Illumination – Revolving
Patent
1995-09-11
1999-01-12
Sember, Thomas M.
Illumination
Revolving
362192, 362183, 310156, B62J 600
Patent
active
058577629
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a bicycle lighting system comprising a dynamo system drivable by a ridden bicycle and mounted thereupon, at least one front light or headlamp and at least one rear light or tail lamp, both of which are supplied with electric power from the dynamo system, and an electronic circuitry which converts the electric power produced by the dynamo system into a regulated direct-current voltage for the purpose of generating light and charging an accumulator or storage battery. The invention also relates to a new and improved generator for general applications, particularly however for use as a bicycle dynamo generator.
Conventional and marketable bicycle lighting systems have to comply, with respect to the electric power and voltage, with the Standards determined by law. At a traveling speed of 15 kilometers per hour and beyond that, these Standards specify a maximum voltage of 7 V for the dynamo output voltage applied to the lamps. In accordance with legal regulations, the minimum value of the output voltage of the dynamo lies between 3 V at 5 kmph and 5.8 V at 15 kmph and--as indicated in FIG. 5a of the annexed drawings--must not fall short of 5.8 V at a speed beyond or better than 15 kmph. On the basis of the aforementioned regulations, present-day or state-of-the-art dynamos allow producing merely 1.4 W power at a bicycle traveling speed of 5 to 6 kmph. If such power or output of present-day conventional dynamos is increased, it would be physically impossible to meet or observe the legally specified maximum voltage of 7 V at 15 kmph or beyond such speed. Only by taking respective load measures would it be possible to prevent exceeding the legally specified maximum value. As a result, the power dissipation or loss would greatly increase and the efficiency would then considerably decrease.
Therefore, conventional bicycle lighting systems cannot be additionally loaded in the lower speed range for the purpose of charging a rechargeable accumulator battery. Only from a traveling speed of approximately 15 kmph, conventional dynamos will generate sufficient power that could be used for charging the rechargeable accumulator battery, the efficiency of these known systems being extremely low when the traveling speed is below the aforementioned speed of 15 kmph. Laterally mounted dynamos have an efficiency of approximately 17% to 24%, roller dynamos can achieve an efficiency of 30% to 35% at the most, and the efficiency of hub dynamos is approximately 40%. When the traveling speed of the bicycle exceeds 15 kmph, the efficiency additionally decreases because of the power draw or consumption while charging the accumulator battery. Under such circumstances, the bicycle rider is obliged to expend additional physical energy for actuating the dynamo.
Those skilled in the art have criticized the aforementioned limitations and drawbacks of prior-art constructions and have realized that conventional dynamos and bicycle lighting systems do not correspond at all with the state of present-day engineering knowledge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, with the foregoing in mind, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a new and improved construction of a bicycle lighting system in combination with a generator, which system is adapted to the latest state of advanced engineering and technology and accommodated to present-day requirements.
Another significant object of the present invention is directed to the provision of a new and improved bicycle lighting system which is relatively simple in construction and design and, particularly, economical to manufacture.
Yet a further significant object of the present invention is concerned with a new and improved dynamo system, which--with regard to construction, power efficiency and production cost thereof--meets all requirements of the bicycle lighting system of the present invention.
The implementation of these and further objects of the present invention is based on the finding and conclusion that a satisfactor
REFERENCES:
patent: 2722617 (1955-11-01), Cluwen et al.
patent: 3629626 (1971-12-01), Abbott
patent: 3884317 (1975-05-01), Kinzel
patent: 3969649 (1976-07-01), Jacob
patent: 3971977 (1976-07-01), Hirt et al.
patent: 5247430 (1993-09-01), Schwaller
patent: 5268602 (1993-12-01), Schwaller
patent: 5554903 (1996-09-01), Takara
patent: 5583561 (1996-12-01), Lahos
R. Lievin, "Safety Lighting Apparatus for Bicycles", French Patent Application No. 79 21716, dated Mar. 6, 1981, under Publication No. 2 464 175.
W. Hurzeler, "Bicycle Lighting", German Patent Application No. 92 06 609.7, dated Nov. 1, 1992.
International Search Report dated Apr. 7, 1995.
English translation of International Search Report dated Apr. 7, 1995.
LandOfFree
Bicycle lighting system and generator does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Bicycle lighting system and generator, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Bicycle lighting system and generator will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1508006