WO1998006975A1

WO1998006975A1 - Lighting devices e.g. bicycle lamps

Info

Publication number: WO1998006975A1
Application number: PCT/AU1997/000513
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Richard Dalton; John Robert Brown; Gregory Michael Martens
Original assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
Priority date: 1996-08-13
Filing date: 1997-08-13
Publication date: 1998-02-19
Also published as: EP0918970A1; CA2263076A1; EP0918970A4; CN1228151A; AUPO163696A0

Abstract

A portable lighting device (such as a bicycle lamp) may include the following: an arrangement (illustrated) of light emitting diodes (38, 40, 42) at different angles to each other so that light can travel in at least two directions away from the lighting device; use of multiple images of at least one light emitting diode to present a more visible effect from one or more light emitting diodes; a body portion which will glow when internally generated light falls upon it; a main lamp and openings or channelling means so that light is also emitted from side portions; faired surfaces to facilitate the use of the lighting device in more than one situation; or a lens section having at least two side portions in optical communication with a light emitting diode.

Description

LIGHTING DEVICES E.G. BICYCLE LAMPS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to lighting devices, such as those devices for use with bicycles, to illuminate a roadway or to emit light from the rear of a bicycle to warn drivers of motor vehicles or attract their attention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Throughout the specification the term "lens^" or "lens portion" or "lens section" is used to define a formation of translucent material which may or may not be transparent and which may or may not influence or refract or diffract light which passes through the formation Preferably the mateπal which the lens is manufactured from is a plastics or polymeric material

Bicycle lights are manufactured in many varieties such as the type with a lamp of the halogen, xenon, other gas or vacuum type or. as is becoming more popular, light emitting diode (except in the passages headed "Summary ot Invention^"" and the claims, light emitting dιode(s) will hereinafter be referred to as "LED(s)") bicycle lights for use at the rear of the bicycle

Prior art LED bicycle lights have a relatively narrow spread ot the light emitted trom the LEDs, making them difficult to identifv by people travelling in a direction which is not directly behind the bicycle, or a duection towards the bicycle but also not directlv behind it This difficulty with LED type rear lights means that when a bicycle having the lighting device is turning, the light from the LEDs is not readily seen by drivers of cars not directly behind the bicycle, nor by drivers turning into a path at the rear of the bicycle. Thus LED prior art bicycle lights can be quite difficult to see from directions other than directly behind the bicycle

Conventional prior art bicycle lights for the front of the bicycle generally include a lamp which is powered by dry cells. These lights also tend to be directional and low powered such that people or drivers of cars at the sides of the bicycles cannot see the beam of light being emitted. Another disadvantage, when being viewed from the front, is that because the lights are generally battery operated, the power source is relatively stable and the light whilst lighting the road ahead, may not necessarily warn an on-corrung driver of a vehicle that a bike rider is present Conventional prior art bicycle lights are generally detachable from a mounting bracket so that they won't be stolen and need not be left in the weather outdoors. Also they can be readily removed for use as a flashlight. However, the mounting portions ot such conventional prior art lights, which engage a mounting bracket, when held in a users hand, because of the presence of sharp features, may injure the skin of a user's hand or fingers It is also possible for the mounting portions to tear or otherwise damage the mateπal of a glove covering a user's hand. Such prior art bicycle lights tend not to be readily graspable because of obstructions to the user's grip, caused by the mounting portions which detach with the light from the mounting bracket.

OBJECTS

It is an object of the present invention to ameliorate, at least in part, at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a lighting device including a body portion having a holding means to hold a portable electricity supply and control circuitry to power at least two light emitting diodes, said lighting device including a lens portion having at least one lens sections, or at least as many lens sections as there are light emitting diodes, which receive light from said diodes or respective ones of said diodes, said at least two diodes being arranged so that there is an angle between the direction of light emitted from one diode relative to the direction of light emitted from at least one other diode, said lens sections being arranged so that light emitted from said diodes passing through said lens sectιon(s), travels in at least two directions away from said lighting device.

Preferably the angle between said directions is 10° to 90°.

Preferably said at least two directions are defined by means of one of the following: an imaginary central axis of a cone of light which is emitted from each of said at least two diodes; longitudinal axes of said at least two diodes; directions of axes normal to the surfaces of mounting portions which receive said at least two diodes.

Preferably said lens sectιon(s) has(have) one multi-faceted side. Preferably said facets are of a triangular, square, rectangular or other polygonal shape.

Preferably there are at least three lens sections and at least three light emitting diodes

Preferably at least two facets of each lens section direct light passing through said lens section in different or parallel directions to each other

Preferably at least two light emitting diodes have a cone angle of emitted light of approximately 50°

Preferably said lens portion includes a wall extending away from said lens sectιon(s), such that an end of said wall portion is engageable with said body portion.

Preferably one of said lens portion and said body portion includes a seal means to at least substantially seal areas of engagement of said lens portion and said body portion

Preferably a printed circuit board embodying said control circuitry is permanently attached to said lens portion

Preferably said wall portion is adapted to glow when said at least two diodes emit light.

Preferably said wall portion glows when internally reflected light oi light emitted from said diodes strikes said wall portion

Preferably said wall portion is made from acrylic with a frosted finish

Preferably said frosted finish is on an internal surface of said wall portion

Preferably said control circuitry powers said at least two diodes in one or more of the following modes: alternately; simultaneously; randomly; or by said diodes being powered in groups alternately or randomly

Preferably said lighting device is adapted to be secured to the front or rear of a moving ob_ject such as a person, a bicycle or other vehicle.

Preferably said lighting device is adapted to be hand held.

Preferably said lighting device is a bicycle light. The features of this embodiment of the invention provide a multi-directional rear light and in the embodiment having 3 LEDs, one can be directed directly to the rear, and the other two, to directions at angles either side thereof Because of this, the lighting device is more visible when a rider puts pressure on a crank causing the frame to oscillate from side to side in a direction perpendicular to the direction of motion Further, when a rider is turning a corner or if a car is at an angle other than directly at the rear, such as when in an overtaking situation, one of the other side LED lights will help illuminate the bicycle and hopefully alert the driver of the vehicle at the rear.

If hand held, the lighting device of this embodiment, because of the angular coverage of the light emitted, should be more readily seen trom different angles

The invention also provides a lighting device having a body portion for housing a portable electricity supply and an associated control circuitry to power at least one light emitting diode to act as a light source, said lighting device having a lens portion with at least one lens section which includes at least one multi-faceted portion, which is preferably highly polished, so that light emitted from each diode passes through a corresponding lens section so that through each facet said light can pass out of said lighting device whcrebv when said at least one light emitting diode is viewed from a position on the other side ot said lens portion to said light emitting diodes, there are seen multiple sources of light or multiple images of said at least one light emitting diode

Preferably there are three of said lens sections and three light emitting diodes

Preferably said lens sections, when there is more than one, are at least part circular and together form a multifaceted lens extending substantially across a substantial width of said lens portion

Preferably the facets of said lens sections are of a triangular or polygonal shape

Preferably said lighting device is a bicycle light

By providing the multifaceted lens, the embodiment allows a greater number of images of the light source to be viewed from the rear through each facet of the multi-faceted lens section. This gives a more recognisable effect and one that can bring the light source to the attention of a potential viewer.

The present invention further provides a lighting device having a body portion for housing a portable electricity supply and associated control circuitry to power at least one light emitting diode so that it acts as a light source, said lighting device having a lens portion with at least one lens section at one end of said lens portion and a wall section depending from said lens portion, said wall section having a frosted or translucent surface so that any light emitted from said diode which does not pass through said lens section or portion, or is internally reflected therefrom, will diffuse through said wall section or is internally reflected in said wall section and subsequently passes through it. giving the wall section a glowing or illuminating appearance.

Preferably the frosted surface helps to reflect light across the surface and to eventually pass said light through said frosted wall section.

Preferably said frosted surface enables said wall section to act as a light pipe.

Preferably said frosted surface is produced by means of a chemically etched finish or spark eroded finish on the mould tool.

Preferably a frosted finish is applied to or formed on either an inside or outside surface of the wall section.

Preferably said frosted finish completely covers an inside or outside surface of said wall section.

Preferably said lighting device is a bicycle light.

This embodiment of the invention produces a glowing wall between the lens section and the body of a lighting device which can be additional to any light emitted from light emitting diodes through the lens section. Because the wall section can glow, the lighting device may be visible from directions which are not in the general directions of light emitted from the diodes through the lenses. Such directions can include the side and to a smaller degree from a sideward and frontward position. 98/06975

The invention also provides a lighting device having a body portion for housing a portable electricity supply, associated control circuitry and switching means connected in circuit with a lamp holder in which can be mounted a lamp means, said lighting device also including a lens section and a reflector portion, said lens section including a front portion and at least two side portions extending away from the front portion, said reflector portion including at least two openings or channelling means to allow light to travel from said filament to said at least two side portions, so light can be emitted, through both of said generally planar front portion and said at least two side portions

Preferably said side portions are positioned so that an imaginary straight line can be drawn through said side portions and a filament of said lamp means when positioned in said lamp holder

Preferably each side portion is in light or optical communication with a light emitting diode so that when said diodes emit light, said light is visible through said side portions

Preferably said light emitting diodes are positioned adjacent said side portions

Preferably said light emitting diodes are amber colour

Preferably said diodes are red, when utilised for locations other than a forward direction on said bicycle

Preferably said light emitting diodes can emit light which is also visible through said front portion of said lens section.

Preferably an opening means is provided in said reflector portion to allow said light emitted from said diodes to be visible through said front portion of said lens section

Preferably said front portion is surrounded by a periphery with a frosted finish so that when it is lighted the periphery is visible from at least a forward position

Preferably said switching in said associated circuitry allows one of the following modes to be selected

(a) a non intermittent emission of light from a lamp means mounted in said holder; or (b) the intermittent powering of said light emitting diode; or

(c) the constant powering of said lamp means in the lamp holder simultaneously with intermittent powering of said diode so that a constant light beam is emitted whilst at the same time a flashing light from the sides and front is visible.

Preferably said frosted finish acts as a light pipe so that said side portions and said periphery illuminates or glows when said lamp means is emitting light and or when said diodes emit light.

Preferably said lighting device is a bicycle light.

One of the advantages of this embodiment is that it allows at least two modes of operation so that better road visibility and or better recognition or awareness by drivers of oncoming vehicles results

Because the LEDs are preferably flashing, they can provide a piercing, attention getting signal in difficult weather such as rain or fog or other low lights situations.

Because of the side portions allow a constant lamp light or flashing LED light, or both, to be emitted sideways of the direction of movement, there is a greater chance of the lighting device being observed from angles other than just in front of the light. This can be particularly helpful when T intersections are being passed, with a car waiting at the leg of the T intersection, or when bicycles with such lighting devices or cars are in the action of turning.

The invention also provides a bicycle light having a body portion and a lamp portion, the bicycle light being characterised by the presence of a mounting bracket receiving portion which is adapted to receive a mounting bracket; said mounting bracket portion having faired surfaces tapering from the side peripheries of said bicycle light to form a recess which is adapted to receive said mounting bracket.

Preferably said mounting bracket receiving portion has a ledge or surface between an end of the mounting bracket receiving portion and an end of the bicycle light

The advantage of this embodiment is that a faired mounting bracket receiving recess in said bicycle light body portion is formed. This allows a more comfortable grip for a user when the bicycle light is removed from the bicycle and is then used as a hand held flashlight to light the way of a walking bicycle rider.

The invention further provides a lighting device having a body portion for housing a portable electricity supply, associated control circuitry and switching means connected in circuit with a lamp holder in which can be mounted a lamp means, said lighting device also including a lens section and a reflector portion, said lens section including a front portion and at least two side portions extending away from the front portion, each side portion being in light communication or optical communication with a light emitting diode so that when said at least one light emitting diode emits light, said light is visible through said side portions.

Preferably there are two light emitting diodes each one being positioned adjacent a respective said side portion.

Preferably each of said light emitting diodes emits an amber coloured light.

Preferably said diodes are red, when utilised for locations other than a forward direction on said bicycle.

Preferably an opening means is provided in said reflector portion to allow said light emitted from said diodes to be visible through said front portion of said lens section.

Preferably said front portion is surrounded by a periphery with a frosted finish so that when it is lighted the periphery is visible from at least a forward position.

Preferably said switching in said associated circuitry allows one of the following modes to be selected:

(a) a non intermittent emission of light from a lamp means mounted in said holder; or

(b) the intermittent powering of said light emitting diode; or (c) the constant powering of said lamp means in the lamp holder simultaneously with intermittent powering of said diode so that a constant light beam is emitted whilst at the same time a flashing light from the sides and front is visible

Preferably light from said lamp means and said light emitting diodes can be visible simultaneously through said side portions and or through said front portion of said lens

Preferably said lighting device is a bicvcle light

The foregoing statements of inventions describe inventions ot two forms of lighting device There are also described features which at this time are only preferable However, at some later time it mav be necessary to combine one or more of the inventions of the two forms of lighting device, or make essential one or more of the preferable features, to distinguish these inventions from prior art which is unknown at the time of writing this specification and which may become known in the future

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present inventions will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompany drawings in which

Fig 1 illustrates a side view of a bicycle lighting device

Fig 1Λ illustrates a perspective rear view of the apparatus of Fig 1 with the mounting bracket removed.

Fig IB illustrates a perspective front view of the apparatus of Fig 1 with the mounting bracket removed;

Fig 2 illustrates a top view of the apparatus of figure 1 ,

Fig 2A illustrates a bottom view of the apparatus of figure 1 ,

Fig 3 illustrates a front view of the apparatus of figure 1.

Fig 3A illustrates a rear view of the apparatus of figure 1 ,

Fig 4 illustrates a cross section through the apparatus of figure 1 through the lines IV-IV, Fig 5 illustrates a cross section through the apparatus of figure 2 through the lines V-V;

Fig 6 illustrates a view looking inside the lens in the direction of arrow VI of Fig 5;

Fig 7 illustrates a forward perspective of a bicycle lighting device;

Fig 8 illustrates an underneath perspective of the apparatus of figure 7;

Fig 9 illustrates an underneath plan view of the apparatus of figure 7;

Fig 10 illustrates a plan view of the apparatus of figure 7;

Fig 1 1 illustrates a front view of the apparatus of figure 7;

Fig 12 illustrates a rear view of the apparatus of figure 7;

Fig 13 illustrates a right side view of the apparatus of figure 7;

Fig 13A illustrates a left side view of the apparatus of figure 7;

Fig 14 illustrates a cross section through fig 13 along line XIV-XIV;

Fig 15 illustrates a cross section through fig 12 along line XV-XV; and

Fig 16 illustrates a cross section through fig 13 along line XVI-XVI.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Illustrated in figures 1 to 6 is a lighting device 2 which is designed for attachment to the rear of a bicycle. The lighting device 2 includes a lens portion 4 having a closed continuous walled section 6 which extends away from body 8 and surrounds or bounds an enclosed space. The walled section 6 terminates at one end which includes the surfaces of the lens section 10, and at the other end with a shoulder 28 to receive a moulded holder 33. The lens section 10 has a bulging and curved (or convex when viewed from the outside) outer surface 12, as viewed in fig 1. The generally convex outer surface 12 has an overall generally concave inner surface 14 when seen in cross section, as in fig 4, but because it is formed in part from the convex lens sections 18, 20 and 22, the inner surface 14 does have a convex appearance when viewed in cross section as in fig 5. The inner surface 14 includes, as part of its construction a series of facets 16 These facets 16 are more clearly visible in fig 6 which is a view in the direction of arrow VI as illustrated in fig 5

Referring now to figures 4 and 6, the inner portion 14 is made up of three multi-faceted lens sections or lenses 18, 20 and 22, each of which has formed thereon a series of triangular facets 16 Each of the facets 16 on the multi-faceted lenses 18, 20 and 22 is preferably highly polished to maximise transmission and minimise reflection of light by the multi faceted lenses 18. 20 and 22 This will allow as much light as possible, to travel from the inner surface 14 to the outer surface 12 Alternatively, the multi-faceted lenses 18, 20 and 22 can be given a frosted finish, but such a frosted finish will reduce the brightness of the light transmitted through the lens sections 18, 20 and 22

The lens portion 4 can be manufactured by injection moulding from an acrylic material The smoothness of the moulds in the vicinity of the lenses 22, 20 and 18 and the outer surface 12 results in the moulded product having the highly polished finish The walled section 6 is produced so that the internal surfaces 24 (see fig 4) around the lens portion 4 result in a frosted finish The frosted finish is produced by a spark eroded or chemically etched mould surface to form the internal surface 24,

The frosted finish results in light hitting the internal surface 24 being diffused or transmitted through the walled section 6 Alternatively, it may be internally reflected in the wall 6 until it diffuses or otherwise exits from the wall 6 In this way, the walled section 6 acts as a light pipe The frosted finish of the internal surface 24 will make the walled section 6 appear to glow when any internally reflected light or other light hits the surface 24 travelling in the direction from inside of the surface 24 to the outside When this is coupled with the LED light projected through lenses 18, 20 and 22, the lighting device 2 can have a visibility field of approximately 270°

When the walled section 6 glows, the walled section 6 becomes visible at night time

The lens portion 4 has a terminus 26 around the length of the periphery of the walled section 6 The terminus 26 includes a shoulder 28 peripherally located thereon. The shoulder 28 provides a mounting point for a moulded holder 33 which holds a printed circuit board 30. The shoulder 28 also provides the necessary contact between the moulded holder 33 and the shoulder 28 so that they can be sonically welded or otherwise joined together .

Mounted on the printed circuit board 30 are three LEDs 38, 40 and 42. The LED 38 is positioned so that it points in a direction so that light emitted from the LED 38 will pass through the multi-faceted lens 18. Likewise with LED 40 and multi-faceted lens 20; and LED 42 and multi-faceted lens 22. The LEDs 38, 40 and 42 are of the 3000 mcd type which operate at 3 volts. Generally once the LEDs 38, 40 and 42 are positioned, they are not easily replaceable because they are soldered into the printed circuit board 30. It may be that an LED holder exists which would allow for the ready replacement of the LEDs. If such exists, it can be used instead of soldering.

It can be seen from Fig 4 that the LEDs 38, 40 and 42 are located and secured by means of a three angle formation or bracket 41. The three planar mounting surfaces of the bracket 41 have an angle between them which is measured between a direction normal to each of the three mounting surfaces. These directions are approximated by the directions indicated by the dimensions or distances 36 from the diodes to the lenses in figure 4.

The bracket 41 is a part of or is secured to the printed circuit board 30 so that when the LEDs 38, 40 and 42 are installed onto the printed circuit board 30. which is to be secured to the walled section 6, the LEDs are at the correct angle and alignment to emit light through the lenses 18, 20 and 22.

The distance from the LED 38, 40 and 42 to the multi-faceted lenses 18, 20 and 22 is dictated by the cone angle of light which is emitted from the LEDs 38, 40 and 42. The LEDs 38, 40 and 42 preferably have a cone angle of 50°. This cone angle dictates that the distance 36 is approximately 30 millimetres. This distance 36 of 30 millimetres ensures that the 50 degree cone angle of light emitted from LEDs 38, 40 and 42 is such that the periphery of the cone of that light, when it hits the multi-faceted lenses 18, 20 and 22, has approximately the same diameter as the multi-faceted lenses 18, 20 and 22. Whilst other cone angled LEDs such as 14° and 30° can be utilised, the present invention operates best with a 50° cone angle. If other cone angled LEDs are utilised, other modifications will be required, such as a lengthening of the distance 36, or a decrease in the size of the lenses 18, 20, and 22.

When the facets 16 of the multi-faceted lenses 18, 20 and 22 are highly polished, a person who views the light emitted by the LEDs, via the lenses 18, 20 and 22, will see as many glowing images of the light as there are facets in the lenses 22, 20 and 18. By the facets 16 being of a relatively large size(equilateral triangles having each side approximately 5 mm to 7mm in length), distinct images of light can be transmitted through the facets giving a multiplying effect of the images of light being emitted. Preferably the light passing through the facets 16 on each of the lenses 18. 20 and 22 is such that the light will travel out through each of the respective lenses 18, 20 and 22 in a conical fashion. However, angles between the directions of light emitted from the lenses 18. 20 and 22 can be different and this is dictated by the angles of the facets 16. The angles of the facets 16 relative to each other can be set so that light passing through individual facets 16 of each of the respective lenses 18, 20 and 22 is substantially parallel to other light travelling through the same lens 18, 20 or 22.

The facets 16 can be located on the outside of the lighting device 2. However, they are preferably located on the inner surface 14. as is illustrated in the figures, as it has been determined that this is a better location as far as the resultant effect is concerned. The facets 16 are viewable from outside of the lighting device 2.

The body 8 of the lighting device 2 is attached to the moulded holder 33 by means of a set screw 50 which engages a threaded portion 51 on the moulded holder 33. This set screw 50 is also illustrated in figure 1A which is a rear perspective of the lighting device 2. When the set screw 50 is removed, the body 8 can be separated from the printed circuit board 30 and the lens portion 4. In this way, access can be gained to the dry cell mounting portions 52, so that dry cells 54 (see fig 5) can be removed or installed. The printed circuit board 30 has a groove 56 around its periphery, which allows it to receive a seal 58, which is shown in position in the groove 56 in figure 5. The seal 58 is not present in figure 4. A switch actuator 44 is linked to a switching mechanism 48 mounted on a printed circuit board 30. The control circuitry included in the printed circuit board 30 can be designed so that various modes of operation and illumination of the LEDs 38, 40 and 42 can occur. For example if the switch in mechanism 48 was a four position switch, then the LEDs may be controlled to power on or off alternately, so that as one switches on, the other switches off, and so on, all three LEDs can be made to flash on and off at the same time, groups of flashing LEDs can be made to illuminate so that at any one time groups of two LEDs 38 and 40 then 40 and 42 then 42 and 38 illuminate and so on, or all three at once, or all LEDs are randomly switched on and off, which may also include randomly powering on and off the LEDs in groups

If desired, the control circuitry can include an override feature which may be activated by the application of brakes on the bicycle If the brakes are applied, a switch mechanism can, directly or indirectly, be closed In which case, the LEDs cease flashing either alternately, randomly or otherwise and stay on steadily, so as to indicate to a person behind the bicycle that the rider is braking

The LEDs 38, 40 and 42 are preferably flashing when in use, that is not continuously powered, but intermittently powered, so that the flashing LEDs will help attract attention Such flashing also helps to conserve electricity stored in the dry cells, thereby resulting in extended life

The three LEDs 38. 40 and 42, when seen in plan view, occupy three different angular positions The angles 37 and 39 are each of a value of 30° to 45°, when viewed from the side in cross- section, as in figure 5. From figure 5, it can also be seen that the LEDs 38, 40 and 42 each have their central axes lying in substantially the same plane. The angular arrangement and directions of light emission of the LEDs enables a bicycle fitted with such a lighting device to be visible from a greater range of angles by comparison with previous bicycle lights The light from the LEDs 38, 42 (and thus a bicycle to which the lighting device 2 is attached), because the light is directed to the side, can be viewed as the angle of the bicycle changes relative to the ground, which can occur when the bicycle is swaying from side to side, as a person is pedalling or standing on the pedals, or is banked as the bicycle turning If desired other LEDs can be present, such as two more, one mounted below LED 40 and one mounted above LED 40 Such additional LEDs will require commensurate additions of multi-faceted lenses and an increase in the body dimensions The additional LEDs can be oriented to direct light at an angle in the range of approximately 30° to 45° (or at a smaller angle) above and below the plane in which the other LEDs 38, 40 and 42 lie By such additional LEDs, light can be emitted in a further two directions thus giving an even greater chance of being viewed Thus truck drivers who are seated in generally higher positions by comparison to car drivers, will be able to view the light in addition to car drivers and drivers of small cars who are even lower to the ground

If desired, other arrangements of differing numbers of LEDs can be developed, whereby for example some five LEDs are provided, equi-spaced from 0° to 180°, so that light is emitted in directions at 90° to the axis 72 of fig 4 If only two LEDs are utilised they are preferably separated by an angle less than 30° to give adequate coverage to the rear, and improved coverage at other angles, by comparison to the prior art

The body 8 includes a passage 34 for the switch actuator 44 to pass through it to activates a switch mechanisms 48, mounted on the circuit board 30 The passage 34 is sealed by a sealing diaphragm 46 so that water does not have a path into the internal portions of the body 8

The rear end 60 of the body 8 includes an attachment portion 62 which allows a mounting bracket 64 to be connected to the lighting device 2, by means of strap 66 and clasp 68 which secure the lighting device 2 below the seat of a bicycle, onto to a tubular saddle support. The mounting bracket 64 preferably has a realisable securing mechanism 70, which allows the user of the lighting device 2 to adjust the height and/or direction to which the LED is directing light The clasp 68 and strap 66 allow the user to orient the centre line 72, through the centre LED 40, parallel to a longitudinal direction of the bicycle, to which this is attached

While the above indicates that the lens section 10 has 3 lenses 18, 20 and 22, the lens section 10 can be manufactured so that there is only one multi-faceted lens across the whole width and height of the lens section 10, whereby only one lens will be discernible in the lens section 10 It is readily understood that the lighting device 2, without the mounting bracket 64, is useful as a hand-held lighting device so that persons who may be lost at night time might attract attention It is also readily understood that other mounting mechanisms can be utilised for attachment of the lighting device to a person's body or even to the rear or other location of a person's head

Illustrated in figs 7 to 16 is a lighting device 80 which can be for the front or rear of a bicycle The lighting device 80, whether for front or rear use on a bicycle, has some common features The majority of the following features are common to front and rear usage, and the differences will be discussed later.

The lighting device 80 has an elongated "dog leg" shaped body portion 82 which includes a top segment 84 and a iower segment 86 The top and lower segments 84 and 86 are similarly shaped in parts thereof with the top segment 86 including a generally flat upper surface with rounded sides Whereas, the lower segment 86 is also generally streamlined though not flat, with rounded sides The lower segment 86 acts as a dry cell housing cover and is secured to the top segment by means of a set screw 88 In the vicinity of the head of the set screw 88 is a formation or fairing 135 which, for aesthetic purposes, partially surrounds the head of the set screw 88

To install or remove the dry cells, the lighting device is turned upside down so that lower segment 86 is on top The set screw 88 is turned or removed and then lower segment 86 is able to be separated from top segment 84, allowing a user to gain access to the dry cells 92 or dry cell housing (as illustrated in fig 14)

The body 82 has a section 90 which houses dry cells 92 (as illustrated in Figure 14) and a printed circuit board region 94 which is located adjacent to the dry cells holding area 96 The printed circuit board 95, in region 94, is located generally beneath a main lamp on/off switch 98 and an LEDs on/off switch 100 The switches 98 and 100 close two independent circuits, one for the main lamp and one for LEDs

In the same region as the switches 98 and 100 is a dry cell life indicator 102 which is connected in the control circuitry which is designed to illuminate the dry cell life indicator when the dry cell life has been reduced to 30%. The dry cell indicator can glow green by means of a green LED (not illustrated) when greater than 30% life remains or red by means of a red coloured LED (not illustrated) when dry cell life is 30% or less compared to when fully charged

Extending away from and adjacent to the printed circuit board 95 is lamp end 104 which includes a centrally mounted lamp holder mechanism 106 which holds a lamp 108. The lamp holder 106 is connected into the tracks and circuit connections provided in the printed circuit board 95 so as to provide electric power to illuminate the lamp 108 Surrounding the lamp 108 is a reflector 1 10 which is enclosed by a lens 1 12 which is of a highly polished, clear finish

Around the periphery of the lens 1 12 is a peripheral portion 1 14 which is integrally moulded but has a manufactured frosted finish Generally the lens 1 12 and the periphery 1 14 are manufactured from acrylic and the f rosted finish is achieved by a mould surface being spark eroded or alternatively chemicallv etched, so that a frosted finish results

Extending trom the lens 1 12 back along the lamp end 104 are side lenses 1 16 The side lenses 1 16 are either integrally formed with the lens 1 12 or alternatively are separately formed but are optically connected

The relationship between the side lenses 1 16 and the lamp 108 is more clearly depicted in Figure 14

As is illustrated in Figure 14 the f ilament 1 18, when the lamp 108 is in the holder 106. is in a position which is in line with two apertures 120 at diametrically opposite portions of the reflector 1 10 The apertures 120 need only be apertures to achieve the desired result But if desired extending from the apertures 120 there can be located reflective channels 122 which direct light from the filament 1 18 to the internal surfaces of the side lenses 1 16 When light passes from the filament 1 18 through aperture 120 and through channels 122 onto the inner surface of the side lenses 1 16, because the side lenses 1 16 are of a frosted finish, some light is internally reflected and transmitted from this location around to the peripheral portion 1 14 whereas some light passes out of the side lenses 1 16 The frosted finish on side lenses 1 16 and peripheral portion 1 14 together act as a light pipe to channel light in both directions depending on the source Thus when the lamp 108 is illuminated, light can be seen from the side of the lighting device 80 because of the side lenses 1 16 receiving and transmitting light from lamp 108. Further, as the periphery 1 14 is also alight, a rider can determine that the lighting device 80 has been switched on by looking at the lighting device 80 from above rather than from in front.

The peripheral portion 1 14 can also be lighted by means of light emanating from the front lens 1 12 entering the peripheral portion 1 14. which then pipes or conducts some of the light to the other frosted portions of the side lenses 1 16 or other portions of the peripheral portion 1 14

Located next to the channels 120 are two LEDs 124 which make optical connection with or are in light communication with the base 126 of the side lenses 1 16.

Preferably the LEDs are amber in colour because generally red LEDs indicate the rear of objects such as bicycles and other vehicles Amber colours also have benefits in foggy and rainy weather

When the amber LEDs 124 are illuminated, by a means of the operator activating the LED on/off switch 100, electrical power is delivered to the LED circuit and makes them turn on and off periodically (i.e. makes them flash cyclically) and act as a warning or other attention attracting signal, which emanates from the side lenses 1 16 The integral nature of side lenses 1 16 and periphery 1 14 which results in the optical connection or light communication between the two together with the presence of a the frosted finish on the side lenses 1 16 and peripheral portion 1 14 results in the periphery 1 14 and side lenses 1 16 acting as a light pipe Thus the flashing amber illumination from LEDs 124 not only emanates outwardly from the side lenses 1 16 but also illuminates the periphery 1 14 from where the amber illumination is visible when viewed from the front. This can result in the amber flashing of the lighting device 80 being visible to on-coming drivers. Such drivers may not recognise the steady glow of lamp 108, however the flashin *ge amber colour of the LEDs 124 mav attract their attention.

The user/πder can select to have either the lamp 108 on constantly, by activating the main lamp on/off switch 98, or in situations where there is sufficient light around for the user/rider, but the rider wants to be visible, the rider can leave the lamp 108 off and switch on the amber LEDs 124 warning lights by means of the LED on/off switch 100. If desired, the user/rider can activate both the main lamp 108 and the flashing signal of amber LEDs 124, by closing both circuits with switches 98 and 100. In this way maximum visibility of the lighting device 80 is achieved, particularly for any on-coming vehicles, and awareness of the lighting device 80 to other drivers will be greater than if the main lamp alone were switched on.

Alternatively to, or in addition to, the passage of light from the LEDs 124 through the side lenses 1 16, there can be provided a gap 128 (illustrated in phantom line in fig 14) near the periphery of the reflector 1 10. The gap 128 is in line with the LED 124 to allow light from LEDs 124 to travel not just through the side lenses 1 16 and around periphery 1 14, but also directly out through the front lens 1 12. This can also add light into the light pipes provided by the frosted finish of the peripheral portion 1 14.

Even further additional visibility may be gained because of possible internal reflection from the internal side of lens 1 12 back onto the reflector 1 10. Thus the flashing may be more clearly seen by oncoming persons or vehicles because it is also emanating from the reflector 1 10.

The switches 100 and 98 are provided in a recess 130 as illustrated in the cross-section of Figure 15. This recess helps prevent the switches 98 and 100 being accidentally activated when placed in a bag or other conveyance or receptacle.

The lower segment 86 includes a mounting bracket engagement portion 132 which is provided with tapered or faired formations 134 on either side of the mounting bracket engaging portion 132. The smooth formations form a faired structure around the mounting bracket engaging portion 132 so that when a operator choses to grasp the lighting device 80 after it has been taken off the bracket (not illustrated) so as to use the lighting device 80 as a flashlight, there are no corners or relatively sharp portions which engage the user/rider's hands or gloves. By providing the mounting bracket engaging portion 132 in a substantially recessed position, between the tapered or faired formations 134, the lower segment 86 when it sits in a gloved hand or a naked hand, and when pressed from above by the thumb, will allow the flesh at the base of the fingers and at the top of the palm or an outer surface of the glove adjacent thereto to move into and occupy some of the volume of the mounting bracket engaging portion 132. This can provide some additional grip to help prevent the lighting device 80 from moving out of the bight or space formed between the thumb and fingers of a user/rider

The faired or tapered rear ends 136 near to each of the tapered or faired formations 134, provide two formations against which the side of a user/rider's little finger can be positioned That is the user/rider's little finger can lay across the surface 138 of lower segment 86 This helps to provide a comfortable grip when used as a flashlight

The lighting device 80 of figures 7 to 16 has both the LED and lamp features utilising four AA dry cells However, this can be modified for particular requirements These modifications can include not providing the LED circuits but retaining the side lenses 1 16 so that they illuminate when the lamp means 108 is illuminated

The size of the dry cell housing can be modified to receive two C-size dry cells or six AA-size dry cells however, as C size or dry cells are thicker or to pack in 6AA-sιze dry cell requires greater depth if width is held constant, the dimension 140 will be greater tor 6- A A or 2 C size dry cells, than that of the four AA version illustrated in the figures

The difference between the features of the lighting device 80 when used in a rearward position include the following

For front use, the front lens 1 12 of the lighting device 80 ot figs 7 and 8 is of a highly polished clear finish, whereas for a rearward positioning on a bicycle the clear front lens 1 12 can be replaced by a red coloured lens so that the light emitted will appear red Red being generally the colour of rear lights on vehicles

If desired, the side lights 1 16, whilst also being of a red acrylic and allowing red light to illuminate from the sides, red LEDs can be installed to generate light to provide a flashing red signal to warn of the presence of the bicycle to drivers of rearwardly approaching vehicles Alternatively the side lenses 1 16 can be of a clear acrylic with a frosted surface and used in conjunction with red LEDs Alternatively still, the LEDs 124 and associated circuit need not be provided at all depending on particular requirements While the above embodiment describes two LEDs 124 for each side lens 1 16, if desired, a single LED could be provided which will communicate light to the side lenses 1 16 and out through the front lens portion 1 12, in much the same way as the lamp means 108 does.

The foregoing describes embodiments of the present invention and modifications by those skilled in the art can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lighting device including a body portion having a holding means to hold a portable electricity supply and control circuitry to power at least two light emitting diodes, said lighting device including a lens portion having at least one lens sections, or at least as many lens sections as there are light emitting diodes, which receive light from said diodes or respective ones of said diodes, said at least two diodes being arranged so that there is an angle between the direction of light emitted from one diode relative to the direction of light emitted from at least one other diode, said lens sections being arranged so that light emitted from said diodes passing through said lens section(s), travels in at least two directions away from said lighting device.

2. A lighting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the angle between said directions is 10° to 90°.

3. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein said at least two directions are defined by means of one of the following: an imaginary central axis of a cone of light which is emitted from each of said at least two diodes: longitudinal axes of said at least two diodes; directions of axes normal to the surfaces of mounting portions which receive said at least two diodes.

4. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein said lens section(s) has(have) one multi-faceted side.

5. A lighting device as claimed in claim 4 wherein said facets are of a triangular, square, rectangular or other polygonal shape.

6. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein there are at least three lens sections and at least three light emitting diodes.

7. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein at least two facets of each lens section direct light passing through said lens section in different or parallel directions to each other.

8. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein at least two light emitting diodes have a cone angle of emitted light of approximately 50°.

9. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein said lens portion includes a wall extending away from said lens section(s), such that an end of said wall portion is engageable with said body portion.

10. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein one of said lens portion and said body portion includes a seal means to at least substantially seal areas of engagement of said lens portion and said body portion.

11. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein a printed circuit board embodying said control circuitry is permanently attached to said lens portion.

12. A lighting device as claimed in any one claims 9 to 11 wherein said wall portion is adapted to glow when said at least two diodes emit light.

13. A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein said wall portion glows when internally reflected light or light emitted from said diodes strikes said wall portion.

14. A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein said wall portion is made from acrylic with a frosted finish.

15. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein said frosted finish is on an internal surface of said wall portion.

16. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein said control circuitry powers said at least two diodes in one or more of the following modes: alternately; simultaneously; randomly; or by said diodes being powered in groups alternately or randomly.

17. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein said lighting device is adapted to be secured to the front or rear of a moving object such as a person, a bicycle or other vehicle.

18. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein said lighting device is adapted to be hand held.

19. A lighting device as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein said lighting device is a bicycle light.

20. A lighting device having a body portion for housing a portable electricity supply and an associated control circuitry to power at least one light emitting diode to act as a light source, said lighting device having a lens portion with at least one lens section which includes at least one multi-faceted portion, which is preferably highly polished, so that light emitted from each diode passes through a corresponding lens section so that through each facet said light can pass out of said lighting device whereby when said at least one light emitting diode is viewed from a position on the other side of said lens portion to said light emitting diodes, there are seen multiple sources of light or multiple images of said at least one light emitting diode..

21. A lighting device as claimed in claim 20 wherein there are three of said lens sections and three light emitting diodes.

22. A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 20 or 21 wherein said lens sections, when there is more than one, are at least part circular and together form a multifaceted lens extending substantially across a substantial width of said lens portion.

23. A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22 wherein the facets of said lens sections are of a triangular or polygonal shape.

24. A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 23 wherein said lighting device is a bicycle light.

25. A lighting device having a body portion for housing a portable electricity supply and associated control circuitry to power at least one light emitting diode so that it acts as a light source, said lighting device having a lens portion with at least one lens section at one end of said lens portion and a wall section depending from said lens portion, said wall section having a frosted or translucent surface so that any light emitted from said diode which does not pass through said lens section or portion, or is internally reflected therefrom, will diffuse through said wall section or is internally reflected in said wall section and subsequently passes through it, giving the wall section a glowing or illuminating appearance.

26. A lighting device as claimed in claim 25 wherein the frosted surface helps to reflect light across the surface and to eventually pass said light through said frosted wall section

27. A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 25 or 26 wherein said frosted surface enables said wall section to act as a light pipe.

28. A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27 wherein said frosted surface is produced by means of a chemically etched finish or spark eroded finish on the mould tool.

29. A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 28 wherein a frosted finish is applied to or formed on either an inside or outside surface of the wall section.

30. A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 29 wherein said frosted finish completely covers an inside or outside surface of said wall section.

31. A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 30 wherein said lighting device is a bicycle light

32. A lighting device having a body portion for housing a portable electricity supply, associated control circuitry and switching means connected in circuit with a lamp holder in which can be mounted a lamp means, said lighting device also including a lens section and a reflector portion, said lens section including a front portion and at least two side portions extending away from the front portion, said reflector portion including at least two openings or channelling means to allow light to travel from said filament to said at least two side portions, so light can be emitted, through both of said front portion and aid at least two side portions.

33. A lighting device as claimed in claim 32 wherein said side portions are positioned so that an imaginary straight line can be drawn through said side portions and a filament of said lamp means when positioned in said lamp holder.

34. A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 32 or 33 wherein each side portion is in light or optical communication with a light emitting diode so that when said diode emits light, said light is visible through said side portions.

35 A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 34 wherein there are two light emitting diodes with each diode positioned adjacent respective said side portions

36 A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 34 or 35 wherein said light emitting diodes are amber colour

37 A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 34 or 35 wherein said diodes are red, when utilised for locations other than a forward direction on said bicycle

38 A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 37 wherein said light emitting diodes can emit light which is also visible through said front portion of said lens section

39 A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 38 wherein an opening means is provided in said reflector portion to allow said light emitted from said diodes to be visible through said front portion of said lens section

40 A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 32 to39 wherein said front portion is surrounded by a peπphery with a frosted finish so that when it is lighted the periphery is visible from at least a forward position

41 A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 32 lo 40 wherein said switching in said associated circuitry allows one of the following modes to be selected

(a) a non intermittent emission of light from a lamp means mounted in said holder,

(b) the intermittent powering of a light emitting diode,

(c) the constant powering of said lamp means in the lamp holder simultaneously with intermittent powering of a light emitting diode so that a constant light beam is emitted whilst at the same time a flashing light from the sides and front is visible

42 A lighting device as claimed in claim 32 to 41 wherein said frosted finish acts as a light pipe so that said side portions and said periphery illuminates or glows when said lamp means is emitting light and or when a light emitting diode emits light

43 A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 42 where said lighting device is a bicycle light.

44. A bicycle light having a body portion and a lamp portion, the bicycle light being characterised by the presence of a mounting bracket receiving portion which is adapted to receive a mounting bracket; said mounting bracket portion having faired surfaces tapering from the side peripheries of said bicycle light to form a recess which is adapted to receive said mounting bracket.

45. A bicycle light as claimed in claim 44 wherein said mounting bracket receiving portion has a ledge or surface between an end of the mounting bracket receiving portion and an end of the bicycle light.

46. A lighting device having a body portion for housing a portable electricity supply, associated control circuitry and switching means connected in circuit with a lamp holder in which can be mounted a lamp means, said lighting device also including a lens section and a reflector portion, said lens section including a front portion and at least two side portions , each side portion being in light communication or optical communication with a light emitting diode so that when said at least one light emitting diode emits light, said light is visible through said side portions.

47. A lighting device as claimed in claim 46 wherein there are two light emitting diodes each one being positioned adjacent a respective one of said side portions.

48. A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 46 or 47 wherein each of said light emitting diodes emits an amber coloured light.

49. A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 48 wherein said diodes are red, when utilised for locations other than a forward direction on said bicycle.

50. A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 49 wherein said light emitting diode emits light which is also visible through said front portion of said lens section.

51. A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 50 wherein an opening means is provided in said reflector portion to allow said light emitted from said diodes to be visible through said front portion of said lens section.

52. A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 51 wherein said front portion is surrounded by a periphery with a frosted finish so that when it is lighted the periphery is visible from at least a forward position.

53. A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 52 wherein said switching in said associated circuitry allows one of the following modes to be selected:

(b) the intermittent powering of said light emitting diode; or

54. A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 53, wherein light from said lamp means and said light emitting diodes can be visible simultaneously through said side portions and or through said front portion of said lens.

55. A lighting device as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 53 wherein said lighting device is a bicycle light.