DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to light assemblies and more particularly relates to a light assembly for a handlebar of a two-wheeler. The aforesaid light assembly is adapted to be coupled to the end weight of the handlebar of the two-wheeler.
BACKGROUND
Generally, light systems implemented in two-wheelers are provided to duly comply with the rules and regulations of the road safety standards stated by the governing bodies associated therewith. Such light systems typically include headlights, taillights, signal lights, accessory lights, and the like and are provided for sufficient illumination of the road. Further, such light systems ensure recognition of the two-wheelers from a distance by other road users, either in motion or static.
There are a few limitations associated with the current type and design of light systems. For instance, the light system does not illuminate the regions towards the side of the two-wheeler, such as near the foot pegs or near a side stand. As a result, the rider of the two-wheeler may not be able to see the ground where the vehicle is being parked and hence are vulnerable to fall in case the ground is slippery or has gravel. One of the ways to mitigate this issue is to install aftermarket lights underneath the two-wheeler’s chassis. However, the lights installed on the chassis are prone to damage from the road, such as from potholes or stray pebbles. Thus, the present solutions are not capable of providing a reliable means for illuminating the regions toward the side of the two-wheelers.

SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
The present disclosure relates to an end-weight assembly with built-in lighting means a two-wheeler. The end-weight assembly not only balances the handlebar but also provides lighting to the region towards the side of the two-wheeler.
An end-weight assembly for a two-wheeler is disclosed that includes a housing and a light source. The housing has a mounting section attached to a distal end of a handlebar of the two-wheeler. Further, the housing has a cavity and an opening aimed downward with respect to the handlebar and adapted to provide access to the cavity. On the other hand, the light source is housed inside the cavity and aimed at a region underneath the handlebar. In one example, the light source includes a first sub-assembly and a second assembly and each of the first sub-assembly and the second assembly has a first end, and a second end opposite to the first end. In addition, each sub-assembly has a plurality of longitudinally stacked grooves formed circumferentially on the inner surface of the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly. The light source also includes a light-emitting diode (LED) installed in one of the pluralities of longitudinally stacked grooves at the first end. In addition, the light source includes at least one lens installed in one of the pluralities of longitudinally stacked grooves at a predetermined gap from the LED and a filter installed in one of the pluralities of longitudinally stacked grooves at a predetermined gap from the at least one lens at the second end, wherein the filter project an image in the illuminated region.
According to the present disclosure, the light source inside the end-weight illuminates the region at the side of the two-wheeler thereby enabling the rider to see the ground where the two-wheeler is or is about to be parked. Moreover, the end weight assembly also balances the handlebars to keep the wheel aligned straight while at the same time keeping the light source well away from dust on road thereby protecting the light source from potholes, dust, and water from damaging the light source.
To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a two-wheeler with end weight assembly installed on its handlebar, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2A illustrates a close-up view of an end of the handlebar with the end weight assembly installed thereon and cross-section taken along lines 1-1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2B illustrates an exploded view of the handlebar with the end weight assembly showing a house and a light source, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2C illustrates an exploded view of the housing and the light source installed therein, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3A illustrates a bottom view of the end-weight assembly showing a manner by which the light source is secured to the housing, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3B illustrates an assembled light source, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3C illustrates a first sub-assembly of the light source, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3D illustrates components of the light source installed on the first sub-assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3E illustrates a first sub assembly with an LED, a plurality of lenses, and a filter installed thereon, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 3F illustrates the first sub assembly with a lens and a filter installed thereon, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which invention belongs. The system and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict, or reduce the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in any way.
For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”
Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more...” or “one or more elements is required.”
Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.
Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.
Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term “light assembly” refers to a light fixture coupled to handlebars of two wheelers. The light fixture includes, but is not limited to, bulbs, LEDs, and the like. The light fixture provides illuminance in dark places or creates alarms for the oncoming and passing vehicles to maintain road safety. In an instance, the light assembly used herein relates to lights that are implemented to illuminate when actuated to enable a brand/logo projection at a proximity of the two-wheeler, assisting in ease of identification of the vehicle, say, in a parking lot having multiple such vehicles. In an embodiment, the light assembly used herein is coupled to both the handlebars of the two-wheeler.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term “end weight” refers to bar end weights or weight balancers that ensures the handlebar does not vibrate due to the resonance that occurs right from the moment when the engine of two-wheeler starts. Traditionally, the end weights that are commonly used weighs up to 17.9 ounces. The end weights equally balance both the ends of the handle and thereby the two-wheeler manages to hold line at high speeds and avoids wobble. In an embodiment, the end weight used herein includes a recess to accommodate the light assembly.
Figure 1 illustrates a two-wheeler 104 having a handlebar 102 with an end-weight assembly 100 installed thereon, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The end-weight assembly 100 is designed to balance the handlebar for better handling of the two-wheeler 104. Although not shown, the two-wheeler 104 may include a pair of end-weight assembly 100 installed on the distal ends of the handlebar 102 to balance the handlebar 102. In one example, the end-weight assembly 100 may be fastened to the distal ends of the handlebar 102 while in another example, the end-weight assembly 100 are clamped at the distal ends.
As shown in Figure 1, the end-weight assembly 100 is configured to illuminate a region underneath the handlebar 102, such as the ground near a foot peg, or a front wheel. For instance, the end-weight assembly 100 has an illumination area A1 on the ground. Further, in addition to the illumination, the end-weight assembly 100 may also project an image, such as a logo 106 on the ground. Alternatively, the end-weight assembly 100 may project an image of the model of the two-wheeler 104. The projection of the logo not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also increases visibility on the ground. The end-weight assembly 100 may include, but is not limited to, a housing and a light source, details of which are explained in subsequent embodiments.
Figure 2A-2C shows different views of a distal end 200 of the handlebar 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 2A illustrates a close-up view of the end of the handlebar with the end weight assembly installed thereon and a cross-section taken along lines 1-1. Further, Figure 2B illustrates an exploded view of the handlebar with the end weight assembly showing a house and a light source and Figure 2C illustrates an exploded view of the housing and the light source installed therein.
The distal end 200 of the handlebar 102 may include electronic switches that can be operated by the rider to either start the ignition of the two-wheeler 104 or toggle between the high beam and low beam of the two-wheeler 104. The distal end 200 also has a grip 202 that the rider holds while riding the two-wheeler 104. As shown in Figure 2, the grip 202 may extend on a major length of the distal end 200. As shown in Figure 2A, the end-weight assembly 100 may be installed adjacent to the far end of the grip 202. The end-weight assembly 100 may include the housing 108 and a light source 110. The housing 108 can be made of a single piece of moulded metal. Further, the housing 108 may include a mounting section 112 and a cavity 114. The mounting section 112 may include a through-hole 114 through a bush 116 may be inserted. In Figure 2A, cross-section 1-1 and Figure 2B the mounting section 112 is installed by inserting the bush 116 and the mounting section 112 is mounted on the distal end 200. Thereafter, a fastener 118 is inserted into the bush 116 to fasten the mounting section 112 to the distal end 200. Once secured, the mounting section 112 is secured to the handlebar 102 and remains stationary with respect to the handlebar 102.
In one example, the cavity section 114 is formed adjacent to the mounting section 112 and is adapted to house the light source 110. The cavity section 114a has a cavity 114a is accessible via an opening 120 of the housing 110. The cavity 114s may be cylindrical and may secure the light source 110 by a press fit. The cavity section 114 has a solar panel 122 formed on its top which may provide power to the light source 110 from sunlight. The provision of the solar panel 122 reduces the light source 110’ reliance on the two-wheeler’s onboard battery. Further, the cavity section 114 is oriented with respect to the mounting section 112 in such a way that the opening 120 is aimed downwards at the ground. As a result, the light source 112 in the cavity 114a is also aimed down toward the ground. In one example, the cavity section 114 aims the light source orthogonal to the ground when two-wheeler 104 is upright.
As shown in Figure 2A, the light source 110 is installed in the cavity 114a and is adapted to illuminate a region underneath the handlebar 102. The light source 110 is primarily an assembly fixed inside the cavity 114a, such that the light source 110 does not get dislodged due to the vibrations in the handlebar 102.
Details of the light source 110 are explained with respect to Figure 2B in conjunction with reference to Figures 3A to 3F. Specifically, Figure 3A illustrates a bottom view of the end-weight assembly 100 showing a manner by which the light source 110 is secured to the housing 108. Figure 3B illustrates an assembled light source 110 while Figure 3C illustrates a first sub-assembly of the light source 110. Further, Figure 3D illustrates components of the light source 110 installed on the first sub-assembly while Figure 3E illustrates the first sub-assembly with an LED, a plurality of lenses, and a filter installed thereon. Further, Figure 3F illustrates the first sub-assembly with a lens and a filter installed thereon.
The light source 110 may have an extension 124 that receives a small fastener 126 and the cavity 114 may have a hole which secures the extension 124 to the cavity 114a. The light source 110 is formed of a pair of first sub-assembly 128 and a second sub-assembly 130 that is half-cylindrical in shape, such that the first sub-assembly 128 and the second sub-assembly 130 are joined together defining a volume which houses the components of the light source 110. Further, each of the first sub-assembly 128 and the second sub-assembly 130 has a similar internal construction and accordingly, may include a first end, a second end, and a plurality of longitudinally stacked grooves 132 formed circumferentially on an inner surface 134 of the first sub-assembly 128 and the second sub-assembly 130. The grooves 132 are designed to secure different components of the light source 110. the grooves 132 also provide an operator with the flexibility to arrange the components of the light source 110 as per the required optics of the light source 110.
In one example, the light source 110 may include a light-emitting diode (LED) 134, a plurality of lenses namely, a first lens 136, a second lens 138, a third lens 140, and a symbol plate 142. The LED 134, as the name indicate, provides light for illumination while the first lens 136, the second lens 138, and the third lens 140 focus the light from the LED 134. The LED 134 may be installed in a capsule and may be powered and controlled via a wire harness 144. Alternatively, the capsule may have an inbuilt battery to power LED 134 and can be charged using solar panel 122 (shown in Figure 2A).
Although the present illustration shows three lenses, a greater or lesser number of lenses can be used based on the desired optic of the light source 110. Further, as shown in Figure 3D, the first lens 136 is installed proximate to the LED 134 while the symbol plate 142 is installed downstream to the first lens 136. Further, the second lens 138 is installed downstream to the symbol plate 142 and the third lens 140 is downstream to the second lens 138 at the opening 120 as shown in Figure 3A.
In order to assemble the end-weight assembly 100, the second lens 138 and the third lens 140 are placed sequentially inside one of the plurality of grooves 132 of the first sub-assembly 128. The second lens 138 is placed overlapping the first lens 138 and the third lens 140 at a predetermined distance from both the first lens 138 and the second lens 140 at the second end. Thereafter, the symbol plate 142 is placed below the first lens 136 at a predetermined distance from the first lens 136. Once installed, the LED 134 is placed over the first lens 128 at a predetermined distance. The light source 110 is then assembled by installing the second-sub assembly 130 on the first sub-assembly 128.
The light source 110 is then installed in the cavity 114a of the cavity section 114. Thereafter, the mounting section 112 is then installed on the distal end 200 of the handlebar 102. The wire harness 144 may then be connected to the assembly of switches to power the end-weight assembly 100.
According to the present disclosure, the housing 108 provides balancing of the handlebar 102 and also keeps the light source 110 at a height from the ground thereby protecting the light source 110 from dust, water, or pebbles. Further, the light source 110 illuminates the ground thereby allowing the rider to see the ground where the two-wheeler is to be parked.
While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

WE CLAIMS:

1. An end-weight assembly (100) for a two-wheeler (104), the end-weight assembly (100) comprising:
a housing (108) having:
a mounting section (108) attached to a distal end of a handlebar (102) of the two-wheeler (104);
a cavity section (114) having a cavity (114a); and
an opening (120) adapted to provide access to the cavity (114a); and
a light source (110) housed inside the cavity (114a) and aimed at a region underneath the handlebar (102).

2. The end-weight assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light source (110) comprising:
a first sub-assembly (128) and a second sub-assembly (130), each of the first sub-assembly (128) and the second sub-assembly (130) comprising:
a first end;
a second end opposite to the first end; and
a plurality of longitudinally stacked grooves (132) formed circumferentially on an inner surface of the first sub-assembly (128) and the second sub-assembly (130);
a light emitting diode (LED) installed in one of the pluralities of longitudinally stacked grooves (132) at the first end;
at least one lens (136, 138, 140) installed in one of the pluralities of longitudinally stacked grooves (132) at a predetermined distance from the LED (134); and
a symbol plate (142) installed in one of the pluralities of longitudinally stacked grooves (132) at a predetermined distance from the at least one lens (136, 138, 140) at the second end, wherein the symbol plate (142) projects an image in the illuminated region.

3. The end-weight assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one lens (136, 138, 140) is insertable in another longitudinally stacked groove to change the predetermined gap with respect to the LED.

4. The end-weight assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the image is a logo.

5. The end-weight assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (108) is mounted at the distal end using fastener.

6. A two-wheeler (104) comprising:
a handlebar (102); and
a pair of an end-weight assembly (100) installed at each distal ends of the handlebar (102) to balance the handlebar (102), the end-weight assembly (100) comprising:
a housing (108) having: a mounting section (108) attached to a distal end of a handlebar (102) of the two-wheeler (104); a cavity section (114) having a cavity (114a); and an opening (120) adapted to provide access to the cavity (114a); and
a light source (110) housed inside the cavity (114a) and aimed at a region underneath the handlebar (102).

7. The two-wheeler (104) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the light source (110) comprising:
a first sub-assembly (128) and a second sub-assembly (130), each of the first sub-assembly (128) and the second sub-assembly (130) having
a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and
a plurality of longitudinally stacked grooves (132) formed circumferentially on an inner surface of the first sub-assembly (128) and the second sub-assembly (130);
a light emitting diode (LED) installed in one of the pluralities of longitudinally stacked grooves (132) at the first end;
at least one lens (136, 138, 140) installed in one of the pluralities of longitudinally stacked grooves (132) at a predetermined gap from the LED; and
a symbol plate (142) installed in one of the pluralities of longitudinally stacked grooves (132) at a predetermined gap from the at least one lens (136, 138, 140), wherein the symbol plate (142) project an image in the illuminated region.

8. The two-wheeler (104) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one lens (136, 138, 140) is insertable in another longitudinally stacked groove to change the predetermined gap with respect to the LED.

9. The two-wheeler (104) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the light source (110) includes an input wire harness to operate the LED.

10. The two-wheeler (104) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the housing (108) is mounted at the distal end using fastener.