GB2421421A

GB2421421A - Turn signal indicator on wristband

Info

Publication number: GB2421421A
Application number: GB0428349A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Colin Appleby
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-12-24
Filing date: 2004-12-24
Publication date: 2006-06-28
Anticipated expiration: 2024-12-24
Also published as: GB2421421B; GB0428349D0; HK1092656A1

Abstract

A turn signal indicator for cyclists, horse riders, or the like is in the form of a wristband (8) which comprises at least one light (2), a source of electric power for illuminating the light (2), and an actuation switch (12). The light (2) is provided on the back side (3) of the wristband (8) as worn, and the switch (12) is provided on the palm side. The actuation switch (12) is then actuatable by bringing the switch into proximity to or contact with an external object without the need to actuate the switch (12) using the fingers of either hand. The light may form an arrow or separate lights. The light(s) may be under timer control. An audible signal may also be provided.

Description

Turn Signal Indicator

Introduction

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to turn signal indicator for cyclists, horse riders, or others in control of other vehicles or animals not fitted or carrying turn signalling apparatus.

2. Related Art Electric turn signal indicators are found on all motorised road vehicles and provide a visual signal to other road users of a driver's intention to turn left or right. Most bicycles are not fitted with any such signalling apparatus, and horse riders do not commonly carry any such apparatus. Cyclists and horse riders generally use hand signals to indicate their intention to make a turn.

Hand signals are often not understood, or are misinterpreted by other road users. Furthermore, hand signals can not be seen clearly when it is dark or when there is poor visibility. These factors put the cyclist or horse rider at increased danger of having an accident when making a turn.

Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a more convenient turn signalling apparatus for cyclists and horse riders.

According to the invention, there is provided a turn signal indicator in the form of a wristband adapted to be worn on a user's wrist, the wristband comprising at least one light, a source of electric power for illuminating said at least one light, and an actuation switch by which the user may switch the electric power to illuminate said at least one light, said at least one light being provided on at least on a first side of the wristband as worn, and said switch being provided on a second side of the wristband opposite said first side as worn, wherein the user may wear the wristband on the wrist of one arm with the second side of the wristband being adjacent the palm and the first side of the wristband being adjacent the back of the hand, the actuation switch being actuatable when so worn by bringing the switch into proximity to or contact with an extraneous object without the need to actuate the switch using the fingers of either hand.

The wristband is particularly suitable for use by riders of bicycles and horses. The wristband is designed for one-handed operation, which means that the user's other hand can always be kept on the handlebars or reins to control the bike or horse.

The or each light will be provided by one or more light sources, which may be any convenient light source, such as LEDs, laser diodes, incandescent bulbs, etc. The light may be conveyed from the light source by means of a lens integral with the source, optical fibres, light pipes, or any other

suitable means.

The user can actuate the switch without using his/her hands.

The switch may stand proud of the surrounding surface of the second side of the wristband in order to facilitate actuation. Furthermore, the switch may be pressure-activated such that it is actuatable by pressing the second side of the wristband against a solid surface of the extraneous object.

Such an action may involve the user pressing or striking the wristband against his/her hip or thigh.

It is advantageous if the pressure switch includes a press button that protrudes above a surrounding surface of the second side. The switch could be a push-to-make' switch with the push button being arranged to operate the switch such that the switch returns to a normally open (off) position when the button is released. Alternatively, the switch could be a push-to-break' switch with the push button being arranged to operate the switch such that the switch returns to a normally closed (on) position when the button is released.

Alternatively, the actuation switch may be a proximity- activated switch. Such a switch is actuatable by bringing the second side of the wristband into proximity with the extraneous object. The switch may include a capacitance sensor or an optical sensor arranged to sense the proximity of the extraneous object. The optical sensor may further include an infra-red opto-coupler.

The wristband may additionally comprise a beeper or other device capable of producing an audible signal. Preferably the beeper beeps when the light is illuminated to provide an audible confirmation that the light is illuminated. This enables the cyclist or horse rider to ascertain easily when the wristband is illuminated to indicate a turning signal.

The user does not therefore have to look at the wristband and take his/her attention away from the road.

The wristband may include a microcontroller or other appropriate control circuitry for controlling or synchronising the operation of the turn signal indicator. The controller or control circuitry can be arranged to flash the light when the actuation switch is actuated. The controller may further be arranged to beep the beeper each time the light flashes.

The circuitry of the wristband may be arranged so that when the switch is actuated a second time, it switches off the illumination of the light. Preferably, however, the controller/control circuitry is arranged to deactivate the light after a predetermined time following actuation of the switch. This is advantageous as it means the switch need only be actuated once per turn. Preferably, the predetermined time is between 3 and 15 seconds. The wristband may contain adjustment means by which a user can adjust the predetermined time. The adjustment means could be a dial or turn screw or the wristband could incorporate a digital display and digital adjustment means. For simplicity the adjustment means preferably includes a particular activation sequence of the switch. For example, the push button could be depressed for 3 seconds to activate a set-up mode, further presses could set the predetermined time.

Preferably, the wristband is separate from any other articles of clothing. The wristband may, however, be provided as a cuff to an article of clothing. The actuation switch can be concealed by a covering. The covering may be fabric or plastic and is preferably waterproof. The covering may cover the entire wristband except for the light.

In order for the wristband to conform to different user's wrists, it should be adjustable in size. Preferably the wrist band has an elasticated portion between the first side and the second side. Alternatively, the wristband may have a break in the band at one point which is joined by means of a clasp, Velcro (Reg. TM) or some other means.

The source of electrical power is preferably a rechargeable battery or cell. The wristband may comprise additionally electromagnetic coupling circuitry by which the rechargeable battery or cell can be electromagnetically recharged. The battery may also be charged by a photoelectric cell incorporated with the wristband.

It can be advantageous to confine the illumination from the light to emission from the first side of the wristband. The light may be arranged to project the illumination substantially normal to the first side of the wristband. This arrangement enables the light to be concentrated directly towards road users behind the cyclist/horse rider when the arm is outstretched to the side. This maximises the visibility of the signal from behind and ensures that electrical power is not wasted in illuminating less important areas. If the user needs to direct turn signal illumination forwards, then this can be done by rotating the wrist by 180 .

The light is preferably arranged to project the illumination substantially within an azimuthal angle of 20 , and a horizontal angle of 400 from a normal to the first side of the wristband when the loop of the wristband lies in a vertical plane. The particular range of azimuthal angles or horizontal angles may be more or less than this amount, but it is preferred if the projected illumination is more concentrated in the azimuthal plane than in the horizontal plane. This ensures maximum visibility of the cyclist/ horse rider from cars approaching from an angle.

Preferably the light(s) is/(are) amber coloured. Other road users are accustomed with amber lights being associated with turning indicators. Additionally, the light(s) may be arrow- shaped. The arrow will be illuminated in the direction that the user intends to turn when their arm is outstretched. The arrow shape provides a clear signal to other road users of the direction the user intends to take.

The light may be provided by at least one source of illumination located on the first side of the wristband. This helps to provide the greatest latitude in the positioning and orientation of the switch.

The wristband may have a plurality of lights arranged around the wristband. Preferably, the plurality of lights is arranged on the first side of the wristband. The controller may control the plurality of lights such that they flash in a predefined pattern when the switch is actuated. Further presses of the switch may change the pattern of illumination of the plurality of lights.

Brief Summary of the Drawings

The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, and with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a turn signal indicator in the form of a wristband adapted to be worn on a user's wrist, according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a view of an inner side of a turn signal indicator in the form of a wristband worn a user's wrist, according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 shows a view of an outer side of the turn signal indicator of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows the main electrical components of the first and second embodiments; and Figure 5 shows the wristband of Figure 1 in use by a rider of a bicycle who is using the turn signal indicator to indicate a right hand turn.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a turn signal indicator 10 in the form of a wristband 8 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the wristband 8 has an amber-coloured arrow-shaped indicator light 2 provided on a first or outer side 3 of the wristband 8. The wristband 8 is formed from a pair of plastic straps 4,5 either side of a plastic indicating portion 7. The straps may be integrally moulded and overlap and join by means of a Velcro (Reg. T1) fastener 6 at a location opposite the indicator light 2 on a second or inner side 9 of the wristband 8 to form a generally cylindrical band 8 for surrounding a user's wrist. A pushbutton switch 12 for activating the indicator light 2 is located on one strap 4. The switch 12 is located on a directly Opposite side from the light 2. This arrangement allows a user such as a cyclist to activate the indicator 2 by, for example, pressing or striking the switch 12 against his/her hip.

In use, the wristband 8 will be used by a cyclist 20 as shown in Figure 5 and as described in the following description.

Figure 5 shows the cyclist 20 signalling to make a right turn and wearing a left signal wristband 8 on his/her left wrist 14, and an identical right wristband 8' on his/her right wrist 14' . A button 12' can be seen on the left wristband 8' adjacent a user's left palm 21'. A similar button is located on the right wristband 8 but cannot be seen in Figure 2. The arrow-shaped indicator 2 can be seen on the right wristband 8 adjacent the back 23 of the user's hand 25. A similar indicator is present on the left wristband 8' but cannot be seen in Figure 5.

The wristbands 8,8' are orientated so that the indicator 2 is visible to road users behind the cyclist when an arm 16 is outstretched. The wristbands 8,8' are also orientated so that the arrow light 2 on the right wristband 8 points to the right when the right arm 16 is outstretched, and so that the similar arrow on the left wristband 8' points to the left when the left arm 16' is Outstretched.

If the cyclist 20 intends to make a right turn, for example, he/she first applies a force to the button 12 on the right wristband 8. This may be achieved, for example, by pressing or striking the button 12 against his/her hip or thigh 18; there is no need to remove an opposite left hand 25' from a handlebar 24 to actuate the button 12.

Reference is now made also to Figure 4, which shows control electronic circuitry 30 within the wristband 8. The button 12 will be part of a switch means 32 which when activated sends a signal 34 to a control means 36, such as a microcontroller The controller 36 then activates one or more light sources within the wristband 8, which may flash in a manner controlled by the controller 36. The cyclist 20 then outstretches his/her right arm 16 such that the indicator 2 is visible to any traffic behind the cyclist. The controller 36 deactivates the indicator light 2 after a predetermined time period, for example 15 seconds. This time period is typically long enough for the cyclist 20 to complete a turn.

A power source 38, for example a rechargeable battery, will be provided within the wristband 8 to provide electrical power to the other components.

- 10 - Figures 2 and 3 show a second eodiment 110 of a turn signal indicator, in which features similar to those of Figure 1 are indicated with reference numeral incremented by 100. The indicator is in the form of a wristband 108 worn on a user's wrist 114. The wristband 108 is formed from a length of elastjcated, flexible fabric, which be formed in a continuous band or which may, as illustrated, have a Velcro (Reg. TM) joining flap 106 that forms an adjustable portion of the wristband 108. A protruding push button 112 extends from the inner side 109 of the wristband 108, and a plurality of lights 102 is provided on the outer side 103 of the wristband 108. The button 112 may be activated in the same manner as described above for the button 12 of the first embodiment io.

The turn signal indicators 10,110 described above provide a convenient and easily usable device that may be worn by a user such a cyclist or horse rider and activated on one wrist without the user having to use either hand. In this regard, it should be noted that because the button 12,112 is positioned adjacent the palm 21,121 it is not in fact possible for a user to activate the button using the same hand 25,125 and therefore there will no temptation to do so.

This helps to reinforce the habit of using the surface of an extraneous object to activate the switch 12,112.

It should be understood that the invention has been described by way of example only and that modifications of detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

- 11 - Claims: 1. A turn signal indicator in the form of a wristband

adapted to be worn on a user's wrist, the wristband comprising at least one light, a source of electric power for illuminating said at least one light, and an actuation switch by which the user may switch the electric power to illuminate said at least one light, said at least one light being provided on at least on a first side of the wristband as worn, and said switch being provided on a second side of the wristband opposite said first side as worn, wherein the user may wear the wristband on the wrist of one arm with the second side of the wristband being adjacent the palm and the first side of the wristband being adjacent the back of the hand, the actuation switch being actuatable when so worn by bringing the switch into proximity to or contact with an extraneous object without the need to actuate the switch using the fingers of either hand.
2. A turn signal indicator as claimed in Claim 1, in which the switch stands proud of the surrounding surface of the second side.
3. A turn signal indicator as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the actuation switch is a pressure-activated switch that is actuatable by pressing the second side of the wristband against a solid surface of the extraneous object.
4. A turns signal indicator as claimed in Claim 3, in which the actuation switch includes a press button that protrudes above a surrounding surface of the second side.

- 12 -
5. A turn signal indicator as claimed in any of Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the actuation switch is a proximity- activated switch that is actuatable by bringing the second side of the wristband into proximity with the extraneous object.
6. A turn signal indicator as claimed in Claim 5, in which the actuation switch includes a capacitance sensor arranged to sense the proximity of the extraneous object.
7. A turn signal indicator as claimed in Claim 5, in which the actuation switch includes an optical sensor arranged to sense the proximity of the extraneous object.
8. A turn signal indicator as claimed in Claim 7, in which the optical sensor includes an infra-red opto-coupler.
9. A turn signal indicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the wristband comprises additionally a beeper that beeps when said at least one light is illuminated to provide an audible confirmation that said at least one light is illuminated.
10. A turn signal indicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the wristband includes control circuitry arranged to flash said at least one light when the actuation switch is actuated.
11. A turn signal indicator as claimed in Claim 10 in which the beeper beeps each time said at least one light flashes.
12. A turn signal indicator as claimed in any preceding - 13 - claim, in which the switch when actuated a second time switches off the illumination of said at least one light.
13. A turn signal indicator as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 11, in which the wristband includes control circuitry arranged to deactivate said at least one light after a predetermined time following actuation of the switch.
14. A turn signal indicator as claimed in Claim 13, in which the predetermined time is at least 3 seconds.
15. A turn signal indicator as claimed in Claim 13 or Claim 14, in which the predetermined time is no more than 15 seconds.
16. A turn signal indicator as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 15, in which the wristband includes adjustment means by which a user may adjust said predetermined time.
17. A turn signal indicator as claimed in Claim 16, in which said adjustment means includes a particular activation sequence of the switch.
18. A turn signal indicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the wristband is separate from any other articles of clothing.
19. A turn signal indicator as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 18, in which the wristband is provided as a cuff to an article of clothing.
20. A turn signal indicator as claimed in any preceding - 14 - claim, in which the actuation switch is concealed by a fabric Covering.
21. A turn signal indicator as claimed in Claim 20, in which the fabric covering covers the entire wristband except for said at least one light.
22. A turn signal indicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the wrist band has between the first side and the second side an elasticated portion.
23. A turn signal indicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the source of electrical power is a rechargeable battery, the wristband comprising additionally electromagnetic coupling circuitry by which the rechargeable battery may be electromagnetically recharged.
24. A turn signal indicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which illumination from said at least one light is confined to the first side of the wristband.
25. A turn signal indicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said at least one light is arranged to project the illumination substantially normal to the first side of the wristband.
26. A turn signal indicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said at least one light is arranged to project the illumination substantially within an azimuthal angle of 20 from a normal to the first side when the loop of the wristband lies in a vertical plane.

- 15 -
27. A turn signal indicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said at least one light is arranged to project the illumination substantially within a horizontal angle of 40 from a normal to the first side when the loop of the wristband lies in a vertical plane.
28. A turn signal indicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the said at least one light is provided by at least one source of illumination located on the first side of the wristband.
29. A turn signal indicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said at least one light is/are amber coloured.
30. A turn signal indicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said at least one light is arrow-shaped.
31. A turn signal indicator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which there are a plurality of said lights arranged on the first side of the wristband.
32. A turn signal indicator, substantially as herein described, with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings.