Bicycle Or Motorcycle Patents (Class 362/473)
  • Publication number: 20150003111
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a LED rear lamp comprising a light guide (1) arranged in or forming part of a housing (10), said light guide (1) having a plate-like shape with a central aperture (2) surrounded by an inner side face (9) of the light guide. One or several LEDs (3) are arranged in the central aperture (2) such that a main emission direction of each LED (3) is aligned towards the inner side face (9) to couple emitted light through the inner side face (9) into the light guide (1). The light guide (1) is designed to guide a first portion (5) of the emitted light to escape through at least two opposing outer side faces (4) of the light guide (1) and to internally reflect or scatter a second portion (6) of the emitted light traveling towards the two outer side faces (4) to escape through a main surface (7) of the light guide (1). With the proposed LED rear lamp a good rear and side visibility is achieved in an efficient manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Rafael Rohrlich, Benno Springer, Albrecht Johannes Kraus
  • Patent number: 8905611
    Abstract: This invention comprises a flexibly-resilient system of lighting that spans a bilateral safety zone around a bicycle in the upper-rear quadrant of space around the bicycle that can be clearly seen by the driver of a vehicle approaching the bicycle from the rear. This invention can help to prevent bicyclists from being hit by a vehicle from behind during the evening or at night, especially when a bicyclist is stopped at an intersection. This bicycle lighting system may also prove useful for reducing the chances of bicyclists being hit by vehicles that are turning right at an intersection, at any time of the day. This invention corrects many of the limitations of the prior art and can be a significant advance in bicycle safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Medibotics LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Publication number: 20140355283
    Abstract: A bicycle light includes a body and a fixture tool for fixing the body to a bicycle. The body includes a light-emitting portion, a substrate unit having an electronic circuit controlling a light-emitting state of the light-emitting portion, a lens for obtaining desired light distribution from light received from the light-emitting portion, a lens cover, a battery case and a battery lid forming a closed space for storing the light-emitting portion and the substrate unit, a bar switch relatively movable with respect to the substrate unit for varying the operational state of the electronic circuit by partially pressing the substrate unit and a guide hole guiding movement of the bar switch. The fixture tool includes a contact portion coming into contact with the bar switch for moving the bar switch and a flexible portion for pivoting the body on the fixture tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Cateye Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nami Kurumatani
  • Patent number: 8899800
    Abstract: An intelligent light device for a vehicle includes a light body, a light-controlling unit, a light-emitting unit and a condensing lens. The light-controlling unit has a MCU and a PWM. The light-controlling unit is used to sense a first illumination level of a surrounding area of a light projection region. Wherein when the MCU receives a signal of the first illumination level, the MCU generates one command of a difference value between a preset illumination level and the first illumination level; and then, the MCU transmits one command to the PWM; thereafter, the PWM adjusts a second illumination level of the light-emitting unit according to one command from the MCU so as to achieve a third illumination level of the light projection region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Wen-Sung Lee
  • Patent number: 8894258
    Abstract: An LED optical assembly for automotive low-beam headlamps, including: a lens, a lens frame, a light source frame assembly, and an LED light source. The lens includes a main lens and a plurality of reflectors. The main lens is located in the front of the LED optical assembly and the reflectors are scattered therearound. At one side of the main lens, four sets of the reflectors, which are symmetrical in shape, are respectively disposed at the left part and the right part thereof, and in a back of the main lens, six sets of the reflectors, which are symmetrical in shape, are respectively disposed at the left part and the right part thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Tianjin Foncol Science & Technology Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xinghua Cheng
  • Patent number: 8876341
    Abstract: A light for a bicycle having a head tube is provided. The light includes a body having an opening extending therethrough, the opening sized to receive the head tube, the body further having a recessed area extending about the perimeter of the body. A light emitting device is at least partially disposed within the recessed area. A power source is at least partially disposed within the recessed area and operably coupled to the light emitting device. A cover member is coupled to the body about the recessed area, the cover member being made from a flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cycling Sports Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik Eagleman
  • Patent number: 8876331
    Abstract: An annular lighting fixture having a housing, a channel, and a plurality of lights disposed in the channel. The fixture can be attached about a tubular portion of a motorcycle. In one embodiment, the plurality of lights are light emitting diodes surface mounted on a flexible printed circuit board disposed in the channel. In another embodiment a collimator is associated with each LED unit to redirect light in a desired direction. In another embodiment reflective portions are arranged on respective sides of the channel so as to redirect light in a desired direction. A method is also provided herein for the illumination of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jennifer S. Waring
  • Patent number: 8870421
    Abstract: A bicycle handlebar and bicycle comprising an integral lighting system. Light emitting diodes are integrated within apertures located in the front of the handlebar to provide substantially forward illumination. A battery power supply located within the handlebar and activated by a power control supplies current to the light emitting diodes to activate them to emit light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew Michael Ward, Adam Pennel Shaw
  • Patent number: 8864349
    Abstract: An illuminated motorcycle exhaust apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the illuminated motorcycle exhaust apparatus includes a light assembly housing sized to be removeably coupled to a distal end of a motorcycle exhaust. A thermally insulated light assembly is coupled to the light assembly housing, the thermally insulated light assembly is capable of providing a brake indicator function, a running light function, and a turn indicator function. An optional insertable motorcycle exhaust tip is sized to be removeably insertable into the light assembly housing so that a distal end portion of the motorcycle exhaust tip extends from the light assembly housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Mathew R Aron
  • Patent number: 8851719
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing adequate lighting and sighting for a bicycle are disclosed. A lighting system that includes an illumination ring configured to be coupled to a wheel is also disclosed. The illumination ring is configured to simultaneously project light forward and to the side of a front wheel and to project light rearward of and to the side of a rear wheel. The illumination ring may be mounted to or integrated with the bicycle wheel. Methods of controlling light sources on the illumination ring are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Revolights, Inc.
    Inventor: John Kent Frankovich
  • Patent number: 8845153
    Abstract: A high beam and low beam combination lamp for a bicycle includes a main body, a lens, a downward light source and a straight light source, the main body having a receiving space defined thereon, the receiving space having a first surface and a second surface formed therein, the lens being assembled in the receiving space and corresponding to the second surface, the downward light source being assembled with the first surface, parts of the light beam of the downward light source obliquely passing through the receiving space so as to form a low beam lighting region, the straight light source being assembled with the second surface, the light beam of the straight light source passing through the lens so as to form a high beam lighting region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Wen-Sung Lee
  • Patent number: 8845154
    Abstract: A motorcycle wherein an attachment angle of a tail light bulb is increased to reduce a distance between a seat and a tail light unit, to improve the flexibility of a short tail design around a tail light of a motorcycle. The motorcycle includes a rear cowl attached to a rear part of a vehicle body frame, a seat catch arranged on a rear end portion of the vehicle body frame and configured to lock and to unlock an openable/closable seat, a tail light unit arranged behind the seat catch and attached to the rear cowl, a tail light bulb attached to the tail light unit in a forward-tilted state, and a rear fender covering an upper part of a rear wheel WR. An opening that allows access to the tail light bulb is formed at a portion of the rear fender facing the tail light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Hamauzu, Kotaro Fujiyama, Jun Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20140268840
    Abstract: A frame-supported vehicle, such as a bicycle or the like, has at least one frame component made of a light diffusing or fluorescent translucent or transparent material to form a leaky light pipe, and at least one light source in light communication with the frame component, whereby light propagates within the frame and is visible from outside the frame by diffusion or fluorescence or a combination thereof. The bicycle is highly visible at night, and may carry logos or other indicia that are enhanced by the background illumination, which may be redirected out of the tube. The frame component may be load bearing or non load bearing. In the latter case, it may be provided as an add-on accessory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: PHANTOM FRAMES, INC.
    Inventor: Forrest Smith
  • Publication number: 20140268839
    Abstract: An illumination device for or in combination with apparel or other worn garments by a rider of a motorcycle or scooter for enhancing recognition of the motorcycle's presence by proximate vehicles. The device features lighting components engaged upon or part of the clothing of the rider which illuminate the rider and human form in concert with one or more lights on the motorcycle. The resulting non constant illuminations provide a visual enhancement of the rider and motorcycle presence to adjacent drivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Adam Timmerberg
  • Patent number: 8833984
    Abstract: An assembly (1) uncommonly capable of having low bulk and particular ergonomy, comprises a light source (2) having means for generating and emitting at least one light beam (3); a support (4) for said means for generating and emitting a light beam (3) suitable for connecting to a structure of a motorcycle; in which said assembly also comprises: a tank (5) suitable for containing a fluid for a brake or clutch system (6), able to be connected to a pump (7) to activate a braking or clutch device of said system, and in which said support (4) is connected to said tank (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Freni Brembo, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gabriele Verdelli, Roberto Pellegrini, Riccardo Bertone, Francesco Ghilardini
  • Publication number: 20140254183
    Abstract: A light for a bicycle having a head tube is provided. The light includes a body having an opening extending therethrough, the opening sized to receive the head tube, the body further having a recessed area extending about the perimeter of the body. A light emitting device is at least partially disposed within the recessed area. A power source is at least partially disposed within the recessed area and operably coupled to the light emitting device. A cover member is coupled to the body about the recessed area, the cover member being made from a flexible material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Erik Eagleman
  • Patent number: 8827515
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a bicycle direction light control system which may be installed on a bicycle and a head fitting. The system includes a sensing module and a direction light module. The sensing module can be installed on the head fitting for sensing the movement speed, turning angle and turning direction of the user's head. The direction light module is installed on the bicycle and faces towards the rear side of the bicycle. During the moving of the bicycle, when the sensing module senses that the turning angle of the user's head changes to a preset angular range within a sensing period, the direction light module turns on a corresponding indicator light according to the turning direction of the user's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Kinpo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chia-Chin Tsai, Wen-Hsin Lo
  • Patent number: 8830045
    Abstract: A light display is mounted on the spokes of a rotating bicycle wheel. The display includes a plurality of individual arrays of lights forming a set. The set of arrays are attached together into a single rigid light display apparatus attached to a spoke of the wheel at the tip of each array of lights. At least one sensors on the apparatus, senses the angular velocity and angular position of the rotating wheel. A microprocessor, is mounted on one of the arrays of lights and connected to the sensor, and is further connected to a shared electrical bus which traverses every array of lights. The shared electrical bus is formed by the electrical connection of all the arrays of lights in a line or loop topology. Each array of lights has at most two connection points to the shared electrical bus. The microprocessor modulates the plurality of arrays of lights via the shared electrical bus and without a direct connection to every array of lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Dan Goldwater
  • Patent number: 8820987
    Abstract: A lighting device for a motorcycle includes a first lamp, a second lamp, a first outer proximate portion, and a first inner proximate portion. The first outer proximate portion is provided on one of first and second lenses and extends toward another of the first and second lenses along a surface of said one of the first and second lenses. The first inner proximate portion is provided on said one of the first and second lenses and extends toward said another of the first and second lenses. A first gap is provided between the first outer proximate portion and said another of the first and second lenses. A second gap is provided between the first inner proximate portion and said another of the first and second lenses. The second gap is smaller than the first gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Oguchi
  • Patent number: 8803674
    Abstract: A turn signal system for a bicycle comprises a left and right front and rear turn signal and a rear alert signal that has multi-mode operation. The system is battery powered and can be adapted to an electric bicycle having a variety of power voltages. The system includes a controller and a multi-axis accelerometer to actuate the alert signal in the event of sudden deceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Damon Langlois
  • Publication number: 20140218948
    Abstract: A high beam and low beam combination lamp for a bicycle includes a main body, a lens, a downward light source and a straight light source, the main body having a receiving space defined thereon, the receiving space having a first surface and a second surface formed therein, the lens being assembled in the receiving space and corresponding to the second surface, the downward light source being assembled with the first surface, parts of the light beam of the downward light source obliquely passing through the receiving space so as to form a low beam lighting region, the straight light source being assembled with the second surface, the light beam of the straight light source passing through the lens so as to form a high beam lighting region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Wen-Sung Lee
  • Patent number: 8789988
    Abstract: An integrally-formed single-piece flexible light strip includes a substrate populated with at least one LED light circuit. A clear flexible plastic housing is molded around the LED light circuit to completely encapsulate the light circuit. A flexible electrical cable and contoured strain relief for the electrical cable are also integrally formed as part of the light strip to maintain complete environmental and physical protection and eliminate any non-flexible portions of the light strip such as when a connector is used. The light strip is manufactured in a cost efficient manner, and is impervious to moisture penetration and highly resistant to physical damage, thereby allowing the light strip to be used in a variety of applications and environments. The shape of the illustrated light strip is specially designed for attachment to the round tubing of a bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Dan Goldwater
  • Patent number: 8783919
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus and method of use provides for increasing the visibility of a cyclist. The lighting apparatus includes a plurality of lights that may be arranged in a linear array to facilitate attachment to elongate members of a bicycle. The plurality of lights can be mounted on a substrate that is received in a mounting member, which in turn can be attached to a bicycle. Alternatively, the lighting apparatus may be formed integrally as part of a bicycle. Attachment of one or more lighting apparatuses to a bicycle can provide for increased visibility of a cyclist from the front, the rear, or the side, and may be configured to provide increased visibility when it is either dark or light outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Led By Lite, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon Smith, Richard Smith
  • Patent number: 8770808
    Abstract: A bicycle tail light has a casing containing LEDs and a battery, as well as a universal mounting for engaging a bicycle luggage rack, a chain stay, a seat post or a rider's messenger bag, backpack or clothing. A swivel mounting is included for adjusting the light to an appropriate tilt angle, depending on the position of the bicycle component on which the light's base is mounted. The tail light projects light from both sides as well as to the rear, providing over 180° of visibility. A micro USB charging port for the battery is located at the outside of the light casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Light & Motion Industries
    Inventors: Damon Campbell, Roxanne Lo, Christopher McCaslin, Doug Foss, Daniel T. Emerson
  • Patent number: 8757854
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a front turn light on rear view mirror of motorcycle, which includes a rear view mirror housing and a front turn light mounted at the front part of the rear view mirror housing The front turn light has a LED light source(s) and a condenser lens(es) which is mounted in front of the LED light source(s) The front turn light further includes a front turn light face-plate and a front turn light housing which is mounted on the front turn light face-plate to form an internal cavity between the front turn light housing and the front turn light face-plate, where the LED light source(s) is mounted in the internal cavity and the condenser lens(es) is mounted in the front turn light face-plate, the front turn light is mounted inside the rear view mirror housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors (Taicang) Automotive Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhenxing Mi, Jun Ye
  • Publication number: 20140153270
    Abstract: A light assembly mounted in recess of a seat post of a bicycle is provided with a push button moveably mounted on a mouth of the recess and including a bossed hole on a rear surface; a resilient conductor fastened in the bossed hole; a controller circuit fastened in the recess and including two spaced contacts spaced from the conductor in a non-depressed position, the contacts being electrically connected to the controller circuit; LEDs disposed on a front surface of the controller circuit facing the rear surface of the push button; and a battery mounted to a rear surface of the controller circuit and electrically connected to the contacts. A pressing of the push button electrically connects the conductor to the contacts so that an electric energy is supplied from the battery to the LEDs for illumination via the contacts, the conductor, and the controller circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Yen-Pin Lai
  • Publication number: 20140146552
    Abstract: A portable light having a transmitter configured to emit a signal, a receiver configured to receive the signal from the transmitter, a source of electric light that includes a plurality of light modes, a power source, and a controller connected to a circuit, wherein the transmitter, the receiver, the source of electric light, the power source, and the switch are included in the circuit. The controller is configured to control the switch and a transition between or among the plurality of light modes in response to the signal received by the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: Gan Jun Hui
  • Patent number: 8733989
    Abstract: A bicycle light system has front and rear (white and red) lights with mounting brackets to secure on a bicycle helmet. A battery is contained in the rear light casing, with an electrical cord extending between the front and rear light casings. The front light casing has controls for both front and rear lights, which can include different power levels and preferably a flash mode for the front light. The rear light can be separately controllable with a switch on the rear casing. 360° visibility preferably is provided via the front light, which projects colored light, such as amber, toward the sides. Helmet mountings for the front and rear light casings have a quick-release feature enabling the lights to be easily and quickly removed from the helmet, such as for recharging. For marine use appropriate light colors can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Light & Motion Industries
    Inventors: Roxanne Lo, Christopher McCaslin, Doug Foss, Damon Campbell, Daniel T. Emerson
  • Publication number: 20140126231
    Abstract: A spoke clip adapted to be removably secured to a spoke nut of a bicycle wheel, and further adapted to mount an illuminated wire to the spokes of the bicycle wheel. The clips are generally L- or T-shaped, with a slotted stem having a spoke-admitting initial width and terminating in a spoke nut socket, and a wire-mounting arm perpendicular to the stem and adapted to receive and hold a wire in parallel to the axis of the stem. The invention also includes the illuminated wire display created by securing an illuminated wire in a planar array to the spokes adjacent the wheel rim using a plurality of the spoke clips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Justin Halek
  • Publication number: 20140118128
    Abstract: A smart horn in the form of a combination dual tone, high decibel bicycle horn and beacon light is disclosed. In one embodiment, the smart horn includes a horn for producing sound, a light source for producing light and a housing in which the horn and light source are included. The housing includes light ports and sound ports. The sound ports surround the light ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ORP Industries LLC
    Inventors: Toren Orzeck, Timothy Steven Glaser, Vincent O'Malley, Cory Evan Pearman, David S. Perry
  • Patent number: 8708533
    Abstract: A bicycle lighting fixture includes a housing defining therein an accommodation chamber, a reflector mounted in the accommodation chamber and a light source mounted in the accommodation chamber for emitting light onto the reflector. The reflector provides a curved reflecting surface facing toward the outside of the accommodation chamber and defining a plurality of reflecting surface areas at different elevations and a terrace surface connected between each two adjacent reflecting surface areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Shou Meng Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-Chou Tsao
  • Publication number: 20140098552
    Abstract: An illuminated motorcycle exhaust apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the illuminated motorcycle exhaust apparatus includes a light assembly housing sized to be removeably coupled to a distal end of a motorcycle exhaust. A thermally insulated light assembly is coupled to the light assembly housing, the thermally insulated light assembly is capable of providing a brake indicator function, a running light function, and a turn indicator function. An optional insertable motorcycle exhaust tip is sized to be removeably insertable into the light assembly housing so that a distal end portion of the motorcycle exhaust tip extends from the light assembly housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Mathew R. Aron
  • Publication number: 20140092612
    Abstract: An vehicle lighting apparatus that can be used to increase the visibility profile of a vehicle is described. The apparatus includes a base adapted to connect to a vehicle frame; a power supply; and an elongated light source supported by the base and coupled to the power supply. The elongated light source is adapted to extend above the vehicle frame with respect to a surface the vehicle frame is to traverse thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Erik Dillon Freiser
  • Publication number: 20140092611
    Abstract: A saddle-ride vehicle blinker device includes an elastic support member elastically supports the blinker main body at a blinker support part provided on a vehicle body. An electric wire outlet port is disposed at or in a vicinity of the elastic support member. The electric wire is drawn from the electric wire outlet port. A water avoiding part is to cover the electric wire outlet port. A hinge part couples the water avoiding part and the elastic support member both of which are molded integrally with the hinge part. The water avoiding part includes an engagement part which is configured to engage with at least one of a part of the blinker main body, the electric wire, and the blinker support part to maintain the water avoiding part in a position to cover the electric wire outlet port while the hinge part is bent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideyuki SHIBUYA
  • Publication number: 20140085914
    Abstract: A contactless generator includes a generating module and a magnetic module. The generating module includes an energy converter and a rotator. The rotator has a surface and mechanical energy when rotating and is rotatable relative to the energy converter. The magnetic module is mounted on the surface of the rotator, aligned with the energy converter, and produces a intrinsic magnetic field. The intrinsic magnetic field is subjected to a contactless active force from an external contactless moving metallic object and drives the rotator to rotate. The energy converter converts mechanical energy of the rotator when rotating into electricity by a converting means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Sunrising Eco-Friendly Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuang Yang Liao
  • Publication number: 20140063825
    Abstract: A rear structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle for preventing rainwater or the like splashed by a rear wheel from entering a fresh air inlet of an engine intake system. The rear structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle includes a rear fender halved into a first fender and a second fender connected to each other. The first fender is formed with a hanging portion so as to cover the rear and upside of a rear wheel and the second fender covering the upside of the rear wheel with a fresh air inlet being provided lateral to and in front of the rear wheel. The first fender and the second fender are disposed to overlap each other in an anteroposterior direction. The second fender is disposed on the vehicle-widthwise inside of the first fender. The second fender has anteroposteriorly and downwardly extending sidewalls at both vehicle-widthwise lateral end portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masanori NAKAMURA, Takasumi YAMANAKA, Michio ATSUCHI, Masashi NAGAYAMA, Kyosuke INADA, Noriyoshi SASAKI, Yoshihiro ARAI
  • Patent number: 8662697
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a portable system for providing lighting, the system includes a power source that comprises multiple electrical power storage cells in an array that is articulable such that the array is attachable to irregular surfaces, and non-planar surfaces. Embodiments further include a light source coupled to the power source, a primary light beam shaper that shapes light from the light source and passes the light to a lens, and a housing that houses the primary light beam shaper and the lens, wherein the housing is a secondary light shaper that changes the field and shape of a light beam emitted from the primary light beam shaper. Further embodiments include an automatic, powered portable light that is turned on when motion is sensed, such as deceleration of an object. The portable light, a switch and a power source are contained in a housing that is easily mounted to an object such as a bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Barry J Burr, Miriam S. Burr
  • Patent number: 8650781
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mounting bracket for the license plate of a utility trailer. Conventional mounts position the plate below the taillights where the plates are frequently bent by contact with the ground either during towing or manipulation by the tongue. The present lit bracket extends upwardly from the tail light holes, or alternatively affixes to the back gate of the utility trailer, to position the plate out of harm's way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Sean R Ehrman
  • Patent number: 8651714
    Abstract: A portable lighting device for illuminating a path engaged by a user, or enabling the user to be seen by other cyclists, pedestrians, motorists and the like is provided. Advantageously, the portable lighting device is small (configured to fit in the user's palm), light (configured to be comfortably attached to a user's bicycle frame, helmet or carried in the hand of the user) and durable (configured to be usable in any weather condition). In addition, the light is conveniently powered by an attachable battery pack and may store variable brightness and mode settings for versatile usage. Moreover, the light utilizes a EEPROM to store the user re-configured settings in conjunction with adjustably bright high-brightness LEDs ranging upwards of 3000 lumens to provide the user with an excellent lighting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Noriaki Hamasaki
  • Publication number: 20140016336
    Abstract: In the present invention, an inner lens of a turn signal lamp is provided with: a lens cut part that inhibits the transmission of light travelling, when seen in a front view, linearly from a substrate toward an outer lens; a projection part that projects toward an LED; and an eave part that extends from the base end side of the projection part inwardly in the vehicle width direction. A harness that is electrically connected with the LED is connected to the substrate through a partial space that is surrounded by the substrate, the projection part, and the eave part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Takenaka, Daisuke Kuriki, Hajime Soda, Takashi Tetsuka
  • Patent number: 8628136
    Abstract: A fairing unit (21) for enclosing a front portion of a vehicle body includes a fairing body (22) and a front edge member (23) mounted removably on the fairing body and forming a major component of a front edge of the fairing unit. The front edge member is made up of left and right front edge pieces (23a, 23b). A fairing assembly (43) includes the fairing unit and turn signal lamps (44A, 44B) mounted on the fairing body at a location rearwardly of the front edge member so as to protrude in a direction laterally outwardly thereof. The turn signal lamp is supported for collapsible movement in a direction laterally inwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidefumi Yasuhara, Kaoru Kouchi, Takashi Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 8622595
    Abstract: A bicycle brake light controlling assembly has a lamp device, a controller device and a trigger device. The lamp device has a brake light and a wireless receiving unit. The controller device is capable of wirelessly emitting a controlling signal to the lamp device and has a wireless emitting unit. The trigger device is electrically connected with the controller device and is capable of being mounted securely on a brake lever of a bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Pao-Liang Chen
  • Publication number: 20130343073
    Abstract: An assembly (1) uncommonly capable of having low bulk and particular ergonomy, comprises a light source (2) having means for generating and emitting at least one light beam (3); a support (4) for said means for generating and emitting a light beam (3) suitable for connecting to a structure of a motorcycle; in which said assembly also comprises: a tank (5) suitable for containing a fluid for a brake or clutch system (6), able to be connected to a pump (7) to activate a braking or clutch device of said system, and in which said support (4) is connected to said tank (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Gabriele Verdelli, Roberto Pellegrini, Riccardo Bertone, Francesco Ghilardini
  • Publication number: 20130335985
    Abstract: A lamp has a body 100 with a printed circuit board 102 and a battery 104 mounted in the body. An LED 105, mounted on an emitter plate 101, and a reflector 106 are housed on the body at an opposite end to a charging port 103. Adjacent to the port 103 an array of three illumination status blue LEDS 108 and an array of five battery-status red LEDs 109 are provided. Components 103 to 109 are connected to a power management circuit 110, including an Integrated Circuit 111, mounted on the PCB 102. The PCB 102 further includes a capacitive Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometer 123.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Roger Lionel David Sparrow
  • Publication number: 20130335986
    Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention relates to an apparatus and methods including a shift linker assembly for a motorcycle. The assembly includes a shaft comprising a first and second end and a wall therebetween that defines an interior space and at least one opening. A translucent member is receivable within the at least one opening of the wall comprising a first translucent surface and a second reflective surface, which is visible through the translucent surface and through at least one opening in the shaft. At least one light source is disposed within the interior space of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: CHARLES BERRY
  • Patent number: 8608354
    Abstract: A remote control for bicycle headlight and rear light is provided a dome including an opening; an actuation member including a resilient button disposed through the opening, and a flange extending outwardly from the button to engage an inner surface of the dome; a controller including a control unit, a switch on the control unit and engaging the button, and a transmitter within the control unit; a battery engaging the control unit; and a bracket including a clamp and a seat at one end of the clamp, the seat releasably secured to the dome together to receive the actuation member, the controller, and the battery. The bracket is mounted on a handlebar by threadedly securing the clamp to a brake lever. A pressing of the button electrically connects the battery to the control unit so as to activate the transmitter to send out an IR light pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Tektro Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Patent number: 8602615
    Abstract: A motorcycle tail light device can have a plurality of front engagement members, provided in a front part of a tail light support stay, that enable movement of a support position of a tail light device 50 in a vehicle longitudinal direction. A plurality of rear engagement members can be, provided in a rear part of the tail light support stay, to enable movement of the support position of the tail light device in the vehicle longitudinal direction. A front engaged member can be provided in a front part of the tail light device, engaged with any one of the plurality of front engagement members. A rear engaged member can be provided in a rear part of the tail light device, engaged with any one of the plurality of rear engagement members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nishijima, Hiroyasu Ota, Hayato Ohashi, Eiji Ashihara, Atsushi Watanabe, Shuto Higashizuru
  • Publication number: 20130314932
    Abstract: A flexible vehicle signal light includes a turn signal mount, a light source and a flexible stalk including a flexible, coiled like, external spring, a flexible tube insert disposed inside the flexible, coiled like, external spring, a first end of the flexible stalk secured to the turn signal mount and a second end of the flexible stalk secured to the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Scott Taylor, Todd Anderson
  • Publication number: 20130301285
    Abstract: A bicycle light for securing to a handlebar or other part of a bike, or to a rider's helmet, has an angled front face that allows use of a single, flat LED circuit board with one or more deep conic or parabolic reflectors positioned in front of the upper part of the board and one or more shallow reflectors in front of the bottom part of the board. This provides for both a spot beam produced by the deep reflector and flood light produced by the shallow reflector, in a compact and efficient assembly. Another important feature of the device is side lighting which can be independently controlled, important in affording the rider side lighting while in street traffic but the option to pulse or switch off the side lighting when riding on a trail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher McCaslin, Greg Weisenfeld, Beau Jesse Robertson, Roxanne Lo
  • Patent number: 8579460
    Abstract: A LED flare and system for use to provide greater visibility in any light conditions, particularly in low light. The flare comprises an elongated housing that is generally cylindrical with a flat side. It has a handle at one end and a plurality of LEDs positioned along the outer periphery. A switch located on the elongated housing operates the flare. The flare also includes a re-chargeable battery encased in the housing for powering the flare and a circuit for delivering power and operational control from the battery to the LEDs upon activation by the switch. A set of contacts positioned on the outside of the housing deliver a charge to the battery. The flare includes an attachment device for holding an external charger in place against the contacts during charging operation. An individual flare may be part of a system that also includes other flares and a carrying case with an integrated charger, one or more flare stands and charger accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Aervoe Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Wilson, Chuan Zhong He