Automatic bicycle light system

Abstract

An automatic bicycle lighting system is provided, the automatic bicycle lighting system comprising a light module including a sensor and a processor, the light module enabling the color and / or blinking state of the emitted light to be changed depending on the physical orientation of the module. The sensor and processor also allow the operating state of the light module to be adjusted depending on whether movement of the light module is sensed. The module is used in conjunction with a pedal configured to removably receive the module and / or with an auxiliary mount for mounting the module to other components of the bicycle, such as, for example, handlebars, seat posts, frame tubes, helmets, and / or rider clothing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to bicycle safety equipment and, in particular, to a pedal featuring a removable position sensing light module. Background Art

[0002] In the early stages of bicycle development, bicycles and bicycle pedals were equipped with reflectors to increase safety when riding at night. However, reflectors, while effective, depend on an external light source for illumination, such as a car headlight or streetlight. In the absence of an external light source, reflectors are ineffective. Later bicycles were equipped with handlebar-mounted headlights and rear frame-mounted taillights that used incandescent bulbs. Typically, such lights were battery-powered, although dynamo-powered headlights have also been sold. The main disadvantage of these systems is that the incandescent bulbs, whether battery-powered or dynamo-powered, produce a relatively dim beam of light with little forward projection.

[0003] Recently, LED-based battery-powered lights have become available for handlebar and frame mounting. LED lights have proven to be a substantial improvement in the field of bicycle lights, as they provide a substantial increase in light output over incandescent bulb lights, and have proven to be effective both as headlights, which typically project white light, and as taillights, which typically project red light. Circuits have also been developed that allow taillights to operate in a flashing mode.

[0004] To further improve the safety of cyclists riding at night, LED lights have been designed for use with bicycle pedals, typically as an "add-on" product that is attached to the pedals. Prior art LED-based lights for pedals typically feature forward-facing and rearward-facing amber LEDs, as the lights lack any ability to sense whether they are in a forward-facing or rearward-facing position. Existing pedal-mounted LED lights also typically suffer from a narrow beam spread with little forward projection. As a result, these lights are primarily effective only for indicating the presence of a cyclist, but otherwise provide only very limited forward illumination (if any), and are generally useless for assisting the cyclist in seeing the surface of a road or trail when riding at night. Prior art pedal-mounted lights also typically provide little in the way of side illumination, and are cumbersome to turn on or off when manually operated.

[0005] As discussed above, there is room for improvement in the field of pedal mounted bicycle lamps. What is needed in this field is a pedal mounted lamp with position and motion sensing capabilities. The position sensing capability would allow the lamps to "sense" whether they are facing forward or backward. Summary of the invention

[0006] The automatic bicycle lighting system of the present invention includes a light emitting diode ("LED") based light module and a bicycle pedal specially designed to receive the light module, as well as other mounting means for the module.

[0007] The pedal mounted bicycle light modules of the present invention improve upon the prior art by providing light modules that are able to sense their relative position on the bicycle (i.e., the light modules can automatically sense whether they are facing forward or backward). By providing motion sensing capabilities, the light modules can also sense whether they are stationary or moving. The present invention also includes pedals specifically designed to accommodate the light modules and other mounting arrangements for the modules.

[0008] The position sensing capability provides a substantial advantage over the prior art because when the light modules sense that they are in a forward facing position, they project a bright white light which, in addition to indicating to motor vehicles the presence of the rider, improves the rider's ability to see the road or path ahead of him. When the light modules sense that they are in a rearward facing position, the modules project a bright red light which warns motor vehicles of the presence of the rider approaching or overtaking. Because the light modules of the present invention automatically detect whether they are facing forward or rearward, and automatically determine what type of light to output, i.e., white or red, based on the detected position, the rider does not need to be concerned with pedal position when the rider first sets off on his bicycle. That is, the rider does not need to manually rotate the pedals at the beginning of each ride to ensure that the white light is facing forward.

[0009] The motion sensing capability of the pedal-mounted light modules of the present invention also provides substantial advantages over prior art pedal-mounted lights. Specifically, the ability of the light modules to sense whether they are stationary or moving (corresponding to whether the bicycle on which they are mounted is stationary or moving) allows the modules to adjust the LED power output. Thus, when motion is sensed, the LEDs operate at maximum output. When motion ceases, the LED output is reduced or turned off for a predetermined period of time as the light modules enter "standby mode." In standby mode, sensitivity to motion is quite high, and upon detection of even a small amount of resumed motion, the light modules will quickly turn on the LEDs or increase output. After a predetermined period of time has passed, the light modules enter a dormant state with reduced sensitivity to motion. However, upon detection of a predetermined increase in the amount of motion or after a threshold amount of motion has been detected for a specific duration, the light modules will automatically wake up. The motion sensing capability not only saves battery power, but also eliminates the need for the rider to manually turn on or adjust the light modules before a ride is initiated.

[0010] The above and other advantages of the pedal lighting system of the present invention will be described in more detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1is a right side perspective view of the automatic bicycle light system of the present invention, showing the pedal and the light module enclosed within the pedal.

[0012] Figure 2 is a right side perspective view of the automatic bicycle light system of the present invention showing a pedal with one light module removed therefrom.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 00136] A left perspective view of an automatic bicycle light system of FIG. 10, showing a pedal with two light modules removed therefrom.

[0014] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA shows the inner portion of the pedal.

[0015] Figure 5 is an exemplary block diagram depicting the electrical components of the light module of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 6 is a right side perspective view of a light module of the present invention showing the module in a vertical orientation.

[0017] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Another perspective view of a light module of FIG. 1 , showing the module in a horizontal orientation.

[0018] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 0 is a left perspective view of a lamp module showing the module in a vertical orientation.

[0019] Fig. 9 is an exemplary top-level flow chart showing the programming steps for setting the color state of the light module of the present invention.

[0020] Fig.9A is an exemplary schematic diagram showing when the light module changes its color state when the pedal is rotated clockwise.

[0021] Fig. 9B is an exemplary schematic diagram showing when the light module changes its color state when the pedal is rotated counterclockwise.

[0022] Fig. 10A is an exemplary perspective view of a light module of the present invention with reference to X, Y and Z reference axes.

[0023] FIG. 10B is an exemplary diagram showing when the light module is in a vertical orientation in the YZ plane.

[0024] FIG10C is an exemplary diagram showing when the light module is in a vertical orientation in the XZ plane;

[0025] 11 is a perspective view of an auxiliary holder suitable for use with the light module of the present invention, showing the light module retained in the holder.

[0026] 12 is another perspective view of the auxiliary support of FIG. 11 showing the light module partially inserted into the support.

[0027] 13 is another perspective view of the auxiliary support of FIG. 11 showing the light module removed from the support.

[0028] 14 is another perspective view of the auxiliary mount of FIG. 11 showing the location of the magnets within the mount and an adapter attachable to the mount suitable for attaching the mount to a tube, such as a handlebar and bicycle frame tube.

[0029] Fig.15 is another perspective view of the auxiliary support of FIG. 11 , showing a clevis-style adapter attachable to the support, suitable for attaching the support to an interface equipped with a clevis fitting.

[0030] Fig.16 is another perspective view of the auxiliary support of FIG. 11 , showing another adapter attachable to the support suitable for attaching the support to a belt or strap.

[0031] FIG. 17 shows that FIG. 17 includes two FIG. 17A and Fig. 17B Flowchart of the process.

[0032] 17A is a first portion of a flow chart including firmware processing steps suitable for operating the light module of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 17B is the second part of the flow chart comprising firmware processing steps suitable for running the lamp module of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown. However, the present invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and the scope of the present invention will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Throughout the text, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0035] Reference Figure 1-Figure 4 , the automatic bicycle lighting system 10 of the present invention includes an LED-based light module 12 and a bicycle pedal 14 that is specifically designed to accommodate the light module 12. Other mounting arrangements for the light module 12 are also shown.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the pedal 14 of the present invention generally includes a pedal frame 16, which includes a hub 18. The hub 18 includes an axle 22. The axle 22 can rotate freely within the hub 18 connected to the pedal frame 16. The inboard end 24 of the axle 22 is threaded and can be attached to a corresponding threaded opening in a bicycle crank arm (not shown). The pedal frame 16 includes a first abutment 26 and a second abutment 28 and a set of treads 20 arranged on the first abutment 26 and the second abutment 28. The set of treads 20 is used to improve the engagement between the rider's shoe and the pedal 14.

[0037] The pedal frame 16 includes a pair of lamp module retaining grooves 30, which are arranged equidistantly from each other on each side of the hub 18 and between the first abutment 26 and the second abutment 28. Each lamp module retaining groove 30 includes a shock-absorbing groove 32 (at Figure 2 and Figure 4 The anti-vibration groove 32 is formed with the anti-vibration lug 34 (see FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 8 ) engagement. The magnet 38 is disposed in the side wall 36 of the lamp module holding groove 30 (at Figure 4 A magnet 40 is disposed in the face of each lamp module 12 (see Figure 3 and Figure 7 ). The magnets 38, 40 generally have similar physical configurations and have opposite polarities. Thus, the magnets 38, 40 with opposite polarities serve to keep the lamp module 12 securely retained in the lamp module retaining slot 30. The pedal frame also includes a power connector retaining slot 35 (see Figure 4 ), the power connector retaining groove 35 receives the power connector 70 of the lamp module 12 so as to better fix the lamp module 12 in the lamp module retaining groove 30 of the pedal frame 16.

[0038] The pedal frame 16 also includes longitudinal pedal face openings 42 disposed equidistant from one another about the hub 18. The longitudinal pedal face openings 42 are disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pedal shaft 22. The longitudinal pedal face openings 42 are used to allow light to be projected from the longitudinal face of each lamp module 12.

[0039] The pedal frame 16 further includes an outer pedal surface opening 46 (see Figure 2 ). For purposes of this disclosure, the term "outer pedal face openings" or "outer side faces" refers to those openings on the face of the pedal frame 16 opposite the threaded end 24 of the pedal axle 22. That is, the term "outer pedal face openings" or "outer side faces" refers to those faces of the pedal frame 16 that are farthest from the crank arm of the bicycle to which the pedal 14 is attached. The outer pedal face openings 46 are disposed equidistant from one another on either side of the hub 18. The outer pedal face openings are used to allow light to be projected outwardly from the outboard side faces 48 of each light module 12.

[0040] The pedals 14 of the present invention are specifically designed to maximize the visibility of the light modules 12, making the rider easily visible and identifiable to vehicle operators at night. With two pedals 14 (i.e., right and left) and two light modules 12 in each pedal, the longitudinal pedal face openings 42 and the outboard pedal face openings 46 allow light to be projected 360 degrees around the bicycle, which maximizes the rider's discovery by vehicles. The longitudinal pedal face openings and the outboard pedal face openings also allow some light to be projected onto the ground, and thereby create an illuminated ground section, further enhancing the rider's visibility.

[0041] Reference Figure 5-Figure 8 , the light module 12 of the present invention includes a light module housing 62 that is configured to be removably receivable within the light module retaining slot 30 of the pedal frame 16. The light module housing 62 includes a longitudinally facing light source 64 and an outboard facing light source 66 that are configured to project light through the longitudinal pedal face opening 42 and the outboard pedal face opening 46, respectively, in the pedal frame 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinally facing light source 64 and the outboard facing light source 66 include "chip-on-board" LED strips that are capable of emitting both red and white light. LED strips that emit different colors and / or more colors are commercially available and are also suitable for use as the light source for the light module 12 of the present invention.

[0042] The light module 12 of the present invention has at least two light states, wherein a first light state corresponds to a specific light color and a second light state corresponds to a different light color. The first light state and the second light state may also correspond to a light source in a flashing mode or to a combination of a specific color and a flashing mode. The first light state and the second light state may also correspond to a light source that is "on" or "off".

[0043] Formed in the side wall of the light module housing 62 are magnets 40 for engaging magnets 38 disposed in the wall of the light module retaining slot 30, the two magnets being used to secure the light module 12 in the retaining slot 30. The light module housing 62 also includes anti-vibration tabs 34 that engage with the anti-vibration slots 32 of the light module retaining slot 30, which are used to prevent the light module 12 within the pedal 14 from shaking during riding of a bicycle equipped with the automatic bicycle lighting system 10 of the present invention. The light module 12 is also equipped with an on / off switch 68, a power connector 70 in the form of a USB charging plug, and a gripping element 72 disposed on opposite sides of the light module housing 62.

[0044] Reference Figure 5-Figure 8 With special reference to Figure 5, the light module 12 includes a processor controlled circuit 74 disposed within the light module housing 62. The circuit 74 includes a processor ("CPU") 50, a mounting configuration sensor 52, an orientation sensor 54, a motion sensor 56, a battery 58, and a battery charging and protection module 60. The circuit 74 also includes a manually operable on / off switch 68 (see Figure 6 and Figure 8 ). The processor 50 includes an instruction set that allows the processor 50 to control operation, i.e., to set the state of the light module 12 during use based on inputs from the mounting configuration sensor 52, the orientation sensor 54, and the motion sensor 56. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting configuration sensor 52 is a Hall effect sensor, the orientation sensor 54 is a gyroscope-accelerometer combination, and the motion sensor 56 is a three-axis accelerometer. FIG. 17 shows an exemplary flow chart 99 of a processor instruction set 99 suitable for use with the light module 12 of the present invention. In the figure, the abbreviation "LP" refers to a long button press, e.g., about 1.5 seconds or longer, while the abbreviation "SP" refers to a short button press, e.g., less than 1.5 seconds. The term "high sensitivity" refers to any movement, and the term "low sensitivity" refers to intermittent movement of at least 2.5 seconds.

[0045] The circuit 74 may also include a radio 94 that communicates information about the status of the light module 12 to an external device, such as, for example, a mobile phone. The circuit 94 may also be configured such that the processor 50 responds to signals received from the radio 94 .

[0046] The mounting configuration sensor 52 (which is a Hall effect sensor in the exemplary embodiment) detects the presence and polarity of a magnet 96 embedded in the pedal frame 16, and the processor 50 uses this information to determine whether the light module 12 is in the left or right pedal because the polarity of the magnet 96 is different in the left and right pedals.

[0047] The processor 50 also uses the Hall effect sensor as a trigger to turn off the light module 12 when the light module 12 is removed from the pedal and / or the auxiliary support. Specifically, when the light module 12 is removed from the pedal, the processor 50 uses the Hall effect sensor to detect a state change from "magnet present (north or south)" to "magnet not present", and turns off the light module when the "magnet not present" condition is detected.

[0048] The orientation sensor 54 allows the processor to determine the orientation of the light module relative to the earth's gravity, and specifically allows the processor 50 to determine whether the light module 12 is facing forward of the pedal axis, i.e., in a first orientation relative to the pedal axis, or rearward of the pedal axis, i.e., in a second orientation relative to the pedal axis. With this information, the processor 50 can set the state of the light module 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 50 sets the color state of the light module 12 so that red light is always projected rearward and white light is always projected forward.

[0049] The motion sensor 56 enables the processor 50 to know whether the bicycle is moving or stationary. In the exemplary embodiment, the processor 50 is programmed to turn off the longitudinally facing light source 64 and the outboard facing light source 66 after the movement has stopped for a specific period of time. If the bicycle is subsequently detected to be moving continuously for another specific period of time, the processor 50 will turn on the longitudinally facing light source 64 and the outboard facing light source 66.

[0050] For a predetermined initial period of time after the movement of the bicycle ceases, the processor 50 turns off the longitudinally facing light source 64 and the outboard facing light source 66, but frequently monitors the motion sensor 56 for the resumption of movement of the bicycle, i.e., the processor 50 maintains a high sensitivity to movement and reactivates the light source when even a relatively small level of movement is detected. This initial predetermined period of time is referred to as a "standby state," during which the processor 50 maintains a high sensitivity state to resumption of movement, and this initial predetermined period of time is referred to as a "standby time."

[0051] After the standby time has elapsed, the processor 50, and therefore the light module 12, then enters a mode with much lower sensitivity to motion to conserve battery life, which is referred to as a "sleep state". The sleep state lasts for another predetermined period of time. In the sleep state, the processor 50 continues to monitor the motion sensor 56 for motion, but for a longer period of time than when in the standby state. If motion of an appropriate level and duration is detected during the sleep state, the processor 50 will again turn on the longitudinally facing light source 64 and the outboard facing light source 66.

[0052] At the expiration of the duration of the sleep state time period, if no motion is detected, the processor 50 will shut down completely and the light module 12 will enter the "off state". Once the light module 12 enters the "off state", manual actuation of the on / off switch 68 is required to turn the light module on. The above-described sensors and programming allow for automatic on and off operation and state changes of the light module 12 based on motion.

[0053] Reference Fig. 9 , shows a high-level flow chart illustrating lamp module color state programming.

[0054] In step 101, processor 50 determines whether the color state of light module 12 has been pre-set. If the answer is no, in step 102A, processor 50 determines via orientation sensor 54 whether light module 12 is vertically oriented. Vertical orientation indicates that light module 12 is being used in an auxiliary support rather than a pedal, while a generally horizontal orientation indicates that the light module is being used in a pedal. If the answer is that the light module is not vertical, that is, in a pedal rather than an auxiliary support, then in step 103, the processor detects whether longitudinally facing light source 64 and outboard facing light source 66 are turned on by actuation of on / off switch 68 or by waking from a standby mode or sleep mode.

[0055] In step 104, with the light sources 64, 66 turned on, the light module 12 located in the forward position indicated by the orientation sensor 54 in the pedal 14 is set to project white light, and the rearward or rearward facing light module is set to project red light. The forward light module is defined as the light module that is forward of the vertical plane relative to the ground, passing through the pedal axis 22. The rearward or rearward facing light module is the module that is behind the vertical plane relative to the ground, passing through the pedal axis 22.

[0056] In step 105 , after the light color state has been initially set for a predetermined period of time, the processor proceeds to step 106 .

[0057] In step 106, at the start of motion, the processor uses input from the orientation sensor 54 to determine whether the light module 12 is positioned forward or rearward and within an arcuate sector of positive 45 degrees or negative 45 degrees from a plane parallel to the ground and passing through the pedal axis 22. After motion has been detected for a predetermined period of time (e.g., approximately 0.35 seconds in the exemplary embodiment), the processor 50 sets the forward-positioned light module to project white light and sets the rear or back-positioned light module to project red light, regardless of the original setting of the light module. The monitoring of the pedal position by the processor 50 is continuous as long as motion is detected.

[0058] Reference Fig.9A and Fig. 9BDuring riding, the rider may intentionally or accidentally "flip" one or both pedals 14. The processor 50, which continuously monitors the pedal position and orientation, changes the light color of the light module 12 when the module flips from the forward position to the rearward position or vice versa. When the pedal begins to flip clockwise or counterclockwise, the processor 50 will initially detect when the rotation of the pedal about the pedal axis 22 exceeds 45 degrees from the horizontal, and will detect when the pedal has completed 135 degrees of rotation, that is, the pedal is at a position of about 45 degrees from the horizontal on the other side of the pedal axis 22, and will reset the light color at 135 degrees of rotation depending on whether the pedal has been rotated clockwise from the rearward position to the forward position (light color changes from red to white) or has been rotated counterclockwise from the forward position to the rearward position (light color changes from white to red).

[0059] Refer again Fig. 9 , in step 101, if the answer is yes, the color mode has been pre-set, the processor proceeds to step 102B and determines whether the light module 12 is oriented vertically. If the answer is no, the light module is not oriented vertically, which corresponds to the light module used in the pedal, and the processor 50 proceeds directly to step 106 as described above.

[0060] Refer to Figure 11- Fig.16 , depicting an auxiliary mount 76 for the light module 12. The auxiliary mount 76 allows the light module 12 to be attached to other locations on the bicycle. For example, the mount can be used on the handlebars, seat posts, other tubes and pillars of the bicycle, wheel spokes, and bicycle helmets. The auxiliary mount can also be used on other vehicles such as scooters or motorcycles, and can also be attached to a backpack or attached to the clothing of a rider or pedestrian.

[0061] The auxiliary support 76 is configured as an L-shaped bracket having a base leg 80 and an upper leg 82. The auxiliary support 76 can slidably receive and retain the light module 12. The retaining features of the auxiliary support 76 are similar to the retaining features of the pedal 14. The base leg 80 includes a magnet 38 that magnetically couples with a magnet 40 disposed in the housing of the light module 12. The base leg 80 also includes a slot 78 that receives the power connector 70 of the light module 12 to better secure the light module 12 to the support. The upper leg 82 includes a slot 84 for engaging the anti-vibration tab 34 of the light module.

[0062] The upper leg 82 is also provided with a pair of chamfered through holes 86. The through holes 86 allow a variety of adapters to be attached to the auxiliary mount 76, wherein the adapter allows the auxiliary mount to be attached to a variety of surfaces or objects. For example, the tube adapter 88 shown in FIG. 14 allows the auxiliary mount to be attached to bicycle handlebars, seat posts, and bicycle frame tubes. Fig.15The U-clip adapter 90 shown in FIG. 1 allows the auxiliary mount to be attached to a common camera mount and any other equipment that uses this type of attachment interface. Fig.16 An adapter suitable for attaching the auxiliary support to a belt or strap is shown in FIG.

[0063] The auxiliary support 76 further includes a second magnet 92 (see FIGS. 14 and Fig.16 ), the second magnet 92 is positioned on the upper leg 82 so that it will be detected by the light module's mounting configuration sensor 52, which in the exemplary embodiment is a Hall Effect sensor. When the light module 12 detects that it is in a vertical orientation, it will set the light source color based on whether the second magnet 92 has a north-south polarity or a south-south polarity and based on the position of the on / off switch 68.

[0064] In this way, the user can configure the auxiliary mount 76 so that when the light module 12 is placed in the mount 76, the light module 12 will automatically set its state (such as color or flashing mode) regardless of its previous state when it was not in the mount. This is particularly useful for ensuring that the light module 12 is always red when used as a bicycle tail light, and always white when used as a bicycle front light to comply with traffic regulations.

[0065] Reference Fig.9A In step 102A or step 102B, when the processor 50 of the light module 12 detects via the orientation sensor 54 that the light module is within plus 30 degrees or minus 30 degrees of the Z axis, as shown in FIG. Fig. 10A 10B , the processor 50 considers the light module 12 to be in the vertical position. When the light module 12 is in the vertical position and is mounted in the auxiliary support 76, and the second magnet 92 is mounted in the support, the color state of the light module is established as follows: (1) if the magnet is mounted with north-south polarity and the on / off switch 68 is in the upper position, the light module 12 projects red light; (2) if the magnet is mounted with north-south polarity and the on / off switch 68 is in the lower position, the light module 12 projects white light; (3) if the magnet is mounted with north-south polarity and the on / off switch 68 is in the upper position, the light module 12 projects white light; and (4) if the magnet is mounted with north-south polarity and the on / off switch 68 is in the lower position, the light module 12 projects red light.

[0066] Yet another additional state of the light module 12 can be defined by not including the second magnet 92 in the auxiliary support. That is, when the mounting configuration sensor (in the case of the exemplary embodiment, a Hall effect sensor) fails to detect the presence of the second magnet 92, an additional light state can be defined. Specifically, if the Hall effect sensor fails to detect the presence of the second magnet 92, the light module will revert to a simple mode in which only the on / off switch 68 will control the state of the LED for on or off, color, and blinking state. In this simple mode, the processor 50 can also be set to ignore all inputs from the orientation sensor and the motion sensor.

[0067] Although the invention has been described with respect to exemplary embodiments, additional variations of the invention may be devised without departing from the inventive concept.For example, further embodiments of the system may include the following features or functionalities.

[0068] The light module 12 may be configured with data communications via a USB port. When plugged into a computer or connected to a phone via a cable, the light module 12 may display information such as status, battery charge level, and other settings, and allow the user to change settings (brightness, flashing mode, auto mode settings, etc.) via a computer or phone application. In addition, the light module firmware may be updated.

[0069] The light module 12 may include a wireless communication chip, such as low power Bluetooth or the like, which enables the light module to be remotely controlled by and communicate with a remote device or the rider's mobile phone. The remote control may be used to turn one or more light modules on or off and change the state of one, some or all of the light modules.

[0070] Additionally, the light module 12 can be configured to act as a turn signal when positioned in the pedal. If the rider turns right, they press the right turn button on the remote and the right hand pedal begins flashing like a traditional turn signal and the left hand pedal becomes a static steady light.

[0071] A group of light modules can be configured to communicate with each other and coordinate flashing rates or other functions. Using internal motion sensors, the light modules can detect when the rider brakes or slows down, and change the brightness or flashing rate of the light to indicate that the rider is actively braking or slowing down.

[0072] Using built-in motion sensors or other potential sensors, the light modules 12 can be used to measure pedal cadence and store this information or transmit it wirelessly to the rider's cycling computer or mobile phone. In addition, these light modules can measure bicycle speed via an accelerometer and then change the light output or light state based on pedal cadence or bicycle speed. This allows the light module flash rate to be adjusted based on the pedaling cadence to provide the most visually effective setting.

[0073] The light modules 12 may include the ability to be stacked or clipped together for charging so that only a single light module needs to be inserted and will provide power to the other light modules in the stack. This can be done through a physical connection or through wireless charging.

[0074] The light module 12 may include multiple LEDs or an LED strip with control over each individual LED so that a dynamic "chasing" pattern may be used to indicate turning intent when the turn signal function is used. Additionally, an "emergency stop / flashing" pattern may be used. Multiple LEDs may be used to communicate discrete charge levels of the battery. The light module may include an integrated reflector element.

[0075] Industrial Applicability

[0076] The present invention is an automatic bicycle lighting system that includes a light module that contains a sensor and a processor that enables the color and / or flashing state of the emitted light to be changed depending on the physical orientation of the module. The sensor and processor also allow the operating state of the light module to be adjusted depending on whether movement of the light module is sensed. These modules are used in conjunction with pedals that are configured to removably receive these modules and / or with auxiliary supports that are used to mount these modules to other parts of the bicycle, such as handlebars, seat posts, frame tubes, helmets, and rider clothing. The automatic bicycle lighting system of the present invention can be industrially applied to develop safety equipment in the form of improved lights for bicycles and riding equipment.

Claims

1. An automatic bicycle lighting system, comprising: a pedal having a pedal frame having a first face, a second face opposite the first face, and a hub, wherein the hub is freely rotatable about an axis, and A first light module and a second light module, the first light module and the second light module being receivable in the pedal frame and spaced apart from the axle, each of the first light module and the second light module having: shell, a light source capable of emitting at least a first light state and a second light state, and a circuit for controlling the light source, the circuit comprising the light source, a power supply, a processor and an orientation sensor, Wherein, the processor receives information from the orientation sensor and is configured to: If the first light module is positioned in a forward-facing position, setting the light source of the first light module to the first light state; if the second light module is positioned in a rearward facing position, setting the light source of the second light module to the second light state; If the first light module is positioned in the rearward-facing position, setting the light source of the first light module to the second light state; and If the second light module is positioned in the forward-facing position, the light source of the second light module is set to the first light state.

2. The automatic bicycle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein: The first light state and the second light state are both activated states such that the first light module and the second light module project light.

3. The automatic bicycle lighting system according to claim 2, wherein: The first light state corresponds to white light, and the second light state corresponds to red light.

4. The automatic bicycle lighting system according to claim 2, wherein: The first light state corresponds to a steady light, and the second light state corresponds to a flashing light.

5. The automatic bicycle lighting system according to claim 2, wherein: The first light module and the second light module both project light in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and The first light module and the second light module also project light in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

6. The automatic bicycle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein: The first light state and the second light state are set when the pedal is in motion.

7. The automatic bicycle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein: The first light module and the second light module are removably insertable into the step frame.

8. The automatic bicycle lighting system according to claim 7, wherein: The step frame includes a first lamp module retaining groove and a second lamp module retaining groove, both of which are constructed and configured to receive any one of the first lamp module and the second lamp module.

9. The automatic bicycle lighting system according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the first lamp module holding groove and the second lamp module holding groove includes a magnet disposed in or on a side wall, Each of the first and second light modules includes a magnet configured to mate with any one of the magnets of the first and second light module holding grooves.

10. The automatic bicycle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first light module and the second light module further comprises a motion sensor capable of providing information to a corresponding processor, wherein The corresponding processor further controls the operation of the first light module and the second light module according to whether the first light module and the second light module are moving or stationary, The first light state corresponds to one of white light or red light, The second light state corresponds to the other of white light or red light, The light source can be in a third light state, The third light state corresponds to no light, When the motion sensor detects that the first light module and the second light module are stationary and communicates the stationary state to the corresponding processor, the corresponding processor activates the third light state.

11. The automatic bicycle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein: The first light module and the second light module are positioned between the first face and the second face.

12. The automatic bicycle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein: The pedal frame has a first end and a second end, The first end is opposite to the second end, When positioned in the forward-facing position, the first light module is closer to the first end than to the second end, and When positioned in the rearward-facing position, the second light module is closer to the second end than to the first end.

13. The automatic bicycle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is configured to receive information from the configuration sensor and determine whether the pedal is positioned on the right side or the left side of the bicycle.

14. The automatic bicycle lighting system according to claim 13, wherein: The configuration sensor includes a magnet and a magnet sensor.

15. A method for changing the light state on the pedal of the automatic bicycle lighting system according to claim 1, the method comprising: A pedal is provided in a generally horizontal position, wherein The pedal is in a first horizontal orientation, Each of the first and second ends of the pedal frame has a corresponding light module, the first light module being in a forward position and the light source of the first light module being in the first light state; as well as the second light module is in the rear position and the light source of the second light module is in the second light state; as well as rotating the pedal until the pedal is in a second horizontal orientation, wherein When the step transitions from the first horizontal orientation to the second horizontal orientation, the light source of the first light module is in a rear position and automatically switches from the first light state to the second light state, When the step transitions from the first horizontal orientation to the second horizontal orientation, the light source of the second light module is in a forward position and automatically switches from the second light state to the first light state, and When the step transitions from the first horizontal orientation to the second horizontal orientation, the light source of the first light module and the light source of the second light module simultaneously switch their light states.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The first light state corresponds to white light, and the second light state corresponds to red light.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The first horizontal orientation of the pedal is such that the first end of the pedal frame faces forward and faces approximately 45 degrees above or below a horizontal axis, the second horizontal orientation of the pedal is such that the first end of the pedal frame faces rearwardly and about 45 degrees above or below the horizontal axis, and When the first end of the pedal frame is rotated from the first horizontal orientation into the second horizontal orientation, switching from the first light state to the second light state occurs automatically.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising rotating the pedal from the second horizontal orientation to the first horizontal orientation, wherein The first horizontal orientation of the pedal is such that the first end of the pedal frame faces forward and faces approximately 45 degrees above or below a horizontal axis, The second horizontal orientation of the pedal is such that the first end of the pedal frame faces rearwardly and faces approximately 45 degrees above or below a horizontal axis, The light source of the first light module automatically switches from the second light state to the first light state and the light source of the second light module automatically switches from the first light state to the second light state at the same time, and When the first end of the pedal frame is rotated into the first horizontal orientation, switching between the first light state and the second light state occurs automatically.

19. An automatic bicycle lighting system comprising: a first pedal having a pedal frame, the pedal frame of the first pedal having a first face, a second face opposite the first face, and a hub, wherein the hub is freely rotatable about a first axis; a second pedal having a pedal frame, the pedal frame of the second pedal having a first face, a second face opposite the first face, and a hub, wherein the hub is freely rotatable about a second axis; A first light module, which can be received in a pedal frame of the first pedal and is spaced apart from the first shaft, the first light module having: shell, a light source capable of emitting at least a first white light state and a second red light state; and a circuit for controlling the light source, the circuit comprising the light source, a power source, and a processor receiving information from an orientation sensor, and A second light module, the second light module being receivable in a pedal frame of the second pedal and spaced apart from the second shaft, the second light module having: shell, a light source capable of emitting at least a first white light state and a second red light state, and a circuit for controlling the light source, the circuit comprising the light source, a power source, and a processor receiving information from an orientation sensor, in, The first light module and the second light module emit in the first white light state when the first light module and the second light module are positioned in a forward position, and The first light module and the second light module emit in the second red light state when the first light module and the second light module are positioned in a rearward position.

Images