Bicycle Or Motorcycle Patents (Class 362/473)
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Patent number: 7845835Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle includes a vehicle body, a housing body holding a rear-view mirror, and a stay structure provided between the vehicle body and the housing body. The stay structure secures the housing body to the vehicle body. A front blinker is provided in the stay structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenichiro Kuboshima, Hayato Ohashi
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Patent number: 7832911Abstract: A motorcycle safety device includes a housing and a mount for coupling the housing to a motorcycle. A light assembly is removably coupled to the housing, the light assembly including a casing, a light positioned inside the casing, a lens coupled to the casing, and a battery positioned inside the casing. An input is in communication with the light to selectively cause the light to illuminate an area in front of the housing. A processor, tilt sensor, timer, and speaker are coupled to the housing, the tilt sensor and timer being in data communication with the processor. The processor includes programming to actuate at least one of the light and speaker upon the tilt sensor detecting a tilt event for a predetermined amount of time measured by the timer.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Inventor: Jesse L. James
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Patent number: 7819564Abstract: A bicycle lighting system for transmitting light from a fixed position on a bicycle to a separate remote reflector positioned on the bicycle. The bicycle lighting system comprises a lighting assembly adapted to be fixedly secured to the bicycle frame, an electrical energy source electrically coupled to the lighting assembly for providing power to selectively illuminate the lighting assembly; a light conduit extending longitudinally between a first end coupled to the lighting assembly and a second opposite end adjacent the reflector for transferring light emitted from the lighting assembly to the remote reflector, and a light transmitting lens coupled to the second end of said light conduit for transmitting light to the remote reflector mounted to the bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Magna Marque International Inc.Inventor: Fabio Venier
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Patent number: 7810973Abstract: A vehicle light system includes a light assembly that includes a base having a top side, a bottom side, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a front edge and a rear edge. The base has a centrally positioned raised area along a line from the front edge to the rear edge. Each of the top and bottom sides is angled upwardly from the first and second lateral edges toward the line. The base is flame-shaped and each of the first and second lateral sides including a plurality of appendages. A plurality of light emitters is mounted on the top side of the base. A power source is electrically coupled to the light emitters. The power source is a power source of a vehicle. A plurality of fasteners is extended into the base to secure the base to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Inventor: James A. Fuentes
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Publication number: 20100244493Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Rinatsu IIDA, Gen TANABE
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Patent number: 7802907Abstract: A vehicle that is able to improve visibility of the light member (turning indicator) mounted to the front side of the motorcycle body, is preferably an underbone type motorcycle, and includes an engine, a head pipe disposed above the front of the engine, a main frame extending downward in the rear direction from the head pipe and disposed above the engine. In addition, the vehicle includes handlebars disposed above the head pipe, a cover member for covering the handlebars, a headlight disposed at the front sides of the cover member, a cover member for covering the front side of the head pipe, and width indicators and turn signals disposed at the front side of the cover member.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2005Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kiyotaka Uemura, Yoshiharu Matsumoto
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Patent number: 7800485Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatuses relating to bicycle turn signals. In one embodiment, a bicycle turn signal apparatus includes left and right switches, left and right turn lights, a controller, and a power supply.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Inventor: Darren G. Russell
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Patent number: 7798509Abstract: The light unit includes a lamp body and a lens having engagement members. The engagement members engage directly with the body of a vehicle (for example, a motorcycle). The engagement members preferably engage with a vehicle body exterior component such as a side cover. By engaging directly with the body, the alignment accuracy between the light unit and the side cover is improved.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Gen Ohzono
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Patent number: 7798685Abstract: The invention is a motorcycle shock mounted illumination device. The invention features a base mount with metal strap for primary attachment to a motorcycle shock, an angled pair of light strips created from circuit boards and LEDs and attached to the base mount, and a tubular housing that also attaches to the base mount. The tubular housing is translucent and encloses the light strips. The generally rearward facing light strip is designed to flash in red when the motorcycle brakes are applied and the generally sideward facing light strip is designed to be generally on all the time in yellow or amber except when the motorcycle brakes are applied in which case the LEDs of the side facing strip turn off and on in a grouped sequence.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Inventors: Matthew P. Edmond, Raquel L. Edmond
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Patent number: 7784737Abstract: A vehicle including a body having an exterior surface and a protrusion extending outward from the surface. The vehicle further includes a fairing mounted on the surface directly adjacent and behind the protrusion. The fairing has a forward end, an aft end opposite the forward end, and opposing sides extending between the forward end and the aft end. The opposing sides become progressively closer together from the forward end to the aft end so that the bracket has a tapered shape.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Robert Michael Lee, Brian G. Evans
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Publication number: 20100214793Abstract: A light assembly includes an attaching member having a chamber for attaching onto an object and having two couplers, two electric cables engaged in the attaching member and each having two end terminals disposed in the couplers, a light device and a power supply device each include a latch device for engaging with the couplers and for attaching to the couplers of the attaching member, and each having two connectors for electrically connecting to the terminals of the electric cables and for electrically connecting the light device to the power supply device, and for allowing the light device and the power supply device to be easily and quickly attach to and disengaged from the attaching member without external wires.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventor: Darren Retief
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Publication number: 20100214792Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2007Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: Chen Chia-Li, Tseng Jui-Huang
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Publication number: 20100195340Abstract: A vehicle lighting system having a plurality of lighting apparatuses disposed so as to make a vehicle front surface reminiscent of a “face,” wherein an outline of a light-emitting surface of each of the lighting apparatuses from blurring to be fused. A glare area G has a width y as expressed in an expression “y=a+b·ln(x) (ln is a natural logarithm),” “a=?107,” and “b=39.6” when a main lighting apparatus has a luminous intensity of x is defined outside an outline OL of a main light-emitting surface in a vehicle front view, and an auxiliary lighting apparatus disposition area, in which an auxiliary lighting apparatus of a steadily lighting type different from a flashing type lighting apparatus is disposed, is set upwardly of the main lighting apparatus and outside the glare area G.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventors: Kazuyuki Maruyama, Yutaka Murata, Yojiro Tsutsumi, Toru Miyagawa
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Publication number: 20100195339Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2009Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventor: Darron B. May
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Patent number: 7766522Abstract: A headlight device for a vehicle that improves external appearance by varying irradiation light reflected by a reflector. The reflector is in a shape of a bowl opening to a front side of the vehicle. An outer housing supports the reflector so that the reflector can swing back and forth. A ring member formed separately from the outer housing covers an opening edge of the reflector.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshikazu Suita
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Publication number: 20100182797Abstract: An organic light emitting diode system is sufficiently thin and poser efficient to permit its attachment to different configurations such as pocketbooks, brief bags, suitcases and the like. At least one side of the OLED material can have an attachment mechanism to facilitate attachment to a surface in the area to be lighted. The system may include a portable power source that provides electrical power to actuate the OLED material, causing it to generate light. A switch connected to the battery can control power to the OLED material to switch the light on and off. The switch can be manually operated or automatic. The low power consumption of embodiments of the OLED apparatus also provides for unique applications and uses.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2009Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventor: William K. Wells
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Publication number: 20100172145Abstract: An inexpensive, lightweight, water-resistant, and aerodynamic lighting device securely mounts to the spokes of a bicycle wheel for improved safety and visibility of the bicycle and rider at night. No tools or other materials are required for installation or removal of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2010Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: Playhard, Inc.Inventors: Jerry Moore, Christian J. Moore
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Patent number: 7744260Abstract: A straddle type vehicle includes a movable cover on a rear trunk space and a light assembly having a first light unit extending in a generally horizontal direction and a second light unit extending in a generally vertical direction. The assembly can also include two vertical light units, one positioned on the left side of the movable cover and the other positioned on the right side of the movable cover, and one horizontal light positioned below the movable cover. Connectors and fastening mechanisms can be utilized to connect the light units and movable cover of the assembly. In addition, the first light unit and the second light unit can both be a light-emitting diode (LED) light source.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2005Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshiaki Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20100157615Abstract: In certain embodiments, architectural lighting comprises a luminaire with a light source and a waveguide having forward and rearward surfaces. The waveguide can be disposed with respect to the light source such that light from the light source is input into the waveguide and guided therein. The waveguide can include a plurality of turning features that turn the light guided within the waveguide out the forward surface and one or more mounting fixtures for mounting the luminaire on an architectural structure. Some embodiments include a luminaire comprising a light source, a waveguide, turning features, and a lamp stand. Other embodiments are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Russell Wayne Gruhlke
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Publication number: 20100142215Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventor: Jennifer S. Waring
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Patent number: 7731375Abstract: Various phosphorescence charging systems are provided for charging a phosphorescent wheel. The wheel is attached to the frame of a vehicle with nighttime or low light operation capability. The phosphorescence charging system directs electromagnetic radiation, such as ultraviolet light, onto phosphorescent portions of the wheel so as to cause subsequent phosphorescent emission therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Lunasee, LLCInventors: Jesse N. Palmer, Barry L. Allen
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Patent number: 7722231Abstract: A bicycle or moped lighting system projects light onto a rider's legs to make the rider more visible to motor vehicle operators and thereby improve the rider's safety. At least one safety light fixture is mounted to lower portions of bicycle seat stays or rear portions of the bicycle chain stays. The light fixture includes light sources generating light beams directed forward onto rear surfaces 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. Additional light beams may be directed inward and upward toward the bicycle frame and/or the rider's buttocks to provide additional visibility to the rider and to allow the motor vehicle operators to more easily identify the bicycle and rider. A second light fixture may reside ahead of the rider to direct light beams onto the front of the rider's moving legs.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Inventor: James Carillo
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Patent number: 7712937Abstract: The vehicle, e.g. a scooter, has a footboard 116 with side edge channels 130, each housing a rod or tube 112 forming illumination. The rods or tubes are connected to power means, comprising a battery or dynamo. Each rod or tube can comprise a transparent or translucent polymeric sheath for a series of LEDs. A switch provides on/off control and can provide different modes of illumination of the LEDs. The scooter can be a foldable micro-scooter.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2005Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: H. Grossman LimitedInventor: Martin Grossman
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Patent number: 7695173Abstract: A motorcycle front lighting apparatus structure includes a headlight and a position light provided adjacent to the headlight. In this structure, the position light is disposed in a condition protruding downwardly from a lower edge of the headlight. This structure allows the position light to be made larger, and makes any needed repair easy and cost effective.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2008Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyasu Ota, Eiji Ashihara
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Patent number: 7681681Abstract: A meter device of a motorcycle decreases wind pressure caused by a travel wind without increased cost or design restrictions. A first portion of the meter device housing is positioned between the indicator portions and is inclined rearwardly upward to be directed above a rider's head. A second portion of the meter device housing is positioned forwardly of the indicator portions and is inclined rearwardly upward to be directed above the rider's head. In this manner, a front wall of the housing is curved in shape such that a central portion thereof in the vehicle width direction is positioned foremost and both sides thereof sweep back to produce a wind protection effect.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hidenori Satake, Katsumitsu Wakamatsu
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Patent number: 7679494Abstract: A bicycle display device is configured to accurately verify an amount of adjustment occurring when performing a fine adjustment of a transmission position of a transmission device. The bicycle display device is mounted on a bicycle, and includes a mounting part and a display element. The mounting part is attachable to a brake bracket of the bicycle. The display element is supported by the mounting part, and is configured and arranged to display a fine adjustment display screen for indicating the amount of adjustment when adjusting the transmission position of a transmission device such as a rear derailleur.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Kazuhiro Fujii, Masahiko Fukuda, Ryuichiro Takamoto
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Patent number: 7674022Abstract: To provide a headlight device, in which a change of the region of illumination afforded by the headlamp can be initiated substantially punctual to the start of cornering of the motorcycle, the headlight device includes a headlamp for illuminating forwardly of the motorcycle, a light-distribution adjusting mechanism for changing a region of illumination, a bank angle detecting unit for detecting a bank angle ? of the motorcycle in reference to an angular velocity ?y about a vertical axis of the motorcycle, an angular velocity ?r about a longitudinal axis of the motorcycle and a motorcycle velocity v, and a light-distribution controller for controlling the light-distribution adjusting mechanism based on the detected bank angle ? to change the region of illumination into an area further away from and at least inwardly of a direction of turn of the motorcycle during a cornering.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinichi Nakano, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Mikio Domoto, Makoto Baino
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Patent number: 7674023Abstract: A headlight assembly for a straddle-type vehicle (e.g., a motor scooter) is provided that is positioned lower to the ground and farther forward than typical headlights to provide enhanced illumination from a front end of the vehicle. The assembly comprises a front portion of a vehicle body cover that extends over a portion of the front wheel of the vehicle. A headlight assembly is disposed at least partially on a front end of the front portion of the vehicle body cover. The headlight assembly comprises an upper light for generating a low beam of light and a lower light for generating a high beam of light. In addition, the headlight comprises position lights disposed on the right side and the left side of the upper and lower lights. Preferably, at least a portion of the headlight assembly is positioned farther forward than a leading end of the front wheel of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masaru Ohira
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Patent number: 7661857Abstract: The light unit includes a lens, shadow-forming surface, and a shadow casting surface. Outside light entering the light unit is at least partially blocked by the shadow casting surface so as to cast a shadow on the shadow-forming surface. The shadow casting surface may be embedded within or on a surface of the lens or otherwise supported above the shadow forming surface. The shadow casting design is preferably spaced from the shadow-forming surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Gen Ohzono
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Patent number: 7649447Abstract: This invention proposes a wireless bike brake light that can respond to braking when bikes are in motion. The invention employs a MEMS (micro electro mechanical system)-structured accelerometer chip as sensor to detect related signals. A control circuits unit processes the signals, and then sends appropriate brake light to following vehicles based. The features of the invention are that (1) It can provide extra security when serving as a brake light with independence of braking system, (2) It is easily to install and durable, (3) It can be also applied to such sports as skiing, skateboarding, etc. that are not equipped with apparent brake devices, and thus hard to incorporate brake lights.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2007Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Inventor: Yen-Ho Lu
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Publication number: 20100002456Abstract: A bicycle reflector has a case and an electric module. The case has an internal space. The electric module is mounted in the internal space and has a rolling ball switch, a light sensor, multiple light sources, a battery contact and a control board. The control board electronically connects to the rolling ball switch, the light sensor, the light sources and the battery contact. The light sources is controlled by the control board to emit light when the rolling ball switch is moved to electrically short and the light sensor detects a low brightness of environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2008Publication date: January 7, 2010Inventor: Henkel Lin
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Patent number: 7641372Abstract: An advanced headlamp system is proposed for providing a headlamp assembly for vehicles that has peripheral beam technology built in that has a multiplicity of filaments and reflectors built in to provide at least one forward beam and at least one or more peripheral light beams offset in angles to the left (for the driver side) and to the right (for the passenger side) of the forward beam in each assembly each also having a low-beam and a high-beam. The filaments and reflectors are located within a single sealed compartment. An example of a headlamp depicted would have (3) light filament bulbs, (3) reflectors, one pointing forward, one at a 45-degree angle, and one at a 90-degree angle. Included are circuitry and switches to program and to turn the bright lights and the peripheral beam system on or off and to turn the beams on or off automatically when an oncoming car comes within a certain distance.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Inventor: Peter Panopoulos
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Patent number: 7628517Abstract: To provide a vehicle headlight assembly designed to increase the productivity, the vehicle headlight assembly includes a light projecting group (34) accommodated within a casing (31) and including a plurality of light projecting units (29, 30). Each of the light projecting units (29, 30) in turn includes a light emitting element (37, 38), and a support member (40A, 40B) supported by and within the casing (31). The support members (40A, 40B) of each light projecting units (29, 30) cooperatively form a single holder (40A, 40B).Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignees: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Stanley Electric CO., Ltd.Inventors: Mikio Domoto, Katsushi Ono
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Patent number: 7625108Abstract: A light which is attached to at least a pair of spokes on a bike wheel by a clip which snaps onto a housing to trap the spokes therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Inventor: Gary Peterson
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Patent number: 7621549Abstract: A bicycle fork assembly includes a steering tube configured and arranged to be rotatably mounted to a front part of a frame of a bicycle. A fork crown is secured to a lower end of the steering tube and includes first and second arms that extend laterally in opposite directions from the center portion. First and second suspension systems are secured to the arms of the fork crown and a lighting system is integrated into at least one of the first and second suspension systems. The lighting system preferably includes two lights that are configured such that the respective light beams overlap to provide a single operating beam to illuminate a travel path.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2007Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Trek Bicycle CorporationInventor: Erik van Houweling
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Patent number: 7614471Abstract: A motorcycle having a meter device and a handlebar cover arranged to inhibit damage or the adherence of powder coating to the meter device from the handlebar cover. In one embodiment, a rear cover comprises a peripheral wall, which surrounds an outer periphery of a meter device. At least a front portion of the peripheral wall, which surrounds a front side of the meter device, comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is positioned inside the front cover. An outer surface of the second portion is exposed between a rear edge of the front cover and the meter. A dimension of the first portion and the second portion are the same in a longitudinal direction of the motorcycle, or the second portion is smaller than the first portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2007Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masafumi Shimizu, Tadashi Shimomura
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Publication number: 20090268478Abstract: A motorcycle safety device includes a housing and a mount for coupling the housing to a motorcycle. A light assembly is removably coupled to the housing, the light assembly including a casing, a light positioned inside the casing, a lens coupled to the casing, and a battery positioned inside the casing. An input is in communication with the light to selectively cause the light to illuminate an area in front of the housing. A processor, tilt sensor, timer, and speaker are coupled to the housing, the tilt sensor and timer being in data communication with the processor. The processor includes programming to actuate at least one of the light and speaker upon the tilt sensor detecting a tilt event for a predetermined amount of time measured by the timer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: October 29, 2009Inventor: Jesse L. James
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Publication number: 20090268479Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2009Publication date: October 29, 2009Inventor: Doug Lunde
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Patent number: 7604382Abstract: A vehicle component assembly for a straddle type vehicle (e.g., a motor scooter) is provided that can increase the space for internal components in the front portion of the vehicle. The assembly comprises a front portion of a vehicle body cover located at a front portion of the straddle type vehicle. A vehicle component and a vehicle component holder are disposed within the front portion of the vehicle body cover between a head pipe and a headlight of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle component comprises a battery. Preferably, the vehicle component assembly is configured such that a lower portion of the vehicle component is located below an upper portion of the headlight of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaru Ohira, Torao Matsuzawa
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Patent number: 7594741Abstract: A bicycle lighting device configured to be mounted to a bicycle includes a lamp case, a control case and a mounting unit. The lamp case has a light emitting diode arranged therein. The control case is connected to the lamp case by a hinge. The control case is configured to clamp onto a handlebar. A control circuit for controlling the light emitting diode is installed inside the control case. The mounting unit is for attaching the lamp case and the control case to the handlebar in such a fashion that the lamp case and the control case are drawn close together.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2006Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Shinpei Okajima, Masashi Goto
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Publication number: 20090231868Abstract: An LED indicating assembly for a car or a motorcycle includes a circuit substrate arranged with a plurality of light emitting diodes and being extended with a power wire; a semi-transparent casing having a receiving space and a bottom plate; the receiving space being received with the circuit substrate; and the bottom plate serving to seal the circuit substrate in the semi-transparent casing; the semi-transparent casing having a shape of English characters, Chinese characters, or numbers. The light emitting diodes are surface mounted devices. The light emitting diodes are light sources of red light, orange light, yellow light, green light, and blue light so that the semi-transparent casing can emit red light, orange light, yellow light, green light, and blue light. Thus at night, the light emitting diodes will present the characters to present the nobility and fashion of the vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Inventor: A-Sheng YANG
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Patent number: 7588356Abstract: A tail light unit for a vehicle with a bulb that is not visible without decreased visual recognizability from the rear. A light blocking wall covers the bulb such that the bulb is not visible from the rear. An emission region provided outside the light blocking wall allows light emitted from the bulb to be seen from the rear.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshikazu Suita
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Patent number: 7585095Abstract: The technology described herein provides an illuminated motorcycle safety and vanity light bar for conveying an illuminated identification or vanity message. The safety and vanity light bar for a motorcycle includes a light bar having an outwardly facing message surface area for illumination from an internal light source and a plurality of transparent optical apertures disposed upon the outwardly facing message surface area of the light bar. A message is displayed upon the message surface area and illuminated with illumination from the internal light source through the plurality of transparent optical apertures.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2008Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Inventor: Robert E. Sheriff
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Patent number: 7586405Abstract: A motorcycle awareness system for use when a motorcycle is in operation in conjunction with vehicular traffic is disclosed. The motorcycle awareness system includes an infrared light emitter that is located on the front of a motorcycle, with the infrared light emitter having an internal oscillating motor that is attached to an emitter. The emitter continually emits infrared light in a forward manner once it is turned on and emits this light in a sweeping manner. Vehicles would be equipped with an infrared light receiver, which, when infrared light is received, would activate a number of lights that are attached to the receiver. The lights are preferably either yellow or blue to distinguish these lights from other vehicular lights. When activated, the lights signify the presence of a motorcycle in close proximity to the vehicle, thereby notifying the driver to pay extra attention while driving so as to not endanger the motorcyclist.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2006Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Inventor: Jerry D. Brandenburg
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Publication number: 20090201688Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventor: Juinne-Ching LIAO
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Publication number: 20090196056Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kouji KAGEYAMA
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Publication number: 20090190366Abstract: A running light is activated in response to a number of command signals that correspond to the activation of one or more vehicle lights. For example, the running light may blink when an associated turn signal blinks, may dimly illuminate when a parking light is on, and may shine brightly when a brake light is on.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventor: David M. Weitzel
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Publication number: 20090185388Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2009Publication date: July 23, 2009Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kouji KAGEYAMA
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Patent number: 7559679Abstract: A vehicle light apparatus has a lamp bulb that is not visible from the outside and a reflecting area that is not conspicuous when the light is on. An inner lens reflects light, from the lamp bulb toward a lens opening and an outer lens attached to the lens opening covers the lamp bulb. A reflecting area having a lower light transmission rate than the outer lens is provided on the tail lens where it opposes the lamp bulb. Light transmission areas having a higher light transmission rate than the reflecting area are provided on the reflecting area.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2006Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroyuki Isayama, Niran Thuptimkuna
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Publication number: 20090168440Abstract: A lighting panel designed to be affixed to the side luggage rack or trim rails on certain motorcycles equipped with such. This lighting panel consists of an enclosure designed and manufactured specifically containing the panel mount engagement interface relief and panel mount backing plate, designed with the dimension specifics required of being be attached to the side luggage rack or trim rails of certain motorcycles. The lighting panel may contain illuminating devices (light bulbs or LEDs) providing illumination when either self powered, or connected to the motorcycle electrical system. The illumination is projected through the removable panel faceplate, in which may be cutouts or apertures in the form of script, letters, numbers, graphics, designs, or artistic renderings. The panel faceplate is attached in such manner as to be easily removed and exchanged with other faceplates manufactured to fit this specific panel body.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventor: Samuel E. Croft