CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION (S)

[0001] This International PCT application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/158,514 filed March 9, 2021, titled "Brake Light for Bicycles," the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety .

Field

[0002] This invention relates to a brake light for bicycles.

More particularly, it relates to an easy-to-install automatic brake light.

Background

[0003] Tail lights are common on bicycles as a warning signal to others while riding at night (or even daylight). Typically, this involves a "dumb" light that is flashed in a pattern selected by flipping a switch on the light by the rider. Tail lights that turn on or go brighter upon braking are available, but such devices require GPS or accelerometers, or other complicated systems and ultimately are expensive. Additionally, the braking functionality of such devices is unreliable due to the deceleration sensitivity set for the accelerometer. The higher the sensitivity, the more likely the brake light will activate unnecessarily. The lower the sensitivity, the less likely the brake light will activate when necessary.

[0004] In view of the above, what is needed in the industry is a simple system that is able to sense braking by the rider and trigger the appropriate lighting function. To this end, various method (s) and device(s) are elucidated below. SUMMARY

[ 0005 ] The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[ 0006 ] In one aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a bicycle tail light system is provided, comprising: a closed housing; an electrical controller in the housing with at least one of an arming (power on), dearming (power off), and mode of operation contact; a power source in the housing providing power to the controller; a tail light on a face of the housing and controlled by signals from the controller; and a magnetic sensor with a first and second element, the first element in electrical communication to the controller, wherein a proximity of either elements to each other changes a state of the magnetic sensor, which is relayed to the controller, to initiate a lighting sequence of the tail light, wherein at least one of the magnetic sensor's elements is configured to be attached to at least one of a bicycle's brake cable, frame tube, and brake caliper, and at least one of the first and second element moves when a braking action is initiated.

[ 0007 ] In another aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the above bicycle tail light system is provided, further comprising a coupler on the housing, enabling coupling of the housing to at least one of a bicycle seat, seat post, frame, rear rack, and fender; and/or wherein the at least one arming (power on) or dearming (power off) contact is a different than the mode of operation contact; and/or wherein the tail light is disposed on at least one of a rear, top, bottom, side face of the housing; and/or wherein the brake caliper is for a rear wheel; and/or wherein the electrical communication is via at least one of an electrical wire and wireless from the magnetic sensor to the housing; and/or wherein the first element is fixed in motion and the second element moves when the braking action is initiated; and/or wherein the non-moving element is at least one of hollow, disc-shaped, bar-shaped, and solid; and/or wherein the first element is attached to a brake cable guide; and/or wherein the first element is under electrical communication to the controller; and/or wherein the second element is under electrical communication to the controller; and/or wherein the first element functions as a brake cable guide; and/or wherein a first magnetic sensor is responsive to a rear brake action and a second magnetic sensor is response to a front brake action; and/or wherein the power source is a battery; and/or wherein the housing is rectangular; and/or wherein the tail light is arranged to form a polygonal shape; and/or wherein the change of state is either an on or off signal; and/or wherein the change of state is an analog signal; and/or wherein the controller measures a duration of the change of state to alter the lighting sequence.

[0008] In yet another aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a method for signaling a braking action on a bicycle is provided, comprising: receiving a triggering signal from a magnetic sensor disposed on a bicycle, indicating an increased proximity of a first and second element of the magnetic sensor from an earlier positional state, wherein one of the first and second element is attached to a brake cable and the non-cable attached element is fixed to either a brake caliper or frame tube in close proximity to the first element; and processing the triggering signal and lighting a LED, wherein the LED is disposed on a housing attached to a rear of a bicycle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] FIGS. 1A-D are illustrations of a front view, front perspective, rear view, and right side view, respectively of an exemplary embodiment's tail light housing.

[0010] FIG. 2A shows a rear mounting of the housing to the back of a bicycle's seat.

[0011] FIG. 2B shows a side view of the mounted housing utilizing seat-connecting arm.

[0012] FIG. 2C shows a side of the housing mounted to a bicycle seat post.

[0013] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the main components of the exemplary brake light system, installed on a typical bicycle brake.

[0014] FIG. 4 is an illustration showing the various system elements described in an exemplary system.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a schematic of one possible electrical circuit design for use with the exemplary tail light system.

[0016] FIGS. 6A-C contain illustrations for alternate brake sensor locations-combinations and embodiments on a bicycle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present system addresses a need of the bicycling community by providing a simple and accurate brake-sensing tail light. Various possible embodiments are described below, understanding that one of ordinary skill in the art may modify or change aspects of the illustrated and described embodiments, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. [0018] FIGS. 1A-D are illustrations of a front view, front perspective, rear view, and right side view, respectively of an exemplary embodiment's tail light housing 110 having an embedded or integral light source 120 (typically one or more arranged LEDs) in a sample octagonal arrangement at a rear and/or side(s) of the housing 110. Housing 110 contains any necessary circuitry and power for the system.

[0019] In one embodiment, the housing 110 is coupled via a wired line to a magnetic sensor(s) (not shown) that triggers the light source 120, as further detailed below. The arming/de arming of the light source 120 is via one or more control buttons disposed on the housing or, in some embodiments, alternately on the light source 120 (e.g., pressing the light), or another position on the system. An example of one such possible control button is seen in FIG. ID as element 130. In some embodiments, alternate control buttons can also provide mode changes, etc. options. For example, in FIG. IB, button 140 can provide the interface for mode changing (e.g., flashing, steady, brighter, etc.). It is expressly understood that in some embodiments, the "on/off" button 130 and mode button 140 may be the same button, wherein different button "presses" types or "duration" results in the desired action. The button (s) may be a slide switch, rotate, press-in or any type of button interface.

[0020] Commensurate with the housing 110 is a coupler or clip 150 to attach the tail light to the rear of the bike or a bike's saddle. Here, the housing 110 is shown as a rectangular box, but it can be of any shape, as well as any size according to implementation preference. Similarly, the octagonal arrangement, or positioning of the light source, or shape can be altered to another shape (e.g., linear, circular, polygon, etc.) color, size, location, or number of light sources. It goes without saying that typical bicycle accessories are weather proof, thus, the housing 110 may be "environmentally" weatherproof, being closed against overt water penetration.

Thus, changes, variations to the appearance of the housing 110 and light source 120 can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure .

[ 0021 ] In a prototype embodiment, the detection of a braking action by the rider via movement of the brake cable can initiate a change in the brake light operation, a non-limiting example being a steady flashing to faster and perhaps, subsequent transition to solid light. Various levels of brightness, color, and/or flashing can be used to indicate different stages of the braking process. Various available modes are well known in the bicycling arts and can be implemented herein.

[ 0022 ] FIG. 2A shows a rear mounting of the housing 110 to the back of a bicycle's seat 220. FIG. 2B shows a side view of the mounted housing 110 utilizing an "arm" 230 to connect the housing 110 to the seat 220. While a "clip-to-arm-to-seat" arrangement is shown as one possible mounting scheme, it is fully understood that alternate connection and mounting schemes may be utilized. For example, FIG. 2C shows a side view of the housing 110 mounted to a seat post 275. As a non-limiting example, a side mounted clip may also be situated on the tail light housing, allowing mounting of the tail light assembly to a part of the bike's frame, rear rack, fender, etc. and so forth. [ 0023 ] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the main components of the exemplary brake light system, installed directly on a brake 320. Housing 110 is electrically connected (shown here as using a wire 115, but can be wireless) to a brake sensing assembly 300 attached to a brake cable 310 which is in turn attached to a brake caliper 320 of a bicycle. It is noted that optimally, the rear brake is utilized as that is most often used during braking, but the system can also be affixed to a front brake or both brakes (e.g., the braking caliper, the braking piston/system, or brake cable, etc.). Appropriate positioning on the brake caliper 320 provides real-time assessment of braking by the rider.

[ 0024 ] The magnetic sensor(s) 300 is comprised of two elements: first element 302 providing a reference signal to establish a non-movement or quiescent position of the caliper 320, and the second element 308 interrupting or changing a state of the first element 302 when the second element 308 is in proximity to the first element 302. The first element 302 can be made "stationary" or isolated from significant movement by being restricted by brake caliper barrel 322 or the like. The second element 308 can be the "moving" element, being directly attached to the cable 310 or alternately to the top of the side arm 324 of the caliper 320, and as such will move with the cable's movement. This type of magnetic sensor arrangement removes the need to have physical contact between elements (though, contact is possible). Further, this magnetic approach is invariant to weather conditions, unlike electrical current approaches. One of the two elements can be powered or have a signal running through it. It is understood that the arrangement and/or powering of the first vs. second element may be reversed, if so desired.

This magnetic sensor arrangement is similar to the sensors found in home security systems for window and entry ways, and their teachings are understood to be within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art,

[ 0025 ] In a quiescent state, first element 302 and second element 308 are separated from each other, and a non-activated or a non-braking state is indicated. In a braking state, upon the rider pulling on his brake, the brake cable 310 rises towards upper first element 302 on the caliper 320, drawing with it lower second element 308 attached thereto. Thus, second element's 308 proximity to the first element 302 will interrupt or trigger first element's 302 sensing action. This triggering signal is sent to the housing 110 via a wire 115 (or wireless), to be evaluated by a control circuit (not shown), which in turn, turns on the light source 120. As noted above, the second element 308 may be the reference element with the first element 302 acting as the disrupter or trigger, that is, their positioning may be reversed.

[0026] It is expressly understood that there may not be the need for a fixed or reference-position element at all, since proximity between the two elements determines triggering. For example, in some installations, both elements may move towards each other causing an alteration in the reference element's field response, setting off the triggering action. This is possible where a caliper or brake design system utilizes two "arms" or points of movement in the braking system, such that they pull towards each other. Here, the placement of the elements on the brake cable may not be the desired or optimal position, but perhaps on other mechanical features of the braking system.

[0027] It is understood that this FIG. illustrates a side pull caliper system, but the exemplary system may be adapted to a center pull or disc brake system, various other braking systems, etc. only requiring, in this particular FIG. 3's embodiment, a reference (relatively stationary) point and a moving (brake cable movement) point for placement of the respective sensors. [0028] In an exemplary prototype, the brand of magnetic sensor used was by a company called Littlefuse. The reference sensor's dimensions were: 5.1mm (0.201") in diameter and 15.24mm (0.600") in length. The reference sensor can be "hollow," thus allowing the brake cable to pass through it, or it may be solid, a bar, a disc, etc. with the cable passing "by it." The moving or triggering sensor was a magnet with near identical dimensions.

In operation, the magnetic sensor can work similarly to a Reed switch. For example, the responding switch in the reference sensor can have two flexible ferromagnetic contacts in a sealed (hermetically) container. The contacts do not need to "touch," however when a magnetic field is introduced, the contacts flex and come into contact with one another, thus closing a circuit. Conversely, the opening of circuit may provide a similar "triggering" action. In other embodiments, the "contacts" or electronic switching may be located in the housing 110, where a change in a signal parameter from the magnetic sensor is detected.

[ 0029 ] Of course, other types of "magnetic" switch configurations can be used, where the interruption can be non- contact based, or causes a change in resistance, or capacitance, or inductance, or current, or voltage, wherein the change corresponds to a braking state. Further, if the magnetic switch is analog in response, the level or degree of braking (how much the brake caliper is being closed) can also be determined and such information can accordingly be signaled via light source 120.

[ 0030 ] In a prototype version, a wired connection 115 was utilized between the second element 308 and the tail light's housing 110. However, in other versions, it is understood that a non-wired version may be devised, using wireless communication between the first (or second) element to the tail light assembly. Such a system, undoubtably will require an independent powering of the respective element (e.g., battery). [ 0031 ] FIG. 4 is an illustration showing the various system elements described above, in a prototype embodiment. Housing 110 is connected to first sensor element 302 via a wire 115 (which may or may not carry power to sensor element 302 - depending on the type of sensing approach used). Second sensor or magnetic element 308 is shown as not physically connected to sensor element 302, noting that interaction between the two elements is via an electrical or magnetic field response.

[ 0032 ] FIG. 5 is a schematic of one possible electrical circuit design for use with the exemplary tail light system. "Switch" 405 represents the first-second element interaction. A simple microcontroller 410 can be used to coordinate the respective actions and may be turned on/off via a control button 420, as well as have different modes 430 available. A power source (e.g., battery) 440 manages the powering of the light source 450 and can be internal to the housing. As stated above, a non- wired version will require independent powering of the magnetic sensor (s) as well as respective trans-receivers. While FIG. 5 shows one possible circuit arrangement, it is well understood that one of ordinary skill in the electrical arts may modify, alter, change the circuits and arrangements without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[ 0033 ] FIGS. 6A-C contain illustrations for alternate brake sensor locations/combinations and embodiments on a bicycle 600. FIG. 6A shows exemplary embodiments A, B, and C, respectively installed on the top/main frame tube 650 to a rear brake situated on the "top" 620 of the rear wheel; on down tube 635 to a brake situated on the "center" 630 of the rear wheel; and directly connecting to front brake situated on the "top" 640 of front wheel. These different locations illustrate that such a system can be utilized on front brakes as well as rear brakes and can be located away from the braking (caliper) systems, if so desired.

[ 0034 ] A blowup illustration of the magnetic sensor arrangement of embodiments A and B is commonly shown in FIG. 6B, where the magnet sensor(s) are "coupled" to the brake cable 610 that runs from the handlebar's brake lever (not shown) to the rear wheel caliper (not shown), along the top or down tube 625. By placing the "moving" element 608 to the cable 610 and the "reference" element 602 to or proximal to the brake cable guide 618, an analogous interaction between the sensor's elements can be obtained for triggering a braking signal to the tail light system. It should be understood that any location that allows placement of the respective elements can suffice, therefore, while FIG. 6B in in the context of a top or down tube 625, other bicycle structures or locations can be relied upon.

[ 0035 ] FIG. 6C describes an embodiment where a cross-section is shown with one of the elements hollow in form (to allow the brake cable 610 to pass through it) and is stationary. This embodiment shows the hollow element 672 situated inside the cable guide 688 but in an alternate design (not shown), the element 673 can be the cable guide itself, while moving element 682 is attached to the cable 610. In these scenarios, either element 682, 688 can be powered/connected to the controller (not shown).

[ 0036 ] In view of the various possibilities shown, the present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.