US4862331A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Detachable rear-mounted light for a motorcycle helmet
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1989-03-06
•
Granted: 1989-08-29
•
Expires: 2009-03-06
Abstract
Abstract A device for use with a motorcycle helment is disclosed which directs a safety light rearward from the lower back portion of the helmet. The light is removably mounted onto the helmet with a variety of mounting apparatus, each of which allows the light to be quickly and conveniently installed and removed from the helmet. The light, which is entirely self-contained, is mounted onto the helmet in a way allowing the light to detach itself during an accident to avoid inflicting serious head or neck injury on the rider due to the light becoming snagged during the accident.
Inventors
- 👤 Akira Hanabusa
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 11:45
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/26; B60Q1/2661; B60Q1/2673; B60Q1/2676; A; A42; A42B; A42B3/00; A42B3/04; A42B3/0406; A42B3/0433; A42B3/044; F; F21; F21L; F21L2/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
A detachable light for installation in a helmet having a base which encircles a wearers head to form a chin protection comprising: (a) a light assembly including an electrical lamp and power source for energizing said lamp, (b) maintaining means for removably securing said light assembly to a predetermined position on said helmet, said maintaining means including, (1) an elastic strap attached at one end thereof to the left side of said light assembly and at the other end thereof to the right side of said housing, (2) said elastic band being stretched around the base and chin protector portion of said helmet to maintain said light assembly in said predetermined position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
A detachable light for installation in a helmet having a base which encircles a wearers head to form a chin protection comprising: (a) a light assembly including an electrical lamp and power source for energizing said lamp, (b) maintaining means for removably securing said light assembly to a predetermined position on said helmet, said maintaining means including, (1) an elastic strap attached at one end thereof to the left side of said light assembly and at the other end thereof to the right side of said housing, (2) said elastic band being stretched around the base and chin protector portion of said helmet to maintain said light assembly in said predetermined position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The detachable light of claim 1, wherein said light assembly includes: a housing, said lamp installed in said housing, a storage compartment for said power source, and a switch for selectively connecting the power source to said lamp.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
A detachable light as defined in claim 2, additionally comprising: a lens mounted on said housing over said electrical lamp, said lens directing light from said detachable light rearwards and sidewards.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
A detachable light as defined in claim 2, wherein said lens is colored.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
65 words
A detachable light as defined in claim 2, including a rear support pad secured to the housing and disposed between the housing and the helmet, wherein said rear support pad is roughly triangular in cross section, with the side of said rear support pad which is to face the back of said helmet having an inward curvature to better grasp the back of said helmet.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
A detachable light as defined in claim 4, wherein the side of the rear support pad facing said helmet has a plurality of small raised segments disposed thereon to better grasp said helmet and to resist movement of said rear support pad on the surface of said helmet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
A detachable light as defined in claim 5, wherein said rear support pad is made of an elastomeric material to provide excellent frictional contact with the surface of said helmet.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
A detachable light as defined in claim 2, including a rear support pad secured to the housing and disposed between the housing and the helmet wherein said rear support pad is roughly circular in cross section.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
A detachable light as defined in claim 8, said rear support pad has a plurality of small raised segments disposed thereon to better grasp said helmet and to resist movement of said rear support pad on the surface of said helmet.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
A detachable light as defined in claim 8, wherein said rear support pad is made of an elastomeric material to provide excellent frictional contact with the surface of said helmet.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
50 words
A detachable light as defined in claim 2, including a rear support pad secured to the housing disposed between the housing and the helmet, wherein said rear support pad is of tapered cross section, with a relatively large side having an inward curvature for contacting the back of said helmet.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
48 words
A detachable light as defined in claim 11, wherein the side of said rear support pad facing said helmet has a plurality of small raised segments disposed thereon to better grasp said helmet and to resist movement of said rear support pad on the surface of said helmet.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
A detachable light as defined in claim 11, wherein said rear support pad is made of an elastomeric material to provide excellent frictional contact with the surface of said helmet.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
A detachable light as defined in claim 2, wherein said power source storage compartment is located in said housing.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
A detachable light as defined in claim 2, wherein the length of said elastic strap is variable.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The detachable light as defined in claim 15 and further including releasable snap means on said strap.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-08-28 | 1993-02-27 | 1993-08-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-08-28 | 1997-02-27 | 1997-08-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-08-28 | 2001-02-27 | 2001-08-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |