GB2538939A

GB2538939A - A bicycle light

Info

Publication number: GB2538939A
Application number: GB1505199.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Windsor Mark
Original assignee: FULL WINDSOR Ltd
Current assignee: FULL WINDSOR Ltd
Priority date: 2015-03-26
Filing date: 2015-03-26
Publication date: 2016-12-07
Also published as: GB201505199D0

Abstract

A magnetically mountable bicycle light, comprises a base unit 100, a magnet 103 fixed to the base unit 100 and a light mechanism 104 within the base unit 100 configured to project a beam of light when activated, wherein the bicycle light is configured to releasably engage via the magnet 103 with a mount unit 101 attached to a bicycle. The mount unit 101 may also comprise a magnet 106.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII1505199.8 RTM Date:3 October 2016 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: GoPro (page 5) Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk /ipo

A BICYCLE LIGHT

Field of Invention

The present invention is in the field of bicycle lights. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to detachable bicycle lights.

Background

Bicycles may need to be ridden at night or in other low-light conditions. In these situations, a light mounted on a bicycle can provide useful illumination.

There are a number of bicycle light variations. The most common of these involves a bicycle light with a handle-bar clasp that is tightened by a bolt onto the bar of the handle-bar. The disadvantage with this bicycle light is that it cannot be easily removed. This may lead to theft or damage of the bicycle light if the bicycle is unattended.

To address this issue, other bicycle lights come with a separate mount that 20 can be attached to the handle-bar. These bicycle lights engage with this mount via a bracket.

There is a desire for an alternative to the existing bicycle lights provided in the marketplace.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a bicycle light which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least provides a useful alternative.

Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a magnetically mountable bicycle light, comprising: a base unit; a magnet fixed to the base unit; and a light mechanism within the base unit configured to project a beam of light when activated; wherein the bicycle light is configured to releasably engage via the magnet 10 with a mount unit attached to a bicycle.

The mount unit may include a magnet and the bicycle light may releasably engage with the mount unit via both magnets. A surface of the bicycle light magnet may magnetically engage with a surface of the mount magnet. A surface of the bicycle light magnet may be of a first polarity and the surface of mount magnet may be of the opposite polarity. The surfaces of both magnets may be circular.

The base unit may comprise a surface parallel to the axis of the light beam generated and the magnet may be fixed to this surface. When the bicycle light is engaged to the mount unit, the base unit may be adapted to swivel around a centre of axis of the magnet such that the light beam sweeps from side to side in front of the bicycle.

The magnet may be fixed at or near the centre of gravity of the base unit.

The base unit may be cylindrical.

The bicycle light may further include a battery unit within the base unit 30 configured to power the light mechanism.

The bicycle light may be rotationally engaged to the mount unit.

The bicycle light may be rotationally engaged to the mount unit such that the light beam can be directed by a user rotating the bicycle light.

The bicycle light may be configured to releasably engage via the magnet with a plurality of mount units. Each of the plurality of mount units may be attached to a different type of apparatus. The different types of apparatus may be selected from the set of a bicycle, a helmet, a headlamp strap, and a portable action camera.

The mount unit may be attached to the bicycle's handle-bars.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a mount unit for a light, comprising: a base unit; and a magnet fixed to the base unit; wherein the base unit is configured to attach to an apparatus and wherein the mount unit is configured to releasably engage with a magnetically mountable bicycle light as described in the first aspect.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a bicycle light kit, comprising: a magnetically mountable bicycle light as in the first aspect; and one or more mount units as in the above further aspect.

Other aspects of the invention are described within the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1: shows a bicycle light and mount in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2: shows a bicycle light and helmet mount in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3: shows a bicycle light engaged with a helmet mount in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4: shows a bicycle light and portable action camera mount in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5: shows a bicycle light and headlamp mount in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figures 6a and 6b: show a bicycle light engaged with a mount attached to a bicycle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 7: shows a bicycle light engaged with a helmet mount attached to a helmet in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 8: shows a bicycle light engaged with a headlamp mount attached to a headlamp band in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figures 9a, 9b, and 9c: show a bicycle light and a helmet mount in various configurations in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The present invention provides a magnetically mountable bicycle light.

The inventor has discovered that by constructing a bicycle light with a magnet that the bicycle light can be easily and securely attached to a mount on a bicycle. The inventor has also discovered that due to the simplicity of the mounting/dismounting process that the bicycle light can be repurposed by users to engage with mounts on other apparatus, such as helmets, headlight bands, and portable action cameras (such as GoProTM) In Figure 1, a bicycle light 100 and bicycle mount 101 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown.

The bicycle light 100 includes a base unit 102, a magnet 103, and a light mechanism 104. The light mechanism 104 may be powered by a battery unit within the base unit 102. The light mechanism 104 may be activated, for example, by a switch.

The light mechanism 104 may be configured to generate a beam of light when activated. The light mechanism 104 may include one or more bulbs or LEDs to generate the light beam.

The magnet 103 and base unit 102 are shown in exploded form. The magnet 103 is fixed to the base unit 102 within a pocket 105 on the surface of the base unit 102. The magnet 103 may be fixed by glue. In alternative embodiments, the magnet 103 may be held in by a flange. The magnet 103 may be coated in plastic to protect it from damage.

The mount 101 may be configured for attaching to a bicycle, preferably, the handle bar of the bicycle. The mount 101 may be attached to the handle bar by, for example, a clasp formed of spring steel and tightened or fastened via a screw and/or lever.

A second magnet 106 may be fixed to the mount 101 within a pocket 107 on 5 the surface of the mount 101. The second magnet 106 may be fixed by glue and may be coated in plastic.

The bicycle light 100 may releasably engage with the mount 101 via the two magnets 103 and 106. The use of one or more magnets 103 and/or 106 to connect the bicycle light 100 and the mount 101 may provide the ability for users to easily attach and detach the bicycle light 100 from the bicycle whilst providing a secure attachment to the bicycle when in use.

In an alternative embodiment, the mount 101 may include a magnetically 15 attractive material, such as iron, instead of a second magnet 106. However, the use of a magnet 103 in the bicycle light 100 and a magnet 106 in the mount 101 may provide a stronger bond.

Both magnets 103 and 106 may be circular. The use of circularity in the magnets 103 and 106 may facilitate user-controlled rotation of the bicycle light 100 with respect to the mount 101. It can be seen that such rotation will enable the light beam generated by the light mechanism 104 to sweep or move from side to side within the same plane as the circularity.

The mount 101 and second magnet 106 are shown in exploded form.

Figure 2 shows the bicycle light 100 and a helmet mount 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

The helmet mount 200 may include a magnet 201.

The helmet mount 200 may also include a vertical swivel 202 to permit a user to position the light beam vertically. The helmet mount 200 may include one or more slots 203 to enable attachment to a helmet via a band.

The mount 200 and magnet 201 are shown in exploded view.

The bicycle light 100 may releasably engage with the helmet mount 200 via the bicycle light magnet 103 and the helmet mount magnet 201.

Figure 3 shows the bicycle light 100 releasably engaged with the helmet mount 200 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 shows the bicycle light 100 and a mount 400 for a portable adventure camera in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

The camera mount 400 may include a magnet 401.

The mount 400 and magnet 401 are shown in exploded view.

The bicycle light 100 may releasably engage with the camera mount 400 via the bicycle light magnet 103 and the camera mount magnet 401.

Figure 5 shows the bicycle light 100 and a mount 500 for a headlamp in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

The headlamp mount 500 may include a magnet 501. The headlamp mount 500 may include one or more slots 502 to enable attachment to a headband.

The mount 500 and magnet 501 are shown in exploded view.

The bicycle light 100 may releasably engage with the headlamp mount 500 via the bicycle light magnet 103 and the headlamp mount magnet 501.

Figure 6a and 6b show a mount 600 attached to a bicycle 601 and a bicycle light 602 engaged with the mount 600 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

The bicycle light 602 and mount 600 are releasably engaged via circular magnets within both bicycle light 602 and the mount 600.

The bicycle light 602 can be rotated clockwise 603 and counter-clockwise 604 10 around the axis of the centre of the circular magnet(s). It can be seen that rotation of the light will arc the light beam 605 from the bicycle light left and right in front of the bicycle 601.

Figure 7 shows a helmet mount 700 attached to a helmet 701 via a band 702 15 and a bicycle light 703 engaged with the helmet mount 700 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

The bicycle light 703 engages with the helmet mount 700 via at least one magnet within the bicycle light 703.

Figure 8 shows a headlamp mount 800 attached to a headband 801 worn by a user and a bicycle light 802 engaged with the headlamp mount 800 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

The bicycle light 802 engages with the headlamp mount 800 via one or more magnets within the bicycle light 802 and/or headlamp mount 800. The engaged surfaces of the magnets may be circular.

The bicycle light 802 can be rotated clockwise and counter-clockwise around 30 the axis of the centre of the circular magnet(s). It can be seen that rotation of the light will sweep the light beam from the bicycle light 802 down and up in front of the user.

Figures 9a, 9b, and 9c show a bicycle light 900 and a helmet mount 901 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

The bicycle light 900 includes a magnet for engaging with a magnet 902 of the helmet mount 901.

The bicycle light 900 is detached from the helmet mount 901 in Figure 9a.

The bicycle light 900 is attached to the helmet mount 901 in Figures 9b and 9c.

Figure 9c shows vertical rotation of the bicycle light 900 via the vertical swivel 903.

In one embodiment of the invention, any of the mounts described and/or base unit of the bicycle light could include bumps or ridges to lock the bicycle light into a specific angle.

Potential advantage of some embodiments of the present invention are that the bicycle light can be easily attached and detached from the mount, the bicycle light can be re-used and attached to different types of mount, and the bicycle light can be securely attached to mounts.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art.

Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

Claims A magnetically mountable bicycle light, comprising: a base unit; a magnet fixed to the base unit; and a light mechanism within the base unit configured to project a beam of light when activated; wherein the bicycle light is configured to releasably engage via the magnet with a mount unit attached to a bicycle.
2. A bicycle light as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mount unit includes a magnet and wherein the bicycle light releasably engages with the mount unit via both magnets.
3. A bicycle light as claimed in claim 2, wherein a surface of the bicycle light magnet magnetically engages with a surface of the mount magnet.
4. A bicycle light as claimed in claim 3, wherein the surface of the bicycle light magnet is of a first polarity and the surface of mount magnet is of a polarity inverse to the first polarity.
5. A bicycle light as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the surfaces of both magnets are circular.
6. A bicycle light as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base unit comprises a surface parallel to the axis of the light beam generated and wherein the magnet is fixed to this surface.
7. A bicycle light as claimed in claim 6, wherein, when the bicycle light is engaged to the mount unit, the base unit is adapted to swivel around a centre of axis of the magnet such that the light beam sweeps from side to side in front of the bicycle.
8. A bicycle light as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnet is fixed at or near the centre of gravity of the base unit.
9. A bicycle light as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the base unit is cylindrical.
10. A bicycle light as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a battery unit within the base unit configured to power the light mechanism.
11. A bicycle light as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bicycle is rotationally engaged to the mount unit.
12. A bicycle light as claimed in claim 11, wherein the bicycle is rotationally engaged to the mount unit such that the light beam can be directed by a user rotating the bicycle light.
13. A bicycle light as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bicycle light is configured to releasably engage via the magnet with a plurality of mount units.
14. A bicycle light as claimed in claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of mount units is attached to a different type of apparatus.
15. A bicycle light as claimed in claim 14, wherein the different types of apparatus are selected from the set of a bicycle, a helmet, a headlamp strap, and a portable action camera.
16. A bicycle light as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mount unit is attached to the bicycle's handle-bars.
17. A mount unit for a light, comprising: a base unit; and a magnet fixed to the base unit; wherein the base unit is configured to attach to an apparatus and wherein the mount unit is configured to releasably engage with a magnetically mountable bicycle light as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16.
18. A mount unit as claimed in claim 17, wherein the apparatus is a bicycle. 10
19. A bicycle light kit, comprising: a magnetically mountable bicycle light as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16; and one or more mount units as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 18.
20. A bicycle light as herein described with reference to the Figures.