Seat cover for two wheeled vehicle equipped with multifunctional electronic unit

Abstract

To provide a seat cover for informing a two wheeler occupant of an operation state of a direction indicator.SOLUTION: The device has a seat cover (1). The seat cover is fixed to the seat of the two wheeled vehicle. The upper surface of the seat cover is divided into a plurality of portions. Each of the plurality of portions is arranged on a right side or a left side of the seat cover (1) and is associated with a vibration motor so as to generate vibrations perceptible by the two wheeler driver while sitting on the two wheeler seat. Electronic calculation means (7), configured to control the vibration motor, and connection means to an on-board electronic box of the cycle are provided. The electronic unit (7) is configured to receive, from a mounting box of the cycle, a signal relating to the operating state of a direction indicator of the cycle, and to control the vibrating motors (2, 3, 4, 5) as a function of the signal relating to the operating state of the direction indicator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of devices suitable for maximizing the comfort and safety of motorcycle operators, and more particularly to a motorcycle seat cover equipped with a multi-function electronic unit configured to provide the motorcycle driver with feedback related to the state of the motorcycle, in particular the operation of the turn signals. [Background technology]

[0002] The present invention therefore aims to develop a multifunctional system that contributes to increasing road safety for motorcycle drivers and at the same time increasing driving and seating comfort for the passenger.

[0003] The most important thing for motorcycles is road safety, and high speeds are not necessarily the only cause of accidents.

[0004] In fact, there are many parameters to consider: ease, impact mode, the presence of other people on the road, the motorcycle's electronics, comfort and driving ability level are also important factors.

[0005] One of the most important risk factors is that motorcyclists often use their turn signals (generally blinkers) incorrectly.

[0006] The motorcycle has four turn signals, which allow you to proactively notify those around you of changes in direction of travel, allowing you to drive smoothly.

[0007] When the turn signal is activated, the lights flash to signal it.

[0008] However, motorcyclists who are concentrating on driving and always looking ahead tend to forget to turn off their turn signals after using them and may not notice that they are flashing.

[0009] Also, unlike other vehicles, motorcycles do not have an automatic turn signal stop device.

[0010] If the turn signal is forgotten, other drivers on the same road will not know the direction the motorcycle is heading and there is a risk of collision, which is extremely dangerous while driving on the road.

[0011] Currently, this technical problem is solved by adding an acoustic signal to the optical signal - a classic intermittent beep when the turn signal is on - but due to the strong engine noise and the acoustic isolation provided by the helmet, motorcyclists can barely tolerate this signal either.

[0012] Currently, alternative turn signals for motorcycles and other systems for improving driving comfort are known and commonly used.

[0013] One example is patent application JP4083402B2 relating to a motorcycle light structure, which describes a motorcycle rear light structure that ensures a wider light emission area and can improve the visibility of brake indicators in particular.

[0014] As another example, patent application US10478372 describes a massage system for a motorcycle seat. This seat aims to improve the comfort of a motorcycle rider by providing a massage system consisting of a frame with a seat and a seat back. The massage unit includes an electric motor coupled to a transmission for transmitting massage laterally and rearward, and also includes a front massage head with multiple spherical massagers. A rotating head is coupled to the electric motor, and a flexible seat covering is attached to the frame and massage unit. A controller communicates with the massage unit to activate, deactivate, or adjust the massage unit. Another example is described in JP2009179242, which relates to a rear lighting and turn signal device arranged in a housing integrated with a rear mudguard.

[0015] Another example is described in DE 20218933, in which two vibration motors, one on each side, are installed inside the seat of a motorcycle, which are activated as a function of the activation of the direction indicators.

[0016] Unfortunately, currently available systems address the technical issues of turn signal visibility and motorcycle driver comfort separately, and no multi-function system exists that addresses both technical issues in a single combined device.

[0017] Furthermore, while such devices improve the visibility of the indicator for other drivers, they are limited in how easily the indicator can be recognized by motorcyclists.

[0018] Furthermore, currently known systems 25 are not readily configurable for installation on existing and registered motorcycles.

[0019] Furthermore, currently known systems are devices that are added to the overall structure of the motorcycle, which can be cumbersome and not integrable into existing ones.

[0020] In addition, its implementation is not necessarily cheap. Advantageously, the device of the present invention is a multifunctional device that, in addition to serving as an interaction signal for activated turn signals for motorcycle drivers, is intended to significantly improve seating and driving comfort.

[0021] In particular, this is a seat cover that notifies the motorcycle rider of the operating status of the turn signal lights by vibrations generated by a vibration motor.It can be placed on the motorcycle seat without modifying the motorcycle, as it can be simply fixed to the motorcycle seat with adhesive (for example, double-sided tape) or by wrapping both the seat and cover with a belt, and the computing means can be connected to the motorcycle's on-board electronic box without having to be considered during the motorcycle manufacturing stage.

[0022] The type, shape and dimensions of the connection means are defined as a function of the model of the electronic box without changing the device functional logic.

[0023] In a non-limiting embodiment, the device has a connector with the same connection means for the on-board box and all sensors mounted on the vehicle, just like the standard connector provided on the motorcycle, and also has separate connection means for fixing the connector of the computing means provided on the device.

[0024] The device according to the invention is also a multifunctional system and at the same time has an additional massage band that the motorcycle driver can wear by wrapping it around his waist, aiming to maximize driving comfort and to maximize driving safety.

[0025] In addition to the seat cover, the signal for actuating the turn signal can also be sent by a massage band or the handlebars of the motorcycle, which may incorporate a vibration motor.

[0026] The system can also be incorporated into the motorcycle seat itself, although this fact does not limit the scope of the invention.

[0027] Currently, systems aimed solely at improving visibility and brightness for other drivers on the road, or solely at improving the pilot's driving comfort, cannot address both issues simultaneously.

[0028] Thus, there remains an unsolved problem of providing an interactive multi-function device that overcomes the limitations of currently known devices and is inexpensive to implement.

[0029] According to the objectives, the present invention provides a multifunctional device aimed at improving the use of turn signals for motorbike drivers and at the same time increasing driving comfort.

[0030] According to another object, the invention relates to a device that can be installed without modifying the motorcycle.

[0031] According to another object, the present invention provides a device configured to indicate that the turn signals are on by vibrations generated by both a device integrated into the seat cover, a device integrated into an additional massage band, and possibly a device integrated into the handle grip of the motorcycle itself.

[0032] Furthermore, according to another object, the present invention provides for maximizing the riding comfort of motorcycle riders by providing a massage band that can be worn by the rider by wrapping it around their waist, in addition to a vibration motor disposed in the seat cover.

[0033] From another aspect, the object of the present invention is to provide an electronic unit that is also able to acquire other signals detected by the electronics mounted on the motorcycle and convert them into vibration signals that can be distinguished by different pulsations and intensities that can be perceived by the motorcycle rider.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention is also particularly suitable to be adapted to any brand or model of motorcycle.

[0035] The device according to the present invention includes a motorcycle seat cover (1). The upper surface of the seat cover is divided into a plurality of sections. Each of the sections is located on the right or left side of the seat cover (1), and each section is associated with a respective vibration motor. The vibration motors are configured to generate vibrations that are perceptible to a motorcycle driver while seated on the motorcycle (13). An electronic computing means (7) is configured to control the vibration motors and includes a connection means to an electronic on-board box (14) of the motorcycle (13). The device further includes a massage belt (9). The massage belt (9) can be fastened around the waist of the motorcycle driver and includes at least two massage heads (11) positioned to massage the right and left portions of the motorcycle driver's back, a plurality of electrical stimulation electrodes (12), and a connection means for connecting the electronic computing means (7) to the belt (9). The electronic computing means (7) is adapted to receive signals relating to the operating state of the direction indicators (19) of the motorcycle (13) from the mounting box (14) of the motorcycle (13) and to control the vibration motors (2, 3, 4, 5) and the massage head (11) as a function of the signals relating to the operating state of the direction indicators.

[0036] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view of the present invention with all its essential elements. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows how the seat cover (1) is placed on the seat (15) of the motorcycle (13). [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the function of the present invention, in which the left turn signal (19) is activated and at the same time the system activates the left front vibration motor (4) and the left rear vibration motor (5), generating vibrations that can be perceived by the motorcycle driver. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram of the function of the present invention showing a motorcycle driver wearing a massage belt (9) and perceiving a vibration indicating activation of the left turn signal (19). [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the invention where vibration motors are installed in the band grips of the handlebars of a motorcycle (13), one on the right side and the other on the left side (16). The figure shows that the left turn signal (19) is activated and simultaneously the system activates the left front vibration motor (4) and the left rear vibration motor (5), causing the left vibration motor (16) in the handle grip of the activated handle to generate vibrations that can be felt by the motorcycle driver. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] The present invention provides an apparatus including a seat cover (1) for a motorcycle (13) having an upper surface divided into four sections, each section being associated with a respective vibration motor, as shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Preferably, the seat cover (1) is divided into a right front region where the right front vibration motor (2) is arranged, a left front region where the left front vibration motor (4) is arranged, a right rear region where the right rear vibration motor (3) is arranged, and a left rear region where the left rear vibration motor (5) is arranged.

[0040] Furthermore, preferably, the seat cover can be fixed onto the motorcycle seat or positioned onto the motorcycle seat by adhesive or elastic fastening means.

[0041] The device also comprises an electronic computing means (7) integrated with the seat cover (1), which is configured to control the vibration motors and connection means connecting the electronic computing means (7) to the vehicle mounting box (14) of the motorcycle (13). For this purpose, the electronic computing means is electrically connected to the right front vibration motor (2), the right rear vibration motor (3), the left front vibration motor (4) and the left rear vibration motor (5).

[0042] The connecting means preferably comprises a first connector (6) that connects the electronic computing means (7) to a box body (14) of the two-wheeled vehicle.

[0043] Preferably, but not exclusively, the device comprises a massage belt (9) that can be fastened around the waist of a cyclist and includes at least one pair of rotating massage heads (11) on the left and right sides of the motorcycle driver's back, and is equipped with a plurality of electrical stimulation electrodes (12). In such an embodiment, the device advantageously comprises seat cover connection means for connecting the belt (9). The connection means includes a second connector (8) from the electronic computing means (7), to which the respective connectors (10) of the massage belt (9) can be connected. The device is characterized in that the electronic computing means (7) is configured to receive a signal from the mounting box (14) of the motorcycle (13) regarding the activation status of the turn indicators (19) of the motorcycle (13) and to control the vibration motors (2, 3, 4, 5) as a function of the signal regarding the activation status of the turn indicators. Preferably, the electronic unit is configured to activate the vibration motor located on the same side as the active turn indicator. For example, if the active direction indicator indicates a right turn, the right front vibration motor (2) and the right rear vibration motor (3) are simultaneously activated, and if the active direction indicator indicates a left turn, the left front vibration motor (4) and the left rear vibration motor (5) are activated.

[0044] The vibration motor is configured to generate vibrations that can be perceived by a motorcycle rider seated on the seat cover (1).

[0045] The electronic computing means (7) is also configured to switch off the vibration motor only when the direction indicator (19) is deactivated.

[0046] Advantageously, the electronic computing means (7) also receives other signals related to the functioning of the motorcycle from the on-board electronic box (14) and converts them into signals that are sent to the motorcycle driver by vibrations of the vibration motor, which signals can be distinguished by the motorcycle driver by their different frequencies and / or intensities.

[0047] Furthermore, according to another embodiment, further vibration motors can be associated with the handlebars of the two-wheeler, one on the right handle grip and the other on the left handle grip (16), in which case the electronic unit is configured to also control the further vibration motors associated with the handlebars as a function of the activation state of the direction indicators. Preferably, said further vibration motor is installed inside the handlebar of the two-wheeled vehicle (13).

Claims

1. A seat cover (1) that can be fixed to a seat of a two-wheeled vehicle (13), The upper surface of the seat cover (1) is divided into a plurality of sections, each of which is located on the right or left side of the seat cover (1), each of the plurality of portions is associated with a vibration motor; a seat cover (1), wherein the vibration motor is configured to generate vibrations perceptible by a motorcycle driver while sitting on the seat of the motorcycle (13); an electronic computing means (7) configured to control the vibration motor and having a connection means to an on-board electronic box (14) of the two-wheeled vehicle (13); The electronic unit (7) receiving a signal relating to the operating state of a direction indicator (19) of the motorcycle (13) from the on-board box (14) of the motorcycle (13); 10. A device configured to control the vibration motor (2, 3, 4, 5) as a function of the signal related to the activation state of the direction indicator.

2. The device further comprises a massage belt (9), the massage belt (9) can be fixed around the waist of the motorcycle driver and comprises at least two massage heads (11) arranged to massage the right and left parts of the motorcycle driver's back, and comprises a plurality of electrical stimulation electrodes (12) and a connecting means for connecting the electronic computing means (7) to the belt (9); 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic unit (7) is also configured to control the massage head (11) as a function of the signal relating to the activation state of the direction indicator.

3. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the computing means (7) are integrated in the seat cover (1).

4. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic unit is configured to activate the vibration motor located on the same side as the active direction indicator.

5. 5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the electronic unit (7) is configured to switch off the vibration motor only when the direction indicator (19) is deactivated.

6. The electronic unit (7) obtaining other signals related to the functionality of the motorcycle from the on-board electronic box (14); converting the other signal into a signal that is transmitted to a rider of the motorcycle by vibration of the vibration motor; The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the vibrations are signals that can be distinguished by a rider of the motorcycle by different frequencies and / or intensities.

7. The device further comprises another vibration motor associated with a right handle grip of the motorcycle and another vibration motor associated with a left handle grip (16) of the motorcycle; 7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the electronic unit (7) is configured to control the further vibration motors associated with the handlebars, respectively, as a function of the activation state of the direction indicators.

8. 8. The device according to claim 7, wherein each of the further vibration motors is introduced inside the handlebar of the two-wheeled vehicle (13).

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the seat cover (1) is divided into four sections: a right front region where a right front vibration motor (2) is arranged, a left front region where a left front vibration motor (4) is arranged, a right rear region where a right rear vibration motor (3) is arranged, and a left rear region where a left rear vibration motor (5) is arranged.

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the seat cover (1) is fixable to the seat of the two-wheeled vehicle.

11. 10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seat cover (1) can be placed on the motorcycle seat by means of adhesive or elastic type fastening means.

12. 12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic unit is electrically connected to the right front vibration motor (2), the right rear vibration motor (3), the left front vibration motor (4) and the left rear vibration motor (5).

13. 13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said connection means preferably comprises a first connector (6) connecting said computing electronic means (7) to a box (14) of said two-wheeled vehicle (13) and a second connector (8) connecting said computing means (7) to said massage belt (9).

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