Bicycle light signal

A new and improved high visibility light signal apparatus for use on a bicycle includes a strobe light assembly which includes a source of electric power and a strobe lamp/driver assembly. A support assembly supports the strobe lamp/driver assembly on the bicycle. The support assembly includes a first end and a second end. The first end includes a lamp support for supporting the strobe lamp/driver assembly. The second end includes a connector for attaching the support assembly to the bicycle. The support assembly has a predetermined length; and the support assembly, in conjunction with the connector, is capable of supporting the strobe lamp/driver assembly on the bicycle in a plane spaced from and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bicycle, such that light emitted from the strobe lamp/driver assembly is visible from the front, the left side, the right side, and the back of the bicycle and to the rider, simultaneously. The source of electric power may be an electric generator driven by rotation of a wheel of the bicycle or a battery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates generally to lights used on bicycles, and 
more particularly, to a light especially adapted for visibly signalling 
the presence of the bicycle to drivers of motor vehicles, other bicycle 
riders, and pedestrians. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
Lights used on bicycles for visibly signalling the presence of the bicycle 
are well known in the art. The following U.S. patents disclose exemplary 
lights used on bicycles: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,819,135; 4,860,177; 4,875,142; 
4,974,124; and 5,015,918. More specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,135 
discloses a plurality of flashing LED's placed in linear arrays along the 
bicycle frame. The LED's primarily face the side of the bicycle to provide 
a broadside visible signal. U.S. Pat. No. 4,860,177 has a plurality of 
parallel rows of lamps that flash in a moving pattern. The parallel rows 
of lamps face to the rear of the bicycle. U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,142 disclose 
bicycle safety lights that a secured to the ends of handle bars and face 
rearward, providing blinking light signals to drivers of vehicles at the 
rear of the bicycle. U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,124 discloses a headlight and 
accompanying electrical generator for a bicycle. U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,918 
discloses a battery-powered and/or generator powered bicycle lighting 
system that employs circuitry for strobing LED's to provide high intensity 
flashes. 
One problem associated with the above-described prior art bicycle light 
signalling devices is that the flashing signal lights are highly 
directional, primarily facing the rear of the bicycle or secondarily 
facing the side of the bicycle. They are not significantly visible from 
the front of the bicycle. In this respect, it would be desirable if a 
bicycle light signalling device were provided which directed a flashing 
light signal to the front of the bicycle. 
Another problem associated with many conventional bicycle signal lights is 
that the bicycle rider is unaware when the signal light is burned out or 
otherwise malfunctioning. This can be a very dangerous situation. The 
rider may think that he is signalling his presence to drivers of motor 
vehicles, other bicycle riders, and pedestrians, but the signal may not be 
working. In this respect, it would be desirable if a bicycle signalling 
device were provided which gave an indication to the rider that the signal 
is either working or not working. 
Many conventional bicycle signalling systems use large numbers of 
signalling elements. Such large numbers of elements can be quite 
expensive. Moreover, large numbers of lights may create a distraction to 
persons receiving the signal. In this respect, it would be desirable if a 
bicycle signalling device were provided which uses a single flashing 
signal light. 
The prior art bicycle signalling devices discussed above include light 
signalling patterns where light alternates between on or off. During the 
off portion of the signal, the person being signalled may lose sight of 
the bicycle. Furthermore, an alternating on and off signal may be very 
fatiguing to the eyes of the person being signalled. In this respect, it 
would be desirable if a bicycle signalling device were provided which 
emitted two lighted state signals. That is, a first light signal having a 
first level of brightness and a second light signal having a second level 
of brightness. 
As mentioned above, it is important that the bicycle rider be aware of 
whether as to the signalling lights are working or not. In this respect, 
it would be desirable, if in addition to the visible signal, a device were 
provided that gave an audible signal to the rider indicating that the 
signal light was operating. 
As mentioned above, many prior art bicycle signalling lights are highly 
directional. In this respect, it would be desirable if a bicycle 
signalling device were provided that provided a visible signal in a 
pattern of nearly 360 degrees around the signal light. 
Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to be well known 
to use signal lights for bicycles, the prior art described above does not 
teach or suggest a high visibility bicycle light signal apparatus which 
has the following combination of desirable features: (1) directs a 
flashing light signal to the front of the bicycle; (2) gives an indication 
to the rider that the signal is either working or not working; (3) uses a 
single flashing signal light; (4) emits two lighted state signals, a first 
light signal having a first level of brightness and a second light signal 
having a second level of brightness; (5) gives an audible signal to the 
rider indicating that the signal light is operating; and (6) provides a 
visible signal in a pattern of nearly 360 degrees around the signal light. 
The foregoing desired characteristics are provided by the unique high 
visibility bicycle light signal apparatus of the present invention as will 
be made apparent from the following description thereof. Other advantages 
of the present invention over the prior art also will be rendered evident. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the present invention, 
briefly described, provides a new and improved high visibility light 
signal apparatus for use on a bicycle. The apparatus includes a strobe 
light assembly which includes a source of electric power and a strobe 
lamp/driver assembly. A support assembly supports the strobe lamp/driver 
assembly on the bicycle. The support assembly includes a first end and a 
second end. The first end includes a lamp support for supporting the 
strobe lamp/driver assembly. The second end includes a connector for 
attaching the support assembly to the bicycle. The support assembly has a 
predetermined length; and the support assembly, in conjunction with the 
connector, is capable of supporting the strobe lamp/driver assembly on the 
bicycle in a plane spaced from and parallel to the longitudinal axis of 
the bicycle, such that the light emitted from the strobe lamp/driver 
assembly is visible from the front, the left side, the right side, and the 
back of the bicycle and to the rider, simultaneously. The source of 
electric power may be an electric generator driven by rotation of a wheel 
of the bicycle or a battery. 
The first end of the support assembly may include a bracket portion which 
includes a shape that is complementary to the shape of the exterior 
surface of the strobe lamp/driver assembly. The second end of the support 
assembly may include a two-part connector for attaching the support 
assembly to a seat post of the bicycle. The two-part connector may include 
two semicircular members for sandwiching a bicycle seat post therebetween 
for supporting the support assembly on the bicycle seat post. 
More specifically, the support assembly may include a flask-shaped support 
member which includes a continuous, closed first end for supporting the 
strobe lamp/driver assembly. The closed first end includes two ends. Two 
extension members, connected to the two respective ends, extend away from 
the closed first end. Semicircular members, formed in the respective 
extension members, are employed for sandwiching the bicycle seat post 
between the respective semicircular members, for supporting the support 
assembly on the bicycle seat post. 
An air whistle assembly may fit over the strobe lamp/driver assembly and 
may be supported by the strobe lamp/driver assembly. The air whistle 
assembly sounds an audible signal as air moves past the air whistle 
assembly. The air whistle assembly includes whistle elements. The whistle 
elements are supported by vane elements. The vane elements are supported 
by a lamp cover. The lamp cover is supported by a rotatable platform 
assembly, and the rotatable platform assembly is supported by the strobe 
lamp/driver assembly. 
The rotatable platform assembly includes a stationary base member, 
supported by the strobe lamp/driver assembly, and a rotatable platform 
member, supported by the stationary base member. The rotatable platform 
member includes vertical projections which engage complementary notches in 
a base member of the lamp cover. 
The lamp cover includes a first portion and a second portion. The first 
portion includes a partial reflector, and the second portion includes a 
transparent portion. The partial reflector portion permits a portion of 
light landing on the partial reflector to be reflected and a portion of 
the light landing on the partial reflector be transmitted through the 
partial reflector. The partial reflector may include a partially silvered 
surface. In this respect, the lamp cover emits two lighted state signals. 
The first light signal has a first level of brightness, and a second light 
signal has a second level of brightness. 
The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important 
features of the present invention in order that the detailed description 
thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the 
present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of 
course, additional features of the invention that will be described 
hereinafter and which will be for the subject matter of the claims 
appended hereto. 
In this respect, before explaining at least two preferred embodiments of 
the invention in detail, it is understood that the invention is not 
limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the 
arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or 
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments 
and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be 
understood, that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for 
the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon 
which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for 
designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the 
several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, 
that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions 
insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present 
invention. 
Further, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent 
and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the 
scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar 
with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a 
cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of 
the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is neither intended to define 
the invention or the application, which only is measured by the claims, 
nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any 
way. 
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and 
improved high visibility bicycle light signal apparatus which has all of 
the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved 
high visibility bicycle light signal apparatus which may be easily and 
efficiently manufactured and marketed. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and 
improved high visibility bicycle light signal apparatus which is of 
durable and reliable construction. 
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and 
improved high visibility bicycle light signal apparatus which is 
susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and 
labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to 
the consuming public, thereby making such high visibility bicycle light 
signal apparatus available to the buying public. 
Still yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a new and 
improved high visibility bicycle light signal apparatus which directs a 
flashing light signal to the front of the bicycle. 
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and 
improved high visibility bicycle light signal apparatus which gives an 
indication to the rider that the signal is either working or not working. 
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and 
improved high visibility bicycle light signal apparatus which uses a 
single flashing signal light. 
Even another object of the present invention is to provide a new and 
improved high visibility bicycle light signal apparatus which emits two 
lighted state signals, that is, a first light signal having a first level 
of brightness and a second light signal having a second level of 
brightness. 
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a new and 
improved high visibility bicycle light signal apparatus that gives an 
audible signal to the rider indicating that the signal light is operating. 
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and 
improved high visibility bicycle light signal apparatus that provides a 
visible signal in a pattern of nearly 360 degrees around the signal light. 
These together with still other objects of the invention, along with the 
various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed 
out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this 
disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating 
advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should 
be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there 
are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
With reference to the drawings, a new and improved high visibility bicycle 
light signal apparatus embodying the principles and concepts of the 
present invention will be described. 
Turning initially to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown a first exemplary embodiment 
of the high visibility bicycle light signal apparatus 10 of the invention 
for use on a bicycle 11 which has a frame 30, a front portion 32, a left 
side 33, a right side 34, a back portion 35, and a longitudinal axis 36 
extending from the front portion 32 to the back portion 35 of the bicycle 
11. The high visibility bicycle light signal apparatus 10 includes a 
strobe light assembly 12 which includes a source of electric power 14 and 
a strobe lamp/driver assembly 15. A support assembly 18 supports the 
strobe lamp/driver assembly 15 on the bicycle 11. The support assembly 18 
includes a first end 24 and a second end 26. The first end 24 includes 
lamp support 25 for supporting the strobe lamp/driver assembly 15. The 
second end 26 includes connector 27 for attaching the support assembly 18 
to the bicycle 11 for supporting the strobe lamp/driver assembly 15 on the 
bicycle 11. The support assembly 18 has a length 22. The connector 27 is 
capable of supporting the support assembly 18 on the bicycle 11 such that 
the strobe lamp/driver assembly 15 is positioned in a plane spaced from 
and parallel to the longitudinal axis 36, such that light emitted from the 
strobe lamp/driver assembly 15 is visible from the front, the left side, 
the right side, and the back of the bicycle 11 and to the rider, 
simultaneously. 
More specifically, referring to FIG. 2, several different points of view 
are represented. Arrow-headed line 103 represents a point of view from the 
front of the bicycle. Arrow-headed line 104 represents a point of view 
from the right side of the bicycle. Arrow-headed line 105 represents a 
point of view from the back of the bicycle. Arrow-headed line 106 
represents a point of view from the left side of the bicycle. Arrow-headed 
line 107 represents a point of view from the a hand of the rider on the 
handle bar 108. It is clear that light from the strobe lamp/driver 
assembly 15 is visible to all the respective points of view 103, 104,105, 
106, and 107, simultaneously. 
Further with respect to the point of view 107, when light from the strobe 
lamp/driver assembly 15 falls upon a hand of a rider on the handle bar, 
the rider can see a reflection of light on his hand, and the rider is made 
aware of the proper functioning of the signal light. If the rider does not 
see a signal light reflection on his hand, then the rider knows that the 
signalling apparatus is not functioning properly. 
The source of electric power 14 includes either (a) an electric generator 
80, supported on a rear fork 38, driven by rotation of a wheel 37 of the 
bicycle 11, or (b) a battery 81. The battery 81 is housed in a battery 
holder 39 which is supported by a frame member 40 of the bicycle 11. 
The first end 24 of the support assembly 18 includes a bracket portion 42 
which includes a shape that is complementary to a shape of an exterior 
surface of the strobe lamp/driver assembly 15. In the embodiment shown, 
the bracket portion 42 is circular in shape, which is complementary to the 
circular shape of the exterior surface of the strobe lamp/driver assembly 
15. 
The second end 26 of the support assembly 18 includes two-part connector 27 
for attaching the support assembly 18 to a seat post 43 of the bicycle 11 
for supporting the strobe lamp/driver assembly 15 on the bicycle 11. The 
two-part connector 27 includes two semicircular members 44 for sandwiching 
the bicycle seat post 43 therebetween for supporting the support assembly 
18 on the bicycle seat post 43. 
More specifically, the support assembly 18 includes a flask-shaped support 
member 70 which includes a continuous closed first end 24 for supporting 
the strobe lamp/driver assembly 15. The closed first end 24 includes two 
ends 73, two extension members 72 connected to the two respective ends 73 
and extending away from the closed first end 24, and semicircular members 
44, formed in the respective extension members 72, for sandwiching a 
bicycle seat post 43 between the respective semicircular members 44, for 
supporting the support assembly 18 on the bicycle seat post 43. A wing 
screw 112 is used to secure the semicircular members 44 to the seat post 
43. 
Turning to FIGS. 7-8, a second embodiment of the invention is shown. 
Reference numerals are shown that correspond to like reference numerals 
that designate like elements shown in the other figures. In addition, an 
air whistle assembly 46 fits over the strobe lamp/driver assembly 15 and 
is supported by the strobe lamp/driver assembly 15. The air whistle 
assembly 46 sounds an audible signal as air moves past the air whistle 
assembly 46. 
The air whistle assembly 46 includes whistle elements 47 which are 
supported by vane elements 48. The vane elements 48 are supported by a 
lamp cover 49 which is supported by a rotatable platform assembly 50. The 
rotatable platform 50 is supported by the strobe lamp/driver assembly 15. 
The rotatable platform assembly 50 includes a stationary base member 52, 
supported by the strobe lamp/driver assembly 15, and a rotatable platform 
member 54, supported by the stationary base member 52. The rotatable 
platform member 54 member includes vertical projections 56 which engage 
complementary notches 58 in a base member 60 of the lamp cover 49. 
In operation, when air passes through the whistle elements 47 an audible 
signal is created. When air pushes up against the vane elements 48, the 
lamp cover 49 is rotated. As the lamp cover 49 rotates, the notches 58 in 
the base member 60 engage the vertical projections 56 on the rotatable 
platform member 54, causing the rotatable platform member 54 to rotate on 
the stationary base member 52. In this way, the lamp cover 49 rotates when 
pushed by flowing air. 
The lamp cover 49 includes a first portion and a second portion. The first 
portion includes a partial reflector 62 and the second portion includes a 
transparent portion 64. The partial reflector 62 portion permitting a 
portion of light landing on the partial reflector 62 to be reflected and a 
portion of the light landing on the partial reflector 62 be transmitted 
through the partial reflector 62. The partial reflector 62 includes a 
partially silvered surface. In operation, when the lamp cover 49 is driven 
by the air to rotate, the lamp cover 49 emits two lighted-state signals. A 
first light signal has a first level of brightness as some of the strobe 
light passes directly through the transparent portion 64 and some of the 
strobe light is first reflected off of the partial reflector 62 and then 
passes out of the transparent portion 64. A second light signal has a 
second level of brightness as some of the strobe light passes through the 
partial reflector 62. 
Turning to FIGS. 9-10, a holder for a battery 81 used to power the strobe 
lamp/driver assembly 15 of the invention is shown. Reference numerals are 
shown that correspond to like reference numerals that designate like 
elements shown in the other figures. In addition, a cover 83 covers the 
battery holder 39. A connector portion 84 is attached to the battery 
holder 39 and is adapted to engage frame member 40 for supporting the 
battery holder 39 on the bicycle 11 (see FIG. 1). A cable 85 runs from the 
battery 81 to a connector 86 which has plug elements 87 adapted to plug 
into complementary jacks 88 located on the bottom of strobe lamp/driver 
assembly 15 (see FIG. 5). 
Turning to FIG. 11, an electric generator 80 used for powering the strobe 
lamp/driver assembly 15 of the invention is shown. Also shown are hardware 
used for attaching the generator 80 to the bicycle 11. Reference numerals 
are shown that correspond to like reference numerals that designate like 
elements shown in the other figures. In addition, generator 80 includes 
driven gear 90 which is rotated by wheel 37 of the bicycle 11 when the 
wheel 37 turns. A cable 91 runs from the generator 80 to a connector 92 
that has plug elements 93 that are adapted to plug into complementary 
jacks 94 located on the bottom of strobe lamp/driver assembly 15 (see FIG. 
5). 
The following hardware elements are used to attach the generator 80 to the 
rear fork 38 of the bicycle 11 (see FIG. 1): wing screw 95, a first 
aperture 96 of L-shaped bracket 97, nut 98, washer 99, a second aperture 
100 of L-shaped bracket 97, cylindrical shaped bracket 101, and screw 102. 
The cylindrical portion of the cylindrical shaped bracket 101 fits around 
the rear fork 38 of the bicycle 11. The wing screw 95 is used to secure 
the generator 80 to the L-shaped bracket 97. The nut 98, washer 99, and 
screw 102 are used to secure the L-shaped bracket 97 to the cylindrical 
shaped bracket 101. 
Although a wide variety of well known strobe lamps and strobe driver 
circuitry can be used with the invention, the strobe driver circuitry 
disclosed in above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,918 may be readily 
adapted for driving the strobe lamp of the invention. In this respect, 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,918 is incorporated herein by reference. 
The components of the high visibility bicycle light signal apparatus of the 
invention can be made from inexpensive and durable metal or plastic 
materials. 
It is apparent from the above that the present invention accomplishes all 
of the objects set forth by providing a new and improved high visibility 
bicycle light signal apparatus that is low in cost, relatively simple in 
design and operation, and which may advantageously be used to direct a 
flashing light signal to the front of the bicycle. Also, with the 
invention, an indication is given to the rider that the signal is either 
working or not working. With the invention, a single flashing signal light 
is employed. With the invention, two lighted state signals are emitted, 
that is, a first light signal is emitted having a first level of 
brightness, and a second light signal is emitted having a second level of 
brightness. With the invention, an audible signal is given to the rider 
indicating that the signal light is operating. With the invention, a 
visible signal is provided in a pattern of nearly 360 degrees around the 
signal light. 
With respect to the above description, it should be realized that the 
optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to 
include variations in size, form function and manner of operation, 
assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to those skilled 
in the art, and therefore, all relationships equivalent to those 
illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are 
intended to be encompassed only by the scope of appended claims. 
While the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully 
described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is 
presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments of the 
invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that 
many modifications thereof may be made without departing from the 
principles and concepts set forth herein. Hence, the proper scope of the 
present invention should be determined only by the broadest interpretation 
of the appended claims so as to encompass all such modifications and 
equivalents.