Lighting System for a Bicycle

Abstract

A lighting system for a bicycle. A lamp and a beam are mounted to the bicycle. A generator is mounted to the beam such that the beam holds the generator in position to be frictionally driven by contact with a bicycle wheel. The generator provides a three-phase output voltage. A sensor monitors the generator and provides an output signal proportional to the speed of the bicycle. A first sensing circuit receives the output signal from the sensor and provides a first control signal when the output signal exceeds a first predetermined value. The first control signal is operative to change the output voltage from the three-phase output voltage to a single-phase output voltage to prevent damage to the system.

1 - 39 . (canceled)  
   
   
       40 . A generator mounting system for a bicycle having at least one rear strut extending from the remainder of a bicycle frame for supporting a mount for a rear wheel, the system comprising a beam for supporting a generator, said beam extending generally alongside the rear strut with a first beam end mounted to the rear wheel mount and a second beam end mounted to the bicycle frame outbound of the wheel, said beam holding the generator in position to be frictionally driven by contact with a portion of the rear wheel.  
   
   
       41 . The system of  claim 40 , wherein the generator includes a drive wheel, and wherein the generator is connected to the strut through a pivotal connection to the beam in a position to place the drive wheel against a portion of the rear wheel.  
   
   
       42 . The system of  claim 41 , further comprising a torsion spring extending around the pivotal connection, said spring connected at one end to the beam and at the other end to the generator, said spring torsionally biases the drive wheel against a portion of the rear wheel.