the mode of signalling between day and night from hand signals to battery-powered indicators. Furthermore, indicator lights mounted on the rear of a bicycle are much closer together than they would be on a car, creating the possibility of confusion between a left and a right signal.

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

Summary of the Invention

In its broadest aspect, the invention provides signalling apparatus comprising: a power s source; a light; a switch, operably connected between the power source and the light; and connection means to enable the apparatus to be secured, in use, to a user's hand or wrist, and maintaining it, in use, in a fixed position thereon.

Preferably, the connection means is adapted to locate the switch, in use, on a user's finger no - preferably on a side of the finger - thereby allowing the switch to be operated by a user's thumb. More preferably, the connection means is adapted to locate the switch, in use, between the thumb and first finger of a user such that the switch may be operated by opposition of the proximal phalange of a user's thumb with the first finger.

2s In any aspect of the invention it is advantageous that the switch comprises a tilt switch, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the switch comprises an inertial switch. In a yet more preferred embodiment, the inertial switch comprises a so-called tactile switch and a moveable weight, so arranged that sudden movement of the apparatus causes the moveable weight to actuate the tactile switch. Most preferably, the inertial switch comprises a tube; a weight - such as a ball bearing slidably located within the tube; and one or two tactile switches located at one or each end of the tube, so that impact of the weight on the or one of the switches causes the switch to actuate. '

In an alternative, and advantageous embodiment, the switch comprises a strain-actuated switch so positioned, in use, such that flexure of one or more of a user's fingers actuates the switch.

In any aspect of the invention, the connection means comprises a glove.

Also, in any aspect of the invention, the connection means comprises a wristband and a finger-engaging portion connected by a portion preferably a panel - that, in use, can lie across the back of a user's hand. Preferably, the connecting portion is elastic.

In any aspect of the invention, the signalling apparatus further comprises timing means, operably connected to the power source, light and switch, and arranged so that, following actuation of the switch to illuminate the light, the timing means switches off the light after a predetermined time.

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

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure l illustrates signalling apparatus designed to attach around a user's palm; Figure 2 illustrates the device of figure l, in use; Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein the apparatus is formed as part of a glove; Figure 4 and figure 5 are schematic diagrams illustrating the assembly of various functional parts of the invention; Figure 6 and 7 illustrate alternative embodiments of the invention comprising one or more finger-engaging portions connected to a wrist-band; and Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of an inertial switch suitable for use in the invention.

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

Description of Preferred Embodiments

Figure l illustrates an embodiment of the signalling apparatus, generally indicated by 1, where the light 2 and switch 3 are mounted on a connection means comprising a strap 4.

The power source is not illustrated in this diagram but may conveniently be built into the housing for the light 2. The strap 4 has two ends 5, 6 that join together to enable the strap 4 to be positioned on a user's hand or wrist and maintaining it, in use, in a fixed position thereon. In this embodiment, the strap 4 also has cut out sections 7 and 8 to ensure that the apparatus is correctly positioned on a user's hand and maintained there.

Figure 2 illustrates the embodiment of figure 1 in place on a user's hand 9. The strap 4 is no positioned across the back of the palm of the hand, the two cut out shapes 8 and 7 engaging respectively with the user's thumb 10 and first finger 11. In this embodiment, the operating switch 3 is positioned between the first finger 11 and the thumb 10 and is operable by the user using the proximal phalange 12 of their thumb in opposition with the first finger 11. This position is particularly advantageous: although the movement is easy to make, it is not one that is used open in everyday contexts, and so accidental switching of the light is avoided.

Figure 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention whereby the connection means is provided in the form of a glove 13. In this embodiment, the operating switch 3 is mounted on the side of the first finger 11 enabling it to be operated by the tip 14 of a user's thumb 10. The light 2 in this embodiment is mounted on the back of the glove 13.

Again, the power source is not illustrated in figure 3.

Figure 4 shows, schematically, a typical arrangement of power 15, switch 3 and light 2.

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

It is particularly advantageous, however, that the switch comprises an inertial switch.

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

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

Given this teaching, the skilled addressee will be able to position an inertial switch to produce this functionality.

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

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

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

Figure 7 illustrates a further embodiment of this device comprising a wrist band 17, a connecting portion 19 and two finger-engaging portions 18 and 1 8a. The incorporation of this additional finger-engaging portion 18a leads to added stability in the positioning of the switch 3. Also illustrated is the assembly of power source and light (schematically s illustrated as 21) on the back of the connecting portion 19. In this embodiment (and that of figure 6) it is particularly advantageous that the connecting portion 19 be of an elastic nature so that a user may comfortably clench and unclench their fist. In this embodiment, therefore, an alternative means of switching may be employed including a switch that is responsive to the elastic deformation of the connecting portion 19. Such a switch may So take the form of a strain gauge, or be directly responsive to the movements resulting from the elastic deformation of the connecting portion 19.

Figure 8 illustrates, as a schematic cross-section, a particularly advantageous embodiment of an inertial switch for use in the present invention. The switch comprises a tube 22 and a weight 24 slidably located within the tube 22. At each end of the tube is located a tactile switch 23 and 23a that is actuated when the weight 24falls to one end of the tube 22.

Whilst the presence of a tactile switch 23 at both ends of the tube 22 gives optimum response and is readily adapted to left or right handed use, the inertial switch assembly would also perform adequately with a tactile switch at only one end of the tube 22.

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

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

Claims

1. Signalling apparatus comprising: a power source; a light; a switch, operably connected between the power source and the light; and connection means to enable the apparatus to be secured, in use, to a user's hand or wrist, and maintaining it, in use, in a fixed position thereon.

2. Signalling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the connection means is adapted to locate the switch, in use, on a user's finger - preferably on a side of the finger - thereby allowing the switch to be operated by a user's thumb.

3. Signalling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the connection means is adapted to locate the switch, in use, between the thumb and first finger of a user such that the switch may be operated by opposition of the proximal phalange of a user's thumb with the first finger.

4. Signalling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the switch comprises a tilt switch.

5. Signalling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the switch comprises an inertial switch.

6. Signalling apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the inertial switch comprises a so called tactile switch and a moveable weight, so arranged that sudden movement of the apparatus causes the moveable weight to actuate the tactile switch.

7. Signalling apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the inertial switch comprises a tube; a weight - such as a ball bearing - slidably located within the tube; and one or two tactile switches located at one or each end of the tube, so that impact of the weight on the or one of the switches causes the switch to actuate.

8. Signalling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the switch comprises a strain- actuated switch so positioned, in use, such that flexure of one or more of a user's fingers actuates the switch.

9. Signalling apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the connection means comprises a glove.

10. Signalling apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the connection means comprises a wristband and a finger-engaging portion connected by a portion - preferably lo a panel - that, in use, can lie across the back of a user's hand.

11. Signalling apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the connecting portion is elastic.

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

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