Thanks!

Well... unless someone starts commercializing of this and optimizing size wise it could be tricky.

You could definitely optimize size wise on my receiver part (the backpack installment), but still. You have to first figure out how to attach some form of lighting, say LEDs or maybe an EL panel. Then some form of microprocessor, radio receiver and a battery. They don't necessarily have to be placed next to each other, but there's hardly any room at all to being with on a helmet. Unless you intend to build this device mainly on the outside of the helmet. You could place most of the parts needed elsewhere and use a wire, but that's definitely less sexy imo.

 

some prior patent
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/D581600.pdf

 

Oh noes, there goes our millions of $$$ ^^

 

Well I dismounted the bike installment today to do a small update on the software to handle hazard lights (both blinkers at once). I took the opportunity to apply epoxy glue to the components as TeeRiver suggested and I took some macro photos as well.

The new shots can be found in the Flickr set:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kodde/sets/72157628634527535/

 

The videos are marked as private now?

 

that patent looks like it's for a helmet not a backback. So there may still be an opportunity thereand if you adjust it to bicycle messenger bags then maybe you could get the bicycle market also. Just saying and I get a cut if you do it with bike messenger bags!!

 

I am unable to view the videos. They say they are private.

 

1: videos are private

2: that claim is for a helmet, not a backpack, jacket, bag or any other device. It might be worth your money to snag a patent for this project.

 

Sorry for making the videos private guys.
They're now fully public again.

 

The claim on that one patent is nothing to worry about. Doing a quick search on google patents doesn't turn up any prior art. Yeah I would honestly pursue a patent on this. A provisional is only a couple of hundred dollars and would keep you protected for a year. The only major issue would be that you have published some of your wiring diagrams on the forum and therefore could be argued against awarding the patent. I would say go for it though. There is very little to lose and quite a bit to be gained. Its a great set up. I would actually plan to market it as a whole package deal though. Where the customer is buying the backpack and then a universal sender unit that can be wired to their bike. If you file the patent on it, it could be something that if you set up a good prototype you could shop around to different motorcycling bag companies (nelson rigg, revitt, etc) and see if they would be interested in buying exclusive rights for the patent from you and then you could also negotiate in there some royalties. That would make it very little investment on your end.

Overall though great work.

 

Thanks CaffeineRacer

I did contemplate on trying to commercialize of this project somehow. But eventually I didn't end up doing this at all and figured
"Screw it. I might regret this later. But it won't sell itself and I'm obviously not doing anything to change that situation. I might as well show it to the rest of the world. At least I'll be that guy who came up with the idea and made the first prototype."
I don't want to regret not sharing this project, letting it be forgotten and never seen by others.

 

Well I literally had the original idea for bikini braista's here in Seattle. I mentioned it to a girl one day when it was extremely hot she mentioned it to her boss and now that "franchise" now has about 30 to 40 stands. I told my wife about my idea but there was no way she was going to let me start that. Most people don't believe me but I've got a few co-workers who can vouche for me on it. O well there goes my million!!

 

LSCYCLING> lol
Well... you live and learn I guess.

 

Well keep your eye open for one of my new espresso stands.

It probably has been done by now. But I actually had thought of it a while ago.

Cougars Espresso

This is the one that I really think will fly here in this granola state.

Lactating Hotties Espresso.

 

Lactating Hotties Espresso.

I would go to that. :naughty:

 

new meaning to Double Shot!!