Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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LIGHlTNG DEVTCES E.G.BICYCLE LA ~ S
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to lighting devices, such as those devices for use with bicycles, to
min~te a roadway or to emit light from the rear of a bicycle to warn drivers of motor vehicles
or attract their attention.
BACKGROUND OF TH~: INVENTION
Throughout the specification the term 'lens or "lens portion ' or "lens section" is used to define
a formation of translucent materiai which may or may not be transparent and which may or may
not influence or refract or diffract light which passes through the formation. Preferably the
material which the lens is manufactured from is a plastics or polymeric material.
Bicycle lights are manufactured in manv varieties such as the type with a lamp of the halogen,
xenon~ other gas or vacuum type or. ~s hi becoming more popular. Iight emitting diode (except in
the passages headed "Summary of Invention and the claims~ light emitting diode(s) will
hereinafter be referred to as "LED(s)'') bicvcle lights for use at the rear of the bicvcle.
Prior art LED bicycle lights have a relativelv narrow spread of the light emitted from the LEDs,
making them difficult to identifv hv people travelling in a direction which is not directlv behind
the bicycle. or a direction towards the bicycle but also no~ directlv behind it. This difficulty with
LED type rear lights means that when a bicycle having the lighting device is turning, the light
from the LEDs is not readily seen by drivers of cars not directly behind the bicycle, nor by
drivers turning into a path at the rear of the bicycle. Thus LED prior art bicycle lights can be
quite difficult to see from directions other than directly behind the bicycle.
~ Conventional prior art bicycle lights for the front of the bicycle generally include a lamp which
is powered by dry cells. These lights also tend to be directional and low powered such that
people or drivers of cars at the sides of the bicycles cannot see the beam of light being emitted.
Another disadvantage, when being viewed from the front~ is that because the lights are generally
battery operated, the power source is relatively stable and the light whilst lighting the road
ahead, mav not necessarily warn an on-coming driver of a vehicle that a bike rider is present.
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Conventional prior art bicycle lights are generally detachable from a mounting bracl~et so that
they won't be stolen and need not be left in the weather outdoors. Also they can be readily
removed for use as a flashlight. However, the mounting portions of such conventional prior art
lights, which engage a mounting bracket, when held in a users hand, because of the presence of
sharp features~ may injure the skin of a user's hand or fingers It is also possible for the
mounting portions to tear or otherwise damage the material of a glove covering a user's hand.
Such prior art bicycle lights tend not to be readily graspable because of obstructions to the user's
grip, caused by the mounting portions which detach with the light from the mounting bracket.
OBJECTS
It is an object of the present invention to ameliorate, at least in part, at least one of the
disadvantages of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a lighting device including a body portion having a holding means to
hold a portable electricity supp3y and control circuitry to power at least two light emitting
diodes, said lighting device including a lens portion having at least one lens sections, or at least
as many lens sections as there are light emitting diodes, which receive light from said diodes or
respective ones of said diodes. said at least two diodes being arranged so that there is an angle
between the direction of light emitted from one diode relative to the direction of light emitted
from at least one other diode, said lens sections being arranged so that light emitted from said
diodes passing through said lens section(s), travels in at least two directions away from said
lighting device.
Preferably the angle between said directions is 10~ to 90~.
Preferably said at least two directions are defined by means of one of the following: an
im~gin~ry central axis of a cone of light which is emitted from each of said at least two diodes;
longitudinal axes of said at least two diodes; directions of axes normal to the surfaces of
mounting portions which receive said at least two diodes.
Preferably said lens section(s) has(have) one multi-faceted side.
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Preferably said facets are of a triangular, square, rectangular or other polygonal shape.
Preferably there are at least three lens sections and at least three light ernitting diodes.
Preferably at least two facets of each lens section direct light passing through said lens section in
different or parallel directions to each other.
Preferably at least two light emitting diodes have a cone angle of emitted light of approximately
soo~
Preferably said lens portion includes a wall extending away from said lens section(s), such that
an end of said wall portion is engageable with said body portion.
Preferably one of said lens portion and said body portion includes a seal means to at least
substantially seal areas of engagement of said lens portion and said body portion.
Preferably a printed circuit board embodying said control circuitry is permanently attached to
said lens portion.
Preferably said wall portion is adapted to glow when said at least two diodes emit light.
Preferably .said wall portion glows when internally reflected light or light emitted from said
diodes strikes said wall portion.
Preferably said wall portion is made from acrylic with a trosted finish.
Preferably said frosted finish is on an internal surface of said wall portion.
Preferably said control circuitry powers said at least two diodes in one or more of the following
modes: alternately; simlllt~nf~ously; randomly; or by said diodes being powered in groups
alternately or randomly.
Preferably said lighting device is adapted to be secured to the front or rear of a moving object
such as a person, a bicycle or other vehicle.
Preferably said lighting device is adapted to be hand held.
Preferably said lighting device is a bicycle light.
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The features of this embodiment of the invention provide a multi-directional rear light and in the
embodiment having 3 LEDs, one can be directed directly to the rear, and the other two, to
directions at angles either side thereof. Because of this, the lighting device is more visible when
a rider puts pressure on a crank causing the frame to oscillate from side to side in a direction
perpendicular to the direction of motion. Further, when a rider is turning a corner or if a car is at
an angle other than directly at the rear~ such as when in an overtaking situation, one of the other
side LED lights will help illumin~t~ the bicycle and hopefully alert the driver of the vehicle at
the rear.
If hand held, the lighting device of this embodiment, because of the angular coverage of the light
emitted, should be more readily seen from different angles.
The invention also provides a lighting device having a body portion for housing a portable
electricity supply and an associated control circuitry to power at least one light emitting diode to
act as a light source, said lighting device having a lens portion with at least one lens section
which includes at least one multi-faceted portion, which is preferably highly polished, so that
light emitted from each diode passes through a corresponding lens section so that through each
facet said light can pass out of said lighting device whereby when said at least one light emitting
diode is viewed from a position on the other side of said lens portion to said light emitting
diodes, there are seen multiple sources of light or multiple images of said at least one light
emitting diode.
Preferably there are three of said lens sections and three light emitting diodes.
Preferably said lens sections, when there is more than one~ are at least part circular and together
form a multifaceted lens extending substantially across a substantial width of said lens portion.
Preferably the facets of said lens sections are of a triangular or polygonal shape.
Preferably said lighting device is a bicycle light.
By providing the multifaceted lens, the embodiment allows a greater number of images of the
light source to be viewed from the rear through each facet of the multi-faceted lens section. This
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gives a more recognisable effect and one that can bring the light source to the attention of a
potential viewer.
The present invention further provides a lighting device having a body portion for housing a
portable electricitv supply and associated control circuitry to power at least one light emitting
diode so that it acts as a light source. said lighting device having a lens portion with at least one
lens section at one end of said lens portion and a wall section depending from said lens portion,
said wall section having a frosted or translucent surface so that any light emitted from said diode
which does not pass through said lens section or portion, or is internally reflected therefrom, will
diffuse through said wall section or is internally reflected in said wall section and subsequently
passes through it. giving the wall section a glowing or illuminating appearance.
Preferably the frosted surface helps to reflect light across the surface and to eventually pass said
light through said frosted wall seclion.
Preferably said frosted surface enables said wall section to act as a light pipe.
Preferably said frosted surface is produced by means of a chemically etched finish or spark
eroded finish on the mould tool.
Preferably a frosted finish is applied to or formed on ei~her an inside or outside surface of the
wall section.
Preferably said frosted finish completely covers an inside or outside surface of said wall section.
Preferably said lighting device is a bicycle light.
This embodiment of the invention produces a glowing wall between the lens section and the
body of a lighting device which can be additional to any light emitted from light emitting diodes
through the lens section. Because the wall section can glow, the lighting device may be visible
from directions which are not in the general directions of light emitted from the diodes through
the lenses. Such directions can include the side and to a smaller degree from a sideward and
frontward position.
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The invention also provides a lighting device having a body portion for housing a portable
electricity supply, associated control circuitry and switching means connected in circuit with a
lamp holder in which can be mounted a lamp means, sald lighting device also including a lens
section and a reflector portion, said lens section including a front portion and at least two side
portions extending away from the front portion, said reflector portion including at least two
openin~s or channelling means to allow light to travel from said filament to said at least two side
portions, so light can be emittedl through both of said generally planar front portion and said at
least two side portions.
Preferably said side portions are positioned so that an imaginary straight line can be drawn
through said side portions and a filament of said lamp means when positioned in said lamp
holder.
Preferably each side portion is in light or optical communication with a light emitting diode so
that when said diodes emit li~ht, said light is visible through said side portions.
Preferably said light emitting diodes are positioned adjacent said side portions.
Preferably said light emitting diodes are amber colour.
Preferably said diodes are red, when utilised for locations other than a forward direction on said
bicycle .
Preferably said light emitting diodes can emit light which is also visible through said front
portion of said lens section.
Preferably an opening means is provided in said reflector portion to allow said light emitted
from said diodes to be visible through said front portion of said lens section.
Preferably said front portion is surrounded by a periphery with a frosted finish so that when it is
lighted the periphery is visible from at least a forward position.
Preferably said switching in said associated circuitry allows one of the following modes to be
selecled:
(a) a non intermittent emission of light from a lamp means mounted in said holder; or
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(b) the intermittent powering of said light emitting diode; or
(c) the constant powering of said lamp means in the lamp holder simultaneously with
intermittent powering of said diode so that a constant light beam is emitted whilst at the
same time a flashing light from the sides and front is visible.
Preferably said frosted finish acts as a light pipe so that said side portions and said periphery
min~tes or glows when said lamp means is emitting light and or when said diodes emit light.
Preferably said lighting device is a bicycle light.
One of the advantages of this embodiment is that it allows at least two modes of operation so
that better road visibility and or better recognition or awareness by drivers of oncoming vehicles
results .
Because the LEDs are preferably flashing, they can provide a piercing, attention getting signal in
difficult weather such as rain or fog or other low lights situations.
Because of the side portions allow a constant lamp light or flashing LED light, or both, to be
emitted sideways of the direction of movement, there is a greater chance of the lighting device
being observed from angles other than just in front of the light. This can be particularly helpful
when T intersections are being passed, with a car waiting at the leg of the T intersection, or
when bicycles with such lighting devices or cars are in the action of turning.
The invention also provides a bicycle light having a body portion and a lamp portion~ the bicycle
light being characterised by the presence of a mounting bracket receiving portion which is
adapted to receive a mounting bracket; said mounting bracket portion having faired surfaces
tapering from the side peripheries of said bicycle light to form a recess which is adapted to
receive said mounting bracket.
Preferably said mounting bracket receiving portion has a ledge or surface between an end of the
mounting bracket receiving portion and an end of the bicycle light.
The advantage of this embodiment is that a faired mounting bracket receiving recess in said
bicycle light body portion is formed. This allows a more comfortable grip for a user when the
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bicycle light is removed from the bicycle and is then used as a hand held fla~hlight to light the
way of a walking bicycle rider.
The invention further provides a lighting device having a body portion for housing a portable
electricity supply, associated control circuitry and switching means connected in circuit with a
lamp holder in which can be mounted a lamp means, said lighting device also including a lens
section and a reflector portion, said lens section including a front portion and at least two side
portions extending away from the front portion, each side portion being in light communication
or optical communication with a light emitting diode so that when said at least one light emitting
diode emits light. said light is visible through said side portions.
Preferably there are two light emitting diodes each one being positioned adjacent a respective
said side portion.
Preferably each of said light emitting diodes emits an amber coloured light.
Preferably said diodes are red, when utilised for locations other than a t'orward direction on said
bicycle.
Preferably said light emitting diodes can emit light which is also visible through said front
portion of said lens section.
Preferably an opening means is provided in said reflector portion to allow said light emitted
from said diodes to be visible through said front portion of said lens section.
Preferably said front portion is surrounded by a periphery with a frosted finish so that when i[ is
lighted the periphery is visible from at least a forward position.
Preferably said switching in said associated circuitry allows one of the following modes to be
selected:
(a) a non intermittent emission of light from a lamp means mounted in said holder; or
(b) the interrnittent powering of said light emitting diode; or
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(c) the constant powering of said lamp means in the lamp holder simultaneously with
intermittent powering of said diode so that a constant light beam is emitted whilst at the
sarne time a flashing light from the sides and front i~s visible.
Preferably light from said lamp means and said light emitting diodes can be visible
simultaneously through said side portions and or through said front portion of said lens.
Preferably said lighting device is a bicycle light.
The foregoing statements of inventions describe inventions of two forms of lighting device.
There are also described features which at this time are only preferable. However, at some later
time it mav be necessary to combine one or more of the inventions of the two forms of lighting
device, or make essential one or more of the preferable features. to distinguish these inventions
from prior art which is unknown ~t the time of writing this specification and which may become
known in the future.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present inventions will now be described, by way of example only, with
reference to the accompany drawings in which:
Fig 1 illustrates a side view of a bicvcle lighting device;
Fig lA illustrates a perspective rear view of the appara~us of Fig I with the mounting
bracket removed;
Fig IB illustrates a perspective front view of the apparatus of Fig I with the mounting
bracket removed;
Fig 2 illustrates a top view of the apparatus of figure 1;
Fig 2A illustrates a bottom view of the apparatus of figure l;
Fig 3 illustrates a front view of the apparatus of figure 1:
Fig 3A illustrates a rear view of the apparatus of figure l;
Fig 4 illustrates a cross section through the apparatus of figure 1 through the lines IV-IV;
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Fig 5 illustrates a cross section through the apparatus of figure 2 through the lines V-V;
Fig 6 illustrates a view looking inside the lens in the direction of arrow VI of Fig 5;
Fig 7 illustrates a forward perspective of a bicycle lighting device;
Fig 8 illustrates an underneath perspective of the apparatus of figure 7;
Fig 9 illustrates an underneath plan view of the apparatus of figure 7;
Fig 10 illustrates a plan view of the apparatus of figure 7;
Fig 11 illustrates a front view of the apparatus of figure 7;
Fig 12 illustrates a rear view of the apparatus of figure 7;
Fig 13 illustrates a right side view of the apparatus of figure 7;
Fig 13A illustrates a left side view of the apparatus of figure 7;
Fig 14 illustrates a cross section through fig 13 along line XIV-XIV;
Fig 15 illustrates a cross section through fig 12 along line XV-XV; and
Fig 16 illustrates a cross section through fig 13 along line XVI-XVI.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Illustrated in figures 1 to 6 is a lighting device 2 which is designed for attachment to the rear of a
bicycle. The lighting device 2 includes a lens portion 4 having a closed continuous walled
section 6 which extends away from body 8 and surrounds or bounds an enclosed space. The
walled section 6 terminates at one end which includes the surfaces of the lens section 10, and at
the other end with a shoulder 28 to receive a moulded holder 33.The lens section 10 has a
bulging and curved (or convex when viewed from the outside) outer surface 12, as viewed in
fig 1. The generally convex outer surface 12 has an overall generally concave inner surface 14
when seen in cross section, as in fig 4, but because it is formed in part from the convex lens
sections 18, 20 and 22, the inner surface 14 does have a convex appearance when viewed in
cross section as in fig 5. The inner surface 14 includes, as part of its construction a series of
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facets 16. These facets 16 are more clearly visible in fig 6 which is a view in the direction of
arrow VI as illustrated in fig 5.
Referring now to figures 4 and 6, the inner portion 14 is made up of three multi-faceted lens
sections or lenses 18, 20 and 22, each of which has formed thereon a series of triangular
facets 16. Each of the facets 16 on the multi-faceted lenses 18, 20 and 22 is preferably highly
polished to maximise transmission and minimise reflection of light by the multi faceted lenses
18, 20 and 22. This will allow as much light as possible. to travel from the inner surface 14 to
the outer surface 12. Alternatively, the multi-faceted lenses 18, 20 and 22 can be given a frosted
finish~ but such a frosted finish will reduce the brightness of the light transmitted through the
lens sections 18. 20 and 22.
The lens portion 4 can be manufactured by injection moulding from an acrylic material. The
smoothness of the moulds in the vicinity of the lenses 22, 20 and 18 and the outer surface 12
results in the moulded product having the highly polished finish. The walled section 6 is
produced so that the internal surfaces 24 (see fig 4) around the lens portion 4 result in a frosted
finish. The frosted finish is produced by a spark eroded or chemically etched mould surface to
form the internal surface 24, .
The frosted finish results in light hitting the internal surface 24 being diffused or transmitted
through the walled section 6. Alternatively, it may be internally reflected in the wall 6 until it
diffuses or otherwise exits from the wall 6. In this way, the walled section 6 acts as a light pipe.
The frosted finish of the internal surface 24 will make the walled section 6 appear to glow when
any internally reflected light or other light hits the surface 24 travelling in the direction from
inside of the surface 24 to the outside. When this is coupled with the LED light projected
through lenses 18, 20 and 22, the lighting device 2 can have a visibility field of approximately
270~.
When the walled section 6 glows, the walled section 6 becomes visible at night time.
The lens portion 4 has a terminus 26 around the length of the periphery of the walled section 6.
The terminus 26 includes a shoulder 28 peripherally located thereon. The shoulder 28 provides a
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mounting point for a moulded holder 33 which holds a printed circuit board 30. The shoulder 28
also provides the necessary contact between the moulded holder 33 and the shoulder 28 so that
they can be sonically welded or otherwise )oined together .
Mounted on the printed circuit board 30 are three LEDs 38, 40 and 42. The LED 38 is
positioned so that it points in a direction so that light emitted from the LED 38 will pass through
the multi-faceted lens 18. Likewise with LED 40 and multi-faceted lens 20; and LED 42 and
multi-faceted lens 22. The LEDs 38, 40 and 42 are of the 3000 mcd type which operate at 3
volts. Generally once the LEDs 38, 40 and 42 are positioned, they are not easily replaceable
because they are soldered into the printed circuit board 30. It may be that an LED holder exists
which would allow for the ready replacement of the LEDs. If such exists, it can be used instead
of soldering.
It can be seen from Fig 4 that the LEDs 38, 40 and 42 are located and secured by means of a
three angle formation or bracket 41. The three planar mounting surfaces of the bracket 41 have
an angle between them which is measured between a direction normal to each of the three
mounting surfaces. These directions are approximated by the directions indicated by the
dimensions or distances 36 from the diodes to the lenses in figure 4.
The bracket 41 is a part of or is secured to the printed circuit board 30 so that when the LEDs
38, 40 and 42 are installed onto the printed circuit board 30~ which is to be secured to the walled
section 6, the LEDs are at the correct angle and alignment to emit light through the lenses 18, 20
and 22.
The distance from the LED 38, 40 and 42 to the multi-faceted lenses 18, 20 and 22 is dictated by
the cone angle of light which is emitted from the LEDs 38, 40 and 42. The LEDs 38, 40 and 42
preferably have a cone angle of 50~. This cone angle dictates that the distance 36 is
approximately 30 millimetres. This distance 36 of 30 millimetres ensures that the 50 degree cone
angle of light emitted from LEDs 38, 40 and 42 is such that the periphery of the cone of that
light, when it hits the multi-faceted lenses 18, 20 and 22, has approximately the same diameter
as the multi-faceted lenses 18, 20 and 22. Whilst other cone angled LEDs such as 14~ and 30~
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can be utilised, the present invention operates best with a 50~ cone angle. If other cone angled
LEDs are utilised. other modifications will be required, such as a lengthening of the distance 36,
or a decrease in the size of the lenses 18, 2V, and 22.
When the facets 16 of the multi-faceted lenses 18, 20 and 22 are highly polished, a person who
views the light emitted by the LEDs, via the lenses 18, 20 and 22, will see as many glowing
images of the light as there are facets in the lenses 22, 20 and 18. By the facets 16 being of a
relatively large size(equilateral triangles having each side approximately 5 rnm to 7mm in
length), distinct images of light c~n be transmitted through the facets giving a multiplying effect
of the images of light being emitted. Preferably the light passing through the facets 16 on each
of the lenses 18~ 20 and 22 is such that the light will travel out through each of the respective
lenses 18, 20 and 22 in a conical fashion. However, angles between the directions of light
emitted from the lenses 18 20 and '2 can be dift'erent and this is dictated by the angles of the
facets 16. The angles of the facets 16 relative to each other can be set so that light passing
through individual facets 16 of each of the respective lenses 18. 20 and 2'' is substantially
parallel to other light travelling through the same lens 18, 20 or 22.
The facets 16 can be located on the outside of the lighting device '. However, they are
preferably located on the inner surface 14~ as is illustrated in the figures, as it has been
determined that this is a better location as far as the resultant effect is concerned. The facets 16
are viewable from outside of the lighting device 2.
The body 8 of the lighting device 2 is attached to the moulded holder 33 by means of a set screw
50 which engages a threaded portion 51 on the moulded holder 33. This set screw 50 is also
illustrated in figure IA which is a rear perspective of the lighting device 2. When the set screw
50 is removed, the body 8 can be separated from the printed circuit board 30 and the lens portion
4. In this way, access can be gained to the dry cell mounting portions 52, so that dry cells 54 (see
fig 5) can be removed or installed. The printed circuit board 30 has a groove 56 around its
periphery, which allows it to receive a seal 58, which is shown in position in the groove 56 in
figure 5. The seal 58 is not present in figure 4.
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A switch actuator 44 is linked to a switching mf ch~ni.~m 48 mounted on a printed circuit board
30. The control circuitry included in the printed circuit board 30 can be designed so that various
modes of operation and illumination of the LEDs 38, 40 and 42 can occur. For example if the
switch in mechanism 48 was a four position switch, then the LEDs may be controlled to power
on or off altemately, so that as one switches on, the other switches off, and so on; all three LEDs
can be made to flash on and off at the same time; groups of flashing LEDs can be made to
illuminate so that at any one time groups of two LEDs 38 and 40 then 40 and 42 then 42 and 38
illuminate and so on, or all three at once: or all LEDs are randomly switched on and off, which
may also include randomly powering on and off the LEDs in groups.
If desired~ the control circuitry can include an override feature which may be activated by the
application of brakes on the bicycle. If the brakes are applied~ a switch mechanism can, directly
or indirectly, be closed. In which case. the LEDs cease flashing either alternately, randomly or
otherwise and stay on steadily~ so as to indicate to a person behind the bicycle that the rider is
braking.
The LEDs 38, 40 and 42 are preferably flashing when in use, that is not continuously powered,
but intermittently powered, so that the flashing LEDs will help attract attention. Such flashing
also helps to conserve electricity stored in the dry cells, thereby resulting in extended life.
The three LEDs 38, 40 and 42, when seen in plan view, occupy three different angular positions.
The angles 37 and 39 are each of a value of 30~ to 45~, when viewed from the side in cross-
section, as in figure 5. From figure 5, it can also be seen that the LEDs 38, 40 and 42 each have
their central axes Iying in substantially the same plane. The angular arrangement and directions
of light emission of the LEDs enables a bicycle fitted with such a lighting device to be vi-sible
from a greater range of angles by comparison with previous bicycle lights. The light from the
LEDs 38, 42 (and thus a bicycle to which the lighting device 2 is attached), because the light is
directed to the side, can be viewed as the angle of the bicycle changes relative to the ground,
which can occur when the bicycle is swaying from side to side, as a person is pedalling or
standing on the pedals, or is banked as the bicycle turning.
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If desired other LEDs can be present, such as two more, one mounted below LED40 and one
mounted above LED40. Such additional LEDswill require commensurate additions of
multi-faceted lenses and an increase in the body ~limen.~ions The additional LEDs can be
oriented to direct light at an angle in the range of approximately 30~ to 45~ (or at a smaller
angle) above and below the plane in which the other LEDs38,40 and 42 lie. By such additional
LEDs, light can be emitted in a further two directions thus giving an even greater chance of
being viewed. Thus truck drivers who are seated in generally higher positions by comparison to
car drivers, will be able to view the light in addition to car drivers and drivers of small cars who
are even lower to the ground.
If desired, other arrangements of differing numbers of LEDs can be developed, whereby for
example some five LEDs are provided, equi-spaced from 0~ to 180~,so that light is emitted in
directions at 90~ to the axis 72 of fig 4. If only two LEDs are utilised they are preferably
separated by an angle less than 30~ to give adequate coverage to the rear, and improved coverage
at other angles, by comparison to the prior art.
The body 8 includes a passage 34 for the switch actuator 44 to pass through it to activates a
switch mech~nism~ 48, mounted on the circuit board 30. The passage 34 is sealed by a sealing
diaphragm 46so that water does not have a path into the internal portions of the body 8.
The rear end 60 of the body 8 includes an attachment portion 62 which allows a mounting
bracket 64 to be connected to the lighting device 2, by means of strap 66 and clasp 68 which
secure the lighting device 2 below the seat of a bicycle, onto to a tubular saddle support. The
mounting bracket 64 preferably has a realisable securing mechanism 70, which allows the user
of the lighting device 2 to adjust the height and/or direction to which the LEDis directing light.
The clasp 68 and strap 66 allow the user to orient the centre line 72, through the centre LED40,
parallel to a longitudinal direction of the bicycle, to which this is attached.
While the above indicates that the lens section 10 has 3 lenses 18,20 and 22, the lens section 10
can be manufactured so that there is only one multi-faceted lens across the whole width and
height of the lens section 10, whereby only one lens will be discernible in the lens section 10.
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16
It is readily understood that the lighting device 2, without the mounting bracket 64, is useful as a
hand-held lighting device so that persons who may be losl at night time might attract attention. It
is also readily understood that other mounting mechanisms can be utilised for attachment of the
lighting device to a person's body or even to the rear or other location of a person's head.
Illustrated in figs 7 to 16 is a lighting device 80 which can be for the front or rear of a bicycle.
The lighting device 80, whether for front or rear use on a bicycle, has some common features.
The majority of the following features are common to front and rear usage, and the differences
will be discussed later.
The lighting device 80 has an elongated "dog leg" shaped body portion 82 which includes a top
segment 84 and a lower segment 86. The top and lower segments 84 and 86 are similarly shaped
in parts thereof with the top segment 86 including a generally flat upper surface with rounded
sides. Whereas, the lower segment 86 is aiso generally strearnlined though not flat, with
rounded sides. The lower segment 86 acts as a dry cell housing cover and is secured to the top
segment by means of a set screw 88. In the vicinity of the head of the set screw 88is a forrnation
or fairing 135 which, for aesthetic purposes, partially surrounds the head of the set screw 88.
To install or remove the dry cells, the lighting device is turned upside down so that lower
segment 86is on top. The set screw 88is turned or removed and then lower segment 86is able
to be separated from top segment 84, allowing a user to gain access to the dry cells 92 or dry cell
housing (as illustrated in fig 14).
The body 82 has a section 90 which houses dry cells 92 (as illustrated in Figure 14) and a
printed circuit board region 94 which is located adjacent to the dry cells holding area 96. The
printed circuit board 95, in region 94,is located generally beneath a main lamp on/off switch 98
and an LEDs on/off switch 100. The switches 98 and 100 close two independent circuits, one for
the main lamp and one for LEDs.
In the same region as the switches 98 and 100 is a dry cell life indicator 102 which is connected
in the control circuitry which is designed to illumin~te the dry cell life indicator when the dry
cell life has been reduced to 30%. The dry cell indicator can glow green by means of a green
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LED (not illustrated) when greater than 30% life remains or red by means of a red coloured
LED (not illustrated) when dry cell life is 30% or less compared to when fully charged.
Extending away from and adjacent to the printed circuit board 95 is lamp end 104 which
includes a centrally mounted lamp holder mechanism 106 which holds a lamp 108. The lamp
holder 106 is connected into the tracks and circuit connections provided in the printed circuit
board 9~ so as to provide electric power to illuminate the lamp 108. Surrounding the lamp 108 is
a reflector 110 which is enclosed bv a lens 112 which is of a highly polished, clear finish.
Around the periphery of the lens 112 is a peripheral portion 114, which is integrally moulded but
has a manufactured frosted finish. Generallv the lens 112 and the periphery 114 are
manufactured from acrylic and the t'rosted finish is achieved by a mould surface being spark
eroded or alternatively chemicallv etched. so that a frosted finish results.
Extending from the lens 1 12 bac~ along the lamp end 104 are side lenses 1 16. The side lenses
116 are either integrally formed with the lens 112 or alternativelv are separately formed but are
optically connected.
The reJationship between the side lenses 116 and the lamp 108 hi more clearly depicted in
Figure 14.
As is illustrated in Figure 14 the filament 118~ when the lamp 108 is in the holder 106. is in a
position which is in line with two apertures 120 at diametrically opposite portions of the
reflector 110. The apertures 120 need only be apertures to achieve the desired result. But if
desired extending from the apertures 120 there can be located reflective channels 122 which
direct light from the filament 1 18 to the internal surfaces of the side lenses 1 16. When light
passes from the filament 1 18 through aperture 120 and through channels 122 onto the inner
surface of the side lenses 1 16, because the side lenses 1 16 are of a frosted finish~ some light is
internally reflected and transmitted from this location around to the peripheral portion 114
whereas some light passes out of the side lenses 1 16. The frosted finish on side lenses 1 16 and
peripheral portion 114 together act as a light pipe to channel light in both directions depending
on the source . Thus when the lamp 108 is illuminated, light can be seen from the side of the
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- 18
lighting device 80 because of the side lenses 116 receiving and transmitting light from lamp 108.
Further, as the periphery 114 is also alight, a rider can determine that the lighting device 80 has
been switched on by looking at the lighting device 80 from above rather than from in front.
The peripheral portion 114 can also be lighted by means of light em~n~ing from the front lens
112 entering the peripheral portion 114. which then pipes or conducts some of the li~ht to the
other frosted portions of the side lenses 116 or other portions of the peripheral portion 114.
Located next to the channels 120 are two LEDs 124 which make optical connection with or are
in light communication with the base 126 of the side lenses 116.
Preferably the LEDs are amber in colour because generally red LEDs indicate the rear of objects
such as bicvcles and other vehicles. Amber colours also have benefits in foggy and rainy
weather.
When the amber LEDs 124 are illuminated, by a means of the operator activating the LED
on/off switch 100, electrical power is delivered to the LED circuit and makes them turn on and
off periodically (i.e. makes them flash cyclically) and act as a warning or other attention
attracting signal, which emanates from the side lenses 116. The integral nature of side lenses 116
and periphery 114 which results in the optical connection or light communication between the
two together with the presence of a the frosted finish on the side lenses 1 16 and peripheral
portion 114 results in the periphery 114 and side lenses l 16 acting as a light pipe. Thus the
flashing amber illumination from LEDs 124 not only emanates outwardly from the side lenses
116 but also illuminates the periphery 114 from where the amber iJlumination is visible when
viewed from the front. This can result in the amber flashing of the lighting device 80 being
visible to on-coming drivers. Such drivers may not recognise the steady glow of lamp 108,
however the flashing amber colour of the LEDs 124 may attract their attention.
The user/rider can select to have either the lamp 108 on constantly, by activating the main lamp
on/off switch 98, or in situations where there is sufficient light around for the user/rider, but the
rider wants to be visible, the rider can leave the lamp 108 off and switch on the amber LEDs 124
warning lights by means of the LED on/off switch 100. If desired, the user/rider can activate
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19
both the main lamp 108 and the flashing signal of amber LEDs 124, by closing both circuits
with switches 98 and 100. In this way maximum visibility of the lighting device 80 is achieved,
particularly for any on-coming vehicles, and awareness of the lighting device 80 to other drivers
will be greater than if the main lamp alone were switched on.
Alternatively to, or in addition to. the passage of light from the LEDs 124 through the side
lenses 116, there can be provided a gap 128 (illustrated in phantom line in fig 14) near the
periphery of the reflector 110. The gap 128 is in line with the LED 124 to allow light from
LEDs 124 to travel not just through the side lenses 116 and around periphery 114, but also
directly out through the front lens 1 l 2. This can also add light into the light pipes provided by
the frosted finish of the peripheral portion 114.
Even further additional visibility may be gained because of possible internal reflection from the
internal side of lens 112 back onto the reflector 110. Thus the flashing may be more clearly seen
by oncoming persons or vehicles because it is also emanating from the reflector 110.
The switches 100 and 98 are provided in a recess 130 as illustrated in the cross-section of Figure
15. This recess helps prevent the switches 98 and 100 being accidentally activated when placed
in a bag or other conveyance or receptacle.
The lower segment 86 includes a mounting bracket engagement portion 13'' which is provided
with tapered or faired formations 134 on either side of the mounting bracket engaging portion
132. The smooth formations form a faired structure around the mounting bracket engaging
portion 132 so that when a operator choses to grasp the lighting device 80 after it has been taken
off the bracket (not illustrated) so as to use the lighting device 80 as a flashlight, there are no
corners or relatively sharp portions which engage the user/rider' s hands or gloves. By providing
the mounting bracket engaging portion 132 in a substantially recessed position, between the
tapered or faired formations 134, the lower segment 86 when it sits in a gloved hand or a naked
hand, and when pressed from above by the thumb, will allow the flesh at the base of the fingers
and at the top of the palm or an outer surface of the glove adjacent thereto to move into and
occupy some of the volume of the mounting bracket engaging portion 132. This can provide
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some additional grip to help prevent the lighting device 80 from moving out of the bight or
space formed between the thumb and fingers of a user/rider.
The faired or tapered rear ends 136 near to each of the tapered or faired formations 134, provide
two formations against which the side of a user/rider's little finger can be positioned. That is the
user/rider's little finger can lay across the surface 138 of lower segment 86. This helps to
provide a comfortable grip when used as a flashlight.
The lighting device 80 of figures 7 to 16 has both the LED and lamp features utilising four AA
dry cells. However, this can be modified for particular requirements. These modifications can
include not providing the LED circuits but retaining the side lenses 116 so that they ilhlmin~te
when the lamp means 108 is illuminated.
The size of the dry cell housing can be modified to receive two C-size dry cells or six AA-size
dry cells however~ as C size or dry cells are thicker or to pacic in 6AA-size dry cell requires
greater depth if width is held constant, the dimension 140 will be greater for 6-AA or 2 C size
dry cells, than that of the four AA version illustrated in the figures.
The difference between the features of the lighting device 80 when used in a rearward position
include the following.
For front use, the front lens 112 of the lighting device 80 of figs 7 and 8 is of a highly polished
clear finish, whereas for a rearward positioning on a bicycle the clear front lens 1 12 can be
replaced by a red coloured lens so that the light emitted will appear red. Red being generally the
colour of rear lights on vehicles.
If desired, the side lights 116, whilst also being of a red acrylic and allowing red light to
ilhlmin~t~ from the sides, red LEDs can be installed to generate light to provide a flashing red
signal to warn of the presence of the bicycle to drivers of rearwardly approaching vehicles.
Alternatively the side lenses 116 can be of a clear acrylic with a frosted surface and used in
conjunction with red LEDs. Alternatively still, the LEDs 124 and associated circuit need not be
provided at all depending on particular requirements.
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While the above embodiment describes two LEDs 124 for each side lens 1 16, if desired, a single
LED could be provided which will communicate light to the side lenses 116 and out through the
front lens portion 112, in much the same way as the lamp means 108 does.
The foregoing describes embodiments of the present invention and modifications by those
skilled in the art can be made there~o without departing from the scope of the present invention.
