Abstract:
An injury protection accessory for a riding vehicle (e.g., motorcycle), the accessory comprising: at least one shield ( 4 ), disposed at the side(s) of the riding vehicle, the shield comprising: a substantially vertical hinge ( 12 ), attached to the body or the chassis of the riding vehicle; and one or more substantially horizontal bars ( 10 ), attached to the hinge; the shield having an open state, in which one edge of the shield is separated from the body of the vehicle, thereby allowing the rider thereof to get off the vehicle, and a closed state, in which both sides of the shield are engaged with the body of the vehicle, thereby protecting the rider from injury.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The current application is a U.S. National Phase Application under 35 U.S.C. 371 of PCT International Application No. PCT/IL2009/000859, which has an international filing date of Sep. 6, 2009, and which claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/094,983, filed 08 Sep. 2008, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of protection accessories for riding vehicles, such as two- and three-wheeled vehicles, especially against injury. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The term Riding Vehicle refers herein to a vehicle on which the user thereof rides, such as motorcycle, bicycle, tricycle, and so on. 
     Riders of riding vehicles are more exposed to injuries due to accident or skidding than drivers of four-wheeled vehicles. A well-known solution to this problem is the crash bar, such as described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,758,484 to Henry Rice. It discloses a crash bar designed and configured to prevent slippage of a rider&#39;s feet therefrom and to provide the motorcycle with protection against damage, should it fall over. The crash bar is of a tubular configuration constructed of steel and defines a C-shaped portion serving as a first foot support surface, while a top member provides a second foot support surface. Spherical-shaped, chrome abutment elements are welded to the crash bar and provide a restraint against which the rider&#39;s feet bear, thus preventing his feet from slipping while riding. 
     However, the crash bar bears a substantial drawback, as it does not provide protection from a hit from the rider&#39;s side. For example, when a car crashes into the rider from his side, there is no barrier between the rider and the car. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution to the above-mentioned and other problems of the prior art. 
     Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an injury protection accessory for a riding vehicle (e.g., motorcycle), the accessory comprising: 
     at least one shield ( 4 ), disposed at the side(s) of the riding vehicle, the shield comprising: 
     
         
         
           
             a substantially vertical hinge ( 12 ), attached to the body or the chassis of the riding vehicle; and 
             one or more substantially horizontal bars ( 10 ), attached to the hinge;
 
the shield having an open state, in which one edge of the shield is separated from the body of the vehicle thereby allowing the rider thereof to get off the vehicle, and a closed state, in which both sides of the shield are engaged to the body of the vehicle, thereby protecting the rider from injury.
 
           
         
       
    
     The accessory may further comprise a clipping mechanism (not illustrated), for clipping the shield to the body or the chassis of the riding vehicle. 
     The accessory may further comprise an auto-return mechanism of the shield (illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ), for automatically returning the shield from the open state thereof to the closed state thereof. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, the auto return mechanism comprises:
         a receptacle (e.g., hinge  12 ) connected to the body of the vehicle, the space of the receptacle being partitioned into two compartments ( 40 ,  41 ) by a septum ( 14 ) attached to the bars ( 10 );   a one-way valve ( 32 ) disposed in the septum ( 14 ), for allowing substance (fluid, air) passage from one of the compartments ( 40 ) to the other of the compartments ( 41 ) in a first amount per time unit;   a nozzle disposed in the septum ( 14 ), for allowing the substance to pass back (from compartment  41  to compartment  40 ) in a second amount per time unit, wherein the first amount is greater that the second amount; and   a mechanism for applying force on the septum ( 14 ) to turn the bars ( 10 ) back.       

     According to one embodiment of the invention, the mechanism for applying force on the septum is a spring ( 30 ). 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, the closed space is a part of the interior part of the hinge ( 12 ). 
     The auto return mechanism may be a purely mechanical mechanism (e.g., a spring which in the closed state pulls bars  10  towards the vehicle, and in the open state pulls bars  10  to the closed state thereof), an hydraulic mechanism, a pneumatic mechanism, and so on. 
     The clipping mechanism may be based on hook(s), magnetic clip(s), and so on. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, the length of the bars is adjustable. Also, the curvature of the bars may be adjustable. These features may be achieved, e.g., by combining segments of different lengths/curvatures. 
     The material of the shield may be based on steel, titanium, aluminum, plastic, metal in general, and so on. 
     The riding vehicle may be a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, and so on. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, the accessory further comprises a wheeled peg assembly, for retaining the vehicle upright when slowing down, and a mechanism for lifting up and lowering down the pegs of the wheeled peg assembly. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, the assembly comprises at least two pegs ( 34 ), each at other side (left/right) of the vehicle, thereby supporting the vehicle from both sides thereof. 
     The assembly may comprise a pedal ( 36 ), for lowering the pegs, and a spring (not illustrated), for lifting up the pegs upon releasing the pedal. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, the mechanism for lifting and lowering the pegs of the wheeled peg assembly is based on a controller analyzing if the vehicle is about to stop or accelerate, lifting the wheeled pegs thereof if the vehicle is accelerating, and lowering the wheeled pegs if the vehicle is about to stop. 
     The analysis of whether the vehicle is about to stop or accelerate may be based on analyzing the velocity and acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle. 
     The foregoing embodiments of the invention are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems and methods thereof, which are meant to be merely illustrative, and not limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments and features of the present invention are described herein in conjunction with the following drawings: 
         FIG. 1   a  is a perspective view that schematically illustrates a motorcycle comprising an injury protection accessory (IPA) in its open state, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1   b  is a perspective view that schematically illustrates an injury protection accessory (IPA), according to one embodiment of the invention 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view that schematically illustrates the IPA of  FIG. 1   a  in its closed state, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of motorcycle  2  of  FIG. 1   a , which schematically illustrates IPA  4  in its closed state. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of motorcycle  2  of  FIG. 1   a , which schematically illustrates IPA  4  is in its open state. 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  schematically illustrate two states, which demonstrate a hydraulic closing mechanism of an IPA, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view schematically illustrating an IPA, according to a further embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  further details the operation of a WPA illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram schematically illustrating an automated mechanism for lowering a WPA, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
       Each of  FIGS. 11 ,  12  and  13  is a front view of a motorcycle, which schematically illustrates a stage in lowering the peg of a WPA, according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention will be understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which are meant to be descriptive and not limiting. For the sake of brevity, some well-known features, methods, systems, procedures, components, circuits, and so on, are not described in detail. 
     The term Injury Protection Accessory (IPA) refers herein to a protection accessory against injury for a two- or three-wheeled vehicle (such as motorcycle). 
       FIG. 1   a  is a perspective view that schematically illustrates a motorcycle comprising an injury protection accessory (IPA) in its open state, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 1   b  is a perspective view that schematically illustrates an injury protection accessory (IPA), according to one embodiment of the invention 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view that schematically illustrates the IPA of  FIG. 1   a  in its closed state, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     Motorcycle  2  employs one IPA  4  on each side thereof, i.e., one on its left side and one on its right side. 
     According to this embodiment of the invention, the IPA is in the form of a shield composed of three arcs (bars)  10  rotatable around a hinge  12 , which is attached to the chassis of the motorcycle. 
     Shield  10  is made of solid material such as steel, capable of resisting a hit that may be caused by an accident. Preferably, the material is of “low” specific gravity, such as titanium and plastic. 
     According to this embodiment of the invention, the IPA has two states: A “closed” state, which suits the situation of the motorcycle in motion, and an “open” state, which suits the situation when the user intends to get off the motorcycle. In the closed state, side  6  of IPA  4 , which is the side opposite to hinge  12 , is expelled from the body of motorcycle  2 ; in the open state, side  6  of IPA  4  is fastened or at least close to the body of motorcycle  2 . 
       FIG. 3  is a top view of motorcycle  2  of  FIG. 1 , which schematically illustrates IPA  4  in its closed state;  FIG. 4  is a top view of motorcycle  2  of  FIG. 1 , which schematically illustrates IPA  4  is in its open state. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  schematically illustrate two states, which demonstrate a hydraulic closing mechanism of an IPA, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     According to this embodiment of the invention, the closing mechanism allows automatic return (i.e., self return) of the shield from the open state of the IPA to its closed state. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , some of the interior space of hinge  12  (e.g., 10 cm of the length of the hinge) is partitioned into four compartments,  40 ,  41 ,  42  and  43 . The partition comprises two walls (septums), marked by reference numerals  14  and  16 . Reference numeral  14  denotes the “vertical” wall (substantially vertical in the illustrations), and reference numeral  16  denotes the “horizontal” wall (substantially horizontal in the illustrations). The “vertical” septum  14  is connected to the chassis of motorcycle  2 , and the “horizontal” septum  16  is connected to shield  10  of the IPA. 
     Compartments  40  and  41  are a closed space, which contains fluid, such as oil. As shield  10  rotates in the direction of the illustrated arrow of  FIG. 6  (i.e., from the closed to the open state thereof), the space of compartment  40  decreases, and the space of compartment  41  increases in the same portion. The one-way valve  32  allows fluid passage from compartment  40  into compartment  41 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
     Spring  30  applies a force for turning the IPA from the open state thereof to the closed state thereof. Thus, when the rider leaves the shield, they rotate back due to the force applied by spring  30 . 
     Nozzle  26  connects the space of compartment  40  with that of compartment  41 . The object of nozzle  26  is to allow “slow” fluid passage therethrough. 
     When the user turns shield  10  from the closed state to the open state of the IPA, fluid passes from compartment  40  to compartment  41  mainly through one-way valve  32 . However, when the user leaves the shield, spring  30  causes the IPA to return to its closed state. The return is carried out “slowly” due to the passage of the fluid from compartment  41  to  40  through nozzle  26 . 
     Thus, this mechanism provides automatic rotation of shield  10  from the open state to the closed state of the IPA thereof, in a “slow” manner, which prevents unintentionally hitting the rider. 
     Upon stopping a motorcycle, the rider thereof may push the shield to open, and put his leg on the ground. However, since the rider has to overcome rejection of the bars to open, or to open the clips that attach the bars to the motorcycle, another solution should be provided. Such a solution is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view schematically illustrating an IPA, according to a further embodiment of the invention. 
     According to this embodiment of the invention, the IPA employs a Wheeled Peg Assembly (WPA), which operates as a foot peg used to keep the motorcycle upright when parking. 
     The WPA illustrated in  FIG. 7  comprises at least two supporting pegs  34 , one at each side (left and right) of the motorcycle, a wheel  38  being disposed at the end of each. According to the illustrated embodiment of the invention, pegs  34  are connected to a foot pedal  36 . Upon slowing down motorcycle velocity in order to stop, the rider pushes pedal  36 , which lowers the wheeled pegs to touch the ground. In this situation the motorcycle may stop, while remaining upright. 
     According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the activation of a WPA is carried out by pressing foot pedal  36 . 
     According to another embodiment of the invention (an example thereof illustrated in  FIG. 10 ), the process of lowering a WPA is carried out by automation, such as detecting that the motorcycle is about to stop by analyzing its velocity and deceleration. 
     A spring and the like may be employed for returning a peg. For example, upon releasing pedal  36 , a spring (not shown) pulls/pushes the peg back. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  further detail the operation of a WPA illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
     In  FIG. 8 , the WPA is lowered. Bringing the WPA to this position is carried out by applying force on foot pedal  36  in the direction of the illustrated arrow. 
     In  FIG. 9 , the WPA is lifted up. Bringing the WPA to the situation is carried by applying force foot pedal  36  in the illustrated arrow. The force can be applied by a spring (not illustrated), a hydraulic mechanism such as the mechanism that returns the IPA from its open state to its closed state, and so on. 
       FIG. 10  is a block diagram schematically illustrating an automated mechanism for lowering a WPA, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     The mechanism comprises a controller, which detects a process of stopping the motorcycle by analyzing its velocity and deceleration. 
     The velocity can be obtained from the speedometer of the motorcycle, and acceleration and deceleration can be detected by comparing the present velocity in a time unit (e.g., of 0.01 seconds) and the velocity in the subsequent time unit. Upon detecting a predetermined velocity (e.g., 3 km per hour) and negative acceleration, i.e., indicating that the rider is about to stop the motorcycle, the controller activates an electric motor which lowers the WPA. 
     Upon detecting that the motorcycle decelerates, and is moving at a “low” velocity (e.g., less than 3 km per hour), it can be an indication that the motorcycle is stopping, and thereby lowering the WPA. And vice versa: upon detecting that the motorcycle accelerates, and is moving at a “low” velocity (e.g., less than 3 km per hour), this can indicate that the motorcycle is accelerating, and thereby lifting the WPA up. 
     Each of  FIGS. 11 ,  12  and  13  is a front view of a motorcycle, which schematically illustrates a stage in lowering the peg of a WPA, according to another embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 14  is a side view of  FIGS. 11 and 12 , and  FIG. 15  is a side view of  FIG. 13 . 
     The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 11 to 15  is characterized by the fact that when lowering the WPA, the wheels of the WPA draw away from the motorcycle body, thereby providing a better stability than that according to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 7 to 9 . 
     In  FIG. 11 , the wheels of the WPA are lifted up. In this situation peg  34  is horizontal. 
     The first stage of lowering the wheels is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . In this figure, the wheels are moving horizontally away from the motorcycle. 
     The final stage of lowering the wheels is illustrated in  FIG. 13 . In this figure, the wheels are lowered due to rotational movement of peg  34  around hinge  18 . 
     When turning the motorcycle left, inertia powers apply force on the left IPA to turn one shield from its closed state to its open state, and vice versa. In order to prevent uncontrolled turning of an IPA from its closed to its open state, a securing mechanism may be used. For example, according to one embodiment of the invention, the IPA can be clipped to the body of the motorcycle by a clip (not illustrated). The clip mechanism may be based on mechanical components (such as a hook), magnetic, electromagnetic, hydraulic, pneumatic, and so on. For example, the force applied by the spring  30  of the hydraulic mechanism of hinge  12  is higher than the expected inertia force under extreme circumstances, such as a sudden tuning of the motorcycle, and therefore secures the IPA to its closed state. Of course, the same mechanisms may be applied to secure the IPA in its open state. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, the IPA is designed to allow assembling the parts according to the rider&#39;s preferences. For example, one rider may prefer a moderate arc, while another rider may prefer a less moderate arc; one rider may prefer an IPA with three arcs, while another rider may prefer a shield with a different number of arcs. A less moderate arc may provide the rider the option to put his feet on the ground when his motorcycle stops. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, the amount of arching is adjustable. This may be achieved, e.g., by segmentation of the arches, such as a telescopic arched bar. 
     An IPA and WPA may be designed for “simple” composition, especially for a rider or a technician. However, an IPA and WPA may be designed for composing in a production line of a motorcycle manufacturer. 
     Preferably, hinge  12  is designed for attaching to the chassis of a motorcycle. However, according to another embodiment of the invention, the hinge is designed for attaching to the body of a motorcycle, not necessarily its chassis. 
     In the figures and/or description herein, the following reference numerals have been mentioned:
         numeral  2  denotes a motorcycle;   numeral  4  denotes an injury protection accessory (IPA), according to one embodiment of the invention;   numeral  6  denotes a side of IPA  4  (at the other side thereof is disposed hinge  12 );   numeral  8  denotes a wheel of motorcycle  2 ;   numeral  10  denotes an arc of IPA  4 ;   numeral  12  denotes the hinge of IPA  4 ;   each of numerals numeral  14  and  16  denotes a septum that partitions the interior space of hinge  12 ;   numeral  14  denotes a septum;   numeral  16  denotes a septum;   numeral  18  denotes a hinge of a WPA (wheeled peg assembly);   numeral  20  denotes an obturator (seal);   numeral  22  denotes the lower side of a motorcycle;   numeral  24  denotes a facility for attaching IPA  4  to the chassis or body of motorcycle  2 ;   numeral  26  denotes a nozzle that connects the space of compartment  40  with the space of compartment  41 ;   numeral  28  denotes a hinge of a WPA;   numeral  30  denotes a spring which applies force for turning IPA  4  into its closed state;   numeral  32  denotes a one-way valve;   numeral  34  denotes a peg (rod) of a WPA;   numeral  36  denotes a pedal of a WPA;   numeral  38  denotes a wheel of a WPA; and   each of numeral  40 ,  41 ,  42 ,  43  denotes a compartment of the interior side of hinge  12 .       

     The foregoing description and illustrations of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the above description in any form. 
     Any term that has been defined above and used in the claims, should to be interpreted according to this definition.