Top box for helmets

Abstract

A top box for a bicycle or motorcycle includes a compartment (12) adapted to accommodate at least two helmets (2, 2'). The top box has at least two first components (14, 14') of a pair of components (14-16, 14'-16') of a short-range wireless transceiver system disposed within the compartment, the second component (16, 16') of the pair being fastened to the corresponding helmet. Each first component (14, 14') is configured to send a helmet presence signal to a processing unit when it detects the presence of a helmet (2; 2') with the second component (16; 16'). The two first components (14, 14') are operatively connected to each other and configured such that only one first component can alternately establish communication with the second component (16, 16') at a time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a top box for bicycles or motorcycles suitable for accommodating at least two helmets. In particular, an object of the invention is to provide a top box equipped with a system for detecting the helmets inside. Background Technology

[0002] Bicycle and motorcycle rental services are becoming increasingly popular, especially in cities, and can be managed through software applications downloaded to mobile devices such as smartphones. As is well known, at the end of the rental period, users must return their helmets to the top rack of the bicycle or motorcycle. The rental service only ends after the helmet is returned, thus allowing for the calculation of the rental duration for which the user must pay.

[0003] To check if the helmet is inserted into the top case at the end of the rental period, it is known to install a helmet presence sensor in the top case. Examples of such sensors currently in use are load cells and photocells. Unfortunately, these sensors are not secure enough, and helmet theft frequently occurs. For example, with load cells, inserting an object with a weight equivalent to the helmet in the top case (such as a stone) can prevent theft. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a top box, a system and method for managing rental services, which overcomes the shortcomings of the aforementioned devices for detecting the presence of helmets inside the top box.

[0005] This objective is achieved using the top box, helmet, rental service management system and management methods according to this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The features and advantages of the top box, helmet, system, and method of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments provided by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] - Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the top box according to the present invention;

[0008] - Figure 2 This is a view of the individual components of the two RFID readers inserted into the top box;

[0009] - Figure 3 A perspective view of the top box and the pair of helmets is shown before they are fully inserted into the top box.

[0010] - Figure 4A perspective view of the open top box and helmet (located on the RFID reader of the top box) is shown;

[0011] - Figure 5 This is a plan view of the top box, with the helmet located inside it; and

[0012] - Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a management system for a bicycle or motorcycle rental service using the top box according to the present invention.

[0013] In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 indicates a top box for bicycles and motorcycles. The top box 1 is adapted to accommodate two helmets 2. Detailed Implementation

[0014] In the general embodiment, the top box 1 includes a top box body 10 that defines a compartment 12 adapted to accommodate at least two helmets 2, 2'.

[0015] In the following description, for clarity, reference will be made to a top box suitable for accommodating two helmets on a bicycle or motorcycle (e.g., a scooter). It is clear that the technical solutions described below can also be applied to situations involving more than two helmets, for example, if it is a top box for a four-wheeled vehicle or other vehicle, which may have a larger top box than a bicycle, scooter, or motorcycle.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, two first components 14, 14' of a pair of components 14-16, 14'-16' of a short-range wireless transceiver system (particularly a radio frequency system) are fastened in the top housing body 10.

[0017] The second parts 16 and 16' of each pair of parts 14-16, 14'-16' are fastened to the corresponding helmets 2, 2'.

[0018] Each first component 14, 14' is configured to send a helmet presence signal to the processing unit 20 when it detects the presence of a helmet 2, 2' equipped with the second components 16, 16'.

[0019] In other words, when the helmets 2 and 2' are stored in the compartment 12 in a position that causes the second components 16 and 16' to be detected by the first components 14 and 14', the first components 14 and 14' send a helmet presence signal to the processing unit 20.

[0020] In one embodiment, the processing unit 20 is part of the electronic control unit of a bicycle or motorcycle, or forms part of the electronic control unit of a bicycle or motorcycle.

[0021] Furthermore, in one embodiment, each first component 14, 14' is adapted to be powered by a battery of a bicycle or motorcycle.

[0022] Therefore, in one embodiment, each first component 14, 14' is provided with means for connecting to the electronic control unit and the battery of the bicycle or motorcycle.

[0023] In one embodiment, the short-range wireless transceiver system is a two-way system, wherein one of the two components sends a query signal, which is received by the other component, which in turn sends a response signal received by the first component.

[0024] In one embodiment, when powered on, the first components 14, 14' send a query signal; the second components 16, 16' are configured to be activated by the received query signal, thereby generating a response signal detected by the first components 14, 14'.

[0025] In one embodiment, the two first components 14, 14' are identical to each other.

[0026] In one embodiment, communication between the first components 14, 14' and the second components 16, 16' is calibrated in such a way that the second components 16, 16' can only be detected by one of the two or more first components 14, 14' that is fastened to the top box, particularly when the helmets 2 and 2' are stored in the top box, by the first component 14, 14' that is spatially closer to the second components 16, 16'.

[0027] Therefore, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As illustrated, the top box 1 may be provided with graphic indicators 4 or other guiding elements that are adapted to indicate to the user where the helmets 2, 2' should be placed relative to the first components 14, 14' so that the first components 14, 14' can detect the presence of the second components 16, 16'.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the transceiver system uses RFID or NFC technology.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, each of the first components 14, 14' is an RFID reader, also referred to as a "controller". In this case, the second components 16, 16' are RFID tags or markers attached to the helmets 2, 2'.

[0030] In one embodiment, two first components 14, 14' are fixed side by side to the bottom wall 5 of the top box 1.

[0031] In one embodiment, each RFID reader includes an electronic printed circuit board 142 and an antenna 144 for receiving RFID signals. The electronic printed circuit board 142 and the antenna 144 are housed in a fixed base 146 located on the bottom wall 5. A protective cover 148 is fastened to the base 146. For example, the base 146 and the cover 148 are made of plastic material.

[0032] Therefore, the electronic components of the RFID reader are kept within the housing formed by the base 146, which is adapted to contact the bottom wall 5 of the top box 1 and the protective cover 148.

[0033] In one embodiment, the base 146 and the corresponding cover 148 are connected to each other by fixing screws and attached to the bottom wall 5 of the top box 1.

[0034] In one embodiment, the first component 14 is provided with an optical signal device 143, which is activated when communication is established between the first components 14, 14' of the transceiver system and the corresponding second components 16, 16'. This optical signal is positioned in a manner visible to the user.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, two first components 14, 14' are operably connected to each other and configured such that only one of the two first components 14, 14' at a time (alternating with the other first component) can establish communication with the second component 16, 16'. In fact, it has been experimentally demonstrated that when the two components 14, 14' are operating simultaneously, i.e., when they both send query signals suitable for reception by the second component 16, 16', electromagnetic interference is generated that interferes with communication between the first components 14, 14' and the second components 16, 16'.

[0036] In other words, the two first components 14 and 14' do not simultaneously send query signals to the second components 16 and 16'.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the two first components 14 and 14' alternately transmit query signals suitable for reception by the corresponding second components 16, 16' according to a predetermined switching frequency. When one or both helmets are placed in the top case, the switching frequency is high enough to be imperceptible to the user.

[0038] In one embodiment, the two electronic printed circuit boards 142 of the two first components 14, 14' are connected to each other, for example, by a cable 145, so as to exchange control signals that enable the two electronic printed circuit boards 142 to operate alternately.

[0039] In one embodiment, each electronic printed circuit board 142 includes a control device, implemented, for example, by firmware, configured such that when the control device detects (e.g., via cable 145) a connection with another first component 14, 14', the control device enters a synchronous control mode in which the control device synchronizes with the control device of the other first component 14, 14' to alternately control the transmission of a query signal, for example, at a predetermined switching frequency.

[0040] In one embodiment, when only one first component 14, 14' is installed in the top box 1, the first component 14, 14' is controlled to send a query signal as soon as it is turned on.

[0041] In one embodiment, the compartment 12 of the top box 1 is configured to accommodate helmets 2, 2' only in a predetermined orientation, which allows the second components 16, 16' to be positioned at a minimum distance from the first components 14, 14'.

[0042] A bicycle or motorcycle rental management system is also an object of the present invention. The system includes a top box 1 as described above and two helmets 2 and 2', with a processing unit 20 operatively connected to the first components 14, 14'.

[0043] As described above, the processing unit 20, which can be integrated into the bicycle or motorcycle control unit, is configured to receive and process the helmet presence signal sent by the first components 14, 14', and send the processed helmet presence signal to a remote server.

[0044] The system also includes software applications distributed across a remote server 200 and a user's mobile device 250. The software application on the mobile device includes a user interface configured to request the remote server to activate the rental service and to communicate the termination of the rental service to the remote server. The application on the remote server is configured to receive a processed helmet presence signal from the processing unit 20 and authorize the termination of the user's requested rental service only if a processed helmet presence signal is present.

[0045] Therefore, at the end of the rental period, the user inserts one or more helmets used in the top box to activate communication between the components of the short-range wireless transceiver system.

[0046] In one embodiment, a user sends a request to terminate the rental to a remote server via a mobile device, such as a smartphone on which a software application for managing the rental service is stored.

[0047] In other embodiments, when the remote server receives a signal indicating the presence of the helmet in the top box, the remote server automatically terminates the rental service without requiring the user to send a rental termination request.

[0048] If the first component detects the presence of the second component of the transceiver system, it can activate the optical signal. The first components 14 and 14' send a helmet presence signal to the processing unit 20.

[0049] When the processing unit 20 has received a helmet presence signal from the first part of one or more helmets in use, it sends the processed helmet presence signal to a remote server.

[0050] Once the remote server receives the processed helmet presence signal, it authorizes the termination of the rental service.

[0051] In some embodiments, the RFID tags present on the helmet can also provide additional information to the corresponding RFID reader, such as data that uniquely identifies the helmet.

[0052] Below is an example of using the above system to manage a motorcycle rental service in an embodiment using RFID technology.

[0053] A customer approaches an available vehicle and requests to begin the rental process via a dedicated application (APP). The service is activated after appropriate checks are performed by the rental service server.

[0054] Reader devices 14 and 14' are activated and controlled to transmit query signals for tags 16 and 16'. If the top box 1 contains two helmets 2 and 2', a helmet presence signal is sent to the processing unit 20, and this information is recorded.

[0055] The customer is now able to open the top case, remove the helmet, and drive. During the driving process, the reader devices 14 and 14' can be disconnected.

[0056] At the end of the rental period, for example after the top cover is closed, the reader devices 14 and 14' are reconnected and controlled to send query signals for tags 16 and 16' in the manner described above. The query results are sent to the processing unit 20 and recorded.

[0057] Then the data obtained at the end of the lease is compared with the data recorded at the beginning of the lease.

[0058] The vehicle's processing unit 20 can then communicate to the rental company's server 200 that all conditions for rental termination have been met (top box closed and all helmets inside). The server 200 can then authorize the termination of the rental service.

[0059] Customers can now request to interrupt their rental service via the app and then make payment.

[0060] Therefore, the reader devices 14 and 14' can be disconnected and the vehicle can be parked.

[0061] Therefore, the comparison step between the helmet presence signal at the end of the rental and the helmet presence signal at the beginning of the rental allows us to know whether the end user left the vehicle under the same conditions where he / she found the helmet.

[0062] It should be noted that recording the condition of the top box associated with the user who requested and terminated the rental at the start and end of the rental allows for the identification of criminals who may have stolen one or more helmets without having to prevent the next customer from using the vehicle (if he / she finds at least one helmet in the top box, he / she can still use it).

[0063] Otherwise, if theft occurs while the vehicle is locked, the renter will immediately know what happened, as there were two helmets at the end of the previous rental but none at the start of the next. The customer will be unable to drive and will be forced to send a report to terminate the rental.

[0064] It should be noted that in some embodiments, and when power is required for the leasing process, power is sent to all reader devices installed in the top box. In fact, there is no distinction between two reader devices on the same top box, and alternately, both reader devices send query signals.

[0065] Without departing from the scope of the appended claims, those skilled in the art may make various changes, adjustments, and substitutions to the elements for other elements that function equivalently to the embodiments of the present invention, in order to meet incidental needs. Each feature described as belonging to possible embodiments may be obtained independently of the other described embodiments.

Claims

1. A top box for a bicycle, the top box comprising: A top box body (10) defines a compartment (12) adapted to accommodate at least two helmets (2, 2'), wherein at least two first components (14, 14') of a pair of components (14, 16, 14', 16') of a short-range wireless transceiver system are fastened in the top box body, and a second component (16, 16') of the pair of components is fastened to the corresponding helmet. Each first component (14, 14') is configured to send a helmet presence signal to a processing unit (20) when the first component detects the presence of a helmet (2, 2') with the second component (16, 16'). The two first components (14, 14') are operatively connected to each other and are configured such that only one first component can alternately establish communication with the second component (16, 16') at a time.

2. The top box according to claim 1, wherein, The first component (14, 14') is configured to alternately transmit query signals suitable for reception by the second component (16, 16') at a predetermined switching frequency, the switching frequency being high enough that the user will not be aware when placing one or both helmets into the top box.

3. The top box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The short-range wireless transceiver system uses RFID or NFC technology.

4. The top box according to claim 2, wherein, Each first component (14, 14') is an RFID reader equipped with an antenna (144).

5. The top box according to claim 4, wherein, Each RFID reader includes an electronic printed circuit board (142) and an RFID receiving antenna (144).

6. The top box according to claim 5, wherein, The two electronic printed circuit boards (142) in the two first components (14, 14') are connected to each other, and the two electronic printed circuit boards (142) in the two first components (14, 14') are connected to each other by a cable (145) in order to exchange control signals that enable the two electronic printed circuit boards (142) to operate alternately.

7. The top box according to claim 6, wherein, Each electronic printed circuit board (142) includes a control device configured such that when the control device detects a connection to the electronic printed circuit board (142) of another first component (14, 14'), the control devices of the two first components (14, 14') enter a synchronous control mode in which the control devices of the two first components are synchronized with the control device of the other first component (14, 14') to alternately control the transmission of the query signal.

8. The top box according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, Each electronic printed circuit board (142) and its corresponding antenna (144) are housed in a mounting base (146) located on the bottom wall of the top box, and a protective cover (148) is fastened to the mounting base.

9. The top box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each first component (14, 14') is provided with a control unit connection device adapted to operatively connect the first component to the processing unit (20) of the bicycle.

10. The top box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each first component (14, 14') is provided with a battery connection device adapted to operatively connect the first component to the battery of the bicycle.

11. The top box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The communication between the first component (14, 14') and the second component (16, 16') is calibrated so that when the helmet (2, 2') is placed in the top box, the corresponding second component (16, 16') can only be detected by the first component (14, 14') which is spatially closer to the second component (16, 16').

12. A helmet comprising at least a second component (16, 16') of a short-range wireless transceiver system configured to communicate with a corresponding first component (14, 14') of a top box according to any of the preceding claims.

13. The helmet according to claim 12, wherein, The second component is an RFID tag.

14. A system for managing bicycle rentals, the system comprising a top box according to any one of claims 1 to 11, at least two helmets (2, 2') according to claim 12 or 13, a processing unit (20), and a software application, the processing unit being operatively connected to a first component (14, 14') of the transceiver system and configured to receive and process helmet presence signals transmitted by each first component and transmit the processed helmet presence signals to a remote server, the software application being distributed on the remote server and a user's mobile device, wherein... The software application located on the mobile device includes a user interface configured to request the remote server to activate the rental service and to communicate the termination of the rental service to the remote server, wherein the application located on the remote server is configured to: receive the processed helmet presence signal from the processing unit, and authorize the termination of the rental service requested by the user only if the processed helmet presence signal is present.

15. A method for managing bicycle rentals, wherein the bicycles are operated using the system of claim 14, the method comprising the following steps: - At the start of the lease, the first component (14, 14') is provided and controlled to issue a query signal to the second component (16, 16'); - The helmet presence signal is sent to the processing unit (20), and the information is recorded; -Disable the first component (14, 14') during the lease period; - At the end of the lease, the first component (14, 14') is provided and controlled to issue a query signal to the second component (16, 16'); - The helmet presence signal is sent to the processing unit (20), and the information is recorded; - Compare the information recorded at the end of the lease with the information recorded at the beginning of the lease; - If the information is consistent, the rental service will be terminated.

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