Multifunctional device for vehicles

• US 20090316285A1
• Filed: 05/29/2009
• Published: 12/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 06/06/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Selle Italia S.R.L.
• Original Assignee: Selle Italia S.R.L.
• Inventors: Bigolin, Riccardo
• Granted Patent: US 8,119,968 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/842
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 3/0426 Rear view devices or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1215 with information displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1223 with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/123 with thermometers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1246 with clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1284 with communication systems other than radio-receivers, e.g. keyless entry systems, navigation systems; with anti-collision systems
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 29/00 Adaptations or arrangements of mirrors for use on cycles
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 45/20 Cycle computers as cycle accessories
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 45/412 Speed sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 45/414 Acceleration sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 50/22 electronic, e.g. displays

Abstract

A multifunctional safety, information and comfort device to be mounted on a vehicle, preferably a bicycle, comprises a rear-view mirror, an alphanumeric and iconographic display, sensors for measuring kinetic and environmental parameters, electronic components for measuring time and controlling said device, and an independent power supply.

Claims

1. A multifunctional device for a vehicle, characterized in that said multifunctional device comprises an information and data display built-in in a rear-view mirror.

2. A device, according to claim 1, characterized in that said device comprises mounting means for mounting said device on a bicycle, a motorcycle, a car, a boat, an airplane, a rear-view mirror, an alphanumeric and iconographic display, measuring sensors for measuring kinetic and environmental parameters, and electronic components for measuring time and controlling an independent power supply device.

3. A device, according to claim 1, characterized in that said device is adapted to be applied to another device fitted to a user, such as a crash helmet.

4. A device, according to claim 1, characterized in that said rear-view mirror has a first reflecting surface which is physically separated from a second transparent surface of said rear-view mirror and that said first and second surfaces are arranged in non adjoining areas of the device.

5. A device, according to claim 4, characterized in that said rear-view mirror operates based on image reflection operating mode in which images are reflected from said first reflection surface or from a further image forming surface included in a display, a video camera, an optical fibers.

6. A device, according to claim 1, characterized in that said display is an independent back-illuminated display, a point matrix display, a color display, a gray tone or monochromatic display, based on a LCD, LED, plasma technology.

7. A device, according to claim 1, characterized in that said device is housed in a protective housing for protecting said device against water and dust penetration.

8. A device, according to claim 7, characterized in that said protective housing comprises housing shell members made of a single plastics material, a mixed plastics material, or a metal material.

9. A device, according to claim 7, characterized in that said housing shell member material, as broken by an impact, does not release broken.

10. A device, according to claim 1, characterized in that said device is mounted on a fixed part of said vehicle therefrom said device may be removed without using removing implements such as a screw driver, or a gripper.

11. A device, according to claim 1, characterized in that device comprises a plurality of sensors housed in a part of said device integral with the vehicle said device is applied to.

12. A device, according to claim 11, characterized in that said device comprises connector means for connecting said sensors, said connector means either comprising sliding contacts or using a contactless technology, such as transponder means, a capacitive or magnetic or optic coupling means adapted to transmit information and power within a short range.

13. A device, according to claim 1, characterized in that said device comprises a plurality of operating push-buttons arranged on a part of said device different from a front face of said device, that is on a said shell member, a supporting arm therefor, or on a fixed part of said device.

14. A device, according to claim 11, characterized in that said sensors comprise a slope measuring acceleration sensor.

15. A device, according to claim 11, characterized in that said sensors comprise a vehicle speed and position sensor.

16. A device, according to claim 1, characterized in that said device comprises a GPS system for indicating to a user a direction of a motion of said user with respect to cardinal points and a position of said user with respect to a geographical map built-in in said device in a JPEG graphic form.

17. A device, according to claim 1, characterized in that said device comprises independent rechargeable battery power supply means.