Patent Application
20210178964
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of safety for standing vehicles and vehicles approaching the standing vehicles.
Once in a while a driver of a vehicle is forced to stop on a road or a traffic lane. Such stops could be caused by different driver and/or passenger needs or technical conditions of the vehicle. In some cases the vehicle can be driven to the shoulders of the road. However, there are cases in which the vehicle cannot be moved to the shoulders of the road or at least a part of the vehicle remains on the traffic lane. As used in the current disclosure the term “road” or “traffic lane” means a surface upon which vehicles drive. The terms could be used interchangeably. As used in the current disclosure the term “shoulder” means an area between the road and a ditch providing the road a lateral support.
A standing vehicle is an obstacle on the way of vehicles that use the same road or traffic lane. It was founded that one of the most critical reasons for car accidents, with casualties, is a standing vehicle and the worst accidents are caused by standing trucks or even standing track trailers pulled by a truck.
In order to avoid accidents with a standing vehicle an Alerting-Triangle (AT) traffic is commonly used. The alerting triangle comprises a triangle with light reflecting red material. A driver of a standing car is required to place the alerting triangle on the road between the standing vehicle and the incoming traffic. Usually the AT is placed few meters behind the rear end of the standing vehicle and facing the incoming traffic. Placing the alerting triangle on the road may put the driver of the standing vehicle in a danger situation.
Quite often, cars, which are driven over the same traffic lane, where the standing vehicle is parked, may pass over the alerting triangle, throw it away from the road or even destroy it, preventing the alerting indication to be viewed by the incoming vehicles. In addition, the reflection material is passive and is effective only when light, emitted by incoming vehicles, flashes over the reflection material. Sometimes, the reflection could be detected when the incoming vehicle is too close to the standing vehicle and it is too late for changing the traffic lane or stopping, especially when the incoming vehicle travels over crowded roads.
Absence of the alerting triangle could cause traffic accidents, therefore, there is a need for an improved alerting triangle for indicating that a vehicle is standing on the road.
The needs and the deficiencies that are described above are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive concepts of the present disclosure in any manner. The needs are presented for illustration purposes only. In addressing the above-described needs in the art, as well as other needs and/or short-comings in current alerting devices, the present disclosure presents an active-alerting system (AAS) or device. In one example the AAS may be an active-alerting flag (AAF). An example of AAF could include a rod associated with a piece of cloth or fabric. The piece of cloth could be attached by one edge to the rod, where the second edge of the cloth is usually free. In some examples, the active-alerting flag can include one or more light reflecting bands or stripes. In some examples, one or more light sources could be associated or embedded in the active-alerting flag. An example of such light sources could be LEDs (Light-Emitting Diode), laser diodes, Organic Light Displays (OLEDs).
In some examples of the active-alerting flag the light source or sources could be distributed over the length of the rod of the active-alerting flag or be associated with one end of the rod. In other examples the light source can be placed at the far end of the rod closest to the near traffic lane. In other examples the one or more light source can be associated with the rod and with the fabric of the flag.
In some examples, the fabric of the active-alerting flag can be made of high strength polyester material and be attached to a vehicle with the help of a polypropylene pole and a clip-on-vehicle mechanism (CVM). In some examples the clip-on-vehicle mechanism can comprise a clip-on-window mechanism (CWM). In order to attach the active alerting flag to the door or to the roof of a vehicle, a variety of clip-on-vehicle mechanisms, such as a magnetic mechanism, a vacuum mechanism or similar could be used. The active-alerting flag pole can be arranged such that the fabric or polyester material of the active-alerting flag falls substantially perpendicular to the road facing the incoming traffic. As used in the present disclosure and the claims the terms pole, arm and rod can be used interchangeably.
Energy source to power the light sources could be one or more batteries. In some examples, the batteries could be embedded or associated with the bottom edge of the fabric of the active alerting flag and the batteries could be used also as weights to constantly pull the fabric of the flag down for fully display the flag to the incoming traffic. In other examples, the batteries can be associated with the rod of the flag. In such examples one or more weights can be associated with the fabric of the active alerting flag. In an additional example, the energy required for operation of light sources can be obtained from the vehicle battery. The light sources could be connected to the cigarette-lighting-plug (CLP) of the vehicle.
In some examples a stress-release mechanism (SRM) or an impact dumping mechanism could be included in the flag pole or in the clip-on-window mechanism. The impact dumping mechanism can be configured to absorb shocks that could be caused by passing vehicles and isolate the flag from the part of the vehicle to which it is attached. Thus, protecting the vehicle and the flag form punches from passing cars. A spring that connects the rod of the flag to the clip-on-window mechanism could be an example of a stress-release mechanism or an impact dumping mechanism. In other example a series of holes or slots forming in the flag pole a perforation like pattern to form and easy to brake line in the flag pole.
Long trucks or truck trailers may need to place the active alerting flag at the back of a standing truck or truck trailer. To facilitate the active alerting flag placement, an adaptor for receiving the active alerting flag could be associated or attached to the back of the truck or truck trailer. The adaptor could be configured to allow the fabric of the active alerting flag fall down in a substantially vertical position and facing the incoming traffic.
In one example, the adaptor can be a letter U-shaped article with one upright member associated with the truck and the other upright member can simulate the top edge of the window.
In another example the active-alerting system could be configured as an active-alerting triangle. In one example the active-alerting triangle can comprise three bars. The three bars are configured such that the assembly of the three bars forms an active alerting triangle. One or more of the bars can be associated with retro-reflecting red area (RRRA). In some embodiments of the active-alerting triangle, one or more bars can be associated with retro-reflecting red area and red-fluorescent area (RFA). Yet, in another example of active-alerting triangle one or more of the bars can be associated also with one or more light sources, such as but not limited to LEDs. The sources of light could be emitting a red color or yellow color or a combination of the red and yellow colors.
Each of the three bars forming the active alerting triangle can be divided into two or more segments. The segments are connected by a joint allowing the bars to be folded to half or third of the bar size, depending on the number of segments that form the bar. The folding active alerting triangle (FAAT) can include an elastic cable threaded through the segments of the three bars. In other examples an elastic element can be placed in association with one or more of the joints. The elastic cable or element can be configured to pull the folded bars and expand the active alerting triangle into a triangle shape that could be attached to a standing vehicle or be placed on the road.
In addition, the structure of the folded active alerting triangle that includes the elastic cable or member facilitates absorption of impact that could be caused by passing traffic.
In an additional example, the active alerting triangle can be associated with a rod. The rod can be configured to associate the active alerting triangle with a standing vehicle. In some embodiments, the rod can be a telescopic rod that can be adjusted to a proper length by a driver of a standing vehicle. The rod could be attached to the standing vehicle window by a clip-on-window mechanism. In another example a magnetic mechanism could be used to attach the active alert triangle to a door or the roof of the standing vehicle. In still a further example the clip-on-vehicle mechanism may use a vacuum mechanism in order to attach the active alerting triangle to the vehicle.
In a further example the rod can be adapted to support the active alerting triangle when it is placed on the road in between incoming traffic and a standing vehicle.
The above summary is not intended to summarize each potential embodiment or every aspect or any advantage of the present disclosure.
A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and the advantages thereof will be understood and appreciated by referring the following description in consideration of the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers indicate like features and parts:
Absence of a proper alerting triangle or flag traffic sign could cause traffic accidents on the road. Studies indicate that drivers react more quickly to road signs with symbols depicting motion or including images varying in time. Therefore, there is a need in an improved alerting triangle to indicate that a vehicle is standing on the road.
In addressing the above-described needs, as well as other needs and/or short-comings in current traffic alerting devices, the present disclosure presents an active-alerting system. In some examples of the present disclosure the active-alerting system may comprise an active-alerting flag.
A light source 130 can be mounted on distal end of rod 118. Light source 130 could include for example one or more LEDs emitting red light or yellow light. Alternatively, light source 130 could include a number of laser diodes emitting red light.
In another example, illustrated in
Active-alerting flag 114 could be made of a piece of cloth or high strength cotton or other material fabric. Alternatively, active-alerting flag 114 could be made of high strength polyester or other synthetic material. The width (W) of the fabric of active-alerting flag 114 could be few tens of centimeters, for example 30 to 70 centimeter. In some examples the width of the fabric could be 50 centimeters. The height (H) of the fabric from which active-alerting flag 114 is made can be few tens of centimeters, could be 50 to 100 centimeters, and frequently the height of the fabric could be 70 centimeters.
In some examples of active-alerting flag 114, the bottom edge of the fabric could include one or more weights 138 that drop down the fabric of active-alerting flag 114 and keep the fabric substantially perpendicular to road 142, such that it is well visible to the incoming traffic. In an additional example, weights 138 can be replaced by one or more batteries 146 that are used to energize light sources 130 and 136. In still a further example, batteries 146 can be associated with internal member 120 of rod 118. Yet, in an additional example, the energy required for operation of light sources 130 and 136 can be obtained from the accumulator of the car to which light sources 130 could be connected using for example a cigarette-lighting-plug (CLP) of the car.
In some examples, the fabric from which active-alerting flag 114 is made, could include one or more light reflecting bands or stripes 154 (
Typically, the cross section external member 122 and of internal member 126 of telescopic rod 200 would be a round cross section, although, other cross sections of telescopic rod 200, such as elliptical, rectangular or square could be used. As illustrated in
A stress-release mechanism or impact dumping mechanism 244 could be added in between the clip-on-window mechanism 252 and the external member 122. The stress-release mechanism 244 could be configured to absorb shocks. Stress-release mechanism or impact dumping mechanism 244 can be configured to deliver certain flexibility of telescopic rod 240, isolates active-alerting flag 114 from the window 218 and protects window 218 and telescopic rod 240 form destruction by passing vehicles.
In a further example, telescopic rod and stress-release mechanism or impact dumping mechanism 244 could be replaced by a rod 240 implemented as a conical spring that could have two states—a contracted state and an expanded state. Rod 240 also supports certain flexibility and isolates active-alerting flag 114 from window 218 and protects window 218 and rod 240 with attached to it active alerting flag form destruction by passing vehicles.
Some examples of telescopic rod 300 may comprise a compartment for batteries to provide power supply to energizing the one or more light sources 130. The compartment for batteries (not shown) can be included in vertical member 310.
Since the external upright member 464 of the U shape adaptor 460 is configured to simulate the edge of a truck window, a clip-on-window mechanism 466 similar to clip-on-window mechanism 210 (
Internal member 516 can be associated with a fabric 550. Fabric 550 can be made of high strength polyester material. In other examples of active alerting flag 510 fabric 550 can be made from cotton. The width of active alerting flag 510 fabric 550 can be few tens of centimeters, for example 30 to 60 centimeters. The height or length of fabric 550 can be few tens of centimeters, for example 50 to 100 centimeters.
An example of fabric 550 may comprise one or more reflection bands 540. In some examples of active alerting flag 510, the reflection bands 540 can be in a shape of a triangle. Yet, in some embodiments reflection bands 540 can be associated with one or more light sources such as LEDs emitting red light or yellow light.
Fabric 670 of may further comprise an active alerting triangle 672 or one or more reflection bands. Yet, in some examples, active alerting triangle 672 or one or more reflection bands can be formed by light source such as red LEDs.
Still in a further example of active alerting flag 624, the bottom edge of fabric 670 may include one or more weights 652 that keeps fabric 670 substantially perpendicular to the road and faces the coming traffic. In some examples weights 652 can be replaced with a chain of light source. In a further example weights 652 can be replaced by one or more batteries used to energize the light sources.
Clip-on-window mechanism 710 is typically placed on the top edge of the window that is the closest traffic lane of the incoming traffic. For example, the window of the driver, which is the closest to the traffic lane of the incoming traffic. In some examples, rod 720 of folding active-alerting triangle 700 could be adapted to support folding active-alerting triangle 700 in a slanted position, when it is placed on the road between the incoming traffic and a standing vehicle, as it is illustrated in
Knee 730 that terminates distal end, of the internal member 722, could accommodate a joint or a pivot 735 facilitating suspension of alerting-triangle 705. In some examples of folding active-alerting triangle 700 pivot 735 could be configured to allow alerting-triangle 705 to be rotated counter clock wise toward the rod 720. Typically, active triangle 705 can be assembled of three bars 740a-c that are attached to each other forming three apexes. A pouch 748a-c can be associated with each respective apex. A discus shaped center 755 of alerting-triangle 705 accommodates three hinges 757a-c. Three rods 750a-c associated each respective hinge 757a-c with a corresponding pouch 748a-c.
Alerting-triangle 705 is an assembly of three bars 740a-c. Each of three bars 740a-c that form alerting-triangle 705 includes three stripes 742a-c. In some examples the first stripe 742a houses sources of light 743a-c. The source of light could be LEDs 743a-c, for example. The second stripe 742b can be a retro-reflecting red segment and the third stripe 742c can be red-fluorescent area (RFA). In other embodiments of the active-alerting triangle, the order of the stripes can be retro-reflecting red stripe as the first one, then red-fluorescent area, and finally LEDS stripe, as the internal segment, etc.
In one example, a joint 770a-c divides each bar 740a-c of active alerting triangle 705 into two segments connected between them by joint 770a-c respectively. When the Alerting Triangle 705 is not in use, it can be folded by pushing center part 755 outside the plane in which the active alerting triangle resides. A band 780 can hold active alerting triangle in 700 (
Apex 836b can be associated with a clip-on-window mechanism 810. Clip-on-window mechanism 810 can be placed on the top edge of the window that is closest to the traffic lane of the incoming traffic. For example, the window of the driver. As illustrated in
In some examples (not shown in the figures) folded-active-alerting-triangle 800 could comprise a clip-on-vehicle mechanism. The clip-on-vehicle mechanism could be configured to attach an example of a folded-active-alerting-triangle—to the door of a standing vehicle or to the roof of the standing vehicle. The clip-on-vehicle mechanism could be a magnetic or a vacuum mechanism.
Each one of bars 820, 830 and 840 can be associated with a plurality of LEDs, illustrated as white spots 845 distributed along each bar 820, 830 and 840 (
In addition, an elastic cable (not shown) can be inserted in all of the segments of the three bars. The elastic cable can be configured to pull and expand the folded triangle into the shape of an alerting triangle before placing folded active alerting triangle 800 on the road or attaching it to the vehicle. In some examples, instead of the elastic cable, a spring can be placed at each joint 824, 834. Each of the springs can be configured to push its associated folded segments to be open into a complete bar. At joint 824 the spring is configured to open the two folded segments 822a&b to open into a straight bar 820. At joint 834 the spring is configured to open the two folded segments 832a&b to open into a straight bar 830.
Internal triangle 850 can be associated with the external triangle by short connecting bands 855a-f. The internal triangle 850 can be made of fabric and be associated with stripes of retro-reflecting red area and stripes of red fluorescent area.
In one example, folded active alerting triangle 800 may comprise a telescopic-rod 860. Telescopic-rod 860 can be used to support folded active alerting triangle 800 when it is placed on the road as it illustrated in
In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs, “comprise”, “include” “have”, and “conjugate” thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements, or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb.
In this application the words “unit” and “module” are used interchangeably. Anything designated as a unit or module may be a stand-alone unit or a specialized module. A unit or a module may be modular or have modular aspects allowing it to be easily removed and replaced with another similar unit or module.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present active alerting flag and triangle are not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the active alerting flag and triangle is defined by the claims that follow.
The current application claims priority to the following U.S. Provisional Application for Patent No. 62/310,908 filed on Mar. 21, 2016 and entitled “WARNING SYSTEM FOR STANDING VEHICLES” and to U.S. Provisional Application for Patent No. 62/426,023 filed on Jan. 27, 2017 and entitled “WARNING SYSTEM FOR STANDING VEHICLES”. Both applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IL17/50278 | 3/7/2017 | WO | 00 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62310908 | Mar 2016 | US | |
| 62426023 | Nov 2016 | US |
