Bicycle Or Motorcycle Patents (Class 362/473)
  • Publication number: 20120188777
    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: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Hamauzu, Kotaro Fujiyama, Jun Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20120182748
    Abstract: A portable light apparatus includes a light housing with a light source and a separate battery case connected to the light housing with a cable. The light apparatus can be configured and used in several different ways: as a miner light or flashlight, with the light housing secured to an end of the battery case via a snap-in connection; as a bicycle light, with the battery case secured to a handlebar stem and the light housing secured to the handlebar or stem; a helmet light, with the battery case attached at the back of the helmet and the light housing at front; and as a headstrap light, with the light housing attached to the headstrap at a front position and the battery casing at a different position, preferably at rear. Clips, brackets and straps are included for adapting the light and battery case to the various purposes, without tools. Preferably the light housing is capable of pivoting on a base, so the user can adjust aim of the light beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher McCaslin, Doug Foss, Roxanne Lo, Robert Maxwell Davis
  • Publication number: 20120170295
    Abstract: A personal lighting device includes a first housing including a light projection portion including an inner threading and a first protrusion. It further includes a second housing including a lighting mechanism cavity, an outer threading, a second protrusion, and a third protrusion; the second and third protrusions having a first space and a second space between the second and third protrusion, the second housing interconnected with the first housing via the threading, the first protrusion having a first and second position, the first position between the second and third protrusion in the first space, and the second position in the second space. The personal lighting device further includes a battery, a printed circuit board, and a light emitting diode such that when the first protrusion is in the first position, the LED is not activated; and when the first protrusion is in the second position, the LED is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Nite Ize, Inc.
    Inventors: Parker S. Ellenburg, Howard S. Ellenburg, Barbara Kay Ellenburg
  • Patent number: 8192061
    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: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Jennifer S. Waring
  • Patent number: 8167467
    Abstract: A saddle-type vehicle is provided with a rear cowl for covering a rear portion of a body frame, while having an opening capable of being closed with a rider's seat. The vehicle also includes a rear lamp assembly including a tail lamp bulb and a pair of turn signal bulbs, with stays being provided on the upper side of the rear lamp assembly. The rear lamp assembly is mounted to the body frame with a center cover, for covering the upper side of a tail lamp part of the combination lamp, and turn signal covers, for covering the upper side of turn signal parts and turn signal sockets in the combination lamp. The turn signal covers each have an arm located below the rider's seat and extending toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction, and the arm is fastened to the stay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rinatsu Iida, Gen Tanabe
  • Publication number: 20120099334
    Abstract: An emergency light system for increasing the visibility of emergency vehicles and the operators to oncoming traffic, the apparatus and method relating to such mounting and light fixtures for a system adapted for use on a vehicle such as a motorcycle to provide constant and uniform 360 degree illumination without gaps in the illumination around the entire circumference of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Rich D. Bourgeois, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120081914
    Abstract: A wiring structure of a rear combination light of a vehicle includes a light-side wire, a vehicle-body-side wire holding portion, a stay, a light-side wire holding portion and a wire coupler. The vehicle-body-side wire holding portion is mounted on a rear surface of the vehicle body to hold an intermediate portion of a vehicle-body-side wire. The light-side wire holding portion is mounted on the stay to hold an intermediate portion of the light-side wire on a distal end portion of the stay. The wire coupler is arranged between the rear surface of the vehicle body and a back surface of the rear combination light. The light-side wire is connected to the vehicle-body-side wire via the wire coupler in a state where the rear combination light is mounted on the rear portion of the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Ono, Makoto Hattori, Koji Suzuki, Yoshiya Omuro, Masayuki Hojo, Katsuhisa Yamada
  • Patent number: 8147103
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a flasher 101 to be mounted on a rear portion of a straddle type vehicle includes a lens 120, a cover 160 mated with the lens 120, and a leg 180 connecting the cover 160 with a vehicle body. A mating face of the cover 160 and the lens 120 is slanted with respect to a direction in which the leg 180 extends. The lens 120 is shorter in a vehicle widthwise direction than in a vehicle lengthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kouji Kageyama
  • Publication number: 20120075874
    Abstract: Microprocessor-controlled light emitting diode (LED) arrays are built into an extruded tubular lens within a mast that is connected to a base assembly. A means of mounting, which may be an adjustable clamp, permits the base assembly to be connected to a seat post or other mounting point on a bicycle or other vehicle. The tubular lens allows for substantial dispersion of light, and various light patterns produced by the arrays may be selected and those patterns alternated automatically to achieve greater visibility of the vehicle to surrounding motorists. A handle within the base assembly allows a rider to lower the mast from its vertical operating position easily and pivotally up to 90 degrees parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame to facilitate mounting and dismounting the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald A. Sherwin
  • Publication number: 20120069590
    Abstract: A direction indicator includes a direction indicator main unit, a grommet for elastically supporting the direction indicator main unit to a front cowl on a vehicle body side, a retainer for removably fixing the front cowl on the vehicle body side and the direction indicator main unit via the grommet, and a shouldered bolt for fastening the retainer and the direction indicator main unit. A fastening portion of the direction indicator main unit to which the retainer is fastened with the shouldered bolt has a groove that serves as a weakened or fragile portion that is deformed or damaged when the direction indicator engages the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nishijima, Hiroyasu Ota
  • Publication number: 20120061989
    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: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Hidefumi Yasuhara, Kaoru Kouchi, Takashi Nishiyama
  • Publication number: 20120063153
    Abstract: Microprocessor-controlled light emitting diode (LED) arrays are built into an extruded tubular lens within a mast that is connected to a base assembly. A means of mounting, which may be an adjustable clamp, permits the base assembly to be connected to a seat post or other mounting point on a bicycle or other vehicle. The tubular lens allows for substantial dispersion of light, and various light patterns produced by the arrays may be selected and those patterns alternated automatically to achieve greater visibility of the vehicle to surrounding motorists. A handle within the base assembly allows a rider to lower the mast from its vertical operating position easily and pivotally up to 90 degrees parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame to facilitate mounting and dismounting the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald A. Sherwin
  • Patent number: 8132945
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for illuminating a bicycle crank. A magnetic coil is coiled around a portion of a tubular structure which houses a magnetic component. The magnetic component moves slidably inside the tubular structure passing through the magnetic coil. The tubular structure is housed in an outer housing which encases a bicycle crank or fits within a specially designed bicycle crank. When the bicycle crank rotates, the magnet slides back and forth through the magnetic coil generating an electric current that is used to power an LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Doug Lunde
  • Publication number: 20120051072
    Abstract: A bicycle includes at least one tubular member having a translucent section, and a light source disposed relative to the tubular member such that light transmission from the light source is permitted to pass from a region intrinsic to the tubular member to a region remote from the bicycle, the translucent section having an optical characteristic that permits the light transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: CYCLING SPORTS GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Forrest Yelverton, Jeremy Floyd Mikesell, Christopher Philip Dodman
  • Patent number: 8113677
    Abstract: The “HeadLyte” Safety Device is intended to be attached or embedded within a helmet worn by a bicyclist, or, worn around the head of a walker or jogger. The “HeadLyte” is comprised of a band that is populated with light emitting devices providing 360 degrees of illumination. The purpose of this illumination is to alert other individuals and/or vehicles as to the presence and direction of travel of the person wearing the “HeadLyte”, The light emitting devices are connected to a power source and a microcontroller that enables them to flash in a variety of patterns. The light emitting devices may also utilize color to indicate direction of color. The increased visibility provided by the light emitting devices, combined with the location of the “HeadLyte” as it is worn at the highest possible point on the walker, jogger or bicyclist will further enhance the visibility of the wearer to others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Alan Ewald Carpenter
  • Patent number: 8104936
    Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle includes a head light having a lens face, and an auxiliary light arranged above the head light and having a lens face. The auxiliary light is arranged behind the head light. Moreover, the straddle-type vehicle has an outside cover part formed on the sides of the head light and the auxiliary light. The outside cover part is inclined rearward and upward at a specified inclined angle, and the head light and the lens face are inclined at a smaller angle than is the outside cover part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tzu-Pin Li
  • Patent number: 8092055
    Abstract: Microprocessor-controlled light emitting diode (LED) arrays are built into an extruded tubular lens within a mast that is connected to a base assembly. A means of mounting, which may be an adjustable clamp, permits the base assembly to be connected to a seat post or other mounting point on a bicycle or other vehicle. The tubular lens allows for substantial dispersion of light, and various light patterns produced by the arrays may be selected and those patterns alternated automatically to achieve greater visibility of the vehicle to surrounding motorists. A handle within the base assembly allows a rider to lower the mast from its vertical operating position easily and pivotally up to 90 degrees parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame to facilitate mounting and dismounting the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald A. Sherwin
  • Publication number: 20110317441
    Abstract: A fairing (17) for covering a front portion of a motorcycle is formed with an air intake opening (30) through which an intake air (A) is introduced towards a motorcycle combustion engine (E), and a front face (73) of a covering (72), which is a light emitting surface for a position lamp (40), is arranged above an inner peripheral face (31) of the air intake opening (30). The front face (73) of the covering (72) is downwardly inclined from front towards rear when viewed from side and projects forwards towards a point intermediate of the width of the motorcycle when viewed front.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Hidefumi YASUHARA, Daisuke WATANABE, Shinji IKEDA
  • Publication number: 20110317440
    Abstract: A foot board with luminous structure for an automobile or a motorcycle includes a foot board, a translucent plate, a luminous module and a connecting member combined together. The foot board is formed with a fit opening in the center, the luminous module is positioned at one side of the translucent plate by the connecting member, and the translucent plate with a certain thickness is set in the fit opening of the foot board. Thus, when the electric source of the luminous module is started, the light of the luminous module will be irradiated on the translucent plate and simultaneously, the thick translucent plate will magnify the light and give out flickering light. Different from conventional foot boards, the foot board with luminous structure of this invention is novel in design and interesting in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Rasner Chen
  • Publication number: 20110310629
    Abstract: A motorcycle taillight includes a base, a light source unit, and a hood. The base includes a first bulb seat, which receives a primary light source of a light source unit mounted therein. An extension section extends from an underside of the first bulb seat in a direction toward the rear side of the motorcycle. The extension section has an underside to which a second bulb seat is mounted. The second bulb seat is located at a free end of the extension section to receive a license plate light of the light source unit mounted therein. The hood has a shielding section corresponding in position to the second bulb seat of the base. A cover is arranged under the shielding section. As such, the white light that is used to illuminate a license plate cannot be seen from the rear side of the motorcycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: CHIEN-CHIH YU
  • Patent number: 8075168
    Abstract: Conspicuous, informative lights make bicycling on roads safer and more comfortable, day and night. Pairs of bright, non-flashing, non-glare lights are positioned so motorists can easily detect and recognize the bicycle, then easily determine its space requirements and motion. They also light the road ahead at night. In one embodiment, thin clusters of LED's shine white ahead and amber rear, giving the bicycle a wide presence on the road. This keeps motor vehicles at a safe distance and decreases motorist impatience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Carl Lee Shoolman
  • Publication number: 20110292667
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a wheel and a vehicle body that is supported by the wheel for travelling on a riding surface. The vehicle also includes a light emitting device that is mounted to one of the wheel and the vehicle body. The light emitting device is operable to emit light toward the riding surface to create a defined image on the riding surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: BOXX CORP.
    Inventor: Eric Vaughn Meyers
  • Patent number: 8052312
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting device is provided to maintain a viewability of light even when seen from a diagonal direction having a predetermined angle to an irradiation direction of the lighting device. The vehicle lighting device includes a board, which includes an array of a plurality of light sources. The vehicle lighting device also includes wall portions that bulge in an irradiation direction of the light sources from edge surfaces of the board. The wall portions also form a polygon surrounding the board. At least one of the wall portions includes a reflective surface on a side facing the light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Koji Komiya, Mutsumi Katayama
  • Publication number: 20110249458
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to panel portions of an apparatus or assembly with a translucent or semitranslucent portion for the illuminated display of visible designs or ghosted designs. More specifically, a panel or a method of producing a panel having a translucent portion for illumination of a selected design. A translucent portion is made in a nontranslucent panel by layering a composite having translucent properties on a weakened portion of the nontranslucent panel, then removing the weakened portion from the back and layering a second layer of composite with translucent properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: Gator Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Ron W. Kleber, George G. Kleber, Randy G. Kleber
  • Patent number: 8033560
    Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle includes illuminatable direction indicators having left turn and right turn indicators which selectably operate by turning of a steering structure or column of the self-propelled vehicle to the left or to the right, respectively. The steering structure or column includes handlebars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: H. Grossman Limited
    Inventor: Martin Grossman
  • Patent number: 8033559
    Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle, for example, a self-propelled and/or pedal vehicle such as a tricycle, bicycle, scooter, micro-scooter, or collapsible scooter, for example, adapted for use by children or infants. Accordingly, a self-propelled vehicle comprising illuminatable direction indicator means comprising left turn and right turn indictor means, which selectably operate by turning of a steering means or column of the self-propelled vehicle to the left or to the right, respectively, the steering means or column comprising handlebars in one embodiment. The self-propelled vehicle may comprise a tricycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: H. Grossman Limited
    Inventor: Martin Grossman
  • Publication number: 20110235351
    Abstract: Microprocessor-controlled light emitting diode (LED) arrays are built into an extruded tubular lens within a mast that is connected to a base assembly. A means of mounting, which may be an adjustable clamp, permits the base assembly to be connected to a seat post or other mounting point on a bicycle or other vehicle. The tubular lens allows for substantial dispersion of light, and various light patterns produced by the arrays may be selected and those patterns alternated automatically to achieve greater visibility of the vehicle to surrounding motorists. A handle within the base assembly allows a rider to lower the mast from its vertical operating position easily and pivotally up to 90 degrees parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame to facilitate mounting and dismounting the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Gerald A. Sherwin
  • Patent number: 8016462
    Abstract: A motorcycle light bar assembly has two light bar arms that are mountable to a mounting bracket secured on a structural member of the front fork of the motorcycle. Each of the two light bar arms is a mirror image of the other and includes a first portion that extends along an axis in an X direction and a second portion the curves off axis in a Y direction. The first portion of each of the light bar arms is mountable to the mounting bracket. A lighting component is connectable to a free end of each of the second portions of the two light bar arms. Mounted to the mounting bracket in a first configuration the free ends of the two light bar arms are positioned forward of the axis of the respective first portions. Mounted to the mounting bracket in a second configuration, the free ends of the two light bar arms are positioned rearward of the axis of the respective first portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Kuryakyn Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Darron B. May
  • Patent number: 7988319
    Abstract: A light-emitting device driven by an inertial power includes an inertial module, a magnetic element, a magnetic-conductive element, at least one wire, and a light-emitting module. Under an inertial effect, the inertial module drives the magnetic element to rotate, such that a magnetic field generated by the magnetic-conductive element changes due to the rotation of the magnetic element. Moreover, the wire wound around the magnetic-conductive element generates a drive current in response to the changing of the magnetic field, so as to drive the light-emitting module to emit a light. As such, the magnetic field is changed under an inertial power, so as to generate a drive current for driving the light-emitting module, thereby achieving, a renewable energy source, environmental protection, and power-saving purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Lightup Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Sen Liao
  • Patent number: 7988344
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus useable with a bicycle or other manually operated vehicle includes first and second housings, as well as a connection mechanism by which the first and second housings are attachable to and detachable from each other. A central processing unit and at least one power source are receivable within the first housing, while the second housing includes a light emitting element that is adjustable to multiple angular positions relative to the first housing to provide illumination at different emission angles. The second housing constitutes one of a plurality of second housings that are interchangeable to provide for varied lighting conditions. The connection mechanism allows relative pivotal movement between the first and second housings and permits electrical communication between the light emitting element and the power source when the first and second housings are attached to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Acumen, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheuk Nam Ma, Kwok Ming Au, Ka Yiu Sham
  • Publication number: 20110182080
    Abstract: An illuminated vehicle wheel assembly having arrays of illuminated electrical elements such as light emitting diodes, which are powered by the vehicle power systems by way of a slip ring assembly associated with the bearing or bearing seal of the vehicle wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: William M. Michelotti
  • Patent number: 7950835
    Abstract: A bicycle or moped lighting system projects light onto a rider's moving legs to make the rider more visible to motor vehicle operators and thereby improve the rider's safety. A single safety light fixture is mounted below the bicycle seat and directs diverging light beams towards the backs of both of the rider's legs. While peddling, the motion of the lighted legs attracts the attention of the motor vehicle operators thereby improving rider visibility. A second light fixture may reside ahead of the rider to direct diverging light beams onto the fronts of the rider's moving legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: James Carillo
  • Patent number: 7946740
    Abstract: The invention provides a light-emitting apparatus, which can be disposed on a manpower vehicle, including a light-emitting unit and a power-generating module. The power-generating module further includes a first magnetic conductor, a second magnetic conductor, and a coil. The first magnetic conductor is disposed on a first component of the manpower vehicle; the second magnetic conductor is disposed on a second component of the manpower vehicle, and the coil is coupled to the first magnetic conductor or the second magnetic conductor. Moreover, the first magnetic conductor or the second magnetic conductor includes a magnetic member. Particularly, the first component can apply a pre-set point as an axle to rotate, so that when a distance between the first magnetic conductor and the second magnetic conductor is changed, the coil is capable of generating an induced electromotive force for supporting the light-emitting unit with needed power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Juinne-Ching Liao
  • Patent number: 7944344
    Abstract: A control device, either installed on a bicycle or carried by a user, communicates with the accessories via radio signals. The control device radiates control signals via its radio transceiver and the control signals are received by the radio transceivers of the accessories. Each accessory has a unique identification code which is encapsulated in the radio control signals so that the individual lamp or lock could be turned on and off or locked and unlocked. On the other hand, accessories such as speed sensor and body sensor could radiates their collected information to the control device which in turn calculates and displays readings such as the speed of the bicycle and the heart beat rate of the rider, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Yu-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 7931392
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a fork assembly and a headlight. The fork assembly is provided with a cavity. The headlight is at least partially disposed within the cavity in the fork assembly and is configured to selectively provide illumination ahead of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Nagao, Kenji Tamura
  • Patent number: 7926990
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a tail lamp 103 includes a body portion 103a arranged at a rear portion of a vehicle, and side portions 103b and 103c extending forward from the body portion 103a along both vehicle widthwise side surfaces. In some examples, the side portions 103b and 103c of the tail lamp 103 extend forward beyond rear ends of the flashers 101. The tail lamp 103 includes a light-shielding panel 304 arranged between the light source of the tail lamp 103 and the flashers 101.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kouji Kageyama
  • Publication number: 20110075403
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to illuminate a person engaged in an activity along a dark road, thereby promoting safety. The apparatus may allow approaching traffic, such as motorized vehicles, to see and recognize the presence and speed of the user, reducing the occurrence of collisions. The apparatus includes a light which is positioned in a location and at an angle to improve the illumination of the user, while enabling compact storage when not in use via a preferred telescoping design having means to transfer electrical power through the telescoping member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher NIEZRECKI, Robert MALLOY
  • Publication number: 20110063862
    Abstract: A rear combination lamp includes a reflector 102, a tail lamp bulb 82 and a tail/stop lamp bulb 83 attached to the reflector 102, and a lens 91 disposed rearward of the bulbs 82, 83 and attached to a tail lamp reflector portion 103. When the rear combination lamp is attached to a motorcycle, the lens 91 is provided to be inclined obliquely rearwardly and upwardly. An upper half portion of the lens 91 is formed to have a cut-lens portion 92, as a uniform-light-emission design surface, processed with projections and depressions in a vehicle width direction. A lower half portion of the lens 91 is formed to have a clear lens portion 93, as a clear lens surface, disposed frontward, in a vehicle body, of an extension line 132 of the cut-lens portion 92.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi HOTEI, Satoshi KOGO, Hayato OHASHI
  • Patent number: 7901118
    Abstract: A luminous pedal for a bicycle comprises a pedal, a luminous unit, and a rotary unit. The pedal has slots at two lateral sides respectively and a supporting portion in the middle. One end of the pedal is provided with an axial hole communicating with the supporting portion. The luminous unit has luminous portions and a coil seat. The luminous portions are disposed in the slots and the coil seat is detachably connected with a permanent magnet having a dentate part. The rotary unit includes an axial rod, a first gear, and a second gear. The first gear is disposed at the axial rod that is inserted into the axial hole. The second gear has a first disc and a second disc that are superimposed coaxially and the first disc is smaller than the second disc and the first gear. The two discs are engaged with the first gear and the permanent magnet. Thereby, the permanent magnet can be rotated rapidly by means of the differential ratio of the first and the second gears to produce enough electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: DOSUN Solar Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen Chia-Li, Tseng Jui-Huang
  • Publication number: 20110051440
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a seat, side covers covering the periphery of the lower side of the seat and formed in curved shapes to gradually decrease in width toward the rear side of the vehicle. Rear blinkers mounted to left and right portions in the vehicle width direction of the side covers. Each of the rear blinkers includes a base member mounted to the side cover, a bulb and a lens covering the bulb. The left and right rear blinkers are disposed at recesses provided in the side covers. Each of the left and right rear blinkers is mounted to the side cover in such a manner that the lens is substantially entirely exposed from the recess to not overlap with a curved surface of the side cover in plan sectional view as viewed from the upper side of the vehicle, the section containing the optical axis of the bulb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Takashi SUMADA, Tomonori Hayashi, Tetsu Horiuchi
  • Publication number: 20110051441
    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 cam be provided in a rear part of the tail light device, engaged with any one of the plurality of rear engagement members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi NISHIJIMA, Hiroyasu OTA, Hayato OHASHI, Eiji ASHIHARA, Atsushi WATANABE, Shuto HIGASHIZURU
  • Publication number: 20110044064
    Abstract: A flash light for a bicycle with the function of direction and elevation indication comprises: a casing; a ball shape compass for indication of direction; an upper side of the compass exposing out of the casing; a circuit board installed within the casing; the circuit board including a pressure sensing IC and a processor; the pressure sensing IC serving for sensing the atmosphere and converting the atmosphere into elevation; the processor being connected to the pressure sensing IC for receiving the signals from the pressure sensing IC; a display for displaying values about the elevation; a touch switch in contact with a lower side of the compass; when the compass is pressed, it will press the touch switch to actuate a power of the circuit board and thus the elements on the circuit board being actuated; and an LED lamp set installed on the lamp seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Chi-Hsien Hu, Jen-Chao Hu, Chang-Hua Yuan
  • Patent number: 7891849
    Abstract: A light emitting assembly to form a handgrip, a foot peg or a footrest in a cycle contains an elongated sleeve concentrically supported on a light conductive base illuminated by light emitting diode on a circuit board or embedded in the base. An end cap is used to mount the circuit board to an outboard end of the base which is cylindrical and supports a sleeve. The sleeve has light emitting openings and the end cap has a light diffusing lens containing decorative openings illuminated by the diodes. The inboard end of the sleeve contains a light emitting radial wall forming part of the decorative display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventors: James O'Dell Campbell, Anthony J. Quartaro
  • Publication number: 20110038169
    Abstract: A light device for a bicycle wheel that includes a body having a rim end and a hub end, a row of at least seven independently controllable lights extending between the rim end and the hub end, electronic controls for the lights, and three mounts for securing the body to spokes of the wheel. A first mount is located near the hub end to secure the body to a first spoke. A second mount is located near the rim end to secure the body to the first spoke. A third mount is located on a side of the lights opposed to the first and second mounts and between the first and second mounts to secure the body to the second spoke. Each of the mounts includes a mounting pad located between the body and the spokes and made of a resiliently deformable material to dampen vibration and offset the body and lights from the plane of the spokes. Each of the mounts also includes an attachment clamping the mounting pad between the body and the spokes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Dan Goldwater
  • Patent number: 7883248
    Abstract: A bicycle illumination apparatus is provided with a plurality of light sources and a controller. The light sources include at least one light-emitting diode that emits light in accordance with an electrical output of a generator. The controller is configured to selectively control an electrical connection between the power generator and the light sources in accordance with a rotating state of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Satoshi Kitamura
  • Patent number: 7871188
    Abstract: A motorcycle rider illuminating system includes a motorcycle that includes a rear wheel, a seat and a fender mounted over the rear wheel. A housing is mounted on the fender. An upper light emitter is mounted on an upper side of the housing and is electrically coupled to the motorcycle. The upper light emitter is turned on and emits light when the motorcycle is turned on. The upper light emitter emits light toward the seat to illuminate a motorcyclist's back when the motorcyclist is positioned on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: H Robert Turby
  • Publication number: 20110002134
    Abstract: A lamp set for a bicycle comprises a lamp base, a connector, and an annular fastener, wherein the lamp base includes a housing, and the connector can engage the housing; the fastener is mounted around a bicycle frame and disposed with a connecting part for connecting to the connector; characterized in that the housing is disposed with an engaging part in its lower part, and the engaging part includes a first indentation and a second indentation which are mutually communicated, wherein the length of the second indentation is longer than the first indentation, and the connector is disposed with two engaging members having a spacing between the engaging members, and the engaging members are disposed with an engaging block respectively that the engaging blocks are capable of being squeezed by the first indentation to compress the spacing between the two engaging members while the engaging members enter the first indentation, and the spacing between the engaging members is recovered after the engaging members pass
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Yung-Hung CHIH, Hsin-Cheng KUO
  • Publication number: 20100328963
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a first lighting apparatus, an annular second lighting apparatus, and an annular stay. The first lighting apparatus includes a light source covered with a housing. The annular second lighting apparatus is disposed around the housing and includes a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed annularly so as to be radially spaced apart from an outer periphery of the first lighting apparatus. The annular stay is supported by the housing to support the second lighting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toru MIYAGAWA
  • Patent number: 7852204
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed where a third brake light assembly contains solar cell panel and battery where the solar cell panel charges the battery, driving light and brake light wherein the driving light draws electricity from the battery, a radio frequency receiver that activates the driving light; a radio frequency transmitter that is coupled to a vehicle driving light switch, where the radio frequency transmitter receives instruction from the driving light switch and transmits instruction to the radio frequency receiver. Likewise, a method to add driving light to a vehicle's third brake light assembly is disclosed which includes providing solar cell panel, battery, and driving light where the solar cell panel charges the battery and the battery supplies power to the driving light, and providing radio frequency transmitter that is coupled to a vehicle driving light switch and it receives instruction from the driving light switch and transmits instruction to the radio frequency receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Ching Tsung Lai
  • Publication number: 20100309675
    Abstract: A bicycle-used lamp includes a light source, a lens and a primary reflector. The light source is located at the origin of a coordinate system including a horizontal coordinate axis X, a vertical coordinate axis Y and another horizontal coordinate axis Y The light source emits light when energized. The lens is located at a distance from the light source along the coordinate axis Z for refracting a lower portion of the light and casting the refracted light onto the ground. The primary reflector is located at a distance from the light source along the coordinate axis Y for reflecting an upper portion of the light and directing the reflected light parallel to the coordinate axis Z.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Wen-Sung Lee