Bicycle Or Motorcycle Patents (Class 362/473)
  • Patent number: 6793384
    Abstract: A tail lamp unit is disposed inside a rear end portion of a rear cowl of a motorcycle. The rear end portion has a shape whose lateral width narrows or tapers toward an upper end of the rear cowl. A tail lamp is disposed on an upper portion of the tail lamp structure and a brake lamp is disposed beneath the tail lamp, thereby ensuring a sufficient lighting area of the brake lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Ban, Yumio Shibata
  • Patent number: 6789927
    Abstract: A peg, for attachment to a motorcycle, has an attachment lug for mounting it to the motorcycle; a hollow cylindrical body portion rotatably mounted on the attachment lug; a high intensity light source within the body; a window in the body portion with a reflective/refractive lens; an end cap adjustably secured by a pair of bolts, enclosing the body outer end; so that the window aperture may be selectively rotated about the polar axis of the body portion, and secured in a selected orientation. The stainless steel peg body has a ridged brass grip inset into its outer surface and glued in place, to provide a grip for the user's foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Dale Tracey
  • Patent number: 6789926
    Abstract: A light-generating bicycle pedal includes an axle, a pedal body mounted on the axle, and a light-generating unit including a magnet wheel, a coil device and a lamp unit. The pedal body is formed with a board receiving cavity to receive a circuit board of the lamp unit. The coil device includes a set of anchoring lugs to be anchored in a set of anchoring holes in the circuit board. Rotation of the axle relative to the pedal body results in rotation of the magnet wheel relative to the coil device, thereby inducing electrical currents in the coil device that are provided to the lamp unit via the anchoring lugs so as to enable the lamp unit to generate a light output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Chih-Jung Chang
  • Patent number: 6789925
    Abstract: A new and improved apparatus which lights up portions of a pair of bicycle tires on a bicycle when the bicycle is in motion is disclosed. The present invention would comprise a generator and two aluminum disks that light up light emitting diodes (LED's) on both tires of a bicycle while the bicycle is being ridden by a user. The aluminum disks would be located in the center of each bicycle tire, while the LED's would be located on two spokes on each tire. On each tire, the spokes that the LED's would be located would be opposite one another, with the spokes being wide enough the entire length of each spoke to accommodate the placement of a plurality of LED's. Each spoke that has LED's attached would have LED's attached to both sides of that particular spoke. The present invention would be configured such that the forward motion of the bicycle would energize the generator, which in turn, would provide energy to the aluminum discs and the LED's.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin DeGregorio
  • Patent number: 6789928
    Abstract: A wheel lighting device for illuminating a wheel of a vehicle to increase safety and enhance aesthetics. The device produces the appearance of a “ring of light” on a vehicle's wheels as the vehicle moves. The “ring of light” can automatically change in color and/or brightness according to a vehicle's speed, acceleration, jerk, selection of transmission gears, and/or engine speed. The device provides auxiliary indicator lights by producing light in conjunction with a vehicle's turn signals, hazard lights, alarm systems, and etc. The device comprises a combination of mechanical and electronic components and can be placed on the outer or inner surface of a wheel or made integral to a wheel or wheel cover. The device can be configured for all vehicle types, and is electrically powered by a vehicle's electrical system and/or battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Mohammed John Fitzgerald Khan
  • Publication number: 20040170024
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a tail light structure of a motorcycle/scooter and a motorcycle/scooter equipped with the tail light structure, which can provide a better indication of the rear indicators for safe driving. The tail light structure includes a base and a tail light, and the base can be connected to the rear cover and the fender of the motorcycle as an integrated module to improve rigidity. The base includes a first securing plate, a second securing plate and an extending plate, the extending plate including a first extending portion and a second extending portion, the front of the second securing plate being connected approximately perpendicular to the bottom of the first securing plate, and the first extending portion being perpendicularly disposed below the rear of the second securing plate. The top of the second extending portion is connected to the bottom of the first extending portion, and the second extending portion backwardly tilts at an angle to the first extending portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: YAMAHA MOTOR R&D TAIWAN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wen-Ching Sheu, Chia-Hsien Lee
  • Publication number: 20040165396
    Abstract: An accessory riding light for motorcycles may be mounted to a pre-existing fastener location on a motorcycle, or to any surface where a tapped hole may be formed on the motorcycle. In one embodiment, the light includes a light bulb couplable to the electrical system of a motorcycle, a housing for supporting the light bulb, and a bracket configured to mount the housing to a pre-existing fastener hole of the motorcycle. The light may be mounted at the sides of the motorcycle, below the headlight, to supplement illumination of the driving surface and to enhance visibility of the motorcycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: Let's Roll, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Hatfield
  • Patent number: 6779913
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electroluminescent illumination system, more particularly to an electroluminescent light system that allows vehicles to be visible during periods of low light, for example bicycles. The EL panels can be selective affixed to any of the bicycle frame members or wheels, where the EL panels are electrically connected to the power source. The power source applies an AC signal to the conductive substrates of the EL panels resulting in the EL material charging and discharging to emitting light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Niezrecki, Gregory Yoder, Matthew Young
  • Publication number: 20040145897
    Abstract: A Single-bolt Auxiliary Light Bracket is disclosed. The device provides a clean, sleek mounting apparatus for motorcycle auxiliary light fixtures. The device may further be provided in a variety of configurations to accomodate a variety of handlebar designs; in all embodiments, the bracket will attach to the existing motorcycle structure with a single bolt. The device is still further provided with recessed grooves formed in its surface for retaining headlamp wiring and other non-aesthetically-pleasing appurtances therewithin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Joel R. Felty
  • Patent number: 6761240
    Abstract: An illuminated shifter linkage apparatus for coupling the shifter pedal and the transmission of a motorcycle includes an inner rod having a plurality of light-emitting elements seated within a corresponding set of inner rod apertures, and an open-ended outer hollow shaft into which the inner rod is received. When fully assembled, the light-emitting elements align with the corresponding apertures in the outer hollow shaft to facilitate the passage of light through the shaft apertures, thereby providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance and enhancing the visibility of the motorcycle at night and in poorly lit areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph F. Sollitto, Robert Foglia
  • Publication number: 20040130901
    Abstract: A tail lamp device that is mountable on a rear fender of a motorcycle is disclosed. The tail lamp device includes a tail lamp that is attached to the rear fender. The tail lamp includes a substrate and a plurality of light emitting elements such as LEDs mounted on the substrate, and the substrate is disposed along a rearwardly descending surface of the rear fender.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Akira Kashiwagi
  • Patent number: 6759947
    Abstract: A Moving Vehicle Comfort, Security and Safety Signaling System is disclosed. The system may be available as a kit for installation on a conventional vehicle, or it may be integrated into the vehicle (e.g. within a bicycle frame). The system further includes an improved lighted indicator assembly to provide other vehicles and pedestrians with additional information regarding the driver/rider's intentions. The system may be voice-activated or activated by manual switches, or both. The system may further include an anti-theft device for detecting if the vehicle is jostled. Furthermore, the system, when configured for a bicycle, may include a water misting system for dispensing fine water spray onto the rider's face area. A kit for installation on existing bicycles utilizes flat circuit tape for interconnecting the electrical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Manuel Aceves
  • Patent number: 6752510
    Abstract: Headgear for increasing the visibility of a wearer of the headgear to other especially in low light or no light conditions. The headgear includes a shell for being worn on the head of the user. The headgear may also include a rear light transmitter on the rear of the shell, a forward light transmitter on the front of the shell, a top light transmitter on the top of the shell, and side light transmitters on each of the sides of the shell. The headgear may also include a message indicator mounted on the shell for displaying alphanumeric characters, and the display of the message indicator maybe oriented in a direction extending rearwardly from the shell for permitting a person behind the wearer to view the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Fredrick K. Appiah
  • Patent number: 6749321
    Abstract: An automatic power-generating device for decorative lamps has a weight-distributing plate or a heavy weight inside. Rotation of an exterior object produces an eccentric force (a centrifugal force) to rotate the weight-distributing plate or the heavy weight together with a coil and a magnet. The coil and the magnet rotate at different speeds due to the law of inertia to force magnetic field produced vicissitudes and to generate an inductive current (based on a principle of electromagnetic induction) to supply decorative lamps with power for lighting. Thus, the automatic power-generating device is able to save electricity and is convenient to be installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Yih-Wenn Luo
  • Publication number: 20040105273
    Abstract: A bicycle lighting apparatus comprises a computer housing adapted to be mounted to a bicycle, a computer housed within the computer housing, and an integrated lighting device that is controlled by the computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Takeda
  • Publication number: 20040095776
    Abstract: A glow illumination device and system which utilizes a plurality of the devices to make bicycles more visible in low light conditions. The glow illumination devices include a translucent glow tube which fits in a coaxial, radially spaced position around respective support tubes of the bicycle frame, front forks, and handlebars. An elongate, doughnut-shaped annular glow chamber is formed between the glow tube and the associated support tube to permit light propagation therethrough. A pair of end caps each have an inner flange defining a central hole of a size sufficient to receive the associated support tube and an outer flange at an outer periphery to retain the glow tube engaged between the end caps. A plurality of light emitting diodes are retained to each end cap, and are operatively connected to a common battery pack affixed to the bicycle frame through sheathed wires to illuminate the entire length of the glow tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Richard L. Pisula
  • Patent number: 6729750
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a headlight system. The apparatus includes a control yoke control unit having a brake control, a dimmer switch, an actuating mechanism, and at least one control support for supporting the brake control and dimmer switch. Both controls are incorporated into the control unit. The control unit may have only a single control support with both controls therein, or it may have two control supports each with one control. The control unit also includes an electrical connector for connecting the dimmer switch to a headlight and a source of electrical power. The actuating mechanism is movable in first and second directions from a neutral position, such that moving the actuating mechanism from the neutral position in the first direction actuates the brake control, and moving the actuating mechanism from the neutral position in the second direction actuates the dimmer switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Arctic Cat, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrel Janisch, Ron Bergman
  • Publication number: 20040066656
    Abstract: A lighting system for wheel 3 having a tyre, comprises at least one powered light emitter 1, wherein the at least one light emitter 1 is at least partly embedded in a part of the tyre of wheel 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: James Tristram
  • Patent number: 6718116
    Abstract: The invention is a safety panel for a bicycle and a bicycle and safety panel combination made of rigid display area with a thickness of {fraction (1/32)}th, a first side, a second side, a first attachment end for folding over the first spoke, a second attachment end for folding over the second spoke, a first adhesive strip and a second adhesive strip disposed on the first side and on the first attachment end, wherein the first adhesive strip is proximate to the second adhesive strip and the first adhesive strip secures to the second adhesive strip, and a third adhesive strip and a fourth adhesive strip disposed the first side and on the second attachment end, wherein the third adhesive strip is proximate to the fourth adhesive strip and the third adhesive strip secures to the fourth adhesive strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Mike Slusher
  • Publication number: 20040056549
    Abstract: A bicycle driven by a brushless motor. The vehicle has at least one wheel with a plurality of ferromagnetic steel elements annularly disposed on the rim. Three C-shaped electromagnets are connected to the body of the vehicle to alternatively attract the steel elements, maintaining wheel rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Chin-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20040042206
    Abstract: An automatic power-generating device for decorative lamps has a weight-distributing plate or a heavy weight inside actuated by rotation of an exterior object to produce an eccentric force (a centrifugal force) and rotate together with a coil and a magnet. The coil and the magnet rotate at different speeds due to the law of inertia to force a magnetic field produce vicissitudes and generate an inductive current (based on a principle of electromagnetic induction) to supply decorative lamps with power for lighting, able to save electricity and convenient to be installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Yih-Wenn Luo
  • Patent number: 6679615
    Abstract: A lighted signaling system connected to the electrical indicating system of a vehicle or devices on the vehicle which cause the vehicle to change direction or speed. The signaling system allows the user of the vehicle to clearly signal directional and vehicular intentions, including right turns, left turns, running and braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Raliegh A. Spearing
  • Patent number: 6663269
    Abstract: A lighted extension for an exhaust pipe is provided which has an elongated substantially cylindrical collar including a first portion disposed coaxially around an exhaust pipe and a second portion that extends beyond an exhaust pipe end of the exhaust pipe. A plurality of fasteners is disposed substantially radially around a circumference of the first portion to secure the collar to the exhaust pipe. A cap with a plurality of lights displayably disposed in the cap is removably disposed over an end of the second portion. A perforation disposed in a wall of the second portion, communicating with the exhaust pipe, allows exhaust diverted by a baffle disposed within the second portion medially between the perforation and the cap to pass through the perforation, substantially avoiding the lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Poli-Auto, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl W. Leu
  • Publication number: 20030174506
    Abstract: An illuminating apparatus for an exhaust tail pipe includes an outer duct, an inner duct located in the outer duct, an illuminating means located between the outer duct and the inner duct, and a conductive wire linking the illuminating means to brake lights to enable the illuminating means to emit light synchronously with the brake lights. The illuminating means includes a front anchoring lid, a front insulation pad, at least one LED panel, a rear insulation pad, a rear anchoring lid, an asbestos heat insulation pad and a plug lid. Because the LED panel is sandwiched by the insulation pads on the front and the rear side, the front anchoring lid and the inner duct form an interval therebetween, and the plug lid and the outer duct have radiation openings formed on the periphery thereof and form a radiation space, the LED panel and the conductive wire may be prevented from damaging in high temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Ming-Tien Chang
  • Publication number: 20030169594
    Abstract: A wheel lighting device for illuminating a wheel of a vehicle to increase safety and enhance aesthetics. The device produces the appearance of a “ring of light” on a vehicle's wheels as the vehicle moves. The “ring of light” can automatically change in color and/or brightness according to a vehicle's speed, acceleration, jerk, selection of transmission gears, and/or engine speed. The device provides auxiliary indicator lights by producing light in conjunction with a vehicle's turn signals, hazard lights, alarm systems, and etc. The device comprises a combination of mechanical and electronic components and can be placed on the outer or inner surface of a wheel or made integral to a wheel or wheel cover. The device can be configured for all vehicle types, and is electrically powered by a vehicle's electrical system and/or battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Mohammed John Fitzgerald Khan
  • Publication number: 20030161162
    Abstract: A motorcycle taillight which is installed in the rear of a vehicle having a housing in which is mounted a conventional taillight bulb, covered by an inner lens insert having a conical dome like shape consisting of polycarbonate red material and over which is mounted an outer lens consisting of PMMA clear, translucent material including a grid diffuser portion, the housing having a panel having an interior metallized reflective surface surrounding the conventional taillight bulb, wherein said panel reflects white light when not illuminated, such the taillight presents a white/clear look when not illuminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Tobin Tracey
  • Patent number: 6601979
    Abstract: An illumination device and system for illuminating wheels of a motorized vehicle comprising of a wheel-mounted illumination source and a movable contact electrical connector assembly. The movable contact electrical connector assembly comprises of a concentric set of conductive rings insulatedly mounted on the back of the wheel to be in constant movable contact with a corresponding set of electrical contact brushes insulatedly mounted to the vehicle suspension. The concentric conductor rings are connected to the wheel mounted illumination source while the electrical contact brushes are connected to the vehicle's stationary electrical power system. The use of diodes in conjunction with capacitors or by themselves in the electrical circuit of the invention are used to prevent arcing between the brushes and rings during high speed revolutions of the wheel to allow for constant energization and illumination of the invention during high speed operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald L. Byrd, Thomas J Noone
  • Publication number: 20030133308
    Abstract: A headlight system including a mounting device whereby the headlight system can be mounted on a vehicle, and a pair of spaced apart headlights carried by the mounting device. The mounting device includes an adjustment device whereby the distance between the headlights carried by the mounting device may be varied. The adjustment device includes a telescopic mounting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Todd Regan Christensen
  • Patent number: 6592242
    Abstract: A pair of auxiliary lights to be conveniently and unobtrusively carried at the opposite sides of a motorcycle in order to cooperate with the standard front headlamp and thereby advantageously provide the operator with a wide field of view including both frontal and lateral illumination so as to be better able to see approaching objects and landmarks and have sufficient time to react thereto. Each auxiliary light includes a housing, a light bulb enclosed by the housing and a foot peg bracket detachably connected to one side of the housing at which to receive a corresponding one of the left or right foot pegs of the motorcycle. A shifter mount bracket is detachably connected to the opposite side of the housing of one of the pair of auxiliary lights, and the gear shift pedal of the motorcycle is coupled to the shifter mount bracket of the one of the pair of auxiliary lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Brian C. Scaccia
  • Patent number: 6588913
    Abstract: A flashing light-emitting device includes a rotating member, which is mounted rotatably within a hollow base and which has a plurality of fixed vane elements that can be rotated by air current created when the base moves. A coil unit is wound on a sheave, which is rotatable with the rotating member. Two electrically and magnetically conducting rings are fixed to the sheave, and are formed integrally with a plurality of tongues that are aligned and staggered circumferentially and that extend into the sheave. The coil unit is in electrical connection with the conducting rings and a plurality of light-emitting elements. When the rotating member rotates within the base, the coil unit rotates about a permanent magnet fixed in the base so that electricity is generated on the coil unit. As such, the light-emitting elements can emit a flashing light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Kuo-Lin Huang
  • Patent number: 6582001
    Abstract: The rear combination lamp is set closer to the storage box by providing left and right pairs of bulbs, and bulbs forming left and right access openings for performing maintenance of the bulbs on the lower box, and closing the access openings with lids respectively. Since maintenance work of the bulbs can easily be made from the inside of the storage box and the rear combination lamp may be set closer to the storage box, the rear portion of the vehicle may be formed compact in configuration even when a large rear combination lamp is disposed rearward of a large storage box. Therefore, the width or the entire length of the rear portion of the vehicle body is not increased, and thus the appearance and operability of the vehicle may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuichi Yagisawa, Junji Kikuno, Kengo Yano, Akihiko Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20030112632
    Abstract: A Cycle Wheel Safety Light System uses double-sided shaped A-C electro-luminescent light panels, spaced about the wheels of a bicycle. A DC battery powers the panels via a DC-AC inverter. Alternatively, an alternator mounted between the wheel axle and frame utilizes the bicycle rider's motive power as the source of energy. Another variation combining the best features of both the battery and inverter is use of an alternator to charge (via a rectifier) a smaller battery or other energy storage device such as a ‘supercap’. The panels may be of various colors to improve the “WOW!” factor and encourage adolescent use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Gary Forsythe, Donn V. Stoutenburg
  • Patent number: 6578994
    Abstract: There is proposed a spotlight, in particular a reading light in cabins of vehicles and craft, in particular aircraft, which has preferably white light-emitting light-emitting diodes (1) which are radially encased by a body, wherein a lens body (6) is fitted on the end light exit opening of the body, as the lighting source and a frame (9) which carries the lighting source and which is pivotable or rotatable about at least one horizontal and/or vertical axis and is adapted to be fixed in the respective selected position. The frame (9) can be received by a receiving body (13) and is supported therein pivotably or rotatably about at least a horizontal axis (14). The receiving body (13) is held in a fixing ring (21) and is rotatable about a vertical axis. The frame (9) with the receiving body (13) and/or the receiving body (13) with the fixing ring (21) are latchable respectively through a spring and in a resiliently latched manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Diehl Luftfahrt Elecktronik GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Beyerlein
  • Patent number: 6572251
    Abstract: A lighting assembly for vehicle wheel is disclosed, which includes a casing holding a battery cell in a receiving open chamber in one end thereof, a circuit board having a LED disposed outside the casing and two annular metal contacts disposed inside the receiving open chamber and respectively connected to the two electrodes of the LED, a lead frame mounted in the receiving open chamber and electrically connected between one pole of the battery cell and one annular metal contact of the circuit board, and an elastic metal contact member suspended from the circuit board and connected to one annular metal contact and adapted to close the circuit of the battery cell and the LED when forced by centrifugal force upon rotation of the wheel in which the casing is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Teng Wen Huang
  • Patent number: 6572249
    Abstract: A horizontal disk shaped bicycle light has a plurality of illuminating elements arrayed around its circumference, selectively illuminated at slow, medium and fast (or continuously “on”) rates and selectively illuminated in an all around or a side and rear only pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventor: Randall B. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20030095414
    Abstract: A peg, for attachment to a motorcycle, has an attachment lug for mounting it to the motorcycle; a hollow cylindrical body portion rotatably mounted on the attachment lug; a high intensity light source within the body; a window in the body portion with a reflective/refractive lens; an end cap adjustably secured by a pair of bolts, enclosing the body outer end; so that the window aperture may be selectively rotated about the polar axis of the body portion, and secured in a selected orientation. The stainless steel peg body has a ridged brass grip inset into its outer surface and glued in place, to provide a grip for the user's foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Richard (aka Rick) Dale Tracey
  • Patent number: 6565242
    Abstract: A wheel with sound and light effects includes a fork for supporting a wheel, a magnetic element, and a plurality of lamps. A plurality of lamps are installed at the spoke of a wheel. Each lamp is installed with a magnetic receiving element made by winding a coil. Each magnetic receiving element is connected to a capacitor and a light emitting element. Two outer sides of the rim each are installed with a magnetic element and are locked to the fork. Thereby, a rotating wheel may light up in the whole cycle as it rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Jen Hao Dai
  • Patent number: 6558018
    Abstract: Vehicle light apparatus for removably mounting on an elongate member of a vehicle such as a stroller or bicycle has its own battery power supply mounted on a rectangular web of pliant material that has opposed long sides. The long sides are provided with fasteners so that the web may be wrapped around an elongate member of a vehicle and the two long sides then joined together to hold the apparatus in place. The battery may be rechargeable, and a built-in battery charger may be incorporated into the apparatus. Light emitters are powered by the battery and positioned to emit light from opposed sides of the member. The lights may be light emitting diodes (LEDs), electroluminescent strips (EL), or incandescent bulbs. The lights may be flashing sequencing for safety and decoration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Alvin S. Blum
  • Patent number: 6550945
    Abstract: A luminous pedal for a bicycle has a body with an I-like frame formed therein. An axle hole is longitudinally defined through the frame. An end cover is assembled at the front end and has a second hole in alignment with the axle hole. An axle has a head extending out from the second hole. A plurality of permanent magnets is circumferentially provided thereon and arranged N-pole by S-pole alternately. A coil seat with a coil is secured in the chamber. The permanent magnets are received in the coil seat. Two luminous plates is respectively secured at the side parts of the body and each have a plurality of luminous elements and electrically connected with the coil by a wire so that when the pedal is operated by a user, current is generated to light the luminous elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Chun-Chen Chiu
  • Patent number: 6547426
    Abstract: Vent holes are provided in a case for holding a bulb and a reflector for the bulb. The vent holes are covered with moisture permeation preventive watertight sheets, respectively. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent permeation of water from outside into a lamp, and ensures ventilation of the inside of the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsumi Ebara
  • Publication number: 20030067781
    Abstract: To reduce the exposed length of a winker cord, making the winker cord have a better appearance and also to provide better protection of the winker cord. A front winker (winker device) has a winker holder mounted on a front fork member of a motorcycle with a winker supported on an outer side of the winker holder by a winker support base, and a winker cord extending from the winker holder. The winker holder includes a pair of front and rear holder members, and is mounted on the front fork member in sandwiching relation thereto. The winker cord is inserted though a cord insertion hole defined in the holder members and is exposed out of the winker holder inwardly of the front fork member. A vehicular light-emitting device is capable of emitting light sideways for preventing emitted light from being applied to the driver and also for preventing rainwater from entering the light-emitting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Kyotaro Kajitori, Masamoto Ito, Seiji Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20030067782
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electroluminescent illumination system, more particularly to an electroluminescent light system that allows vehicles to be visible during periods of low light, for example bicycles. The EL panels can be selective affixed to any of the bicycle frame members or wheels, where the EL panels are electrically connected to the power source. The power source applies an AC signal to the conductive substrates of the EL panels resulting in the EL material charging and discharging to emitting light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher Niezrecki, Gregory Yoder, Matthew Young
  • Publication number: 20030063472
    Abstract: A tail lamp unit is disposed inside a rear end portion of a rear cowl of a motorcycle. The rear end portion has a shape whose lateral width narrows or tapers toward an upper end of the rear cowl. A tail lamp is disposed on an upper portion of the tail lamp structure and a brake lamp is disposed beneath the tail lamp, thereby ensuring a sufficient lighting area of the brake lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Tetsuo Ban, Yumio Shibata
  • Publication number: 20030053316
    Abstract: A license light for a two-wheeled vehicle capable of uniformly illuminating a display plane of a license plate. A lamp main body is supported in a light housing portion of a light cover mounted to a license plate mounting portion of a rear fender. The lamp main body is configured such that a lamp fixed to a base via a socket is covered with a lens. A prism is provided on an upper surface portion of the lens through which light emitted from the lamp is directed for illuminating a display plane of the license plate. The prism is formed by arraying a plurality of prism elements, each of which is directed in a direction parallel to the center line of a vehicular body, in a direction perpendicular to the center line direction. The light emitted from the lamp is uniformly diffused by the prism, so that the license light is uniformly illuminated with the light with a uniform brightness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Seiji Yamaguchi, Toru Miyagawa, Toshinori Nakano
  • Patent number: 6533438
    Abstract: A bicycle of scooter safety light mountable to the scooter or bicycle, includes light emitting diodes conductively coupled with a battery-operated power circuit. A plurality of elongated segments are pivotally attached to one another and form a generally cylindrical housing structure sized to wrap tightly around a bar of the bicycle or scooter when opposing segments are brought towards one another and clamped together. Internal compartments of the segments hold either the power circuit and battery or light emitting diodes. The safety light includes a power switch, such as a motion detector for controlling illumination of light emitting diode only when motion is detected, or a photo sensor for delivering power to the light emitting diodes only when in absence of light is detected in order to conserve battery power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: U.S. Britelite, Inc.
    Inventor: Artak Ter-Hovhannisian
  • Publication number: 20030035295
    Abstract: A luminous pedal for a bicycle has a body with an I-like frame formed therein. An axle hole is longitudinally defined through the frame. An end cover is assembled at the front end and has a second hole in alignment with the axle hole. An axle has a head extending out from the second hole. A plurality of permanent magnets is circumferentially provided thereon and arranged N-pole by S-pole alternately. A coil seat with a coil is secured in the chamber. The permanent magnets are received in the coil seat. Two luminous plates is respectively secured at the side parts of the body and each have a plurality of luminous elements and electrically connected with the coil by a wire so that when the pedal is operated by a user, current is generated to light the luminous elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Chun-Chen Chiu
  • Publication number: 20030031019
    Abstract: Light-emitting structure for tires, including a seat body, a connecting leg, an IC board, two cells, a waterproof washer and a protective cover mated with the seat body. The seat body is formed with a receptacle and has an opening on upper side. The bottom of the receptacle is formed with an outward extending locking leg having inner thread. One side of the bottom of the receptacle has a restricting post and two sets of restricting arch walls. A copper plate is connected with and located on the restricting post. The cells are located in the restricting arch walls. A row of LEDs are arranged on the IC board. A photosensitive wire is disposed beside the LEDs. The bottom of the IC board is provided with two contact faces for electrically contacting with the cells. A power switch is disposed on the bottom of the IC board. A resilient sensitive bead and a conductive post are disposed on one side of the IC board. The protective cover is a transparent casing formed with a cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Irene Chen
  • Publication number: 20030007352
    Abstract: A bicycle of scooter safety light mountable to the scooter or bicycle, includes light emitting diodes conductively coupled with a battery-operated power circuit. A plurality of elongated segments are pivotally attached to one another and form a generally cylindrical housing structure sized to wrap tightly around a bar of the bicycle or scooter when opposing segments are brought towards one another and clamped together. Internal compartments of the segments hold either the power circuit and battery or light emitting diodes. The safety light includes a power switch, such as a motion detector for controlling illumination of light emitting diode only when motion is detected, or a photo sensor for delivering power to the light emitting diodes only when in absence of light is detected in order to conserve battery power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Artak Ter-Hovhannisian
  • Patent number: 6501199
    Abstract: An automatic wheel-driven generating device mainly includes a base fixedly mounted on a wheel around an axle thereof and provided with a centered hollow column and one or more radially extended hollow pipes for each receiving a light-emitting element therein; a winding reel enclosed between left and right magnetic poles and fixedly mounted on the hollow column; and a magnet holder having a cap screwed into a center thereof and being fixedly mounted on the axle. The magnet holder carries magnets and is associated with the winding reel and the magnetic poles without contact with them. When the wheel rotates, the winding reel and the magnetic poles on the base rotate along with the wheel relative to the magnet holder that is unmovably fixed on the axle, so that an induced current is produced to drive the light-emitting elements to emit light beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Pao-chuang Hung
  • Patent number: 6491418
    Abstract: An exhaust pipe with illuminating devices is formed by an inner pipe enclosed in an outer pipe. A gap is formed in between the two pipes. The gap comprises a light socket connected to at least one illuminating device. The light socket and the illuminating device are connected by means of an electric cord. The outer pipe comprises holes on its wall. When the illuminating devices are lighted, the light will shine from the tail end and the holes of the exhausting pipe either directly or reflectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Kuo-Tai Chen