Field of the Invention

[001 ] The present invention relates to a video recording system for a bicycle.

Background to the Invention

[002] Many cyclists using the roads experience incidents with vehicles that create a dangerous situation for the cyclist. Such incidents may involve vehicles driving too close to the cyclist, cutting them off, or simply abusing the rider. Unless an accident actually occurs, many of these instances involve the vehicle simply driving away, with the driver of the vehicle escaping any repercussions for their action.

[003] The present invention relates to a camera device for mounting on a bicycle to capture images of such events. The camera comprises a housing and mounting arrangement provided to allow easy attachment to the bicycle and secure mounting of the camera, along with features to provide useful information for assessing incidents recorded on camera.

Summary of the Invention

[004] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a bicycle camera comprising:

a housing mountable to handlebar of a bicycle;

a camera provided within the housing directed to capture images outwardly through a first aperture in a first end wall of the housing; and

a headlight provided within the housing to illuminate outwardly through a second aperture in the first end wall of the housing;

wherein the first end wall includes first and second sides and first and second ends such that the distance between the first and second sides is less than the distance between the first and second ends and wherein the first and second apertures are located on axis parallel to the first and second sides.

[005] Preferably the axis is located midway between the first and second sides.

[006] Preferably the housing includes an outer wall extending between the first end wall and a second end wall wherein the outer wall and the second end wall also include first and second sides and first and second ends and wherein the outer wall includes a first connector for engagement with a second connector on a mounting member.

[007] Preferably the first and second sides are linear and parallel and the first and second ends are semicircular in shape.

[008] In a preferred embodiment, each the first and second apertures is circular in shape and the first aperture is located in the first end wall adjacent the first end thereof and the second aperture is located in the first end wall adjacent the second end thereof.

[009] Preferably the outer wall tapers inwardly from a location adjacent the first end wall to the second end wall.

[010] Preferably the outer wall tapers inwardly from said location adjacent the first end wall to the first end wall.

[01 1 ] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second sides of the outer wall are planar and angled such that the first and second sides are closer to each other adjacent the second end wall than at said location adjacent the first end wall.

[012] In a preferred embodiment, the shape of the housing approximates a symmetrical truncated aerofoil shape providing neutral lift.

[013] In one embodiment, the housing comprises a central housing portion, a front housing portion and a rear housing portion, the first connector being provided on the first side of the outer wall in the central housing portion. [014] Preferably the front housing portion includes the first end wall and the outwardly tapering portion of the outer wall and the central housing portion comprises a forward portion of the inwardly tapering part of the outer wall and the rear portion comprises a rear portion of the inwardly tapering part of the outer wall.

[015] In one embodiment, the central portion is constructed of a unitary section of tubular metal.

[016] Preferably a front surface of the light unit within the second aperture is offset rearwardly relative to a front surface of a lens of the camera within the first aperture to reduce the light emitted from the light unit affecting the captured video image.

[017] In a preferred embodiment, the first connector comprises a pair of first plates extending outwardly from the first side of the housing and the second connector provided on the mounting member comprises a set of parallel second plates such that the second plates are received in gaps defined by the first plates and a locking pin is received through aligned holes in the first and second plates.

[018] In one embodiment, there are provided two first plates and three second plates thereby defining a pair of adjacent gaps for receiving the pair of first plates.

[019] In one embodiment, the mounting member includes a base plate from which the second plates extend, the base plate being securable to a surface on the bicycle.

[020] In a further embodiment, the mounting member includes first and second portions connectable to define a circular opening for receiving handlebars of a bicycle and wherein the second connector is provided on the first portion.

[021 ] Preferably the first and second portions comprise first and second arcuate members pivotally connected at first ends thereof and releasably connectable at second ends thereof and the second connector is provided adjacent the second end of the first arcuate member.

[022] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bicycle camera system comprising software provided on a processing device having a display and a storage medium, where the storage medium stores video recorded on a camera mounted on a bicycle wherein the software displays the video from the storage medium while overlaying one or more lines on the display representing a safe passing distance around the bicycle.

[023] Preferably the lines are positioned on the display to extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of bicycle and offset laterally from the bicycle.

[024] Preferably the software provides for configuration of the lines such that the position of the lines relative to the bicycle may be configured to the safe passing distance as defined by the local road rules in the location where the bicycle camera is to be used.

[025] Preferably the software provides for configuration of the lines based on the geometry of the bicycle on which the camera is to be mounted or the location of the camera mounting.

[026] In a preferred embodiment, the processing device comprises a mobile phone and the software comprises application software on the mobile phone.

[027] In a accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a bicycle camera system comprising the steps of:

recording video images from a bicycle mounted camera;

displaying the recorded video on a display device; and

overlaying on the display one or more lines on the display representing a safe passing distance around the bicycle.

[028] Preferably the method includes the step of configuring the position of the lines relative to the bicycle on the display based on a safe passing distance as defined by the local road rules in the location where the bicycle camera is to be used.

[029] Preferably the lines are positioned on the display to extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of bicycle and offset laterally from the bicycle.

[030] Preferably the method includes the step of configuring the position of the lines on the display based on the geometry of the bicycle on which the camera is to be mounted or the location of the camera mounting.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[031 ] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[032] Figure 1 a is a first front upper perspective view of a bicycle camera in accordance with the present invention;

[033] Figure 1 b is a rear upper perspective view of the bicycle camera of Figure 1 ;

[034] Figure 2a a second front upper perspective view of the bicycle camera of Figure 1 ;

[035] Figure 2b is a front view of the bicycle camera of Figure 1 ;

[036] Figure 2c is a rear view of the bicycle camera of Figure 1 ;

[037] Figure 3a is a first side view of the bicycle camera of Figure 1 ;

[038] Figure 3b is a second side view of the bicycle camera of Figure 1 ;

[039] Figure 4a is a top view of the bicycle camera of Figure 1 ;

[040] Figure 4b is a bottom view of the bicycle camera of Figure 1 ;

[041 ] Figure 5a is a first upper perspective view of the bicycle camera of

[042] Figure 1 connected to a first mounting member;

[043] Figure 5b is a second upper perspective view of the bicycle camera of

[044] Figure 1 connected to the first mounting member;

[045] Figure 5c is a first view of the first mounting member;

[046] Figure 5d is a second view of the first mounting member;

[047] Figure 5e is a third view of the first mounting member; [048] Figure 6a is a rear view of the bicycle camera prior to engagement with the first mounting member;

[049] Figure 6b is a rear view of the bicycle camera in position relative to the first mounting member prior to engagement of the locking pin;

[050] Figure 7a is a rear view of the bicycle camera prior to engagement with a second mounting member;

[051 ] Figure 7b is a rear view of the bicycle camera prior to engagement with a third mounting member; and

[052] Figure 8 is an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of a mounting member.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[053] Referring to the Figures, there is provided a bicycle camera system including a bicycle camera 10 mountable to a bicycle. The bicycle camera 10 is provided for mounting to the handlebars of a bicycle in order to capture video while riding the bicycle.

[054] The bicycle camera 10 comprises a housing 14 securable to the bicycle. The bicycle camera 10 is provided with a mounting member 12 securable to the housing 14 such that the housing 14 is secured relative to the handlebars of the bicycle during use.

[055] The housing 14 includes a first end wall 16 and a second end wall 17. The housing 14 is mounted to the mounting member 12 such that, in use, the first end wall 16 is directed forwardly of the bicycle. A video camera 23 is provided within the housing 14 such that the video camera 23 records images through a first aperture 18 provided in the first end wall 16 of the housing 14.

[056] The housing 14 is provided also with a storage medium in connection with the camera. The storage medium is provided to store images recorded by the camera and may be removable. The storage medium may be any suitable device, for example an SD or micro SD card. The housing 14 includes a slot 52 in the second end wall 17 for receiving the storage medium. The housing 14 is also provided with a cable connection 54 for connecting to a processing device, such as a computer. The cable connection 54 may comprise a USB cable connection for connecting the bicycle camera 10 to a computer for transferring captured images.

[057] In the embodiment shown, the housing 14 includes an outer wall 20 extending between the first end wall 16 and the second end wall 17. The outer wall 20 is generally oval in cross sectional shape and the first and second end walls 16 and 17 of the housing 14 are therefore also generally oval in shape.

[058] The housing 14 includes also a headlight therein. The headlight comprises a suitable light unit 22, such as an LED unit, arranged within the housing 14 such that light is emitted outwardly from a second aperture 19 provided in the first end wall 16. The headlight therefore emits light forwardly of the bicycle in use. The first and second end walls 16 and 17 each include first and second sides 42 and 43 and first and second ends 44 and 45. The first and second sides 42 and 43 are linear and parallel and to be located lowermost and uppermost in use. The first and second ends 44 and 45 of the end walls 16 and 17 are semicircular in shape.

[059] Each of the first and second apertures 18 and 19 is circular in shape. The first aperture 18 is located in the first end wall 16 adjacent the first end 44 thereof and the second aperture 19 is located in the first end wall 16 adjacent the second end 45 thereof. The first and second apertures 18 and 19 are each centred on an axis parallel to the first and second sides 42 and 43 located midway between the first and second side 42 and 43.

[060] The outer wall 20 also comprises generally linear first and second sides 42 and 43 to be located lower and uppermost in use and arcuate first and second ends joining adjacent ends of the first and second sides 42 and 43.

[061 ] The distance between the first and second ends 44 and 45 of the end walls 16 and 17 and the outer wall 20 is greater than the distance between the first and second sides 42 and 43 such that the height of the housing 12 is relatively small compared to the width of the housing 12. This allows the housing 12 to have a centre of gravity relatively close to its connection to a bicycle, being via a first connector 46 provided on the first side 42 of the outer wall 20 of the housing 12 between the first and second end walls 16 and 17. This arrangement reduces movement due to vibration and also reduces intrusion of the housing 12 of the bicycle camera 10 into the 'cockpit' space of the rider.

[062] The outer wall 20 tapers inwardly from a location adjacent the first end wall 16 to the second end wall 17. As can be seen in Figure 3a, the first and second sides 42 and 43 of the outer wall 20 are planar and angled such that the first and second sides 42 and 43 are closer to each other adjacent the second end wall 17 than at said location adjacent the first end wall 16. The outer wall 20 also tapers inwardly from said location adjacent the first end wall 16 to the first end wall 16. The housing 14 of the bicycle camera 10 therefore approximates in an aerofoil shape. In the embodiment shown, the shape approximates a symmetrical truncated aerofoil shape. That is, an aerofoil providing neutral lift. This arrangement assists with minimising aerodynamic losses. Also, the uppermost side 42 or 43 may be used as a guide to set the angle of the light unit 22. By adjusting the uppermost side 42 or 43 such that it appears horizontal, the light unit 22 will direct light slightly downwardly by virtue of the taper of the housing. The light unit 22 will therefore not be aimed directly at oncoming traffic but slightly dipped.

[063] The housing 12 in the embodiment shown comprises a central housing portion 48, a front housing portion 49 and a rear housing portion 50. The front housing portion 49 includes the first end wall 16 and the outwardly tapering portion of the outer wall 20. The central portion 48 comprises a forward portion of the inwardly tapering part of the outer wall 20 and the rear portion 50 comprises a rear portion of the inwardly tapering part of the outer wall 20. The central portion 48 includes the first connector 46 and is preferably constructed of a unitary section of tubular metal. The front and rear housing portions 49 and 50 are secured to opposed ends of the central housing portion 48. The unitary construction of the central housing portion 48 reduces vibration and can act as a heat sink for the internal components. [064] As best seen in Figure 1 a, a front surface of the light unit 22 within the second aperture 19 is offset rearwardly relative to a front surface of a lens of the camera 23. This arrangement reduces the likelihood of light being emitted from the light unit 22 affecting the captured video image.

[065] The first connector 46 is provided for connection with a second connector 47 provided on the mounting member 12. The first connector 46 comprises a pair of first plates 24 extending outwardly from the first side 42 of the outer wall 20 of the housing 14. The first plates 24 are parallel, thereby defining a gap between the first plates 24. Each of the first plates 24 includes a hole therein.

[066] The second connector 47 provided on the mounting member 12 comprises a set of parallel second plates 26. In the embodiment shown, there are provided three such second plates 26, thereby defining a pair of adjacent gaps for receiving the pair of first plates 24. Each of the second plates 26 is provided with a hole alignable with the holes in the first plates 24. The aligned holes receive a locking pin 28. The locking pin 28 comprises a shaft having an external thread on a first end and a handle on a second end thereof. The thread receives a locking nut 30 such that the locking pin 28 may be secured in place through the first and second plates 24 and 26. The housing 20 may therefore be rotated relative to the mounting member 12 and locked in position by rotation of the locking pin 28.

[067] The mounting member 12 may be provided in a number of configurations to allow mounting in a variety of ways. Figures 5 and 6 show a first mounting member 12a, wherein the first mounting member 12a includes a base plate 32 from which the second plates 26 extend. The base plate 32 may be secured to an appropriate surface on the bicycle by an appropriate fastening device. The base plate 32 may include a threaded hole 60 for receiving a standard tripod type connection or a threaded locking member for clamping the mounting member 12 to a handlebar mount.

[068] Figures 7a and 7b show second and third embodiments of mounting members 12b and 12c respectively. Each of the second and third mounting members 12b and 12c comprises a body 34 having a first portion 36 and a second portion 37. The first and second portions 36 and 37 each include an arcuate recess such that when the first and second portions 36 and 37 are connected together, the arcuate recesses align to form a circular opening 38. The opening 38 is provided to receive a portion of the handlebars of the bicycle such that the bicycle camera 10 can be mounted relative to the handlebars.

[069] Figure 8 shows a fourth embodiment of a mounting member 12d. The mounting member 12d includes also first and second portions 36 and 37 connectable to define a circular opening 38. The first and second portions 36 and 37 comprise first and second arcuate members 56 and 57. The arcuate members 56 and 57 are pivotally connected at first ends thereof and releasably connectable at second ends thereof such that the arcuate members 56 and 57 may be connected about a portion of handlebars of a bicycle. The second connector 47 is provided adjacent the second end of the first arcuate member 56. The housing 14 may therefore be connected to the mounting member 12d such that the first side 42 thereof is located adjacent the first arcuate member 56, thereby minimising the distance between the housing 14 and the handlebars to reduce movement due to vibration.

[070] The housing 14 includes also a switch 40 provided to activate operation of the headlight and/or the camera. The switch 40 in the embodiment shown is provided on the second end wall 17 of the housing 14.

[071 ] The bicycle camera system includes also software to be provided on a suitable processing device. The processing device may comprise a computer having appropriate software installed or a mobile phone having suitable application software.

[072] The bicycle camera 10 preferably includes a wireless connection device within the housing 14 such that the software on the processing device may communicate with the video camera to enable video data recorded on the video camera to be wirelessly transferred to the processing device. The software is provided to allow display of the recorded video data on a display of the processing device.

[073] The software may also provide for display of other ride data, such as location, speed or other data. This information may be obtained by a separate device including appropriate sensors, for example GPS. Alternatively, the sensors may be provided with the housing 14 of the bicycle camera 10. The ride data is preferably transmitted to the processing device via the wireless connection for display by the software.

[074] The software provided on the processing device allows for display of further information on the display along with the recorded video. The software can display one or more lines on the display along with the recorded video. The lines are positioned relative to the image of the bicycle to indicate a safe passing distance around the bicycle on which the video camera 10 was mounted. The lines are positioned on the display to extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of bicycle and offset laterally from the bicycle.

The software allows configuration of the lines such that the position of the lines relative to the bicycle may be configured to the safe passing distance as defined by the local road rules in the location where the bicycle camera 10 is to be used. The software provides also for configuration of the lines based on the geometry of the bicycle on which the camera is to be mounted and the location of the camera mounting. The software allows, for example, entry of data including width of handlebars and horizontal and vertical position of the mounting member and adjusts the location of the lines on the display accordingly.

[075] In use, the bicycle camera 10 can be secured to the handlebars of the bicycle such that a clear picture can be obtained in a forward direction from the camera while the bicycle is moving.

[076] As the storage medium within the housing 14 will have only a finite capacity, recording will be set to record in a loop. If any driver acts in an unsafe manner, audio and video of the incident may be transmitted to the processing device as evidence of the event. [077] The recorded video may be easily transferred to the processing device, for example being a mobile phone, where it can be viewed. The software may also provide means to upload the recorded video along with other information to a social media service or other online destination.

[078] The bicycle camera may include also a mechanism for detection of an event to trigger recording. The mechanism comprises a tilt sensor within the housing 14 provided to activate recording should the tilt sensor detect that the housing 12 (and therefore the bicycle) has tilted greater than a preset angle, such as 60 degrees. In the event the bicycle is knocked over, the camera will automatically commence recording.

[079] The housing 14 of the bicycle camera 10 may also be provided with a display screen (not shown). The display screen may be provided on the second side 43 of the outer wall 20 of the housing. The display may be used to display information obtained from other sensors, such as ride metrics from bicycle sensors and/or GPS data.

[080] The bicycle camera system may also be provided with a recording mode where information regarding the flashing of the headlight is used to drop frames from the recorded video footage. The frames may be dropped after recording of the footage, or the camera recording may be stopped while the light is illuminated. The system operating in this mode will include information as to when the light unit 22 is in operation and drop corresponding frames from the captured video. While the recorded video will be less smooth during playback, it will not be lit by the flashing light unit 22 and therefore easier to view.

[081 ] The bicycle camera 10 may also include a limp home mode, wherein when the battery charge has fallen below a lower limit, the operation of the camera is reduced or disabled to conserve power for operation of the light unit 22.

[082] It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention.