Emergency warning device rapid deployment system
A safety marker configured to be ejected from a moving or stopped vehicle includes a compliant compartment with a bottom surface that is at least partially rounded to self-orient the safety marker. A displaceable material can be disposed in the compliant compartment, and a visual indicator can extend upwardly from the compliant compartment.
This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/983,161, filed Nov. 4, 2004; which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/551,666, filed Mar. 9, 2004; which are herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUNDThe present invention relates generally to traffic warning or directional markers, and more particularly, an apparatus and method for rapidly deploying traffic warning or directional markers on a roadway.
Roadway hazards, such as debris, unpredictably stopped vehicles, automobile accidents, and construction, pose a threat to both drivers, and roadway management personnel. This is especially true on roads that have high speed limits and are heavily used by the motoring public. Roadway hazards often emerge suddenly and unexpectedly; forcing drivers to react dangerously and causing great risk to roadway management personnel, such as maintenance, construction or law enforcement workers.
A variety of warning systems have been devised to mitigate the dangers to both drivers and roadway management personnel. The two most commonly used traffic warning devices are traffic safety markers, such as cones or barrels, and warning lights mounted to a motor vehicle. Both of these devices are widely used to warn drivers and route traffic around temporary impending hazards.
Traffic safety markers, such as cones or barrels, are highly visible and can be placed on a roadway significantly ahead of a hazard to efficiently direct traffic around the hazard. Placement of the traffic safety markers, however, is often hazardous in itself, especially on high-speed, busy roadways, such as interstate freeways, where manual placement creates a risk of personal injury, and may take valuable time away from attending to accidents. Some traffic safety markers can be placed in a line on the roadway by use of automated deployment devices mounted to a vehicle, but the physical size and slowness of these devices make them impractical for temporary localized roadway hazards.
Warning lights mounted to maintenance, construction and law enforcement vehicles allow roadway management personnel to warn drivers and direct traffic around localized roadway hazards without risking personal injury. These devices, however, provide warning only in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle they are mounted to, and can only be placed significantly ahead of an impending hazard by placing a vehicle away from the site of the hazard.
SUMMARYIt has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a safety marker deployment system to rapidly deploy safety markers from a moving motor vehicle substantially in predetermined lateral and longitudinal arrays.
Briefly, and in general terms, the invention is directed to a system and method for deploying safety markers from a moving vehicle in predetermined lateral and longitudinal arrays.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the safety markers include a displaceable material disposed in a compliant compartment. A visual indicator extends upwardly from the compliant compartment.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the safety markers can be ejected from a moving or stopped vehicle and can self orient themselves to an upright orientation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSAdditional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention; and, wherein:
Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention. The following detailed description and exemplary embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the elements and features of the invention are designated by numerals throughout.
The present invention is directed to a safety marker deployment system that rapidly deploys safety markers from a moving motor vehicle substantially in predetermined lateral and longitudinal arrays. Specifically, the safety marker deployment system can include one or more containers that can be mounted to a motor vehicle, and that holds several safety markers. The safety markers are laterally pre-positioned with respect to the vehicle, or in the container, and sequentially ejected from the container so that they land on the roadway behind the vehicle in a pattern that diverts traffic around the safety markers and any obstacle in front of the safety markers, such as the vehicle. The safety markers are weighted such that when they hit the roadway after being ejected they will orient into an upright position. Additionally, the safety markers are designed to absorb impact energy so that they will come to rest soon after impact with the roadway, without significant bouncing or travel away from the prescribed diversionary pattern. Because of their self-orienting and impact absorbing design, the safety markers can be ejected from a stationary or moving vehicle.
As illustrated in
The safety marker deployment system 10 can include an elongated container 30 mounted to the vehicle 20. For example, the container 30 can be mounted to the rear bumper 22 of the vehicle 20, as shown in
The elongated container 30 can have a longitudinal axis that is oriented laterally, or side-to-side, with respect to the vehicle 20 and/or roadway 21. The container 30 can include a rear wall 32 that can be used to mount the container to the bumper. In addition, the container 30 can include an opening 33 (
A plurality of safety markers 40 is removably disposed in the container 30. For example, the container can include four safety markers 40a-d, as shown. The safety markers 40 are arrayed laterally in the container in a laterally pre-positioned array corresponding to a desired lateral position on the roadway. Thus, the safety markers are substantially pre-positioned in the container to correspond to a subsequent desired lateral position on the roadway. The safety markers 40 can have a size or configuration that is vertical, or higher than wider. Thus, the safety markers 40 can be disposed in the container 30 on their side, or lying down. The safety markers 40 can be sequentially deployed from the container 30 while the vehicle is moving in a longitudinal configuration substantially corresponding to a desired longitudinal position on the roadway. Thus, the safety markers are deployed in a predetermined lateral and longitudinal configuration. For example, the safety markers 40a-d can be sequentially deployed from right to left while the vehicle is moving to obtain a substantially linear configuration oriented transverse to the roadway at an acute angle, indicated by 42 in
The safety marker deployment system 10 can be remotely controlled or operated from within the vehicle, such as by the driver. For example, a handle 50 or other actuator can be disposed within the vehicle, and can be operatively coupled to an actuator cable 52 that extends from the handle in the vehicle to the container 30. When the handle is pulled, the actuator cable actuates the safety marker deployment system. A mounting bracket 54 can be operatively coupled to the handle and attached to the motor vehicle, and allows the operator of the motor vehicle to operate the handle, thereby ejecting the safety markers while sitting in the driver seat of the vehicle. It will be appreciated that, while the actuator is generally shown as a handle, other suitable actuation devices may also be used. For example the actuator could be an electric switch, a microprocessor relay, a pneumatic switch, a hydraulic lever arm, or an electro-hydraulic switch. In addition, the system can include an electrical cable. Furthermore, the system can be remotely actuated by wireless signals, such as a signal from a radio transmitter, infrared transmitter, acoustic transmitter, etc.
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A main lever 112 can be pivotally coupled in the container, such as to a side wall, and pivotable about a pivot 116. The main lever 112 can be angled and can have a pivot rod lever engagement portion 120 and an opposite lid latch engagement portion 124. The main lever 112 can rotate or pivot about the pivot 116, and can have an unengaged positioned, wherein the main lever does not engage the engagement rod on the pivot rod lever, as shown in
The actuator cable 52 can be connected to the lid latch engagement portion 124 of the main lever 112. When the actuator handle 50 is pulled, the cable 52 is pulled, causing the main lever 112 to pivot. As the main lever 112 pivots, the pivot rod lever engagement portion 120 moves the engagement link 108 which, in turn, pivots the pivot rod lever 104, thus pivoting the pivot rod 80 and ejecting the safety markers.
When the actuator handle 50 is pulled, the actuator cable 52 pulls the lid latch engagement portion 124 of the main lever 112 and the main lever rotates about the pivot 116 so that the pivot rod lever engagement portion 120 moves the engagement link 108 which, in turn pivots the pivot rod lever 104 and rotates the pivot rod 80. When the pivot rod 80 rotates, the fingers 88a-d attached to the pivot rod also rotate and contact the tabs 92a-d on the flaps 84a-d, thereby raising the flaps. As the flaps are rotated, they contact the safety markers 40a-d and eject them from the container 30 and onto the roadway 21.
The system 10 can also include a lid latch mechanism 150 for maintaining the lid 33 in the closed configuration, and/or releasing the lid 33 to open the container 30. The lid latch engagement portion 124 of the main lever 112 can engage the lid latch mechanism 150 when biased into the unengaged position, thereby keeping the lid 33 closed. The lid latch mechanism 150 can have a hook 154 engaging a hook 158 on the lid 33. In addition, the lid latch mechanism 150 can include a main lever engagement end 158. The lid latch mechanism 150 can be pivotally coupled to the container, such as a side wall. A spring 162 can be coupled between the container and the mechanism 150 to bias the hook 154 away from the hook 158 on the lid. The main lever 112, however, can have the lid latch engagement portion 124 engaging the main lever engagement end 158 to prevent the mechanism for pivoting. When the actuator handle 50 is pulled, the cable 52 is pulled, causing the main lever 112 to pivot. As the main lever 112 pivots, the lid latch engagement portion 124 dis-engages from the main lever engagement end 158, allowing the mechanism 150 to pivot and the lid to open as shown in
The flaps 80a-d and/or ejector system 60 is one example of means for sequentially ejecting safety markers from the container and/or sequentially deploying safety markers onto the roadway. It will be appreciated that other suitable ejector mechanisms can be used, such as electronic solenoids, pneumatic solenoids, hydraulic rams, pneumatic rams, trap doors, magnetic switches, gravity assist hooks, and a burst of localized compressed gas.
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The base 510 can be weighted, or heaver than the visual indicator. For example, the base 510 can form a compartment or pocket filled with a relatively heavy material. In addition, the base 510 can have a curved bottom perimeter edge, or rounded bottom. The rounded bottom and heavy material cause the safety marker 40 to self-right, or orient itself so that the visual indicator extends substantially vertically, even when the safety marker is deployed from a moving vehicle.
In addition, the base 510 can be configured to absorb energy on impact. Thus, the base 510 can include a compliant compartment or pocket 515 filled with a displaceable material 517. Thus, as the safety marker 40 contacts the roadway 21, the compliant compartment 515 and displaceable material 517 absorb the energy of the impact, and resist bouncing or further lateral displacement of the safety marker. It has been found that the safety marker tends to slide in a substantially longitudinal direction, without substantially displacing laterally. Thus, the safety markers tend to deploy substantially in the desired configuration. The base can be formed of a leather, canvas or vinyl material partially filled with sand or the like.
The visual indicator can be conically shaped and can be traffic cone orange in color. The visual indicator can be a compliant, substantially conical compartment filled with a flexible and resilient material that is lighter in weight than the base.
It will be appreciated that, while the visual indicator is generally shown as being constructed in conical shape, other suitable configurations, such as a cylindrical or square tube, may also be used. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of materials could be used in the construction of the visual indicator of the present invention. For example, the cone could be made of leather, molded rubber, compliant foam, rigid foam, a pressed cardboard cone, or a biodegradable material cone could be used.
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The system can also include a tether cable 990, which can be attached between the container and the safety marker, and allows the user to retrieve the cones while remaining near the motor vehicle. It is of course understood that the tether cable could be used with any of the embodiments described above. In addition, the system can include a take-up reel to reel-in the safety markers after use.
It will be appreciated that other alternative embodiments of safety markers exist which facilitate deployment or retrieval of the safety markers. For instance, a safety marker could be made of a combustible material and contain an explosive charge such that when the safety marker is no longer needed the charge can be exploded, thus destroying the safety marker. Another embodiment envisions a safety marker with remotely controlled motorized wheels, coupled to the compliant compartment base, and a radio signal receiver, operatively coupled to the wheels so that the safety marker can be remotely driven to a desired location after ejection from the container. Another embodiment envisions a floating safety marker that can be deployed in water behind a water traveling vehicle such as a boat or jet ski. Another embodiment envisions a safety marker with spring loaded, retractable, lighted arms that are compressed when the safety marker is loaded in the container and swing out after deployment thereby providing a sizable lighted warning marker.
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In another embodiment, the safety marker deployment system can be actuated by electronic devices such as a solenoid, as described above. The electronic devices can be computer controlled to match the deployment rate and speed of the safety markers with the acceleration, deceleration, or speed of the vehicle. Thus the computer can control the spacing and arrangement of the safety markers during deployment.
In another embodiment, the safety markers are contained in multiple containers 36a-d as shown in
In another alternative embodiment, the safety marker deployment system can be configured to only partially deploy the safety markers. This provides the advantages of ease of access to the markers while still in the vehicle and facilitates manual placement of the safety markers. Additionally, other objects, such as fire extinguishers, flares, or other suitable emergency equipment might be used in lieu of the safety markers, thus providing quick and easy access to such equipment when partially deployed.
While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.
Claims
1. A safety marker configured to be ejected from a moving or stopped vehicle, comprising:
- a. a compliant compartment;
- b. a displaceable material, disposed in the compliant compartment; and
- c. a visual indicator, extending upwardly from the compliant compartment.
2. A safety marker in accordance with claim 1, wherein the compartment is coupled to the visual indicator by an attachment mechanism selected from the group consisting of:
- a. sewing,
- b. adhesive,
- c. tongue and groove connectors,
- d. rivets,
- e. zipper,
- f. compression fittings; and
- g. plastic welding.
3. A safety marker in accordance with claim 1, wherein the compartment includes a bottom surface that is at least partially rounded to self-orient the safety marker.
4. A safety marker in accordance with claim 1, wherein the compartment includes a bottom surface material with an abrasion resistant covering selected from the group consisting of:
- a. leather,
- b. molded rubber,
- c. compliant foam,
- d. pressed cardboard,
- e. metal studs,
- f. molded plastic containing projections, ribbing or corrugations, and
- g. molded rubber containing projections, ribbing or corrugations.
5. A safety marker in accordance with claim 1, wherein the visual indicator is selected from the group consisting of:
- a. a leather cone,
- b. a paper cone,
- c. a wicker cone,
- d. a molded rubber cone,
- e. a compliant foam cone,
- f. a rigid foam cone,
- g. an inflatable balloon cone,
- h. an inflatable balloon cone operatively coupled to a compressed gas cartridge,
- i. a pressed cardboard cone,
- j. a biodegradable material cone,
- k. a combustible cone,
- l. a conical compression spring,
- m. a conical compression spring covered in a flexible material,
- n. a light transferring material, and
- o. a compliant, substantially conical compartment filled with a displaceable material.
6. A safety marker in accordance with claim 1, wherein the visual indicator is removable from the compliant compartment.
7. A safety marker in accordance with claim 1, wherein the visual indicator includes a carrying strap mounted near the top.
8. A safety marker in accordance with claim 1, wherein the visual indicator includes a battery operated light.
9. A safety marker in accordance with claim 1, wherein the safety marker includes an explosive charge to inflate a visual bladder.
10. A safety marker in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:
- a. wheels, coupled to the compliant compartment;
- b. a motor; coupled to the wheels; and
- c. a radio signal receiver, operatively coupled to the motor.
11. A safety marker in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:
- a. a friction ignited flare, operatively coupled to the bottom surface.
12. A safety marker in accordance with claim 1, wherein the displaceable material is selected from the group consisting of:
- a. sand,
- b. gravel,
- c. soil,
- d. metal shot; and
- e. water.
13. A safety marker configured to be ejected from a moving or stopped vehicle, comprising:
- a. a compliant compartment including a bottom surface that is at least partially rounded to self-orient the safety marker;
- b. a displaceable material, disposed in the compliant compartment; and
- c. a visual indicator, extending upwardly from the compliant compartment.
14. A safety marker in accordance with claim 13, wherein the safety marker further comprises:
- a. means for dissipating impact energy upon impact with the roadway to resist undesired lateral movement upon impact with the roadway.
15. A safety marker in accordance with claim 13, wherein the safety marker further comprises:
- a. Means for self-orienting the safety marker into a substantially upright position.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 16, 2006
Publication Date: Jan 11, 2007
Inventor: Brent Clark (Provo, UT)
Application Number: 11/455,311
International Classification: E01F 9/00 (20060101);