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GB2412424A - A fibre optic lighted vehicle - Google Patents

A fibre optic lighted vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2412424A
GB2412424A GB0406478A GB0406478A GB2412424A GB 2412424 A GB2412424 A GB 2412424A GB 0406478 A GB0406478 A GB 0406478A GB 0406478 A GB0406478 A GB 0406478A GB 2412424 A GB2412424 A GB 2412424A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
vehicle
power source
optical fibre
helmet
optical
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0406478A
Other versions
GB0406478D0 (en
Inventor
Jonathan Barry
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB0406478A priority Critical patent/GB2412424A/en
Publication of GB0406478D0 publication Critical patent/GB0406478D0/en
Publication of GB2412424A publication Critical patent/GB2412424A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/2661—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions
    • B60Q1/2673—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions on parts worn by the driver, e.g. clothes, gloves or bags, specially adapted to provide auxiliary vehicle signalling
    • B60Q1/2676—Helmets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/0011—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor with light guides for distributing the light between several lighting or signalling devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/2661—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions
    • B60Q1/2673—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions on parts worn by the driver, e.g. clothes, gloves or bags, specially adapted to provide auxiliary vehicle signalling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/32—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating vehicle sides, e.g. clearance lights
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
    • B62J6/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices on cycles; Mounting or supporting thereof; Circuits therefor
    • B62J6/22—Warning or information lights
    • B62J6/26—Warning or information lights warning or informing other road users, e.g. police flash lights
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D1/00—Garments
    • A41D1/002—Garments adapted to accommodate electronic equipment

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
  • Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)

Abstract

A vehicle that has at least one optical fibre which when illuminated allows the vehicle to be seen by other road users or provides to enhance its visibility. The optical fibres may be positioned on or below the external surface of the vehicle for example to the side of the vehicle's chassis. A power source illuminates the optical fibres to provide a visual warning to other road users during times of darkness or when visibility is impaired. The power source may be the vehicle's battery or a separate battery. The optical fibres and power source may be in kit form. Alternatively the optical fibres may be attached to clothing worn by a cyclist or motorcyclist such as a helmet.

Description

24 1 2424
APPARATUS FOR ALERTING ROAD USERS
Description
This invention relates to apparatus for alerting road users to the presence of other road users when visibility is impaired, eg in times of darkness and otherwise to visually enhance the user of the apparatus for safety and other reasons.
In one embodiment the invention relates to crash helmets for use inter alla by motorcyclists and cyclists and racing drivers, skiers and sportsmen and the like. In another embodiment, this invention relates to vehicles whose presence is visually enhanced and to apparatus for effecting such enhancements, eg body parcels in whole or in part or motorcycle or cycle frames in whole or in part. These vehicles include cars, lorries, motor cycles and bicycles.
Crash helmets are required to be worn by motorcyclists and others as above for reasons of safety and cyclists are frequently being encouraged to wear such helmets for the same reasons.
One problem faced by cyclists and motorcyclists alike is that their presence is not always immediately recognized by other road users, particularly at night and other occasions when visibility is impaired. Side and head lights displayed by a motorcyclist or cyclist should provide sufficient warning to other road users from behind or in front if kept clean but experience has shown that a motorcyclist or cyclist emerging from a side road or turning is not always immediately apparent to a motorist travelling in a direction generally at an angle to that of the emerging motorcyclist or cyclist.
The present invention sets out to overcome or at least alleviate these in one aspect and other problems by providing a crash helmet which can be selectively illuminated in whole or in part by the user to enhance his / her visibility to other road users.
According to the present invention in this aspect, there is provided a crash helmet including one or more optical fibres positioned On or below the external surface of the helmet and connectable to a power source, the arrangement being such that when powered by the power source, the or each optical fibre is illuminated to provide a visual warning to other road users.
An "optical fibre" comprises a thin fibre (normally of glass) in a protective sheath along which light can be transmitted when connected to a source of power / light.
The power source may comprise a stand-alone battery positioned within a suitably shaped housing which forms part of the helmet. A switch may be provided to enable the user selectively to provide power to the or each optical fibre.
Alternatively, the power source may be positioned on the user's cycle or motorcycle, or carried by the user, and selectively connected to the optical fibres using a standard form of connection.
The optical fibre or fibres may be secured to the external surface of a crash helmet by a suitable adherent or via clips standing proud from the helmet surface. Alternatively, the or each optical fibre may be located within suitably shaped channels formed in the helmet surface, the channels being filled using transparent plastics or other material.
Where a multiplicity of optical fibres is provided, they may be positioned to define a pattern or message, logo, trademark or similar optical definition when lit.
In another aspect, the invention provides a kit of parts which comprises one or more optical fibres for attachment to the external surface of a crash helmet and a power source connectable to the or each optical fibre.
Similar problems to those described above are faced by other road users during periods of impaired visibility. In another aspect, therefore, the invention sets out to provide a vehicle which can selectively be partially, illuminated to enhance its visibility.
According to this aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle whose surface carries one or more optical fibres positioned on or immediately below the external surface or surface of the vehicle and connectable to a power source, the arrangement being such that when powered by the power source the or each optical fibre is illuminated to provide a visual warning to the other road users.
The invention also provides an assembly of one or more optical fibres and a power source for securement to a vehicle.
In this embodiment, one or more optical fibres are secured to, for example, the sides, or chassis of the vehicle so that when illuminated through the power source other road users are clearly alerted to the vehicles presence during times of darkness or on other occasions when visibility is impaired.
The power source on this occasion may be the battery of the vehicle or a separate battery.
In a still further aspect, the invention extends to articles of clothing worn by, for example, a cyclist or motor cyclist It will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely exemplary of apparatus in accordance with the invention and that modifications can readily be made without departing from the true scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims.

Claims (17)

  1. A crash helmet including one or more optical fibres positioned on or below the external surface of the helmet and connectable to a power source, the arrangement being such that when powered by the power source the or each optical fibre is illuminated to provide a visual warning to other road users.
  2. 2. A crash helmet as claimed in claim 1 wherein the power source comprises a stand-alone battery positioned within a suitably shaped housing which forms part of the helmet.
  3. 3. A crash helmet as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a switch or switches to enable the user selectively to provide power / light to the or each optical fibre, in whole or in part.
  4. 4. A crash helmet as claimed in claim 1 wherein the power source is positioned on the user's cycle or motorcycle, or carried by the user for selective connection to the optical fibres.
  5. 5. A crash helmet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each optical fibre is secured to the external surface of the crash helmet by an adherent.
  6. 6. A crash helmet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the or each optical fibre is attached to the helmet via clips standing proud from the helmet surface.
  7. 7. A crash helmet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the or each optical fibre is located within a suitably shaped channel formed in the helmet surface, the channels being filled using a transparent material.
  8. 8. A vehicle to which is secured on one or more optical fibres positioned on or below an external surface of the vehicle and connectable to a power source, the arrangement being such that when powered by the power source the or each optical Dare is illuminated to provide a visual warning to other road users.
  9. 9. A vehicle as claimed in claim 8 wherein the power source comprises a stand-alone battery positioned within a suitably shaped housing which forms part of the vehicle.
  10. 10. A vehicle as claimed in claim 9 further comprising a switch or switches to enable the user selectively to provide power / light to the or each optical fibre, in whole or in part.
  11. 11. A vehicle as claimed in claim 8 wherein the power source is positioned on the user's vehicle, or carried by the user for selective connection to the optical fibres.
  12. 12. A vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each optical fibre is secured to the external surface of the vehicle by an adherent.
  13. 13. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein the or each optical fibre is located within a suitably shaped channel formed in a surface of the vehicle, the channels being filled using a transparent material.
  14. 14. A kit of parts which comprises one or more optical fibres for attachment to an external surface of a vehicle and a power source connectable to the or each optical fibre.
  15. 15. A vehicle as herein described.
  16. 16. An article of clothing including one or more optical fibres positioned on or below the external surface of the article and connectable to a power source, the arrangement being that when powered by the power source the or each optical fibre is illuminated to provide a visual warning to road users.
  17. 17. A crash helmet as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14 wherein the or each optical Libra is located within a suitably shaped channel formed in the helmet surface, the channels being filled using a transparent material. q
    17. An article as claimed in claim 16 further comprising a switch or switches to enable the user selectively to provide power / light to the or each optical fibre, in whole or in part.
    Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows
    1. A vehicle to which is secured on one or more optical timbres positioned on or below an external surface of the vehicle and connectable to a power source, the arrangement being such that when powered by the power source the or each optical fibre is illuminated to provide a visual warning to other road users.
    2. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the power source comprises a stand-alone battery positioned within a suitably shaped housing which forms part of the vehicle.
    3. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a switch or switches to enable the user selectively to provide power / light to the or each optical fibre, in whole or in part.
    4. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2 wherein the power source is positioned on the user's vehicle, or carried by the user for selective connection to the optical fibres.
    5. A vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each optical fibre is secured to the external surface of the vehicle by an adherent.
    6. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the or each optical fibre is located within a suitably shaped channel formed in a surface of the vehicle, the channels being filled using a transparent material.
    7. A kit of parts which comprises one or more optical fibres for attachment to an external surface of a vehicle and a power source connectable to the or each optical fibre.
    8. A vehicle as herein described.
    9. An article of clothing including one or more optical fibres positioned on or below the external surface of the article and connectable to a power source, the arrangement being that when powered by the power source the or each optical fibre is illuminated to provide a visual warning to road users.
    10. An article as claimed in claim 9 further comprising a switch or switches to enable the user selectively to provide power / light to the or each optical fibre, in whole or in part.
    11. A crash helmet including one or more optical fibres positioned on or below the external surface of the helmet and connectable to a power source, the arrangement being such that when powered by the power source the or each optical fibre is illuminated to provide a visual warning to other road users.
    12. A crash helmet as claimed in claim 11 wherein the power source comprises a stand-alone battery positioned within a suitably shaped housing which forms part of the helmet.
    13. A crash helmet as claimed in claim 12 further comprising a switch or switches to enable the user selectively to provide power / light to the or each optical fibre, in whole or in part.
    14. A crash helmet as claimed in claim 11 wherein the power source is positioned on the user's cycle or motorcycle, or carried by the user for selective connection to the optical fibres.
    15. A crash helmet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each optical fibre is secured to the external surface of the crash helmet by an adherent.
    16. A crash helmet as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14 wherein the or each optical fibre is attached to the helmet via clips standing proud from the helmet surface.
GB0406478A 2004-03-23 2004-03-23 A fibre optic lighted vehicle Withdrawn GB2412424A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0406478A GB2412424A (en) 2004-03-23 2004-03-23 A fibre optic lighted vehicle

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0406478A GB2412424A (en) 2004-03-23 2004-03-23 A fibre optic lighted vehicle

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0406478D0 GB0406478D0 (en) 2004-04-28
GB2412424A true GB2412424A (en) 2005-09-28

Family

ID=32188509

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0406478A Withdrawn GB2412424A (en) 2004-03-23 2004-03-23 A fibre optic lighted vehicle

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2412424A (en)

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4901209A (en) * 1988-08-05 1990-02-13 Nitz James C Illuminated bicycle frame
JPH0241948A (en) * 1988-08-01 1990-02-13 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Vehicle lighting system
US5495400A (en) * 1993-10-06 1996-02-27 Currie; Joseph E. Optical fiber illumination device
WO1996023674A1 (en) * 1995-02-02 1996-08-08 Federal Signal Corporation System and method for broadcasting colored light for emergency signalling
US5585782A (en) * 1994-11-28 1996-12-17 Yosko; Scott Light bar for a vehicle
JPH09104377A (en) * 1995-10-12 1997-04-22 Unitika Supaakuraito Kk Side safety light of bicycle
GB2333830A (en) * 1998-02-03 1999-08-04 Justin Campbell Lesbirel Vehicle lamp illuminated by a remote light source via fibre optic cables
US6336736B1 (en) * 2000-03-06 2002-01-08 Jessica Edmond Illuminated bicycle frame apparatus
US20020152686A1 (en) * 2001-04-18 2002-10-24 William Whitehead Illuminating weatherseal

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0241948A (en) * 1988-08-01 1990-02-13 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Vehicle lighting system
US4901209A (en) * 1988-08-05 1990-02-13 Nitz James C Illuminated bicycle frame
US5495400A (en) * 1993-10-06 1996-02-27 Currie; Joseph E. Optical fiber illumination device
US5585782A (en) * 1994-11-28 1996-12-17 Yosko; Scott Light bar for a vehicle
WO1996023674A1 (en) * 1995-02-02 1996-08-08 Federal Signal Corporation System and method for broadcasting colored light for emergency signalling
JPH09104377A (en) * 1995-10-12 1997-04-22 Unitika Supaakuraito Kk Side safety light of bicycle
GB2333830A (en) * 1998-02-03 1999-08-04 Justin Campbell Lesbirel Vehicle lamp illuminated by a remote light source via fibre optic cables
US6336736B1 (en) * 2000-03-06 2002-01-08 Jessica Edmond Illuminated bicycle frame apparatus
US20020152686A1 (en) * 2001-04-18 2002-10-24 William Whitehead Illuminating weatherseal

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0406478D0 (en) 2004-04-28

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)