Abstract:
The present invention is an apparatus and method for illuminating a bicycle crank. A magnetic coil is coiled around a portion of a tubular structure which houses a magnetic component. The magnetic component moves slidably inside the tubular structure passing through the magnetic coil. The tubular structure is housed in an outer housing which encases a bicycle crank or fits within a specially designed bicycle crank. When the bicycle crank rotates, the magnet slides back and forth through the magnetic coil generating an electric current that is used to power an LED.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application which claims priority to U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 11/869,455 filed on Oct. 9, 2007 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,687,943. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of bicycle safety equipment, and in particular to an apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank and/or pedal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a side view of tubular housing and tube for illuminating a bicycle crank. 
         FIG. 2  shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank and pedal. 
         FIG. 3  shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank. 
         FIG. 4  shows a side view of one embodiment of a tubular housing. 
         FIG. 5  shows a sectional view of one embodiment of a tubular housing. 
         FIG. 6  shows an alternate embodiment of an apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank. 
         FIG. 7  shows a side view of a magnet-mounted apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank. 
         FIG. 8  shows an alternate embodiment of an apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank. 
         FIG. 9  shows an alternate embodiment of an apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank which contains multiple LED components. 
     
    
    
     GLOSSARY 
     As used herein, the term “light-emitting diode” or “LED” means an electronic light source. 
     As used herein, the term “bumper component” means any object or construction that slows down, accelerates or stops an object from maintaining its position within the tubular housing. Examples of bumper components include flexible tubes, levers, springs (including star springs with a memory, sponges and geo springs), fluid pressure, pressure-sensitive devices, electronic devices adapted to receive pressure input, one or more magnets, and combinations thereof. 
     As used herein, the term “magnet” or “magnetic component” means any material or object that produces a magnetic field, either natural or induced. Examples include, but are not limited to anisotropic sintered ceramic containing neodymium and boron (NdB) or neodymium, iron and boron (NdFeB), a samarium-cobalt (SmCo) magnet, an aluminum nickel cobalt alloy (AlNiCo) magnet, a ceramic magnet, flexible magnets, magnet assemblies, or any other magnet capable of generating a magnetic field. 
     As used herein, the term “bicycle crank” means an arm component of a bicycle which changes reciprocating motion into rotational motion used to drive the chain of the bicycle which in turn drives the rear wheel. The bicycle crank is connected to the bicycle pedal and can vary in length to accommodate different sized riders. A bicycle crank may be constructed of an aluminum alloy, titanium, carbon fiber, steel or any other suitable material. 
     As used herein, the term “crank pedal” means a pedal which operates a crank only. 
     As used herein, the term “crank” is a component of a bicycle wheel which turns a gear to drive a rear wheel, and which is generally made of non-magnetic material or which is shielded to counter magnetic effect. 
     As used herein, the term “gear drive pedal” means a pedal on a bicycle which operates the rear wheel of a bicycle by exerting pressure on the crank, spider and gears of the bicycle. 
     As used herein, the term “spider” means a component of a bicycle wheel which is an integrally molded or a separate component that connects a bicycle chain to the rear wheel axle of a bicycle. 
     As used herein, the term “rectifier” means an electrical device that converts alternating current to direct current. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Bicyclists are often required to train or commute in the dark. Because bicycles are less visible than cars, this presents a hazard. Risk of being hit by a motor vehicle or another rider is a problem known in the art. 
     In addition to the reflectors on their bicycles, bicyclists often wear reflective clothing or add reflective tape to their bicycles and/or helmets. Reflectors, reflective clothing and reflective tape; however, are only visible when a car&#39;s headlights or another light source is shining on the reflective material. By the time a driver notices a bicyclist, it may be too late for the driver to avoid a collision. 
     There are battery-operated pedals and headlights on the market. However, batteries must continually be charged or changed and the device must be turned on or off to conserve battery power. Battery-powered devices thus are not reliable. Other devices which generate light in an alternative manner are generally not bright and may provide intermittent illumination. 
     There are many types of safety lighting devices known in the art and commonly used by bicyclists, and in particular, devices incorporated into bicycle pedals. 
     One example of a safety lighting device for bicycles known in the prior art is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,172 (Kilburn &#39;172). Kilburn &#39;172 incorporates LED technology and electrical components into bicycle pedals creating rapidly flashing lights on a bicycle pedal without utilizing mechanics. It is desirable to incorporate LED technology into one or more parts of a bicycle without the need for one or more electrical components and/or batteries. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,038 (Curry &#39;038) discloses another example of a lighted bicycle pedal. Curry &#39;038 discloses a lighted bicycle pedal which has a hub and a pair of space-apart threads disposed on either side of the hub. A light source is mounted on the pedal frame and includes a light emitter to flash on and off, and a time-out mechanism. Also included are a gravity activated switch, which activates LEDs when pedals rotate to a given position, and a power supply (e.g., AA batteries). It is desirable to have an apparatus which illuminates a bicycle pedal which begins operating when the bicycle is placed in motion; however, it is further desirable not to require batteries. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,703,716 (Chiu &#39;716) discloses a light for a bicycle which is not battery powered. Chiu &#39;716 discloses a generator for a bicycle which includes a rotor which abuts the wheel of the bicycle. A coil is mounted in the rotor and electrically connected to two bearings that are mounted on the opposite sides of the rotor by two inner wires. A stator has a shaft extending through the two bearings and a permanent magnet sleeved into the shaft and corresponding to the coil. Two metal rings are respectively sleeved onto opposite ends of the shaft and electrically connected to the bearings. A light is mounted on the bicycle and electrically connected to the metal rings via outer wires. The coil rotates with the rotor relative to the stator when the bicycle is moving generating electricity that is transmitted to the light. It is desirable to have a self-generating mechanism to power an LED which does not require the use of external wires or extensive altering of existing bicycle components to include internal wiring. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,104,096 (Hicks &#39;096) discloses a generator mounted within the tread portion of a bicycle pedal. Power is generated as two meshing gear wheels of unequal diameters are rotated within a gearbox as the bicycle is pedaled. The small generator is designed to provide a sufficient output voltage to illuminate an array of LEDs and charge a capacitor which will keep the LEDs illuminated while the pedals are temporarily stationary. It is desirable to have an apparatus which illuminates a bicycle pedal which has few mechanical components and adds minimal bulk/weight to the bicycle pedal. It if further desirable to have an apparatus that illuminates a bicycle pedal which does not require the purchase of pedals, but rather can be fitted to existing pedals. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,418,041 (Kitamura &#39;041) discloses circuitry designed to harness AC power generated by an unspecified generator, convert the AC to DC, and then supply that electricity to one or more electrical bicycling accessories. The bicycle power supply circuit taught by Kitamura &#39;041 requires the use of multiple terminals, a full-wave voltage rectifier circuit, a storage device, a voltage regulator, a switch, and a switch control circuit. It is desirable to have an apparatus that illuminates a bicycle pedal which is capable of utilizing the energy in the form which it is generated. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is an apparatus and method for illuminating a bicyclist from the front and the rear which continuously generates power from the motion of the pedal. Various embodiments of the invention may be mounted on or within the bicycle crank, on the bicycle spokes, gears and spiders or any other component of a bicycle wheel. Excess power from the system and method described herein may be used to power auxiliary devices located on another component of the bicycle. 
     A magnetic coil is coiled around a portion of a tubular structure which houses a magnetic component. The magnetic component moves slidably inside the tubular structure passing through the magnetic coil. The tubular structure is housed in an outer housing which encases a bicycle crank or fits within a specially designed bicycle crank. When the bicycle crank rotates, the magnet slides back and forth through the magnetic coil generating an electric current which is used to power an LED. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
     For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention, references are made in the text to exemplary embodiments of a lighted bicycle pedal, only some of which are described herein. It should be understood that no limitations on the scope of the invention are intended by describing these exemplary embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that alternate but functionally equivalent components, materials, and mechanisms may be used. The inclusion of additional elements may be deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific elements disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention. 
     It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale; instead emphasis has been placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In addition, in the embodiments depicted herein, like reference numerals in the various drawings refer to identical or near identical structural elements. 
     Moreover, the terms “substantially” or “approximately” as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. 
       FIG. 1  shows a side view of outer tubular housing  10  of apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank  100 . Outer tubular housing  10  encases inner tubular structure  20 . In the embodiment shown, outer tubular housing  10  is square and inner tubular structure  20  is round. In other embodiments, inner tubular structure  20  is of any shape which can accommodate the components of apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank  100  (e.g., square, rectangular). Outer tubular housing  10  may be of any shape which accommodates inner tubular structure  20  and which can be attached to or fit within bicycle crank  60 . 
     In various embodiments, apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank  100  may include capacitor  27  located within tubular housing and capacitor wires  28  and  29  which are connected to circuit board  40 . Capacitor  27  may be any capacitor known in the art which can more efficiently store power and maintain illumination when a rider is gliding (not pedaling) or not moving. In the embodiment shown, circuit board  40  includes a rectifier. In various embodiments of the invention, circuit board  40  may include on-off switches and otherwise direct power to the capacitor  27  and LED  45 , and may connect charging wires to any other component(s) of an apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank  100 . 
     Visible in outer tubular housing  10  is inner tubular structure  20 . Both outer tubular housing  10  and inner tubular structure  20  are made of non-magnetic material such as plastic, aluminum, carbon composites and wood. 
     Located inside inner tubular structure  20  are magnet  30 , and bumper component  35 . Coil  25  is wrapped around a segment of inner tubular structure  20 . In other embodiments, coil  25  may be located inside inner tubular structure  20  or may surround another component. In the embodiment shown, coil  25  is copper coil and magnet  30  is comprised of neodymium and is of a shape similar to that of inner tubular structure  20 . In other embodiments, coil  25  may be another material which is capable of generating an electrical current. In the embodiment shown, bumper component  35  is comprised of rubber. In other embodiments, bumper component  35  is an opposing magnetic or any other material capable of slowing down and/or stopping magnet  30  so that it can fall in the opposite direction as bicycle crank  60  rotates. In the embodiment shown, the crank pedal and gear pedal may be positioned in various manners to allow illumination of a bicycle rider from the front, back or side. 
     Outer tubular housing  10  further includes circuit board  40 . Connected to circuit board  40  is LED  45 . In the embodiment shown, surrounding LED  45  is reflector  50  which reflects the light from LED  45  allowing for greater visibility. In other embodiments, more or fewer reflectors and/or magnifiers are used and may be of another shape or located in another position. In other embodiments, apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank  100  further includes one or more capacitors and/or a switch to power LED on/off. 
       FIG. 2  shows an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for illuminating bicycle crank  100  and pedal  70 . In the embodiment shown, outer tubular housing  10  fits inside mounting orifice  65  of bicycle crank  60 . Pedal  70  is attached to bicycle crank  60 . When a bicyclist pedals, bicycle crank  60  rotates. The rotation causes magnet  30  to travel through coil  25 , i.e., when the end of outer tubular housing  10  having LED  45  is facing downward, magnet  30  falls along the length of inner tubular structure  20  toward circuit board  40 . As magnet  30  falls toward circuit board  40 , it passes through coil  25 . Magnet  30  continues to move inside inner tubular structure  20  passing through coil  25  as bicycle crank  60  rotates, i.e., when the end of outer tubular housing  10  having LED  45  is facing upward, magnet  30  falls along the length of the inner tubular structure  20  toward bumper component  35 . As magnet  30  passes through coil  25 , electricity is generated. The resulting electrical current passes through circuit board  40  with rectifier and is then used to power LED  45 . 
     In the embodiment shown, LED  45  and reflector  50  extend past the surface of bicycle crank  60  which allows LED  45  to be visible. In other embodiments, outer tubular housing  10  does not have LED  45  and the electric current generated by the passing of magnet  30  through coil  25  is used to power an LED in another location (e.g., on the pedal). 
     In the embodiment shown, coil  25  is a copper coil, magnet  30  is comprised of neodymium, and bumper component  35  is comprised of rubber. 
     In the embodiment shown, bicycle crank  60  is comprised of carbon fiber with a fiberglass interior so that outer tubular housing  10  is separated from the carbon fiber by a layer of fiberglass. In other embodiments, bicycle crank  60  is made of another material or combination of materials which are strong enough to withstand pedaling and crashing and that will not corrode inner tubular structure  20  or an aluminum bicycle crank. 
     Also visible in  FIG. 2  is second LED  75  and reflector  80  located on the end of pedal  70 . Power wire  85  extends through bicycle crank  60  (power wire not visible) and though the shaft of pedal  70  connecting circuit board  40  to second LED  75 . In other embodiments, one or more LEDs are located in a position other than on outer tubular housing  10  or pedal  70 . In the embodiment shown, LED  75  is rounded and protrudes from the surface of the bicycle crank, but may be of alternate shapes and sizes in other embodiments. Other embodiments may include multiple LED components. For example, one embodiment includes a “rope light” known in the art which supports multiple LED components. 
       FIG. 3  shows an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for illuminating bicycle crank  50 . In the embodiment shown, outer tubular housing  10  is attached to bicycle crank  50 . Outer tubular housing  10  is secured to bicycle crank  50  by clamps  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c ,  15   d . In other embodiments, outer tubular housing  10  is secured to bicycle crank  50  by a means other than clamps, such as magnets, snaps or any other structural configuration. 
     In other embodiments, apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank  100  is attached to a location other than the bicycle crank, such as the gear, a wheel spoke(s), a pedal, the spider and/or any other location on the bicycle. In addition to LED  45 , apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank  100  may be used to power an LED in addition to LED  45  when placed on the gear, a wheel spoke(s), a pedal, the spider or any other location. For example, apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank  100  may be secured to a wheel spoke and power one or more LEDs located on bicycle pedal  70 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a side view of one embodiment of outer tubular housing  10 . In the embodiment shown, outer tubular housing  10  is comprised of carbon-fiber. In other embodiments, tubular housing is comprised of aluminum, plastic resin, epoxy, fiberglass, or any material capable of withstanding crashing. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a sectional view of one embodiment of inner tubular structure  20  encased in outer tubular housing  10 . In the embodiment shown, inner tubular structure  20  is comprised of aluminum and outer tubular housing  10  is comprised of carbon fiber. In between inner tubular structure  20  and outer tubular housing  10  is barrier material  18 . In the embodiment shown, barrier material  18  is fiberglass. In other embodiments, barrier material  18  is plastic, resin, epoxy or any other material which prevents the corrosion of inner tubular structure  20 . 
     In other embodiments, bicycle crank  50  (not shown) is comprised of aluminum, outer tubular housing  10  is comprised of carbon fiber and inner tubular structure  20  is comprised of plastic. In such embodiments, a layer of fiberglass would be placed in between bicycle crank  50  and outer tubular structure  10  to prevent corrosion of the aluminum bicycle crank. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an alternate embodiment of apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank  100  which attaches to sprocket  75  of a bicycle and which can be selectively removed and attached to sprocket  75 . In the embodiment shown, apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank  100  is attached to sprocket  75  using magnets  87 ,  88  or any other magnets known in the art. In the embodiment shown, magnets  87 ,  88  are neodymium magnets. In alternative embodiments, alternative but functionally equivalent attachment means, such as bolts or interlocking and complementary structures may be used to secure apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank  100  to a bicycle. 
     In the embodiment shown, two magnets are used, but in other embodiments, more or fewer magnets, bolts or interlocking structures may be used. In still other embodiments, apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank  100  and magnets  87 ,  88  may be enclosed by a housing or cover (not shown). In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , LED  45  illuminates a rider from both the front and the rear. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of a magnet-mounted apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank  100 , which requires sufficient space between sprocket  75  and magnets  87 ,  88  to prevent external mounting magnets  87 ,  88  from being attracted to internal magnet  30 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an alternate embodiment of apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank  100 . In the embodiment shown, LED  45  flashes in one direction. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an alternate embodiment of apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank  100 . In the embodiment shown, apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank  100  includes multiple LEDs  48   a ,  48   b ,  48   c ,  48   d ,  48   e ,  48   f  configured in a “rope light” arrangement. LEDs  48   a ,  48   b ,  48   c ,  48   d ,  48   e ,  48   f  are attached to a flexible, plastic tube. In other embodiments, LEDs  48   a ,  48   b ,  48   c ,  48   d ,  48   e ,  48   f  may be configured in another arrangement and/or mounted using an alternate means of attachment. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank  100  is attached to a spoke of the bicycle wheel using plastic or metals clips or any other means of attachment known in the art. Apparatus for illuminating a bicycle crank  100  may be attached to a spoke on the front or rear wheel of a bicycle and a wheel may contain multiple apparatuses for illuminating a bicycle crank  100 . As the wheel turns, magnet  30  passes through coil  25  (not shown) generating an electrical current. Also visible in  FIG. 9  are bumper components  35  and circuit board  40 . 
     Also included in the embodiment shown, is an opposing magnet (not shown) which is attached to the fork of the bicycle or other comparable location. The opposing magnet ensures that magnet  30  continues to pass through coil  25  (not shown) as the wheel rotates.