Patent Description:
Wheelchairs, motorcycles, mopeds, and bicycles have profiles that are lower to the ground relative to cars and trucks, with whom these vehicles share a road. Accordingly, these vehicles are known as "low profile vehicles. " The result of a low profile is an inability to be recognized by other drivers. Low visibility and an inability to be seen makes low profile vehicles inherently less safe than the taller vehicles the low profile vehicles negotiate with every day in traffic. Because other drivers are unable to see and/or quickly recognize low profile vehicles while driving, these vehicles are subject to a safety disadvantage that frequently results in accidents. Drivers of cars and trucks are often unable to see low profile vehicles until it is too late to avoid a collision. Accidents between low profile vehicles and higher profile cars and trucks can be especially dangerous due to the size differential of the vehicles.

Vehicle safety lights are currently available for vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles. However, the safety lights for low profile vehicles have a small silhouette and are generally attached to the existing vehicle frame. For example, small light emitting diode (LED) bicycle safety lights are designed to be attached to the frame under the seat. Because bicycles share the road with vehicles with much larger profiles (i.e., riders seated much higher), a safety light positioned in this location serves a limited purpose. Visibility of low profile vehicles is limited because existing safety lights are configured to stay within the profile of the vehicle. Therefore, low profile vehicles are still subject to frequent, dangerous accidents despite the availability of safety lights.

Whip lights and light poles are sometimes used on recumbent bicycles and all-terrain vehicles ("ATVs"). Because of the whip lights' and the light poles' rigid nature, these devices cannot be used on vehicles that require a rider to mount the frame (i.e., bicycle, motorcycle). A whip mast is also known from <CIT>.

Introduced herein is an improved vehicle lighting apparatus that can be used to increase the visibility profile of a vehicle, especially mountable vehicles, by a lighting apparatus that rises above a low profile vehicle's frame ("the technology"). Various embodiments of the apparatus described herein include a base adapted to be detachably connected to a vehicle frame of a vehicle; a power supply; and an elongated light source supported by the base and coupled, directly or indirectly, to the power supply. The elongated light source is adapted to extend above the vehicle frame in an upright orientation with respect to a surface the vehicle frame is to traverse thereon and moves upon sufficient force being applied, wherein upon removal of said force the elongated light source springs back to the vertical orientation. The elongated light source is constructed of a segmented rigid material linked by flexible material. By extending above the vehicle, the vehicle safety apparatus increases the distance from which the vehicle can be seen.

The vehicle safety apparatus may be adapted for use with a vehicle frame that is adapted for riding. One example of a vehicle frame is a bicycle. In the same example, the elongated light source may be adapted to pivot from the base, such that the entirety, or a portion, of the elongated light source is displaced when sufficient force is applied. The elongated light source may be configured to move upon pressure from a human body and spring back to an original upright position with respect to a surface the vehicle frame is to traverse thereon. The elongated light source is constructed of a segmented rigid material linked by flexible material. The vehicle safety apparatus may be configured to warp under a human thigh moving over the elongated light source and unwarp upon removal of the human thigh without breaking the elongated light source.

According to one embodiment, the elongated light source may also be configured to provide illumination in <NUM> degrees or greater. The elongated light source may be adapted to provide a substantially uniform illumination, an irregular illumination pattern, or any combination thereof. The elongated light source may also comprise an extra row or column of lights that intensify when the rider utilizes the brakes or when the rider turns. The vehicle safety apparatus may be configured such that all of the lights can be intensified together, in programmed patterns, or in random patterns.

This Disclosure is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Disclosure. Some embodiments of the technology have other aspects, elements, features, and steps in addition to or in place of what is described above. These potential additions and replacements are described throughout the rest of the specification. Other advantages and features of the technology will become apparent when viewed in light of the Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings and claims.

The figures depict various embodiments of the present technology and examples useful for understanding the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that various embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the technology described herein.

Various aspects of the technology will now be described. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding and enabling description of these examples. One skilled in the art will understand, however, that the technology may be practiced without many of these details. Additionally, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail, so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description. Although the diagrams depict components as functionally separate, such depiction is merely for illustrative purposes. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the components portrayed in these figures may be combined or divided into separate components.

The following conversion of units may be applied: <NUM> inch corresponds to <NUM>,<NUM> and <NUM> foot corresponds to <NUM>,<NUM>.

The terminology used in the description presented below is intended to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific examples of the technology. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed above, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using capitalization, italics and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that same element can be described in more than one way.

Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term.

Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

<FIG> is a perspective views of a vehicle safety apparatus according to an example useful for understanding the present disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view of the vehicle safety apparatus attached to a vehicle according to the example of <FIG>. The vehicle safety apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises a base <NUM>, a power supply <NUM>, and an elongated light source <NUM> supported by the base <NUM> and coupled, directly or indirectly, to the power supply <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the vehicle safety apparatus <NUM> coupled, directly or indirectly, to a vehicle frame <NUM> according to one example. Illustrated vehicle frame <NUM> is a bicycle. However, the vehicle frame <NUM> may be, for example, a bicycle, a wheelchair, a recumbent bicycle, a motorcycle, a moped, a scooter, or a trike, although the vehicle safety apparatus of the present preferred embodiment may be adapted for use with any other suitable vehicle frame. In general, the vehicle frame can be adapted for riding. The base <NUM> is adapted to connect to the vehicle frame <NUM>. In some examples, the base <NUM> is adapted such that the vehicle safety apparatus <NUM> is positioned at the rear of the vehicle. The base <NUM> may also be adapted such that the vehicle safety apparatus <NUM> is positioned to one or more sides, in front of, or above the vehicle. In one preferred embodiment, the base <NUM> is configured to be detachably connectable to the vehicle frame <NUM>. The detachably connectable mechanism allows a rider to easily store and quickly reconfigure the vehicle safety apparatus <NUM> in a modular fashion. The base <NUM> can be made of metal, carbon fiber, (poly)resin, any other rugged, weather-resistant material, or any combination thereof.

The base <NUM> illustrates a tightening knob for securing onto the vehicle frame <NUM>. However, other mechanisms of securing the elongated light source <NUM> onto the vehicle frame <NUM> are also contemplated by this disclosure.

An elongated light source <NUM> is supported by the base <NUM> and contains one or more LEDs, although one skilled in the art would recognize that a number of light source configurations (e.g., columnar, circular, zigzag) are available that could perform properly under the described conditions. The LEDs, an alternative light source (e.g., fluorescent emitter, incandescent emitter, phosphorescent emitter), or a combination thereof, may be housed in a translucent (e.g., semi-transparent) or transparent polymeric or plastic column. The housing may have patterns with different degrees of transparency. One skilled in the art would appreciate that many materials allow light to pass through and may be considered appropriate substitutes (e.g., glass). For example, the elongated light source <NUM> may comprise high powered LEDs housed within a red translucent plastic column. Alternatively, the high powered LEDs can be red. The column of the elongated light source <NUM> may take various forms, including, but not limited to, a circular column, semi-circular column, rectilinear column, octahedral column, or curved half-parabola column. The light emitters (e.g., LEDs, fluorescent emitter, phosphorescent emitter) may be arranged down the entirety of the column or any portion thereof. Diameter of the elongated light source <NUM> can vary from less than an inch to several inches. The LEDs may be arranged in columns, rows, a zigzag pattern, various curvilinear, rectilinear or random patterns, or any combination thereof. Although the elongated light source <NUM> may vary in height from six inches to five feet, the height is preferably substantially near the length of an average human thigh. The vehicle safety apparatus <NUM> is designed such that the elongated light source <NUM> rises above the vehicle frame <NUM> to enhance the visibility of the vehicle in traffic or around pedestrians. The elongated light source <NUM> may be adapted to extend from at or below the top of the vehicle frame <NUM>.

The elongated light source <NUM> may be an active light source or a passive light source. For example, the elongated light source may comprise LEDs housed in a translucent plastic column, thereby serving as an active light source. Alternatively, the elongated light source may comprise a reflective material that redirects light from other sources (e.g., headlights from a second vehicle), thereby serving as a passive light source.

The elongated light source <NUM> is coupled, directly or indirectly, to a power supply <NUM>, examples of which include, but are not limited to, a battery, a dynamo, a solar cell, some other regenerative power source, or any combination thereof. For example, the power supply may be a Joule™ <NUM> Dynamo Hub or a combination of rechargeable lithium ion or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. The power supply <NUM>, for example, may be housed within the column of the elongated light source <NUM>. The vehicle safety apparatus <NUM> may also utilize the vehicle's existing electrical power system (e.g., wheelchair). In one example, the vehicle safety apparatus <NUM> may utilize a dynamo to provide a primary source of power and one or more rechargeable batteries that continue to power the elongated light source <NUM> when the vehicle is not moving. The rechargeable batteries may also be adapted to be recharged via a universal serial bus ("USB") connection to a laptop, desktop computer, tablet, or power outlet converter.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a vehicle safety apparatus 200A attached to a vehicle frame 206A according to one example useful for understanding the present disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view of a vehicle safety apparatus 200B attached to a vehicle frame 206B according to the present invention. The vehicle safety apparatus 200A and the vehicle safety apparatus 200B may collectively be referred to as "the vehicle safety apparatus <NUM>," and the vehicle frame 206A and the vehicle frame 206B may collectively be referenced as the vehicle frame <NUM>, which is adapted for a rider. The vehicle safety apparatus <NUM>, for example, can be the vehicle safety apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>. The vehicle safety apparatus <NUM>, preferably, is configured to be flexible. The flexible mechanism may be implemented in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, the example of <FIG> and embodiment of <FIG>. In one example, the elongated light source 202A may be entirely inflexible. For example, the elongated light source 202A may be adapted to pivot from the base <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, such that the entirety of the elongated light source 202A is displaced when sufficient force is applied. Examples of a pivot mechanism <NUM> include, but are not limited to, a central pivot j oint, a universal joint, and bellows made from metal and/or plastic.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the elongated light source 202B is constructed of a segmented rigid material linked by flexible material. The flexible material may be selected to warp under a human thigh moving over the elongated light source 202B and unwarp upon removal of the human thigh without breaking the elongated light source 202B.

Illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> are examples of making the vehicle safety apparatus <NUM> flexible enough for a rider to mount over the vehicle safety apparatus <NUM>. Other examples of the vehicle safety apparatus <NUM> are also contemplated in this disclosure in any combination of the elongated light source <NUM> being a rigid pole, a semi-flexible pole, or a flexible pole and the base <NUM> being a flexible, pivoting, or rigid.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a vehicle safety apparatus 300A attached to a vehicle according to an example useful for understanding the present disclosure. The vehicle safety apparatus 300A, for example, can be the vehicle safety apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>. The vehicle safety apparatus 300A is configured to mount to a vehicle frame 306A. The illustrated vehicle frame 306A is a bicycle frame; however, other possible vehicles include, but are not limited to, a wheelchair, a recumbent bicycle, or a trike. The vehicle safety apparatus 300A comprises a base <NUM> adapted to connect to a vehicle frame 306A, a power supply <NUM>, and an elongated light source 302A supported by the base <NUM> and coupled, directly or indirectly, to the power supply <NUM>. The base <NUM> is adapted to connect to a particular vehicle frame 306A, for example, a bicycle. The base <NUM> may be detachably connectable or permanently mountable to the vehicle frame 306A.

In one example, the elongated light source 302A is adapted to extend above the vehicle frame 306A with respect to a surface <NUM> the vehicle frame is to traverse thereon. This extension raises the vehicle's visibility profile, improves the rider's visibility and safety, and reduces the incidence of collisions with other vehicles. The elongated light source 302A can be configured to provide light within the profile of the vehicle (i.e., inside the frame 306A). In another example, the elongated light source 302A is adapted to provide illumination in <NUM> degrees or greater; however, the elongated light source 302A may, for example, be adapted to provide illumination in any range between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. The elongated light source 302A may be adapted to provide a substantially uniform illumination, an irregular illumination pattern, or any combination thereof. In the example shown in <FIG>, the elongated light source 302A is configured to move upon pressure from a human body and spring back to an original upright position with respect to the surface <NUM> the vehicle frame 306A is to traverse thereon.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a vehicle safety apparatus attached to a vehicle according to an example useful for understanding the disclosure. In various embodiments, the elongated light source 302B may be a flexible curved column. In this embodiment, the elongated light source 302B can be configured to move upon pressure from a human body and spring back to an original upright position with respect to the surface <NUM> the vehicle frame 306B is to traverse thereon. Alternatively, the elongated light source 302B can be constructed of a segmented rigid material linked by flexible material. The flexible material may be selected to warp under a human thigh moving over the elongated light source 302B and unwarp upon removal of the human thigh without breaking the elongated light source 302B.

<FIG> is a side view of a vehicle safety apparatus attached to a vehicle according to another example useful for understanding the present disclosure. The illustrated vehicle frame 306C is a wheelchair; however, other possible vehicles include, but are not limited to, a bicycle, a recumbent bicycle, or a trike. In one example, the elongated light source 302C is adapted to extend above the vehicle frame with respect to a surface <NUM> the vehicle frame is to traverse thereon. In various examples, the elongated light source may be configured in a "Y" shape, wherein the arms of the "Y" comprise the elongated light source 302C. The elongated light source 302C of <FIG> is adapted to provide illumination in <NUM> degrees or greater; however, the elongated light source 302C may, for example, be adapted to provide illumination in any range between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. The elongated light source 302C may be adapted to provide a substantially uniform illumination, an irregular illumination pattern, or any combination thereof. Similarly, the elongated light source 302C may also be adapted such that the arms of the "Y" can be intensified together, in programmed patterns, or in random patterns. In various examples, the elongated light source 302C may be configured to illuminate the entire stem of the "Y. " Alternatively, the elongated light source 302C may be configured to illuminate only a portion of the stem or may be placed at the top of the vehicle safety apparatus 300C.

<FIG> illustrates an example of the improved visibility profile due to the presence of a vehicle safety apparatus according to one example useful for understanding the present disclosure. In this example, the elongated light source <NUM> is positioned to provide illumination towards a rider seat of the vehicle such that reflected rays from a rider are adapted to create a larger illumination field <NUM>. The elongated light source <NUM> may provide uniform illumination or the elongated light source <NUM> may provide an irregular illumination pattern such that the reflected rays provide a softer, more natural illumination field <NUM>. A larger illumination field <NUM> can raise the vehicle's visibility profile, thereby improving visibility of the vehicle and reducing the incidence of collisions with other vehicles. Light source intensity may be chosen and/or modified in order to increase visibility at large distances. The base <NUM> may be adapted to allow adjustment of the vehicle safety apparatus <NUM> in any direction (e.g., tilt). The vehicle safety apparatus <NUM> may also be adapted to allow attachment of off-the-shelf safety lights or a specially-designed light to the top and/or side of the apparatus.

In some examples, the vehicle safety apparatus <NUM> may be controlled by the rider via a remote control. The remote control allows the rider to turn the vehicle safety apparatus on/off and cycle through a variety of modes, including, but not limited to, constant on, constant rate of blinking, random blinking, and off. The elongated light source <NUM> may also comprise an extra row or column of lights that intensify when the rider utilizes the brakes. The elongated light source <NUM> may also be adapted such that all of the lights can be intensified together, in programmed patterns, or in random patterns. In some examples, the vehicle safety apparatus <NUM> may comprise two or more elongated light sources <NUM> mounted adjacently or in other symmetrical or non-symmetrical relationships. If two or more vehicle safety apparatuses <NUM> are coupled, directly or indirectly, together, the elongated light sources <NUM> may be configured to flash or illuminate any pattern in unison.

In various examples useful for understanding the present disclosure, the vehicle safety apparatus <NUM> may be configured to sync to a vehicle's brake and/or turn lights. Possible vehicles include, but are not limited to, a motorcycle, a bicycle, or a moped. For example, the elongated light source <NUM> may intensify when a rider is braking or activate side portions of the elongated light source <NUM> to indicate turn direction. The vehicle safety apparatus <NUM> may be synced, wired or wirelessly, to additional safety lights positioned elsewhere on the vehicle frame <NUM> and/or rider (e.g., back of helmet). The elongated light source <NUM> may also be adapted to provide different color signals for different functions. For example, red LEDs may indicate braking, while yellow LEDs may indicate turn direction.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a vehicle safety apparatus according to one example useful for understanding the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a vehicle safety apparatus <NUM> and vehicle frame <NUM> according to an example useful for understanding the present disclosure. The vehicle safety apparatus <NUM>, for example, can be the vehicle safety apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>. The illustrated vehicle frame <NUM> is a bicycle frame; however, other possible vehicles include, but are not limited to, a bicycle, a wheelchair, a recumbent bicycle, a motorcycle, a moped, a scooter, or a trike. In this example, the elongated light source <NUM> includes a telescoping mechanism such that the elongated light source <NUM> is configured to extend above the vehicle frame <NUM> when fully protracted. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the elongated light source <NUM> may be configured to retract into different positions, including into the base <NUM>.

The foregoing description of various embodiments of the claimed subject matter and examples useful for understanding the present disclosure has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. The present disclosure is defined by the appended claims. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to the practitioner skilled in the art. Embodiments and examples were chosen and described in order to best describe the principles of the technology and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the relevant art to understand the claimed subject matter, the various embodiments and examples and with various modifications that are suited to the particular use contemplated.

The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments and examples described above can be combined to provide further embodiments and examples.

While the above description describes certain embodiments of the technology and examples useful for understanding the present disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the technology can be practiced in many ways. Details of the apparatus may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the technology disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the technology should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the technology to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the technology encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the technology under the claims.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to. " As used herein, the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word "or," in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

Claim 1:
An apparatus (<NUM>) for vehicle safety comprising:
a base (<NUM>) that is detachably connectable to a vehicle frame (<NUM>) of a vehicle;
a power supply (<NUM>); and
an elongated light source (<NUM>) supported by the base (<NUM>), coupled to the power supply (<NUM>) and arranged to extend above the vehicle frame (<NUM>) in an upright orientation with respect to a surface the vehicle frame (<NUM>) is to traverse thereon and which moves upon sufficient force being applied, wherein upon removal of said force the elongated light source (<NUM>) springs back to the vertical orientation;
the apparatus being characterized in that the elongated light source is constructed of a segmented rigid material linked by flexible material.