Motorcycle blind spot mirror

A wide angle center mounted motorcycle blind spot mirror that is mounted forward and above the motorcycle instrument panel clocks directly in the riders line of view that will give full visual coverage of the riders blind spot areas including the rider also, the mirror, can have several mounting points including the fly screen, fairing, headlamp, handle bars or the like.

This application is the U.S. National Phase Application of PCT/GB2011/000870, filed Jun. 10, 2011, which claims the priority of United Kingdom Patent Application Nos. GB 1009694.9, filed Jun. 10, 2010 and GB 1009917.4, filed Jun. 14, 2010, the contents of such applications being incorporated by reference herein.

INTRODUCTION

The present invention relates to a blind spot mirror for use on motorcycles.

BACKGROUND

A blind spot in a vehicle such as a motorcycle is an area around the vehicle that cannot be directly observed by the driver while at the controls, and facing a given direction. When riding a motorcycle, blind spots are the areas of the road that cannot be seen while looking forward or through either of the rear-view mirrors. The most common are the rear blind spots, areas towards the rear of the vehicle on both sides. Vehicles in the adjacent lanes of the road that fall into these blind spots may not be visible using only the motor cycle's mirrors. The term motorcycle includes any and all 2, 3 or 4 wheeled vehicle which has a driver positioned centrally. This includes but is not limited to motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds and quad-bikes.

Good rearward vision is critical to safety for motorcycle riders. This is particularly true when riding in traffic, where safety is insured only by constant vigilance and awareness of the whereabouts and movements of surrounding vehicles. Rear view mirrors have long been used on motorcycles for this purpose. These mirrors are generally mounted on the handlebars, below eye level, where they are directed to give a rearward view over the rider's hands and forearms.

As a general rule, because the motor cycle rear view mirrors have a limited field of view, the rider must choose between good rearward coverage and good side coverage. Most riders will choose a compromise setting, something less than ideal for both side and rear vision.

Additional equipment that can help eliminate blind spots are “fisheye mirrors” or “bubble mirrors”. Such mirrors are normally small relative to the size of the rear view mirror and are stuck to the existing rear view mirror with an adhesive. These mirrors can bring blind spots into view, but their optical properties impart a great deal of distortion so as to make it difficult to judge distances. “The high level of distortion is a consequence of their small size which is required to allow the mirrors to be positioned on the existing rear view mirrors.

In summary, motorcyclists are in great danger from other road traffic and hazards that are in the riders blind spot as conventional mirrors only cover the area behind the motorcyclist. Other wide angle motorcycle mirrors are mounted to the side of the rider on the existing mirrors and are not in the riders forward line of view.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a mirror assembly for viewing the blind spot behind a motorcycle rider, the mirror assembly comprising:

a mirror with a reflecting surface which is curved along at least part of a major axis of the reflecting surface and along at least part of a minor axis of the reflecting surface to reflect light from positions at a wide angle of view;

mounting means for positioning the mirror centrally upon the motorcycle, wherein, the curvature of the reflecting surface and the central mounting of the mirror allow a rider to have sight of the area to the side and rear of the motorcycle in addition to the area viewable in side mounted rear view mirrors.

Preferably, the mirror assembly reflects a reference object which is viewable by the rider. This allows the rider to quickly assess the position of an object relative to the reference object. The reference object may be the rider.

Preferably, the reflecting surface provides a view of at least 170° to the rear and side of the motorcycle, in use.

Preferably, the reflecting surface provides a view of at least 180° to the rear and side of the motorcycle, in use.

Preferably the reflecting surface is a substantially convex in shape.

Preferably the reflecting surface is arranged in three sections along a major axis of the reflecting surface.

Preferably, the three sections comprise a central section and two peripheral sections.

Preferably at least two of the three sections have a different radius of curvature.

More preferably all of the sections have a different radius of curvature.

Preferably the reflecting surface is arranged in three sections along a minor axis of the reflecting surface.

Preferably, the three sections comprise a central section and two peripheral sections.

Preferably at least two of the three sections have a different radius of curvature.

More preferably all of the sections have a different radius of curvature.

Preferably, the mirror comprises a top surface which projects outwards above the reflecting surface. The projection may act as a shade.

Preferably, the mirror further comprises a reference guide positioned beside the mirror which has a scale that marks the angle between the centre of the motorcycle and positions upon the reflecting surface such that a rider may judge the angle between the rider and an object viewed in the reflecting surface of the mirror.

Preferably, the coupling comprises connection means for removably attaching the mirror assembly to a motorcycle.

Preferably, the connection means comprises at least one connector which is attachable to a surface of the motorcycle and mounting means to which the mirror assembly may be removably attached.

Preferably, the mounting means is an elongate member adapted to receive at least one coupling on the mirror assembly.

Preferably, the connection means comprises a pair of connectors which are spaced apart.

Preferably, the at least one connector is pivotably connected to the mounting.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts for the mirror assembly and mounting means if the first aspect of the invention.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a motorcycle centre mounted wide angle mirror directly in the riders forward line of view.

Preferably, the wide angle centre mounted mirror gives at least 170 degrees of coverage, including the rider.

Preferably, the mirror is a wide angle centre mounted convex mirror.

Preferably, the mirror gives 180 degrees of coverage, including the rider.

Preferably, wide angle centre mounted mirror gives good vertical coverage due to the increased curvature of the mirror at C and D.

Preferably, the wide angle centre mounted mirror is mounted below the rider's eye height

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention provides a mirror assembly which allows a rider to quickly determine the presence of other objects by showing the reflection of these objects. The location and curvature of the mirror allows the rider to need only a quick glance at the mirror to determine whether there is an object which may a danger to the rider. The rider can then look more carefully in the direction of the object and take evasive action if necessary.

FIG. 1is a top view of a motorcycle with conventional side mounted mirrors. The motorcycle1is shown with a rider3situated in the normal riding position. The handle bar has rear view mirrors5,7mounted towards the ends of the handlebar6. The fields of view from rear view mirrors5and7are shown in hatched areas9and11respectively. In this figure, the fields of view are shown for a situation in which the motorcycle is moving forwards in a straight line with the handle bar perpendicular to the main body of the motorcycle1. It is clear from the illustration that large areas10,12to the side and the rear of the motorcycle1are outside the fields of view provided by reflections from the rear view mirrors5,7. It is also clear that relatively good visual coverage is provided directly behind the motor cycle1.

FIG. 2is the first embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows a mirror13which is designed to be mounted in the centre of a motorcycle at or near the control panels or on the wind shield.FIG. 2shows the major axis15and mirror axis17of the mirror. These are shown because the curvature of the mirror may be defined with respect to the major axis15, the minor axis15of the mirror13or both axes. In use, the major axis15of the mirror13will sit horizontally across the control panel or wind shield of the motorcycle.FIG. 2also shows the reflecting surface19of mirror13. In use this surface19will face the rider and provide enhanced visibility of the side and rear of the motorcycle.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the mirror is curved along the major axis15and along the minor axis17. The curvature of the major axis is substantially, convex to allow the reflective surface19to reflect light from a large area around the motorcycle. Other shapes of reflecting surface, which are suitable for this function may be used. In addition, the reflecting surface19had a radius of curvature23on the minor axis17. This is also shaped, to allow the reflection of light from a large area above and below a motorcycle.

FIG. 3is a plan view of the first embodiment of the present invention which shows the mirror13, reflecting surface19, longitudinal axis15and a pair of connecting lugs25, which are spaced apart along the rear of the mirror13. The connecting lugs form part of the coupling which is used to connect the mirror body to a motorcycle.

FIG. 4is a side view of the first embodiment of the present invention as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. The side view shows the reflecting surface19, comprising 3 distinct sections extending along the minor axis17of the mirror13. The three sections are a first or lower peripheral section27, a central section29and a second or upper peripheral section31. The first peripheral section27is designed to allow the rider to see low down and to each side of the motorcycle and also allows the rider to see the side of the motorcycle when it is leaning over to one side whilst cornering. This has a first radius of curvature which is higher i.e., has greater curvature than the central section29, which is used to allow the rider to see the main areas to the side and rear of the motorcycle when riding straight ahead without tipping the motorcycle.

The third section31is at the top of the reflecting surface and has a third radius of curvature. This has been designed to allow the rider to see their own reflection and provide reflections from areas above and to the side of the motorcycle. The ability of the rider to see his own reflection provides a useful reference point for the rider with respect to other objects that the rider can see. This is because it gives a measure of the distortion which is inevitably present in a curved mirror.

FIG. 5shows a mirror in accordance with the present invention, in this case, the mirror ofFIGS. 2 to 4, mounted in position up on a motorcycle.FIG. 5shows the motorcycle33with a handlebar35and instrument panels37. The mirror39is mounted on the front of the motorcycle to be forward from and above the instrument panel37.

FIGS. 6ato6care side, plan and front views of another embodiment of the mirror in accordance with the present invention.FIG. 6ashows a mirror41with a reflecting surface having a first peripheral section43having a first radius of curvature, a central section45having a second radius of curvature and a top peripheral section47housing a third radius of curvature. The mirror41further comprises a top surface49, which projects outwards above the top peripheral section and provides shading from extraneous bright light from the sky.

The radius of curvature as defined herein is the radius of an approximating circle passing through points on a curve. This therefore provides a measure of how curved a surface is in comparison to others. The lower the radius of curvature, the more curved the surface will appear. In this example absolute values of 65, 120 and 40 are given for the lower peripheral section43, the central section45and the upper peripheral section47.

FIG. 6bIs a plain view of the mirror ofFIG. 6aand shows the first peripheral section43, the second peripheral section45and a third peripheral section47which is partially covered by the projection of the top surface49. This figure also shows the angle that is supported by the mirror as being 100 degrees.

FIG. 6bis the front view of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 6aand6b

FIG. 7Is another embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus comprises a mirror51which is connected to a coupling52which attaches to a suitable surface in the centre of the motorcycle such as the instrument panel or wind shield. The mirror51comprises a reflecting surface and the top surface55which is provided with a referenced guide57. This is marked with guide lines which represent the angle from the line of the centre of the motorcycle at which an object is viewed in the mirror. This provides further reference information to allow the rider to quickly judge the position of an object that the rider sees in the mirror. In an alternative embodiment, the guide lines contain numbers which represent the angle of the object with respect to the motorcycle.

The mirror51is provided with fixings or lugs59into which the bar58may be inserted and removably secured. The bar58is attached to pivotal connectors which may be adjusted to allow the section pads63to be attached to parts of the motorcycle surface which are angled with respect to one another. When the mirror is connected to the wind shield (not shown) as in this example, its position may be adjusted and the pivotal connector may be fixed in position by tightening screws to prevent further pivoting movement.

FIG. 8Is a schematic side view of another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the radii of curvature of 3 sections of the mirror71along the major axis are different. The areas are denoted by reference numbers75,77and79.

FIG. 9is the top view of a motorcycle85and rider83using a mirror assembly81in accordance with the present invention which provides a viewing angle of 170 degrees, Reference number87shows the areas around the motorcycle which are viewable using the present invention. In this embodiment, the mirror is a centre mounted motorcycle wide angled mirror mounted above and forward of the instrument panel clocks to give at least 170 degrees horizontal visual coverage and with upper and lower increased curves, C and D, to give full vertical visual coverage so when the motorcycle is banking the blind spot areas are still covered. There are several mounting points depending on the motorcycle model including the wind shield mounting, fairing mounting, head lamp mounting, handle bar mounting. The mirror may be mounted on any suitable part, as long as the mirror is directly within the riders forward line of view.

FIG. 10is the top view of a motorcycle88and rider86using a mirror assembly84in accordance with the present invention which provides a viewing angle of 180 degrees, Reference number87shows the areas around the motorcycle which are viewable using the present invention. In this embodiment the mirror is a wide angle centre mounted mirror that gives full coverage of the blind spot areas giving the rider visual warning of hazards that were previously in the unseen areas. The mirror, A, will give at least 180 degrees horizontal coverage, typically 190 degrees and due to its increased curves at C and D. It will still give full blind spot visual coverage when the motorcycle is banked over without reducing the image size too much. The mirror, A, is mounted forward and above the instrument panel clocks so as to be directly within the riders forward line of view so as easily seeing the blind spot areas without moving the head but just a glance downward.

Advantageously, the motorcycle centre mounted convex wide angle mirror ofFIG. 10gives 180 degrees vertical visual coverage including the rider and the blind spot areas.

It also gives vertical coverage from the sky line to the road surface even when the motorcycle is banked over because of the increased vertical axes curves and is mounted above and forward of the instrument panel clocks directly within the riders forward line of view below eye height.

FIG. 11Shows a side view of a motorcycle101and rider103, and shows the field of view107above and below the rider, using a mirror105in accordance with present invention.

Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.