阅读说明：本技术 交通工具安全装置 (Safety device for vehicle ) 是由 埃里克·迪隆·弗赖斯尔 于 2013-08-23 设计创作，主要内容包括：描述了可以被用来提高交通工具能见度轮廓的交通工具安全装置。所述装置包括适于连接至车架的基座；电源；由所述基座支撑并耦合至电源的细长光源。所述细长光源适用于相对所述车架将于其上横穿的表面延伸至所述车架之上。(Vehicle safety devices are described that can be used to improve the visibility profile of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a base adapted to be connected to a vehicle frame; a power source; an elongated light source supported by the base and coupled to a power source. The elongate light source is adapted to extend above the vehicle frame relative to a surface across which the vehicle frame will traverse.)

1. A vehicle safety device comprising:

a base adapted to be connected to a frame of a vehicle;

a power source; and

an elongated light source supported by the base and coupled to the power source, wherein the elongated light source is adapted to extend above the vehicle frame relative to a surface across which the vehicle frame will traverse.

Technical Field

The present technology relates generally to vehicle safety devices and, more particularly, to lighting devices that may be used to enhance the visibility profile of a vehicle.

Background

Wheelchairs, motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles are contoured to be lower from the ground than cars and trucks that travel the same road in conjunction with them. Accordingly, these vehicles are referred to as "low profile vehicles". As a result of the low profile vehicle, it cannot be found by other drivers. The low visibility and inability to be seen makes low profile vehicles more dangerous than high profile vehicles that they are crossing in regular traffic. These low profile vehicles face the disadvantage of often causing car accidents because other drivers cannot see or quickly identify the low profile vehicle while driving. Drivers of automobiles and trucks often cannot see low profile vehicles until late, unavoidable collisions. Due to the difference in volume between low profile vehicles and high profile cars and trucks, car accidents occurring between them can be particularly dangerous.

Vehicle safety lights for vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles already exist. However, the safety lights of low profile vehicles have only a small silhouette and are typically attached to an existing frame. For example, small Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)) bicycle safety lights are designed to be attached to a shelf under the seat. Since a bicycle shares the same road with a vehicle having a much larger profile than it (i.e., the rider is higher in position), the safety light installed at this position can only play a limited role. Low profile vehicles have limited visibility because existing safety lights are configured to only exist in the profile of the vehicle. Thus, although safety lights are available, low profile vehicles still suffer from frequent, dangerous accidents.

Whip lights and light poles are sometimes used on recumbent bicycles and all terrain vehicles ("ATVs"). Because of their rigid nature, whip lights and lamp poles cannot be used on bicycles and motorcycles, which require driver mounts.

Disclosure of the technology

Described herein are improved vehicle lighting devices that can be used to enhance the visibility profile of a vehicle, particularly a ridable vehicle, by providing a lighting device that is taller than the shelves of a low profile vehicle (this technique). Various embodiments of the apparatus described herein include a base adapted to be coupled to a vehicle frame; a power source; and an elongated light source supported by the base and coupled directly or indirectly to a power source. The elongate light source is adapted to extend above the vehicle frame relative to a surface across which the vehicle frame will traverse. By extending above the vehicle, the vehicle safety device increases the distance the vehicle can be seen.

The vehicle safety device may be adapted for use with a ride-on vehicle frame. One example of the frame is a bicycle. In the same embodiment, the elongated light source may be adapted to pivot from the base such that all or a portion of the elongated light source is displaced when a sufficient force is applied. Wherein the elongate light source may be configured to move upon pressure from the human body and spring back to an original upright position relative to the surface traversed by the vehicle frame. In various embodiments, the elongated light source may be constructed of segmented rigid materials connected by a flexible material. The vehicle safety device may be configured to bend as a person's thigh moves over the elongated light source and recover after the person's thigh is removed therefrom without damaging the elongated light source.

According to a certain embodiment, the elongated light source may also be configured to provide illumination of 180 degrees or more than 180 degrees. The elongated light source is also adapted to provide substantially uniform illumination, an irregular illumination pattern, or any combination thereof. The elongate light source may also include additional rows or posts of lights that enhance illumination when the driver is using a brake or turns. The vehicle safety device may also be configured so that all of the lights can be dimmed together, dimmed in a programmed pattern, or in a random pattern.

According to various embodiments of the technique, the elongated light source may extend above the vehicle frame when fully extended using a telescoping mechanism. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the elongated light source may be configured to retract to various positions, including into the base.

This technical disclosure presents a series of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed disclosure. Some embodiments of the technology possess additional aspects, elements, features and steps in addition to or in place of those described above. These potential additions and substitutions are described in the remainder of this application. Other advantages and features of the described technology will become apparent when viewed in conjunction with the detailed description and the accompanying drawings and claims.

Drawings

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a vehicle safety device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1B is a perspective view of a vehicle safety device attached to a vehicle according to the embodiment of fig. 1A.

Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a vehicle safety device attached to a vehicle frame according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2B is a perspective view of a vehicle safety device attached to a vehicle frame according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a vehicle safety device attached to a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3B is a perspective view of a vehicle safety device attached to a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3C is a side view of a vehicle safety device attached to a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 depicts an example of a vehicle safety device with an embodiment of the present disclosure, thereby improving visibility profile.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a vehicle safety device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The illustrations of the various aspects of current technology herein are for representation purposes only. One skilled in the art will also recognize from the following discussion that various structural and methodical embodiments may be employed without departing from the principles of the technology described herein.

Detailed Description

Various aspects of the techniques will be described in detail herein. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding and enabling description of these examples. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the described techniques may be practiced without many of these details. Additionally, some common structures and functions may not be shown or discussed in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the related art. Although the figures may depict components as functionally separate, such depiction is merely for purposes of illustration. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the elements described in the illustrations may be combined or separated into individual elements.

The terminology used in the description below is to be interpreted in the broadest possible manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of specific examples of the technology. The terms in the specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the context of technical disclosure in the technical field and in the specific context of use of the terms. Specific terms used to describe the technical disclosure are discussed above and elsewhere in the specification to provide further guidance to the practitioner in describing the disclosure. For ease of identification, certain terms may be highlighted, such as by capitalization, italics, or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no effect on the meaning and scope of the term. The meaning and scope of the same words appearing in the same context are the same, whether or not it is emphasized significantly. It will be recognized that the same element may be described in more than one way.

Thus, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, whether a term is specified in detail or discussed without saying that it is important. Synonyms for specific terms are provided herein. An exhaustive description of one or more of these terms does not preclude the use of other terms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of terms discussed herein, is illustrative only and is not meant to further limit the scope or meaning of the technical disclosure or any exemplified terms. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to the various embodiments set forth in this specification.

Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate embodiments or alternatives precluding other embodiments. In addition, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various described requirements may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a vehicle safety device according to one embodiment of the disclosed technology. Fig. 1B is a perspective view of the vehicle safety device attached to a vehicle according to the embodiment of fig. 1A. The vehicle safety device 100 of fig. 1A includes a base 104, a power source 108, and an elongated light source 102 supported by the base 104 and coupled directly or indirectly to the power source 108. Fig. 1B illustrates the vehicle safety device 100 coupled directly or indirectly to a vehicle frame 106 in accordance with one of the preferred embodiments. The depicted frame 106 is a bicycle. However, the frame 106 may be, for example, a bicycle, wheelchair, recumbent bicycle, motorcycle, scooter, or tricycle, etc., although the vehicle safety device of the presently preferred embodiment may be adapted for use with any other suitable frame. Generally, the vehicle frame may be adapted for riding. The base 104 is adapted to be coupled to a frame 106. In a preferred embodiment, the base 104 is adapted so that the vehicle safety device 100 is mounted behind a vehicle. The base 104 may also be adjusted so that the vehicle safety device 100 is mounted in one or more orientations, such as in front of or on a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the base 104 is configured to be removably coupled to the frame 106. The detachable attachment mechanism may allow the driver to easily store or quickly reconfigure the vehicle safety device 100 in a modular fashion. The base 104 may be made of metal, carbon fiber, (poly) resin, any other strong and weather resistant material, or any combination thereof.

The base 104 exhibits a tightening knob that can ensure a secure connection to the frame 106. However, other mechanisms for securing the elongated light source 102 to the vehicle frame 106 will also be apparent from this disclosure.

An elongated light source 102 is supported by the base 104 and includes one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), but those skilled in the art will recognize that several light source configurations (cylindrical, circular, serpentine) are available and that these configurations work well under the conditions described. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), alternative light sources, (e.g., fluorescent, incandescent, phosphorescent), or combinations thereof, may be housed in a light-transmissive (e.g., translucent) or transparent polymer or plastic post. The housing may have a pattern of varying degrees of transparency. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many materials allow light to pass through and may be and are considered suitable alternatives (e.g., glass). For example, the elongated light source 102 may comprise a high power light emitting diode housed within a red light transmissive plastic column. Alternatively, the high power Light Emitting Diode (LED) may be red. The cylindrical shape of the elongated light source 102 may have a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, a circular cylinder, a semi-circular cylinder, a rectilinear cylinder, an octahedral cylinder, and a curved semi-parabolic cylinder. The light emitters (e.g., light emitting diodes, fluorescent emitters, phosphorescent emitters) may be disposed beneath all or part of the pillars). The diameter of the elongated light source 102 may range from less than one inch to several inches. The Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) may be arranged in a column, row, zigzag pattern, various curves, lines, random patterns, or any combination thereof. Although the elongated light source 102 may vary in height from six inches to five feet, its height is substantially close to the average length of a human thigh. The vehicle safety device 100 is designed such that the elongated light source 102 is above the vehicle frame 106 to improve visibility of the vehicle in traffic and pedestrians. The elongated light source 102 may be adapted to extend from the top end or from below the top end of the vehicle frame 106.

The elongated light source 102 may be an active light source or a passive light source. For example, the elongated light source may comprise a Light Emitting Diode (LED) mounted in a light transmissive plastic column as the active light source. Accordingly, the elongated light source may include a reflective material (e.g., headlights of other vehicles) that reflects light from other light sources as a passive light source.

The elongated light source 102 is coupled directly or indirectly to the power source 108, examples of which include, but are not limited to, a battery, a generator, a solar cell, other renewable power source, or any combination thereof. For example, the power source may be a Joule 3 generator or a combination of rechargeable lithium ion or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. For example, the power supply 108 may be mounted within a column of the elongated light source 102. The vehicle safety device 100 may also be an existing power system of the vehicle (e.g., a wheelchair). In one embodiment, the vehicle safety device 100 may also utilize a generator to provide the primary source of energy and one or more rechargeable batteries that continue to provide energy to the elongated light source 102 when the vehicle is not moving. The rechargeable battery may be adapted to be recharged by USB connection to a laptop computer, desktop computer, tablet computer, or power outlet adapter.

Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a vehicle safety device 200A attached to a frame 206A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2B is a perspective view of a vehicle safety device 200B attached to a frame 206B according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle safety device 200A and the vehicle safety device 200B may be collectively referred to as "the vehicle safety device 200", and the frame 206A and the frame 206B may be collectively referred to as the frame 206, which is adapted for a driver to ride. For example, the vehicle safety device 200 may be the vehicle safety device 100 of fig. 1A. The vehicle safety device 200 is preferably configured to be flexible. The flexible mechanism may be implemented in a number of ways, including but not limited to the embodiment of fig. 2A and 2B. In one embodiment, the elongated light source 202A may be completely inflexible. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the elongated light source 202A may be adapted to pivot from the base 204 such that the entirety of the elongated light source is displaced when sufficient pressure is present. Examples of pivot mechanism 210 include, but are not limited to, a central pivot joint, a universal joint, and a bellows made of metal and/or plastic.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 2B, the elongated light source 202B may be constructed of segments of rigid material connected by flexible material. The flexible material may be selected to bend as a person's thigh moves over the elongated light source 202B and to recover after the person's thigh is removed therefrom without damaging the elongated light source 202B.

Shown in fig. 2A and 2B is an example of making the vehicle safety device 200 flexible enough so that a driver can ride across the vehicle safety device 200. Other embodiments of the vehicle safety device 200 are also presented in this disclosure and are referred to in combination with the elongated light source 202 and the base 204 being any flexible, pivot-mounted, or rigid, of any rigid, semi-flexible, or flexible rod.

Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a vehicle safety device 300A attached to a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the vehicle safety device may be the vehicle safety device of fig. 1A. The vehicle safety device 300A is configured to be mounted to a vehicle frame 306A. The illustrated frame 306A is a frame; however, other possible vehicles include, but are not limited to, wheelchairs, recumbent bicycles, or tricycles. The vehicle safety device 300A includes a base adapted to be connected to a vehicle frame 306A, a power source 308, and an elongated light source 302A supported by the base 304 and coupled directly or indirectly to the power source 308. The base 304 is adapted to be connected to a particular frame 306A, which may be a bicycle, for example. The base 304 may be removably attached or permanently mounted to the frame 306A.

In one embodiment, the elongated light source 302A is adapted to extend above the vehicle frame 306 relative to a surface 310 across which the vehicle frame will traverse. This extension improves the visibility profile of the vehicle, improves the visibility and safety of the driver, and reduces the number of collisions with other vehicles. The elongated light source 302A may be configured to provide light within the vehicle profile (i.e., within the shelf 306A). In another embodiment, the elongated light source 302A is adapted to provide illumination at 180 degrees or more than 180 degrees; the elongated light source 302A may then be adapted to provide illumination in the range of 180 degrees to 360 degrees. The elongated light source 302A may be adapted to provide substantially uniform illumination, an irregular illumination pattern, or any combination thereof. In the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 3A, the elongated light source 302A is configured to move and spring back to an original upright position relative to a surface 310 across which the vehicle frame 306 will traverse when subjected to pressure from a human body.

Fig. 3B is a perspective view of a vehicle safety device attached to a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, hi various embodiments, the elongated light source 302B can be a flexible, curved post. In this embodiment, the elongated light source 302B may be configured to move and spring back to an original upright position relative to a surface 310 across which the vehicle frame 306B will traverse upon pressure from a human body. Alternatively, the elongated light source 302B may be constructed of segments of rigid material connected by flexible material. The flexible material may be selected to bend as a person's thigh moves over the elongated light source 302B and to recover after the person's thigh is removed therefrom without damaging the elongated light source 302B.

Fig. 3C is a side view of a vehicle safety device attached to a vehicle according to another embodiment. The frame 306C shown in the figures is a wheelchair; however other possible vehicles include, but are not limited to, bicycles, recumbent bicycles, or tricycles. In one embodiment, the elongated light source 302C is adapted to extend above the vehicle frame relative to a surface 310 across which the vehicle frame will traverse. In various embodiments, the elongated light source can be configured in a "Y" shape, wherein the arms of the "Y" include the elongated light source 302C. The elongated light source 302C of fig. 3C is adapted to provide illumination at 180 degrees or more than 180 degrees; however, the elongated light source 302C may be adapted, such as to provide illumination anywhere between 180 degrees and 360 degrees. The elongated light sources 302C may be adapted to provide substantially uniform illumination, an irregular illumination pattern, or any combination thereof. Similarly, the elongated light source 302C may be adjusted so that the arms of the "Y" may be dimmed together, dimmed in a programmed pattern, or dimmed in a random pattern. In various embodiments, the elongated light source may be configured to illuminate the entire stem of the "Y". Alternatively, the elongated light source 302C may be configured to illuminate only a portion of the stem or be located at the top end of the vehicle safety device 300C.

Fig. 4 depicts an example of an improved visibility profile resulting from a vehicle safety device of one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the elongated light source is positioned to provide illumination toward the driver's seat of the vehicle, such that the reflected light is suitable for creating a larger illumination field 410. The elongated light sources 402 may provide uniform illumination, or the elongated light sources 402 may provide an irregular illumination pattern such that the reflected light provides a softer, more natural illumination field 410. The larger field of illumination 410 can increase the visibility profile of the vehicle, thus increasing the visibility of the vehicle and reducing the number of collisions with other vehicles. The intensity of the light source may be selected and/or modified to improve visibility over long distances. The base 404 may be adapted to adjust the vehicle safety apparatus 400 in any direction (e.g., tilt). The vehicle safety device 400 may also be adapted so that off-the-shelf safety lights or specially designed lights may be mounted on top and/or on the sides of the device.

In some embodiments, the vehicle safety device 400 may be controlled by the driver via a remote control. The remote control may enable the driver to turn on or off the switch of the vehicle safety device and operate in a variety of modes including, but not limited to, constant on, constant rate flashing, random flashing, or off. The elongated light source 402 may further include additional rows or columns of lights to enhance the lights when the driver is using the brakes. The elongated light source may also be adjusted so that all of the lights are intensified together, in a programmed pattern, or in a random pattern. In some embodiments, the vehicle safety device 400 may include two or more elongated light sources 402 mounted adjacently together, or in other symmetrical or asymmetrical relationships. The elongated light sources 402 may be configured to blink or light together in any pattern if two or more vehicle safety devices 400 are coupled together, either directly or indirectly.

In various embodiments, the vehicle safety device 400 may be configured to synchronize with the braking and/or lighting of the vehicle. Possible vehicles include, but are not limited to, motorcycles, bicycles, mopeds. For example, the brightness of the elongated light source 402 may be increased when the driver brakes or activates the side lights of the elongated light source 402 to indicate a turn. The vehicle safety device 400 may be synchronized by wire or wirelessly to other safety lights that may be mounted elsewhere on the frame 406 or on the driver (e.g., behind the helmet). The elongated light source 402 may be adapted to provide different color signals for different functions. For example, a red Light Emitting Diode (LED) light may indicate a brake, while a yellow Light Emitting Diode (LED) light may indicate a turn.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a vehicle safety device made in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 depicts a vehicle safety device 500 and a vehicle frame 506 according to a preferred embodiment. For example, the vehicle safety device 500 may be the traffic safety device 100 of fig. 1A. The illustrated frame 506 is a bicycle frame; however, other possible vehicles include, but are not limited to, bicycles, wheelchairs, recumbent bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, or tricycles, among others. In this embodiment, the elongate light source 502 includes a telescoping mechanism such that when the elongate light source 502 is configured to extend above the vehicle frame 506 when fully extended. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the elongated light source 502 may be configured to retract to various positions, including into the base 504.

The foregoing various embodiments of what is claimed are for purposes of illustration and description only and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best describe the principles of the technology and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the relevant art to understand the claimed subject matter, various embodiments, and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

The knowledge taught by the technical disclosure may be applied to other systems, not necessarily the systems described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

While the above description describes certain embodiments of the technology, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the technology can be practiced in many ways. The details of the apparatus may vary widely in implementation details, but are still accommodated by the techniques disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used to describe certain features and aspects of the technology should not be taken to imply that these terms are redefined herein and are limited to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the technology to the specific aspects disclosed in the specification, unless the detailed description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the technology encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the technology recited in the claims.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, it is understood in the sense of "including, but not limited to". The terms "connected," "coupled," and any variation thereof, as used herein, mean that two or more elements are connected or coupled together, either directly or indirectly; the coupled coupling of the elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Moreover, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above detailed description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural and singular number respectively. The word "or" in reference to a list of two or more items includes all of the following interpretations of the word: any item in the list, all items in the list, any combination of items in the list.

The language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive content. It is therefore intended that the scope of the technology be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims based upon the application of the specific claims herein. Accordingly, the technical disclosure of the embodiments of the technology is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the technology, which is set forth in the following claims.