Abstract:
A system comprises a brake light housing comprising a flat front surface and a concave rear surface being configured to conform to a shape of a helmet. A flexible base member is joined to the rear surface. The flexible base member is configured to form a seal with the helmet to mitigate wind from dislodging the brake light housing from the helmet. A light source is disposed within the brake light housing to emit an illumination toward the front surface. A receiver is disposed within the brake light housing to receive a signal indicating an application of a brake of a vehicle and to active the light source for a duration of the signal. A transmitter is configured to be joinable to the vehicle, to be in communication with the vehicle&#39;s braking system, and to communicate the signal to the receiver for a duration of the application of the brake.

Description:
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0003]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to vehicle accessories. More particularly, the invention relates to a supplemental brake light. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. Motorcycles, mopeds and scooters typically comprise a single brake light on the rear, which usually sits about two and a half feet off the ground. This is not exactly within the eyesight of following drivers, which means that the visibility of a motorcycle or scooter brake light is often less than optimal. 
         [0006]    By way of educational background, an aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that additional vehicle lighting can be purchased aftermarket for application near the existing brake light. Furthermore, there is some lighting currently available for application upon a helmet. 
         [0007]    In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
           [0009]      FIGS. 1A through 1D  illustrate an exemplary brake light for a supplemental brake light system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view.  FIG. 1B  is a side perspective view.  FIG. 1C  is a front perspective view of the brake light in an open position, and  FIG. 1D  is a side perspective view of the brake light being mounted to a helmet; and 
           [0010]      FIGS. 2A through 2C  illustrate an exemplary RF transmitter for a supplemental brake light system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2A  is a side perspective view.  FIG. 2B  is a transparent side perspective view, and  FIG. 2C  is a side perspective view of the transmitter mounted to a motorcycle brake light. 
       
    
    
       [0011]    Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0012]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. 
         [0013]    Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. 
         [0014]    It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0015]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0016]    From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein. 
         [0017]    Although Claims have been formulated in this application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. 
         [0018]    Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom. 
         [0019]    References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. 
         [0020]    As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application. 
         [0021]    It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details. 
         [0022]    A practical embodiment of the present invention offers secondary lighting for the provision of improved visibility and safety of motorcycles and motorcycle riders. Many practical embodiments provide a brake light that can be applied upon the rear of a helmet, which can improve the visibility and safety of motorcycles and their users with the provision of secondary brake lighting that is positioned at a higher level than standard motorcycle brake lights. Many practical embodiments may be implemented for use on various different small vehicles including, without limitation, motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, ATVs, etc. Moreover, many practical embodiments project more lighting, are easier to apply, are easier to maintain, and are more durable than are other items with similar intentions. Currently available aftermarket secondary vehicle lighting is typically made for application in the same low and hard-to-see location as the existing brake light of a motorcycle. There is some lighting currently available for application upon a helmet. However this lighting usually broadcasts at a very weak level, meaning that it is generally ineffective at providing the lighting needed to garner other drivers&#39; attention. Also this currently available lighting often lacks adequate battery power, meaning it does not provide the needed lighting for extended periods of time. Furthermore, these means typically apply to helmets by insecure means, meaning they may easily detach from the helmet. 
         [0023]      FIGS. 1A through 1D  illustrate an exemplary brake light  101  for a supplementary brake light system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view.  FIG. 1B  is a side perspective view.  FIG. 1C  is a front perspective view of brake light  101  in an open position, and  FIG. 1D  is a side perspective view of brake light  101  being mounted to a helmet  105 . In the present embodiment, brake light  101  comprises a lighting piece  110 , hook-and-loop material  115  for the application of brake light  101  upon helmet  105 , and a radio frequency (RF) receiver  120  for the activation of brake light  101 . Receiver  120  communicates directly with an RF transmitter that is mounted upon a vehicle and connects to the electrical system of the vehicle by wiring, as illustrated by way of example in  FIGS. 2A through 2C . Lighting piece  110  comprises light-emitting diode (LED) lighting  125  and is rectangular in shape in a convex format of approximately seven inches in length by four inches in height (7″×4″). It is contemplated that the lighting pieces in some alternate embodiments can be made in various different sizes and in a multiplicity of suitable shapes such as, but not limited to, circular shapes, ovals, squares, etc. Moreover, the lighting pieces in some alternate embodiments may comprise various different types of lighting such as but not limited to incandescent lighting. In the present embodiment, lighting piece  110  is hosted upon a flexible base  130  made of plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In some alternate embodiments the base may be made of various different flexible yet durable materials, including but not limited to woven nylon fabric, rubber elastomer, polypropylene (PP), or a combination of these and other materials. In the present embodiment, base  130  is larger than lighting piece  110 . Lighting piece  110  can be made of various different materials such as but not limited to polypropylene (PP), plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC), various metals, metal alloys, etc. 
         [0024]    In the present embodiment, RF receiver  120  is located on lighting piece  110  and is connected by wiring to LED lighting  125 . RF receiver  120  is set for a specific megahertz (MHz) signal. Referring to  FIG. 1C , a battery  135  is also included within lighting piece  110  for the powering of receiver  120  and LED lighting  125 . A AAA battery  135  is shown by way of example; however, various different types and sizes of batteries may be used in lighting pieces in alternate embodiments. Brake light  101  automatically activates upon insertion of battery  135 ; however, some alternate embodiments may comprise a manual power switch upon the lighting piece to activate brake light  101 . Referring to  FIG. 1A , a faceplate  140  made of pliant plasticized PVC in a translucent red color covers LED lighting  125  and battery  135 . In some alternate embodiments various different materials may be used for the faceplate including, without limitation, different plastics, glass, resin, etc. In the present embodiment, to access battery  135  a user can simply remove faceplate  140  from lighting piece  110 . Faceplate  140  may be attached to lighting piece  110  using a multiplicity of suitable means including, but not limited to, screws, bolts, snapping into place, clips, etc. The user does not need to remove brake light  101  from helmet  105  to access battery  135 . 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 1B , hook and loop material  115  is located on the rear wall of lighting piece  110  opposite faceplate  140 . Referring to  FIG. 1D , a corresponding swatch of hook and loop material  145  is included, without limitation, for application directly upon helmet  105  by use of polymer dispersion adhesive in polyvinyl acetate (PVA) format. In some alternate embodiments, the adhesive used to apply the hook-and-loop material upon the helmet can be of various solvent based or polymer dispersion varieties. In some embodiments, the system may also include, without limitation, a template to generally ensure proper placement of the brake light unit upon the helmet. In the present embodiment, to attach brake light  101  to helmet  105 , a user aligns hook and loop material  115  on the backside of brake light  101  with hook and loop material  145  on helmet  105 . Flexible base  130  conforms to the shape of helmet  105  and progressively thins towards the outer edges to generally ensure a tight fit upon helmet  105 . The left and right edges of base  130  typically make contact with helmet  105  before the two sections of hook and loop material meet. Therefore, the user must firmly press brake light  101  towards helmet  105 , which typically causes base  130  to spread along helmet  105  and enables the two sections of hook and loop material to meet. This spreading of the edges of base  130  along helmet  105 , in conjunction with the thin edges of the base  130 , causes an almost air tight seal. Wind blowing around helmet  105  typically blows over the thin, smooth edges of base  130  and generally does not get under and pry up the edges. Therefore, wind generally cannot dislodge brake light  101  from helmet  105 . This is particularly important at high speeds such as, but not limited to, highway speed. In some alternate embodiments, the brake light may be attached to a helmet using various different means such as, but not limited to, adhesive, screws, brackets, magnets, snaps, etc. In the present embodiment, brake light  101  can be removed from helmet  105  and re-applied as often as desired with little risk of damage to brake light  101  or helmet  105 . For example, without limitation, the user may wish to remove brake light  101  from helmet  105  when he has a passenger on his motorcycle. In addition, if the user does have a passenger, the user can use a separate piece of hook and loop material to secure brake light  101  to the passenger&#39;s helmet. 
         [0026]      FIGS. 2A through 2C  illustrate an exemplary RF transmitter  201  for a supplementary brake light system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2A  is a side perspective view of RF transmitter  201 .  FIG. 2B  is a transparent side perspective view of transmitter  201 , and  FIG. 2C  is a side perspective view of transmitter  201  mounted to a motorcycle brake light  205 . In the present embodiment, RF transmitter  201  broadcasts in the same range of two-to-ten megahertz (2-10 MHz) as a corresponding receiver on a helmet-mounted brake light, as shown by way of example in  FIGS. 1A and 1C . Transmitter  201  comprises a raised node  210  that projects from a plate  215  at an approximate thirty-degree (30°) angle and a threaded stem  217 . Transmitter  201  is made of durable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. It is contemplated that in some alternate embodiments, the transmitter can be made of various different materials, such as but not limited to Plexiglas™, fiberglass, sheet metal, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), etc. Furthermore, the transmitters in some alternate embodiments can be made in various different sizes and shapes to accommodate application upon a motorcycle or scooter in a multiplicity of strategic locations. Referring to  FIG. 2B , in the present embodiment, wiring  220  extends from node  210  for application to the electrical wiring of the brakes of the hosting vehicle. RF transmitter  201  generally ensures proper communication with a corresponding brake light-activating receiver and is typically not subject to interference from other signals. RF transmitter  201  broadcasts at an individual frequency that generally does not activate other receivers, and the corresponding receiver is generally not activated by other transmitters. It is contemplated that in alternate embodiments various different types of signals may be used to activate the brake light such as, but not limited to, infrared signals, microwave signals, visible light, audio signals, etc. Other alternate embodiments may be implemented without a transmitter or receiver in which an electric coil cord of an accommodating length links the vehicle&#39;s electrical system and the helmet lighting. 
         [0027]    In the present embodiment, RF transmitter  201  may be attached upon brake light  205  near the rear fender area of a hosting motorcycle by screwing threaded stem  217  into brake light  205 . Then wiring  220  of transmitter  201  can be attached to the electrical wiring of the motorcycle. The transmitter is positioned so that the angle of projecting node  210  aims toward the seat of the motorcycle. Those skilled in the art, in light of the teachings of the present invention, will readily recognize that a multiplicity of suitable means may be used in some alternate embodiments to attach the transmitter to a vehicle such as, but not limited to, adhesives, welding, brackets, magnets, etc. 
         [0028]    In typical use of the present embodiment, once transmitter  201  is attached to a vehicle and brake light  101  is attached to helmet  105  with battery  135  in place, the user can place helmet  105  on his head. Each time the user applies the brakes of the vehicle transmitter  201  receives this information through wiring  220  and sends a signal to receiver  120 . This activates brake light  101 . Brake light  101  can be activated exclusively by a front brake operation, a rear brake operation or by the operation of either front or rear brake. Brake light  101  is bright and features full illumination of the brake light area. With this additional, raised and sizable brake light  101 , it is believed that vehicles behind the user are more likely to be adequately forewarned of the presence of the user and his braking. 
         [0029]    The supplementary brake light system according to the present embodiment provides additional brake lighting for motorcycle, scooter and moped riders in a strategic location upon the rear of a user&#39;s helmet. This location is at a higher point than the standard rear brake light of typical motorcycles, scooters and mopeds and is more in line with the eyesight range of automobile drivers. This is believed to makes motorcycle, scooter and moped riders more visible to other vehicles and to improve the safety of users. Since motorcycles decelerate faster than automobiles do, which can supplemental motorcycles at risk of being struck from behind due to such deceleration, the improved brake lighting offered by the present embodiment can help dissuade such incidents by generally ensuring more visibility and faster response to motorcycle brakeage. The present embodiment is particularly useful when used at night and in otherwise poorly lit environments. The present embodiment may also encourage compliance with laws pertaining to helmet usage. Furthermore, by improving the safety of users and reducing their risks, the present embodiment can help reduce the costs of vehicle insurance. 
         [0030]    Unlike some current secondary lighting for motorcycles, the present embodiment offers secure placement upon helmets and is typically not subject to easily fall off of helmets upon which it is placed. Unlike some current secondary lighting for motorcycles, the present embodiment allows the brake light unit to be easily removed and replaced upon the hosting helmet at the user&#39;s discretion. Unlike some current secondary lighting for motorcycles, the present embodiment broadcasts bright and easily visible lighting, which provides better safety than less visible secondary lighting for motorcycle. Battery  135  that powers lighting  125  is more easily accessible than some current secondary lighting for motorcycles, which makes this system easier to maintain and able to broadcast brighter light with more consistency. Unlike some current secondary lighting for motorcycles, which automatically begin to blink after a short period due to need to reserve their batteries, the present embodiment can continuously broadcast its lighting without blinking, which is more noticeable and more effective at communicating the message of braking without misinterpretation by viewers. 
         [0031]    Some alternate embodiments of the present invention can be made in variations that comprise lighting and a signal receiver built within a helmet and a separate transmitter unit for application upon a vehicle. Other alternate embodiments can be made in variations that comprise a transmitter unit built within a vehicle and separate lighting for application upon a helmet. Yet other alternate embodiments can be made in variations that comprise all portions built within their applicable hosts. 
         [0032]    Those skilled in the art, in light of the teachings of the present invention, will readily recognize that some alternate embodiments may be implemented with various different and additional features such as, but not limited to, lighting pieces for turn signals, lights of various different colors, different lighting modes including without limitation flashing or scrolling, speakers for producing audio alerts, etc. Some alternate embodiments can be made in variations in which the lighting is activated by motion sensor should an extended deceleration be detected to improve the potential braking response time of following vehicles. Some alternate embodiments may be implemented for use with bicycles. 
         [0033]    All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
         [0034]    Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing supplemental brake lighting according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the base of the light may vary depending upon the particular type of item on which it is to be used. The lights described in the foregoing were directed to helmet-mounted implementations; however, similar techniques are to provide brake lights that may be mounted in various different locations including, without limitation, jackets or seatbacks. Non-helmet-mounted implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. 
         [0035]    Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.