System and bicycle

Abstract

System (6) for projecting a legally required minimum distance (7) between a bicycle (2) and a vehicle (5), in particular a passenger car, onto a roadway (1), comprising a projection unit (8) mountable on the bicycle (2), which is designed to project the legally required minimum distance (7) visibly onto the roadway (1) for a driver of the vehicle (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for projecting a legally required minimum distance between a bicycle and a vehicle, in particular a passenger car, onto a roadway and to a bicycle with such a system.

[0002] Several approaches to improving road safety for cyclists are known from the current state of the art. Conventional solutions include physical devices such as foam poles that can be mounted on bicycle racks to indicate the legally required minimum distance to overtaking vehicles. However, these mechanical solutions are bulky, impractical for everyday use, and offer only limited visibility, especially in poor lighting conditions.

[0003] A major problem in road traffic is that many drivers misjudge the required safe distance to bicycles. This frequently leads to unintentional traffic violations and endangers cyclists' safety. Existing distance visualization systems are either insufficiently visible or require complex installations that are impractical for everyday use. Therefore, there is a need for an improved solution that provides a clear and easily visible display of the legally required minimum distance without interfering with bicycle handling.

[0004] Against this background, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved system.

[0005] Accordingly, a system for projecting a legally required minimum distance between a bicycle and a vehicle, in particular a passenger car, onto a roadway is proposed. The system comprises a projection unit that can be mounted on the bicycle and is designed to project the legally required minimum distance visibly onto the roadway for the driver of the vehicle.

[0006] This allows for a clear and easily visible representation of the required legal minimum distance without complex installations or bulky mechanical devices.

[0007] In this context, a "system for projecting a legally required minimum distance" is a technical device designed to make the required legally required safety distance or legally required minimum distance between the bicycle and the vehicle visible on the road surface by means of optical projection. A "projection unit" is an electronic or optical device for the visual display of information or markings on a surface, in particular the road surface, which can be mounted on the bicycle. The "legally required minimum distance" or "legally required safety distance" refers to the minimum safety distance prescribed by traffic regulations that vehicles must maintain when overtaking bicycles.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the projection unit is designed as a laser. This ensures a precise and widely visible projection of the minimum distance even under varying lighting conditions. In this context, a "laser" is a device for generating coherent light through stimulated emission, which is used for the precise optical projection of markings or lines.

[0009] According to another embodiment, the projection unit can be mounted on the bicycle's handlebars. This allows for ergonomic placement and easy operation by the cyclist while riding. Handlebars are the control elements of a bicycle used to steer the direction of travel, typically located in front of the cyclist, and can serve as a mounting point for additional components.

[0010] According to another embodiment, the system includes an activation device designed to activate and deactivate the system at the push of a button. This allows the cyclist to switch the system on and off as needed and optimize energy consumption. An "activation device" is a control device that enables the cyclist to selectively switch the system on and off or to control it.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the system includes a power supply unit designed as a rechargeable battery or accumulator. This ensures an independent power supply and enables mobile use without external energy sources. A "power supply unit" is a device for providing electrical energy to operate electronic components. A "rechargeable battery" or "accumulator" is a rechargeable electrochemical energy storage device. A "battery" is an electrochemical energy source for powering electronic devices.

[0012] The legally mandated minimum distance is 1.5 meters in urban areas and 2 meters in rural areas. According to another embodiment, the projected minimum distance can be switched between two modes: 1.5 meters in urban areas and 2 meters in rural areas. This allows for a precise representation of the applicable legal requirements.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the projection unit is positioned at the rear and / or front of the bicycle. This allows for flexible adaptation to different traffic situations and optimal visibility for overtaking vehicles. For example, the projection unit can be mounted on the handlebars or on a luggage rack of the bicycle.

[0014] Furthermore, a bicycle with such a system is proposed.

[0015] This provides a complete solution that is ready for immediate use and increases road safety for cyclists.

[0016] The embodiments and features described for the proposed system apply accordingly to the proposed bicycle and vice versa.

[0017] The term "one" here should not necessarily be understood as restricting the number to exactly one element. Rather, it can also refer to multiple elements, such as two, three, or more. Similarly, every other numerical word used here should not be interpreted as requiring a precise restriction to exactly the corresponding number of elements. Rather, numerical deviations, both higher and lower, are possible.

[0018] Other possible implementations of the invention also include combinations of features or embodiments described previously or subsequently with regard to the exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In such cases, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

[0019] Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of several bicycles moving along a roadway; and Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a bicycle moving along a roadway.

[0020] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements have been given the same reference symbols, unless otherwise indicated.

[0021] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of several bicycles moving on a roadway 1.

[0022] A group of cyclists 3 is traveling on the roadway 1 using bicycles 2. Each bicycle 2 has a device 4 mounted or attached to it, which stipulates a legally required minimum distance to overtaking vehicles 5. The device 4 could, for example, be a foam rod mounted on a luggage rack of the respective bicycle 2.

[0023] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a bicycle 2 moving on a roadway 1 as mentioned above.

[0024] The bicycle 2 includes a system 6 for projecting a legally required safety distance or legally required minimum distance 7 between the bicycle 2 and a vehicle 5, in particular a passenger car, onto the roadway 1. The legally required minimum distance 7 is, for example, 1.5 meters within built-up areas and 2 meters outside built-up areas.

[0025] System 6 comprises a projection unit 8, which can be mounted on the bicycle 2 and is designed to project the legally required minimum distance 7 for a driver of vehicle 5 visibly onto the roadway 1. In this case, the projection unit 8 is mounted on the handlebars 9 of the bicycle 2. A cyclist 10 of the bicycle 2 can activate and deactivate system 6 as needed.

[0026] System 6 is used while riding a bicycle 2. System 6 comprises projection units 8 or 8 lasers attached to the bicycle 2, which are positioned at the front and rear, or only at the front or rear. These lasers are intended to visually indicate the legally required minimum distance 7 of 1.5 meters in urban areas and 2 meters outside of urban areas. System 6 is powered by a rechargeable battery. The cyclist 10 can switch System 6 on and off by pressing a button.

[0027] The advantageous benefit of System 6 is that by visually indicating the legally required minimum distance, 7 drivers can better judge the distance to the bicycle 2, thereby improving road safety. Some drivers are unable to accurately judge distances and may unintentionally commit traffic violations. System 6 advantageously prevents this. Reference symbol list 1 lane 2 bicycles Group of 3 cyclists 4 Device 5 vehicles 6 System 7 legal minimum distance 8 projection units 9 handlebars 10 cyclists

Claims

[1] System (6) for projecting a legal minimum distance (7) between a bicycle (2) and a vehicle (5), in particular a passenger car, onto a roadway (1), comprising a projection unit (8) mountable on the bicycle (2) which is designed to project the legal minimum distance (7) visibly onto the roadway (1) for a driver of the vehicle (5). [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the projection unit (8) is designed as a laser. [3] System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the projection unit (8) can be mounted on a handlebar (9) of the bicycle (2). [4] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system (6) comprises an activation device configured to activate and deactivate the system (6) by pressing a button. [5] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system (6) comprises a power supply unit designed as a rechargeable battery or accumulator. [6] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the statutory minimum distance (7) is 1.5 meters in urban areas and 2 meters outside urban areas. [7] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the projection unit (8) is arranged at the rear and / or front of the bicycle (2). [8] Bicycle (2) with a system (6) according to one of the preceding claims.

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