MOTION SENSITIVE BICYCLE SAFETY LIGHT AND METHOD OF USING SAME

Abstract: A motion sensitive safety light (20) adapted for attachment to a wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair. The light has a motion sensitive switch having a non-magnetic casing (12a), a magnetic body (14) having electroconductive on the outer surface thereof contained within the casing, one permanent magnet (15) proximate a portion of the outer wall of the casing, a first pair of conductors (16a, 16b), when the light is subjected to movement, the magnetic body is capable of moving from the area of the casing proximate the magnet into contact with the conductor and the inner wall of the casing. A battery (17) having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, one of the conductors connected to the positive terminal and the other conductor connected to the negative terminal, a light source (18) connected to the battery through a second pair of conductors (19a, 19b), one conductor attached to one terminal of the battery and the other conductor attached to the other terminal of the battery and each of the second pair of conductors attached to the light source, a protective light emitting end cap covering the light source, a protective cover extending from the light emitting end cap, with the light source, the battery and the switch contained within the end cap and the cover; and means for attaching the light to a wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair.

Description: MOTION SENSITIVE BICYCLE SAFETY LIGHT AND METHOD OF USING SAME FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a motion sensitive bicycle safety light for use on bicycles, wheelchairs, and the like that utilizes a motion sensitive switch and is adapted for attachment to the wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair The invention also relates to a method of using such a bicycle safety light. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various types of motion sensitive switches have been suggested over the years In several types, a ball or piston moves within a cylindrical casing In one type, a ball of magnetic material is held within a cylindrical passageway in a nonmagnetic casing and is displaced from contacts by a permanent bar magnet located in the casing perpendicular to the passageway On impact the ball is propelled into contacts to close a switch Alternatively, a single contact and a conductive body may also be used to effect closure of the switch In another type, a steel ball is held against an inverted circuit board through which lead wires run by the presence of a large magnet on the opposing side of the circuit board Upon a jolt or vibration, the steel ball moves away from the circuit board through the casing, breaking the contact and setting off an alarm In a further type, a non-magnetic electrically conductive ball floats within a non-magnetic non-conductive casing filled with a non-conductive magnetic fluid and contacts protrude into one end of the casing Permanent magnets may be disposed at one or both ends of the casing or a cylindrical hollow magnet may surround the casing including the areas containing the weight and contacts Impact of an automobile to which the sensor is attached causes the weight to abut the contacts, close a circuit and operate, for example, an air bag In another type, a movable permanent magnet is held in place by a magnetic yoke in a non-magnetic casing Movement causes the magnet to strike the surface of the case, disrupting the formed magnetic circuit and changing a reed switch from the on to the off position Suggested uses include earthquake or elevator load detection In a still further type, a permanent magnet is enclosed in an electrically conductive covering in a conductive copper alloy housing and is held in an off position by a ring-shaped attractor and a coil, i e , a braking force On impact of, for example, an automobile, the magnet moves away from the braking force, contacts conductors, and closes a circuit In yet another type, a magnetized seismic piston located in a central portion of the device is held in a non-actuated condition by repulsion on the mass of a magnetic dent Upon inertial force, or impact, the piston moves and is held against a plug to effect a closed circuit through contact and act, for example, as an ignition shut-off switch in an automobile collision Also described is a spherical piston biased against a piston seat by a magnet located on the opposing side of the seat On impact, the piston moves, preferably through a damping fluid to close a circuit by means of impacting contacts. In another type of device, a moveable weighted member carrying a contact is held in the off position by a spring Movement of the weight due to acceleration or deceleration causes the weight to move, bringing the weight into abutment with a stationary contact In a different type of device, a substantially balanced mass is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis and a pair of electrical contacts is provided for pivotal movement about an axis A pair of electrical contacts is provided with at least one lying in the path of pivotal movement of the mass A source of electromotive force and an illumination means are connected with the contact means, the contact means closing and lighting the illumination means only upon the occurrence of angular acceleration of the balanced mass In another type of device, a housing supports a power source and an electrically connectable light source A motion switch switches between open and closed positions in response to the movement of the housing member The switch may be a pivotally supported member, a resilient member, or a moving (ball bearing) member A magnetic member slidably positioned within a coil or piezoelectric generating power source may act as both the power source and the switch In another device, a reed switch for use with footwear or apparel is actuated by a magnet moveable under inertial forces between an on position where the magnet causes the reed switch to close and an off position where the magnet allows the reed switch to open The magnet is biased to the off position by compression springs, magnets or may be air driven Various devices have been suggested for use as bicycle safety lights One type of device is a flashlight that is secured to the bicycle wheel spokes The flashlight may be secured to a bracket mounted on the spokes such that the light is directed radially outwardly Use of a string of lights intertwined in the spokes of a bicycle's wheel which lights are connected to a battery and selectively turned on and off by means of a toggle switch has been suggested Another type provides a string of light emitting diodes (LED's) in a clear tube mounted on the spokes of a bicycle wheel and a battery power pack is mounted on a wheel axle and is electrically connected to the LED's In another device, signal lights are provided on the wheels of a bicycle and a battery is secured to the frame of the bicycle A conductive plate is mounted on a non-conductive disc on a wheel hub A brush makes electrical contact with the conductive plate when the wheel rotates by urging a spring against the brush to maintain an electrical circuit. Another bicycle light has a refractive housing containing a light and battery mounted on a bicycle wheel, circuitry which includes flasher means to cause the light source to flash intermittently, and a motion sensor, such as a mercury switch, to actuate the flasher means In a portable light and reflector for use on the spokes of a bicycle wheel, a centrifugal switch is used to complete an electrical circuit between a light source and a power source The centrifugal switch is mechanical in nature, having a weight which contacts a post to complete a circuit and cause the lights to light when subject to centrifugal force In a light adapted to be connected to the spokes of a wheel of a bicycle, the light's battery is oriented radially inward of the light's bulb relative to the wheel's axis A switch spring normally biases the battery out of contact with the bulb when the wheel is not rotating, but permits the battery to be biased into electrical contact with the bulb in response to centrifugal force. In a safety bicycle light, a fitting body is designed to be threaded onto the male threads of a bicycle wheel air valve A safety lamp body having a bulb, a battery and a switch is fitted into the fitting body Threading the fitting body onto the air valve activates the switch and turns the bulb on. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention, in one aspect, provides a motion sensitive safety light adapted for attachment to the wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair comprising (a) motion sensitive switch comprising (i) a non-magnetic casing having a space therein to form a hollow casing having an inner wall and an outer wall; (ii) a magnetic body contained within the casing having a size such that the magnetic body is moveable over the length of the casing and being electroconductive at least on the surface thereof; (iii) at least one permanent magnet proximate a portion of the outer wall of the casing such that a substantially uniform magnetic field exists proximate the inner wall of the casing in the area of the casing where the magnetic body is capable of residing when the light is at rest; and (v) a pair of conductors, at least one of which has an end portion within the casing and spaced from the magnetic body when the light is at rest; with the provisos (1) when an end portion of only one conductor is within the casing, the other conductor is in contact with the outer wall of the casing and the casing is electroconductive and (2) when the switch is subjected to movement, the magnetic body is capable of moving from the areas of the casing proximate the magnet into contact with the conductor and the inner wall of the casing or pair of conductors to complete a circuit, (b) a battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, one of the conductors being connected to the positive terminal and the other conductor being connected to the negative terminal; (c) a light source connected to the battery through a second pair of conductors, one conductor being attached to the positive terminal of the battery and the other conductor being attached to the negative terminal of the battery and each of the second pair of conductors being attached to the light source; (d) a protective light emitting end cap covering the light source; (e) a protective cover extending from the light emitting end cap, with the light source, the battery and the motion sensitive switch contained within the light emitting end cap and the protective cover, and (f) means for attaching the motion sensitive safety light to a wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair. Preferably, the protective cover and the open end of the end cap are cylindrical and the end portion of the inner portion of the protective cover and outer portion of the light emitting end cap are threaded to permit ease of assembly and to provide means for securing the protective cover to the light emitting end cap. Such a motion sensitive safety light is easily manufactured and the sensitivity can be readily determined by the relative size of the spherical magnetic body and the size of the magnet or magnets on the outer wall of the cylindrical casing as is well known to those skilled in the art. The substantially uniform magnetic field can be achieved, for example, by providing a πng-shaped magnet around the casing, when cylindrical, or by providing magnetic segments on the outer surface of the casing where the magnetic field is to be created within the casing Such a substantially uniform magnetic field holds the magnetic body apart from the conductors and generally holds the magnetic body suspended, i e , levitating within the casing The magnetic attraction of the magnetic body by the magnet or magnets is preferably such that moderate centrifugal force, such as rotating, or moderate jostling, such as would be encountered when the light is attached to a bicycle wheel or the wheel of a wheelchair, is sufficient to complete the circuit and cause the light to turn on Upon return of the motion sensitive light to rest, the magnetic body returns to the area of the magnetic field out of contact with the conductors and the circuit is broken Preferably the motion sensitive safety light is attached to the air valve stem on the bicycle wheel or onto a spoke or spokes of the bicycle wheel or wheelchair The present invention, in a further aspect, provides a motion sensitive safety light adapted for attachment to a wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair comprising (a) a light source having a first conductor and a second conductor extending therefrom, (b) a battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, (c) a motion sensitive switch comprising, (i) a non-magnetic conductive elongate casing having a bore therethrough to form a hollow casing having an inner wall and an outer wall, a non-magnetic conductive flange at one end thereof and a window through the casing proximate the end distant the flange, (ii) a magnetic body contained within the casing having a size such that the body is moveable over the length of the casing while substantially filling the cross-sectional area of the casing, (iii) at least one permanent magnet having a north pole and a south pole abutting a portion of the outer wall of the casing and adjacent the flange such that a substantially uniform magnetic field exists proximate the inner wall of the casing in the area of the casing where the magnetic body is capable of residing when the light is at rest, (d) a non-conductive non-magnetic elongate inner body having a bore therethrough, an outer portion, a pair of angled planar surfaces formed on an outer end portion thereof to form indentations, and a port through each of the indentations proximate; the battery residing within the elongate inner body; the motion sensitive switch residing within the elongate inner body, the flange of the casing abutting one terminal of the battery; the first conductor of the light source passing through the ports of the inner body and the window of the casing being of a size and shape and located such that the first conductor is not in contact with the casing, and a port in the inner body through which the second conductor contacts the other terminal of the battery, (e) a light transmitting end cap proximate the light source, (d) a protective outer body attached to the light transmitting end cap and extending substantially the length of the inner body; and (f) means for attaching the motion sensitive safety light to a wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair The present invention, in another aspect, provides a method of providing a wheel of a bicycle or a wheelchair with a motion sensitive safety light comprising (1) attaching at least one motion sensitive safety light to at least one wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair, the motion sensitive safety light comprising (a) motion sensitive switch comprising: (i) a non-magnetic casing having a space therein to form a hollow casing having an inner wall and an outer wall; (ii) a magnetic body contained in the casing having a size such that the magnetic body is moveable over the length of the casing and being electroconductive at least on the surface thereof, (iii) at least one permanent magnet proximate the outer wall of the casing such that a substantially uniform magnetic field exists proximate the inner wall of the casing the area of the casing where the magnetic body is capable of residing when the switch is at rest; and (iv) a first pair of conductors, at least one of which has an end portion within the casing and spaced from the magnetic body when the switch rest, with the provisos (1) when an end portion of only one conductor is within the casing, the other conductor is in contact with the outer wall of the casing and the casing is electroconductive, and (2) when the switch is subjected to movement, the magnetic body is capable of moving from the area of the casing proximate the magnet into contact with the conductor and the inner wall of the casing or pair of conductors to complete a circuit, (b) a battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, one of the conductors being connected to the positive terminal and the other conductor being connected to the negative terminal, (c) a light source connected to the battery through a second pair of conductors, one conductor being attached to the positive terminal of the battery and the other conductor being attached to the negative terminal of the battery and each of the second pair of conductors being attached to the light source, (d) a protective light emitting end cap covering the light source, and (e) a protective cover extending from the light emitting end cap, with the light source, the battery and the motion sensitive switch contained within the light emitting end cap and the protective cover, and (2) causing the bicycle or wheelchair to move such that the wheels turn to activate the motion sensitive safety light BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS la, lb and lc are cross-sectional views of embodiments of the motion sensitive switch useful in the present invention FIG Id is an end view of an embodiment of the motion sensitive switch useful in the present invention FIG 2 is a cross-sectional view of a motion sensitive light useful in the present invention FIG 3 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the motion sensitive safety light of the invention FIG 4 is a top view of a portion of a preferred embodiment of a motion sensitive safety light of the present invention FIG 5 is a cross-sectional view with a partial cut-away of a portion of a preferred embodiment of a motion sensitive safety light of the present invention FIG 6a is a top view showing a cylindrical casing with an alternative permanent magnet configuration FIG 6b is a top view showing a casing having a triangular cross-section with multiple permanent magnets FIG 6c is a top view showing a casing having a square cross-section with multiple permanent magnets FIG 7 is a side view of an embodiment of a motion sensitive safety light of the invention FIG 8 is a side view of bicycle having attached thereto the motion sensitive light of the present invention FIG 9 is a side view of another embodiment of a motion sensitive safety light of the invention FIG 9a is a top view of the motion sensitive light of FIG 9 FIG 10 is a side view showing the motion sensitive safety light of FIGS 9 and 9a attached to a spoke of a bicycle FIG. 11 is a top view of a motion sensitive safety light of the present invention which utilizes the motion sensitive switch of FIG. lc FIG. 12 is a side view of the motion sensitive safety light of FIG 11 attached to the spokes of a wheel of a bicycle FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the motion sensitive safety light of the invention FIG. 14 is a top view of an embodiment of the motion sensitive safety light of the invention. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a wheelchair utilizing motion sensitive safety lights of the invention DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIGS la, lb, and lc are cross-sectional views of the motion sensitive switch useful in the present invention In these FIGS , like elements are identified by like numbers In FIG la, motion sensitive switch 10a comprises elongate casing 12 which terminates at one end portion with flange 13, magnetic body 14, such as a steel or soft iron ball, and permanent magnet 15 Conductors 16a and 16b, sometimes referred to as lead wires, extend through the end of casing 12 distant from flange 13 When switch 10a is in the off position, magnetic body 14 is held away from conductors 16a and 16b by the magnetic field created by permanent magnet 15 When switch 10a is subjected to movement, such as centrifugal action or a jostling motion, magnetic body 14 moves into position against conductors 16a and 16b, forcing conductors 16a and 16b into contact with the inner wall of casing 12, as shown in phantom Either at least the outer surface of magnetic body 14 or at least the inner surface of casing 12 is electroconductive to complete a circuit with conductors 16a and 16b Electroconductivity of magnetic body 14 can be enhanced by known methods such as, for example, coating with copper or aluminum Similarly, the inner wall of the casing 12 may be coated with copper or aluminum or casing 12 itself may be formed from a conductive material such as copper, aluminum, or brass In FIG lb, motion sensitive switch 10b is constructed similarly to motion sensitive switch 10a except conductor 16b is replaced by conductor 16c which is abutting the outer wall of elongate casing 12 As shown in FIG la, permanent magnet 15 preferably abuts flange 13 In this embodiment, casing 12 is required to be electroconductive while magnetic body 14 need not be electroconductive Electroconductivity of casing 12 can be achieved as described with regard to FIG la When switch 10b is subjected to movement, magnetic body 14 moves into position against conductor 16a, forcing conductor 16a into contact with the inner 10 wall of cylindrical casing 12, as shown in phantom, to complete a circuit with conductors 16a and 16c In FIG lc, motion sensitive switch 10c is constructed with two pairs of conductors, conductors 16a and 16b and conductors 16d and 16e Permanent magnet 15 is located at about the midpoint of the longitudinal axis of elongate casing 12 Thus, when the motion sensitive switch is at rest, magnetic body 14 resides at about the longitudinal midpoint of casing 12 within the magnetic field created by permanent magnet 15 When the switch is subjected to movement, magnetic body 14 moves into contact with either conductors 16a and 16b or conductors 16d and 16e as described with regard to conductors 16a and 16b in FIG la Depending on the movement to which the motion sensitive switch is subjected, magnetic body 14 may alternately contact conductors 16a and 16b and conductors 16d and 16e, thus, causing a flashing effect In FIG Id, motion sensitive switch lOd is shown in end view with conductors 16f and 16g positioned across an end of casing 12a Ring magnet 15 surrounds casing 12a distant the conductors When the switch is at rest, magnetic body 14 resides in the area of casing 12a surrounded by magnet 15 When switch lOd is subjected to motion, magnetic body 14 moves away from the area surrounded by magnet 15 and into contact with conductors 16f and 16g, enabling completion of a circuit. In each embodiment shown in FIGS la, lb, lc, and Id, the conductors may be connected, for example, to a battery and light source such as, for example, a light bulb or an LED In the embodiment shown in FIG 2, motion sensitive switch 10a as shown in FIG la is connected to the positive terminal of battery 17 through conductor 16a and connected to the negative terminal of battery 17 through conductor 16b Light 18 is connected to the positive terminal of battery 17 through conductor 19a and connected to the negative terminal of battery 17 through conductor 19b In FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, a preferred embodiment of the motion sensitive light of the invention is shown The exploded view of FIG. 3 shows the components of motion sensitive light 30 FIG 4 is a top view showing an LED installed in a non- 11 conductive inner body and a non-magnetic conductive cylindrical casing FIG 5 is a cross-sectional view with a partial cut-away showing the motion sensitive switch, the inner body and battery Motion sensitive light 30 includes a light source, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), 31 having a first conductor 32a and a second conductor 32b The light source can be selected to provide the desired color of light to be transmitted when the circuit is closed and the light is on Non-conductive non-magnetic elongate inner body 33 has bore 34 therethrough, substantially cylindrical outer portion 35 having longitudinal groove 36 parallel to the long axis of outer portion 35, a pair of angled planar surfaces 37a and 37b through which ports 38a and 38b traverse Non-conductive non-magnetic inner body 33 can be formed from materials known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, plastics, rubber, and the like Conductor 32a is inserted through port 38a across bore 34 and through port 38b as shown in FIGS 4 and 5. Port 39 extends through cylindrical outer portion 35 of inner body 33 into bore 34 and conductor 32a extends from light source 31 through groove 36 and port 39 into bore 34 In non-magnetic conductive elongate casing 41 having bore 42, flange 43 and window 44 resides magnetic body 45, as shown in FIG. 5 Peg 40 is provided in flange 43 of casing 41 and notch 40a is provided at the end portion of inner body 33 distant the planar surfaces to provide correct alignment of conductor 32b and window 44. Of course, the peg can be on the inner body and the notch on the flange. Non-magnetic conductive elongate casing 41 can be formed from materials known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, copper, aluminum, brass and the like. Magnetic body 45 is typically formed of steel, such as a steel bearing To improve conductivity of magnetic body 45 a coating of a metal such as copper, aluminum or the like can be utilized. Permanent magnet 46 surrounds casing 41 below window 44 and preferably abuts flange 43 Permanent magnet 46 also preferably abuts narrower portion 47 of bore 34 of inner body 33 Battery 48 resides within bore 34 as shown in FIG 5 with negative terminal 49 abutting flange 43 of casing 41 and positive terminal 51 , 12 i e , the cylindrical surface of battery 48, contacting the terminal portion of conductor 32a where conductor 32a extends into bore 34 Preferably, non-magnetic protective outer body 52 extends over elongate inner body 33 Protective outer body 52 can be formed of any material sufficiently durable to protect conductors and other portions of the motion sensitive switch contained within inner body 33, such as, for example, non-magnetic metals, plastics and the like Light transmitting end cap 53 is preferably threaded onto one end of protective outer body 52 O-ring 54 is preferably provided at the juncture of outer body 52 and end cap 53 to provide sealing means and is preferably provide with threaded portion 59 which provides attachment means for attaching the motion sensitive safety light to an air valve stem of a bicycle wheel Light transmitting end portion 53 can be formed of materials known to those skilled in the art, such as plastic, and can be colored End cap 55 is preferably threaded onto the other end of protective outer body 52 with O-ring 56 preferably providing sealing means and spring 57 which is inserted into a bore 58 of end cap 55 ensuring contact between negative electrode 49 of battery 48 and flange 43 of casing 41 End cap 55 can be formed from suitable materials known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, nonmagnetic metals, plastics and the like A substantially uniform magnetic field within casing 41 is achieved by providing ring-shaped magnet 46 around the cylindrical casing where the magnetic field is to be created within casing 41 Such a substantially uniform magnetic field holds magnetic body 45 apart from conductor 32a and generally holds the magnetic body suspended, i.e., levitating within the cylindrical casing The magnetic attraction of the magnetic body by the magnet(s) is preferably such that moderate centrifugal force, or moderate jostling or rotating, such as would be encountered when the motion sensitive safety light is attached to the moving wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair, is sufficient to cause magnetic body 45 to contact conductor 32b and the inner wall of casing 41 and complete the circuit causing the light source to turn on When the motion sensitive safety light is attached to the air valve stem of a bicycle wheel, the safety light is sufficient, when the bicycle is ridden at sufficient 13 speed, to appear to provide a ring of light inside the wheel rim Upon return of the motion sensitive safety light to rest, the magnetic body returns to the area of the magnetic field, the circuit is broken and the light source is turned off EXAMPLE Objects and advantages of this invention are further illustrated by the following example, but the particular materials and dimensions thereof recited in these examples, as well as other details, should not be construed to unduly limit this invention In a this example, a motion sensitive light was formed as shown in FIGs 3, 4, and 5 A brass cylindrical casing having an inner diameter of about 8 00 mm (0 315 in ), an outer diameter of about 8 71 mm (0 343 in ), and a length of about 13 46 mm (0 53 in ) with a flange having an outer diameter of about 10 80 mm (0 425 in ) and a thickness of about 1 27 mm (0 050 in ) was utilized The window in the casing was oval in shape having a height parallel to the long axis of the casing of about 3 05 mm (0 120 in ) and a width of about 7 62 mm (0 300 in ) The spherical magnetic body was a soft iron ball having a diameter of about 7 92 mm (0 312 in ) The permanent magnet was formed of Plastalloy™-6, available from Electrodyne Company, Batavia, Ohio, and had an inner diameter of about 8 71 mm (0 343 in ), an outer diameter of about 11 94 mm (0 470 in ), and a height of about 2 54 mm (0 100 in ) The permanent magnet surrounded the casing and abutted the flange The permanent magnet had a north pole and a south pole aligned in the direction of the height of the magnet, with either the north pole or south pole contacting the flange, the magnetic direction not being critical A non-conductive non-magnetic inner body was formed of Delrin™, a mechanical grade plastic available from DuPont Company, and had an outer diameter of about 11 73 mm (0 462 in ), angled planar surfaces were about 4 19 mm (0 165 in ) in height along the long axis of the inner body and about 10 16 mm (0 400 in ) wide The minor circumference between the planar surfaces was about 6 35 mm (0 250 in ) A lithium battery, Model No K58L, available from Kodak 14 was used The inner circumference of the inner body which was contiguous with the battery and the permanent magnet was about 11 94 mm (0 470 in ) in diameter, while the portion of the inner body contiguous with the cylindrical casing was about 11 73 mm (0 462 in ) in diameter The LED used was a Super Bright 2000 MCD, 1 85 volt, 20 milliamp LED which had iron wires attached thereto as conductors The soft iron ball was spaced about 0 635 mm (0 025 in ) from the conductor which passed through ports in the inner body and over a portion of the window in the cylindrical casing The non-magnetic protective outer body was formed of brass and had a length of about 36 07 mm (1 420 in ), an inner diameter of about 14 43 mm (0 568 in ), and an outer diameter of about 16 00 mm (0 630 in ) Each end was provide with female threads extending about 5 08 mm (0 200 in ) into the outer body The light emitting end cap was formed of translucent plastic and had a length of about 18 03 mm (0 710 in ), an inner diameter of about 10 92 mm (0 430 in ), an outer diameter of about 16 26 mm (0 640 in ) and was provided with male threads extending about 5 08 mm (0 200 in ) along one open end of the end cap for attachment to the non-magnetic protective outer body and female threads extending about 6 35 mm (0 250 in ) along the other open end for attachment to a bicycle air valve stem The end cap provided on the protective outer body distant the light emitting end cap was formed of aluminum, had an inner diameter of about 14 35 mm (0 565 in ), an outer diameter of about 16 26 mm (0 640 in ), and was about 11 94 mm (0 565 in ) in length, with male threads extending about 5 08 mm (0 200 in ) along the open end of the end cap A bore about 4 70 mm (0 185 in ) in diameter extended about 5 08 mm (0 200 in ) into the center of the surface of the end cap proximate the threaded portion The spring fitted into the bore was formed of steel and was about 4 70 mm (0 185 in ) in diameter and about 10 16 mm 0 400 in ) in length The O-rings provided for sealing purposes were about 1 65 mm (0 065 in ) in thickness and about 13 97 mm (0 550 in ) inner diameter When the motion sensitive light as above-described was subjected to centrifugal force, such as when attached to a bicycle air valve stem and the bicycle 15 wheel was turned, the light remained on until the motion was stopped at which time the light shut off An alternative permanent magnet configuration is shown in FIG 6, a top view of the cylindrical casing having bore 42, flange 43, and three equisized equispaced permanent magnets 46a on the outer surface of the cylindrical casing to provide the substantially uniform magnetic field proximate the inner wall of cylindrical casing 41 As shown in FIGS 6a, 6b and 6c, the elongate casing can be, for example, circular, triangular or square in cross-section Other cross-sectional shapes can be used such as, for example, polygonal, elliptical and the like The magnetic body can have a cross-section similar to or different from that of the elongate casing Cylindrical casing 41 shown in FIG 6a, can have a spherical or ovoid magnetic body, the longer axis of the ovoid body being substantially aligned with long axis of the casing FIGS 6b and 6c are shown with magnetic bodies similar to the casing in cross-section However, the magnetic body can be spherical or ovoid or of other shapes The only requirements being that the magnetic body be movable over the length of the casing, substantially fill the casing, and be capable of contacting the contact or contacts as needed for the various embodiments The size of the magnet or magnets can be adjusted such that the magnetic body is in the area of the magnetic field when the switch is at rest and can move out of the magnetic field when the switch is subjected to motion Other elements of the invention which are shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 as being cylindrical in cross-section, such as, for example, the inner body, the protective outer body, and the end caps can also have varying cross-sections such as, for example, polygonal, ellipsoid, or irregular and means other than threads can be used for element attachment A side view of the fully assembled motion sensitive safety light 70 of FIG 3 is shown in FIG 7 FIG 8 shows attachment of the motion sensitive safety light 70 to air valve stem 71 on bicycle wheel 72 As shown in FIGS 9, 9a and 10, motion sensitive safety light 90 of the present invention can be attached to a spoke of a bicycle wheel The motion 16 sensitive safety light, such as in shown in FIG 2, can be inserted into protective outer body 91 which is in sealing contact with light transmitting end cap 92 and end cap 93 Fastening clip 94 is provided on the side of protective outer body 91 which provides attachment means for attaching motion sensitive safety light 90 on spoke 95 of bicycle wheel 96 Of course, multiple motion sensitive safety lights can be attached to multiple spokes for added visibility or desired aesthetic effects The motion sensitive safety light of the present invention can also be provided with motion sensitive lights at each end as shown in FIG 11 utilizing the motion sensitive switch shown in FIG lc with appropriate batteries and lights as described above Such a motion sensitive safety light 100 encloses the motion sensitive switch and batteries in protective outer body 101 which has light transmitting end caps 102a and 102b at the terminal portions thereof in sealing contact with the protective outer body Clamping means 103 is provided for bridging attachment of safety light 100 between spokes 104a and 104b of bicycle wheel 105 as shown in FIG 12 With motion sensitive safety light 100 attached to spokes 104a and 104b as shown in FIG 12, magnetic body 14 remains in the central portion of non-magnetic casing 12 when the bicycle wheel is at rest When the bicycle wheel is rotating, magnetic body 14 alternately moves into contact with conductors 16a, 16b and conductors 16d, 16e, causing the motion sensitive safety light to exhibit a flashing effect. The motion sensitive safety lights of the present invention are particularly useful when bicycle riding is desired during dusk or evening hours, such as for transportation purposes, exercise, newspaper delivery, and the like The motion sensitive safety lights of the invention are especially suitable for use on bicycles ridden by children Children often are not amenable to carrying flashlights or other types of safety devices or wearing reflective protection when they are outdoors during periods of dusk or darkness Reflective devices on bicycles are often inadequate to serve as notice to motorists and head lamps and tail lamps only provide substantially unidirectional warning to motorists The motion sensitive safety lights of the present invention turn on when the bicycle in motion, i e., being 17 ridden, and turn off when the bicycle is at rest, i e , not being ridden, thus conserving battery power without the user having to manually turn off a switch as in some prior art devices The motion sensitive safety lights of the present invention are also useful for those persons requiring use of a wheelchair Especially in the winter months, it is sometimes necessary for wheelchair users to travel in their wheelchairs during the hours of dusk and darkness, if only to traverse a parking lot Wheelchairs are not generally particularly maneuverable and the user's safety can be compromised if not visible to motorists Some wheelchair users are also forced to travel in streets along curbs in climates where snowfall occurs and sidewalks are not promptly shoveled It is critical that such wheelchair users be readily seen by motorists FIG 13 shows a perspective view of motion sensitive safety light 110 having a single light transmitting end cap 111 similar to motion sensitive safety light 90 and clamping means 112 Motion sensitive safety light 110 is attached to wheelchair spoke 113 by clamping means 112 as shown in FIG 13 with light transmitting end cap directed toward the tire portion of the wheel When the wheelchair is in motion, centrifugal force is applied to the motion sensitive safety light bringing the magnetic body into contact with the conductors and turning the light on When the wheel chair is at rest, the magnetic body returns to the area where the magnetic field is present, the circuit is broken and the light turns off FIG 14 shows a top view of motion sensitive safety light 115 having light transmitting end caps I l ia, 111b at each end of the safety light similar to that shown in FIG 11 and clamping means 116 Motion sensitive safety light 115 is attached to wheelchair spoke 117 by clamping means 116 With motion sensitive safety light 115 attached to spoke 117 as shown in FIG 15, spherical magnetic body 14 remains in the central portion of non-magnetic conductive casing 12 when the wheelchair is at rest When the wheel of the wheelchair is rotating, spherical magnetic body 14 alternately moves into contact with conductors 16a, 16b and conductors 16d, 16e, causing the motion sensitive safety light to exhibit a flashing effect Various modifications and alterations of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention and this invention should not be restricted to that set forth herein for illustrative purposes 19

Claims: What is claimed is 1 A motion sensitive safety light adapted for attachment to a wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair comprising (a) motion sensitive switch comprising (i) a non-magnetic casing having a space therein to form a hollow casing having an inner and an outer wall, (ii) a magnetic body contained in said casing having a diameter such that said magnetic body is moveable over said length of said casing and being electroconductive at least on the surface thereof, (iii) at least one permanent magnet proximate a portion of said outer wall of said casing such that a substantially uniform magnetic field exists proximate said inner wall of said casing in the area of said casing where said magnetic body is capable of residing when said light is at rest, and (iv) a first pair of conductors, at least one of which has an end portion within said casing and spaced from said magnetic body when said light is at rest, with the provisos (1) when an end portion of only one conductor is within said casing, said other conductor is in contact with said outer wall of said casing and said casing is electroconductive, and (2) when said light is subjected to movement, said magnetic body is capable of moving from said the area of said casing proximate said magnet into contact with said conductor and said inner wall of said casing or pair of conductors to complete a circuit; (b) a battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, one of said first conductors being connected to said positive terminal of said battery and said other first conductor being connected to said negative terminal of said battery and each of said second pair of conductors being attached to said light source, (c) a light source connected to said battery through a second pair of conductors, one conductor being attached to said positive terminal and said other conductor being attached to said negative terminal, 20 (d) a protective light emitting end cap covering said light source; (e) a protective cover extending from said light emitting end cap, with said light source, said battery and said motion sensitive switch contained within said light emitting end cap and said protective cover; and (f) means for attaching said motion sensitive safety light to a wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair. 2. The motion sensitive safety light of claim 1 wherein said casing is circular, polygonal or elliptical in cross-section. 3. The motion sensitive safety light of claim 1 wherein said casing is cylindrical. 4. The motion sensitive safety light of claim 1 wherein said magnetic body is spherical, ovoid, or is polygonal in cross-section. 5. The motion sensitive safety light of claim 1 wherein said magnetic body is spherical. 6. The motion sensitive safety light of claim 1 wherein said protective outer body and said end cap can independently be circular, ellipsoidal, polygonal or irregular in cross-section. 7. The motion sensitive safety light of claim 1 wherein said switch has said at least one permanent magnet coterminous with the end of said casing distant from that within which said first pair of conductors lies. 8. The motion sensitive safety light of claim 1 wherein said casing portion of said switch coterminous with said permanent magnet is terminated with a flange which abuts said permanent magnet and extends at least partially across said bore. 21 9. The motion sensitive safety light of claim 1 wherein said casing of said switch comprises copper or brass. 10. The motion sensitive safety light of claim 1 wherein said light is a light emitting diode. 11. The motion sensitive safety light of claim 1 wherein said magnetic body is a steel or soft iron ball. 12. The motion sensitive safety light of claim 1 wherein said battery is a lithium battery. 13. The motion sensitive safety light of claim 1 wherein said switch further comprises a third pair of conductors at the end portion of said casing distant said first pair of conductors and said at least one permanent magnet being substantially centrally located along the long axis of said casing; a second battery, the positive pole of which is connected to one of said third pair of conductors and the negative pole of which is connected to the other of said third pair of conductors; a forth pair of conductors, an end of one of said forth pair of conductors connected to the positive pole of said second battery and the other end connected to a second light source and an end of the other one of said forth pair of conductors connected to the negative pole of said second battery and the other end connected to said second light source; and a second light transmitting end cap over said second light source and attached to said protective outer body. 14. A motion sensitive safety light adapted for attachment to a wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair comprising: (a) a light source having a first conductor and a second conductor extending therefrom; (b) a battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; (c) a motion sensitive switch comprising; 22 (i) a non-magnetic conductive elongate casing having a therein to form a hollow casing having an inner wall and an outer wall, a non-magnetic conductive flange at one end thereof and a window through said casing proximate the end distant said flange, (ii) a magnetic body contained within said casing having a diameter such that said magnetic body is moveable over the length of said casing and being electroconductive at least on the surface thereof, (iii) at least one permanent magnet proximate a portion of said outer wall of said casing such that a substantially uniform magnetic field exists proximate said inner wall of said casing in the area of said casing where said magnetic body is capable of residing when said light is at rest, (d) a non-conductive non-magnetic elongate inner body having a bore therethrough, an outer portion, a pair of angled planar surfaces formed on an end portion thereof to form indentations, and a port through each of said indentations, said battery residing within said elongate inner body, said motion sensitive switch residing within said elongate inner body, said flange of said casing abutting one terminal of said battery, said first conductor of said light source passing through said ports of said inner body and said window of said casing being of a size and shape and located such that said first conductor is not in contact with said casing, and a port in said inner body through which said second conductor contacts the other terminal of said battery, (e) a light transmitting end cap proximate said light source, (d) a protective outer body attached to said light transmitting end cap and extending the length of said inner body, and (f) means for attaching said motion sensitive safety light to a wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair. 15 The motion sensitive safety light of claim 14 wherein said casing is circular, polygonal or elliptical in cross-section 23 16 The motion sensitive safety light of claim 14 wherein said casing is cylindrical 17 The motion sensitive safety light of claim 14 wherein said magnetic body is spherical, ovoid, or is polygonal in cross-section 18 The motion sensitive safety light of claim 14 wherein said magnetic body is spherical 19 The motion sensitive safety light of claim 14 wherein said inner body, said protective outer body and said end caps can independently be circular, ellipsoidal, polygonal or irregular in cross-section 20 The motion sensitive safety light of claim 14 wherein said flange extends at least partially across said bore in said casing 21 The motion sensitive safety light of claim 14 wherein said casing and flange of said switch comprise copper or brass 22 The motion sensitive safety light of claim 14 wherein said magnetic body of said switch is a steel or soft iron ball 23 The motion sensitive safety light of claim 14 wherein said light source is an LED 24 The motion sensitive safety light of claim 14 wherein said battery is lithium 25 The motion sensitive safety light of claim 14 wherein said elongate inner body has a longitudinal groove parallel to the long axis of the inner body and 24 extending on the outer potion thereof and terminating at said port through which said second conductor contacts a terminal of said battery 26 The motion sensitive safety light of claim 14 wherein said permanent magnet abuts said flange 27 The motion sensitive safety light of claim 14 wherein the outer portion of said flange and the inner wall of said inner body are provided with engagement means for alignment of said window with said ports through said indentations in said inner body 28 The motion sensitive safety light of claim 22 wherein said steel or soft iron ball is coated with a copper or aluminum 29 The motion sensitive safety light of claim 14 wherein more than one magnet provides said substantially uniform magnetic field proximate said inner wall of said casing 30 The motion sensitive safety light of claim 14 wherein an O-ring is provided at the juncture of said protective outer body and said light transmitting end cap 31 The motion sensitive safety light of claim 14 wherein said terminal portion of said light transmitting end cap distant said protective outer body is provided with female threads adapted to fit the threads of an air valve on said bicycle wheel 32 The motion sensitive safety light of claim 14 further comprising an end cap at the terminal portion of said protective outer body distant said hght transmitting end cap 25 33 The motion sensitive safety light of claim 14 wherein an O-ring is provided at the juncture of said protective outer body and said end cap at the terminal portion of said protective outer body distant said light transmitting end cap 34 A method of providing a wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair with a motion sensitive safety light comprising (1) attaching a motion sensitive safety light to a wheel of a bicycle or wheelchair, the motion sensitive safety light comprising (a) a motion sensitive switch comprising (i) a non-magnetic casing having a space therein to form a hollow casing having an inner wall and an outer wall, (ii) a magnetic body contained within said casing having a size such that said magnetic body is moveable over the length of said casing and being electroconductive at least on the surface thereof, (iii) means for containing said magnetic body within said casing, (iv) at least one permanent magnet proximate a portion of said outer wall of said casing such that a substantially uniform magnetic field exists proximate said inner wall of said casing the area of said casing where said magnetic body is capable of residing when said light is at rest, and (v) a pair of conductors, at least one of which has an end portion within said casing and spaced from said magnetic body when said safety light is at rest, with the provisos (1) when an end portion of only one conductor is within said casing, said other conductor is in contact with said outer wall of said casing and said casing is electroconductive, and (2) when said switch is subjected to movement, said magnetic body is capable of moving from the area of said casing proximate said magnet into contact with said conductor and said inner wall of said casing or pair of conductors to complete a circuit, 26 99/45319 (b) a battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, one of said conductors being connected to said positive terminal and said other conductor being connected to said negative terminal; (c) a light source connected to said battery through a pair of conductors, one conductor being attached to said positive terminal and the other conductor being attached to said negative terminal, (d) a protective light emitting end cap covering said light source; and (e) a protective cover extending from said light emitting end cap, with said light source, said battery and said motion sensitive switch contained within said light emitting end cap and said protective cover; and (2) causing said bicycle or wheelchair to move such that said wheels turn to activate said motion sensitive safety light. 27

Inventors: SCHLOEGEL FELIX F, SCHLOEGEL, FELIX, F.
Applicants: MOTION SWITCHES INC, MOTION SWITCHES, INC.
Application year: 1999
Main classification: F21V23
IPC codes: B60Q1, B62J6, H01H35