John J. Henry of Minnetonka invented, patented and is now selling his Heads-Up Braking (HUB) System, a multipurpose brake light for motorcycles, snowmobiles and ATVs. The HUB system attaches to the rear of the rider’s helmet, offering an elevated brake light, as on a car.
The system, which Henry developed, offers several main benefits. First, it detects and activates when the rider is decelerating, not just braking. Second, it senses how bright the natural light is and adjusts accordingly. (The brighter it is outside, the brighter the LEDs. Conversely, the LEDs dim at night.) Finally, the HUB system has proximity detection. If you’re snowmobiling on ice and fall through, the waterproof light activates automatically once you’ve distanced yourself 6 to 15 feet from your vehicle and can be seen through the ice. “It becomes a beacon, and [rescuers] can crack the ice to get you out,” says Henry.
