GB2572818A

GB2572818A - A Bicycle Light Device

Info

Publication number: GB2572818A
Application number: GB1806076.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rhys Moore Adrian
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-04-13
Filing date: 2018-04-13
Publication date: 2019-10-16
Anticipated expiration: 2038-04-13
Also published as: GB201806076D0; GB2572818B

Abstract

A bicycle light device 99 comprising a housing 4 and a light source 1, wherein the housing 4 provides support for a brake lever 3, and the light 1 is arranged to transmit light forwards of the lever 3. The light 1 may be mounted to the housing 4 by means of a rail arrangement (7, figure 3).

Description

A BICYCLE LIGHT DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bicycle light device, in particular a forward facing light for bicycles; more particularly but not exclusively a forward facing light for road or racer bicycles.

Background

Increasing numbers of people enjoy cycling or use bicycles to commute or travel, in many societies.

Bicycles need effective lighting, both for other road users and for safety of the cyclist or bicycle user.

The available lights for bicycles tend to be fixed single light sources, which direct a narrow beam of light forwards and are not accessible during use.

Prior Art

CN 2 830 222 (Al) discloses a lighting hand protector for bicycle handlebars, which comprises handlebars, hand protecting covers, a clamping seat and a lighting lamp, wherein the hand protecting covers are fixed on the handlebars through screws and the clamping seat; openings of the covers face to a driver, and the front end of each cover is provided with the lighting lamp. Each hand protecting cover forms a U shape, and the surface of each cover is coated with a reflection layer.

GB 2 345 675 (BEAGLES) discloses flashing direction indicators mounted on the end of a bicycle handlebar and activated by a switch located in a rubber handlebar grip. Each indicator is amber in colour and has a bulb powered by batteries which are housed in a body. The batteries are connected to the bulb by an electronic strobe circuit which makes the bulb flash and maximises the life of the batteries. An indicator is used by pressing and holding the switch for as long as the rider requires the light to flash and since each indicator protrudes from the ends of the handlebar the flashing amber lights they produce can be seen both from in front and from behind the bicycle.

US 5 580 152 (CARTER) discloses a light assembly for a bicycle that comprises a power source, configured to be positioned within either the handlebars of the bicycle or bar end members attached to the handlebars of the bicycle, and a light source that is adjustable by the user. In one embodiment, the light assembly is positioned at either end of the handlebars and are independently adjustable about two orthogonal axes to allow the bicyclist to illuminate two different regions in the path of travel of the bicycle. In a second embodiment, the light assembly is positioned at the outer end of either of the bar end members attached to the handlebars and are independently adjustable about two orthogonal axes to allow the bicyclist to illuminate two different regions in the path of travel of the bicycle.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a bicycle light device comprising a housing and a light source, wherein the housing provides support for a brake lever, and the light is arranged to transmit light forwards of the lever.

The light source may be arranged at the top of the housing so as to minimise or avoid interference with transmission of the light source.

In some embodiments the light source is displaceable from the housing. In this way the light source may be displaced for theft avoidance, maintenance or recharging purposes.

In some embodiments the light source may direct light sideways also. Two of such devices in use at any one time enable a spread of the transmitted light in use, so as to maximise visibility to the user, as well as visibility to other road users.

In some embodiments it may be envisaged that the brake levers extend below and in front of the housing. In this way the brake levers and housing may be arranged in a road racer style. This may mean that the light source is arranged at the top of the housing, and is consequently free from interference or blocking by a user’s hands or clothes at any time, creating greater levels of safety.

In this way the device of the present invention provides a stable, secure and reliable light source, directing forwards and sideways, for a user of a road bicycle in particular, so as to maintain visibility for both the user and for others around him or her.

The light source may comprise one or more light emitting diodes. In some embodiments the light source may be arranged to change colour and/or flash.

The light source may comprise a switch or control, for example wherein the light source itself can be pressed down towards the housing to change settings, such as standard on/ flash/off settings being controlled through this push-button switch and small microcontroller.

In some embodiments the light source may be added to an existing housing, in other embodiments the housing and light source are available as a whole unit at retail or manufacture.

The light source may alternatively be part of a bipartite device, comprising a housing lowermost and a light source body uppermost, connected in use, for example such that an electrical connection may be enabled in some embodiments. In such embodiments the housing may contain the electrical parts for the light source, such as battery, controller or microchip. In other embodiments some or all of the electrical parts for the light source are comprised in the body, and for example displacement of the body with reference to the housing may activate or control the light source.

In this way in some embodiments the device may comprise a drop bar brake with an integrated light, being substantially the same as traditional drop bar brakes with the light source mounted into and operated adjacent the brake itself.

For example therefore the device may take the form of integrated lights in a standard drop bar brake and/or shift lever, wherein the light source itself may sit on the further-, upper- or outer-most part of the lever’s housing, enabling the most light to disperse from the lens.

Some embodiments of the device comprise a securement means, for securing the device to a bicycle. This may aid in installation to the bicycle, advantageously allowing easy upgrades to existing bicycles.

For example the securement means may comprise elastomeric straps or tethers, arranged to allow the device to be held in place.

In some embodiments the device comprises a weatherproof cover, for example a silicone jacket or elastomeric shield, which covers the workings of the levers, and connections to cables or the like. In this way the device may be rendered more weatherproof. The cover may cover or comprise the securement means.

The light source may be small and lightweight, made from thermoplastics or polymer and self-contained in a body, which may be textured to provide greater grip.

The light source may also comprise a screen, covering the light and which may have a refractive lens to disperse the light, and may also wrap around the side of the housing or body so as to create a wide-angle beam.

The light source may comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). In some embodiments the LEDs may be arranged to provide a variety of intermittent patterns, or colours or beam directions or patterns. For example in some embodiments the light source may comprise a dipped and a full beam mode, or different intensity/power modes. In some embodiments the devices may comprise connectivity, wired or wireless to enable communication between devices and/or collaboration of modes.

A small coin cell battery may power ultra-bright surface-mount LEDs which save weight and space in comparison to traditional diodes.

In other embodiments a rechargeable energy source may be provided to operate the light source. For example in some embodiments the energy source may comprise a dynamo, photovoltaic cell or other energy harvesting means. The rechargeable energy source in addition or the alternative may comprise a displaceable battery, for example lithium ion, and/or may comprise means to connect an external electrical supply, for example a universal serial bus socket or lead.

The device may also comprise a gear lever.

According to further aspects of the present invention there is provided handlebars or a bicycle with handlebars comprising two devices substantially as described herein.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; and

Figures 5 shows a side view, a front view and an isometric view in use of a second embodiment of the device.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures in general there is shown a bicycle light device 99 generally comprising a housing 2 and a light source 1, wherein the housing 2 provides support for a brake lever 3, and the light is arranged to transmit light forwards of the lever 3.

In particular reference to the embodiment shown in the Figures there is shown a thermoplastics housing 21 supporting a lateral pivot 24 for downward depending brake 6 and gear 5 levers such as for a road bicycle, and support for a displaceable light source 1, which support provides a slot 6 into which a unit 1 comprising the light source may be slid in or out, sliding on a substantially horizontal plane.

The light source unit is subsequently arranged above the housing in use and comprises a thermoplastics body 11.

The user’s hands will therefore be located below the light unit, and not liable to restrict or obstruct the light source during usage.

The light source is arranged to direct light forwards and sideways, providing a beam predominantly directed forwards.

In the pictured embodiment a primary lever 6 and cable 61 operates the brakes of the bicycle and a secondary lever 5 and cable 62 operates gears. All cables are attached through the side or the back of the housing 21 using universal attachments.

The top section of the light source body 11 can be unscrewed from the bottom, allowing access to the internals to replace the battery. The light can be slipped on/off using a tight fitting rail slot 6 and bayonet 7, similar to those used on existing bike lights.

The embodiment shows a road bicycle brake lever with a removable LED (light emitting diode) light source that can be seen both from the front and the sides. Because the lights are located at the outermost comers of the handles they provide excellent visibility.

The light source uses a wide beam angle to illuminate the road and alert other road users to the user’s presence. The brake lever housing has the mounting rail located on its top, which allows the light to slide in and fit firmly in place, and a resiliently deformable silicone sleeve 20 to maintain the rigid housing 21 in a watertight fashion on the bicycle 1000 or handlebars 63, wherein the housing 21 is strapped to the handlebars 63 using elastomeric straps 22.

A button 10 to operate the lights is located on its rear, which may enable the lights to be altered in colour, in intermittency, as well as providing an actuation control. Because of the location of the button the user is enabled to easily access the light source control as required, for example in an emergency situation, being able to activate an emergency or flashing mode to draw attention.

A curved lens 12 over the LEDs 8 allows light to be refracted sideways. In some embodiments the lens may be refractive or magnifying.

The pictured embodiment of the light unit comprises the following:

Silicone button cover 10

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) body

PCB (printed circuit board), LED, coin cell batteries, push switch 8

Reflector plate 44

Gasket 45

Clear refractive lens 12

In use:

Mount brake lever using the clamp bolt.

Slide light into rail until snug.

Press button to change settings (on/off/flash).

Remove screws to replace batteries.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

1. A bicycle light device comprising a housing and a light source, wherein the housing provides support for a brake lever, and the light is arranged to transmit light forwards of the lever.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the light source comprises one or more light emitting diodes in a displaceable unit.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the unit is slid onto a rail mounting on the housing.

4. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the light source is mounted above the housing in use.

5. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a gear lever.

6. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a resilient waterproof sleeve.

7. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising a curved lens.

8. Handlebars comprising two devices according to any of the preceding claims.

9. A bicycle comprising handlebars according to the preceding claim.