CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to United States Provisional Application No. 63/395,579, filed August 5, 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to vehicles and safety barrier systems for use with vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Transportation and delivery of goods (e.g. water jugs, soft drinks, snack foods, propane tanks, beer, etc.) can include occupational hazards, such as when a delivery vehicle using side loaders is parked opposite the curb, thereby exposing a delivery worker to the dangers of oncoming traffic and/or nearby external objects approaching the vehicle. Safety barrier systems are thus desired to provide improved conditions concerning worker's safety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a safety barrier system for use with a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a panel coupled to a vehicle portion and configured for movement relative to the vehicle portion from a stowed position, in which the panel is closed relative to the vehicle portion, to a deployed position, in which the panel is open relative to the vehicle portion. The system includes a latch mounted to the panel or the vehicle portion, the latch configured to be in an engaged position when the panel is in the stowed position and in a disengaged position when the panel is in the deployed position. When the panel is in the deployed position, a display portion of the panel is visible from behind the vehicle, the display portion comprising indicators for enhancing safety.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a safety barrier system for use with a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a movable panel coupled to a vehicle portion and configured for movement relative to the vehicle portion from a stowed position, in which the panel is closed relative to the vehicle portion, to a deployed position, in which the panel is open relative to the vehicle portion. The system includes a latch mounted to the panel or the vehicle portion, the latch configured to be in an engaged position when the panel is in the stowed position and in a disengaged position when the panel is in the deployed position. When the panel is in the deployed position, a display portion of the panel is visible from behind the vehicle, the display portion comprising indicators for enhancing safety. The movable panel comprises a transparent window portion and the safety barrier system lacks any additional movable panel having another transparent window portion other than the movable panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, with like elements having the same reference numerals. When a plurality of similar elements are present, a single reference numeral may be assigned to the plurality of similar elements with a small letter designation referring to specific elements. When referring to the elements collectively or to a non-specific one or more of the elements, the small letter designation may be dropped. This emphasizes that according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features may be expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawings are the following figures:

FIGs. 1A-1B depict views of an exemplary safety barrier system according to aspects of the invention;

FIGs. 2A-2B depict views of an exemplary warning system of the safety barrier system of FIGs. 1A-1B; and

FIGs. 3A-3B depict views of an exemplary panel of the safety barrier system of FIGs. 1A-1B, shown in a deployed position and a stowed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention are described herein with reference to handling (e.g. storing, transporting, delivering, etc.) goods, such as water jugs, food, and other items known in the art. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the safety barrier systems described herein may be used with a variety of vehicles, a term which is broadly construed as any machine used for transporting persons and/or goods from one location to another, and are not limited to any vehicle disclosed herein. Further, it will be appreciated that throughout this specification, the term "goods" is to be broadly construed to include a variety of products and items. In addition, the term " "external object" is to be broadly constructed as anything approaching the vehicle and can cause damage to one or more of the worker, driver, and the vehicle or portions thereof, such as, oncoming traffic, another vehicle, cyclist, people, motorbike, scooter, etc.

With reference to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-1B show a portion of a rear of a vehicle 104 having a door opening. An exemplary safety barrier system 100 is illustrated for use with the vehicle 104. In a non-limiting example, the vehicle 104 is configured to handle, store, transport, and/or deliver goods, such as water jugs 124. Generally, safety barrier system 100 is configured to mitigate or prevent exposure of at least a driver or worker to dangers of oncoming traffic and/or external objects. To achieve, this safety barrier system comprises a panel 102 and a warning system 108. Individual components of safety barrier system 100 will now be described in detail below.

The safety barrier system 100 comprises the panel 102. The panel 102 is coupled to a vehicle portion of vehicle 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the movable panel 102 is coupled to a rear-facing vehicle portion of vehicle 104. Still further, the panel 102 is coupled to the vehicle portion of vehicle 104 along a hinge axis 132 (FIG. 2B) extending for a length. The length of hinge axis 132 may extend up to a length of the panel 102 or a length of the door opening of the vehicle 104.

In an exemplary embodiment, the panel 102 includes a generally flat, planar surface. However, one skilled in the art would understand from the description herein that panel 102 may have a size and shape dependent on the size and shape of the vehicle (or components thereof) for which panel 102 is intended. For example, panel 102 may have any shape selected based on a desired shape, geometry, or size of the door opening of vehicle 104. Additionally or optionally, panel 102 may be substantially smooth. Alternatively, some or all of the surface of panel 102 may be configured to provide attachment points or surfaces, such as those for housing or facilitating operational components of panel 102 (discussed further below). Attachment points or surfaces may be formed as small aberrations, projections, points, undulations, protrusions, contours, housings, or other deviations from a flat or planar surface on panel 102.

Attachment points or surfaces may include a handle 116 for facilitating the opening and/or closing of panel 102 relative to the door opening of vehicle 104. In one non-limiting example, the handle 116 may be equipped with RFID technology, such that a driver or worker using the vehicle 104 may place a RFID tag near handle 116 and after interrogation and recognition of the RFID tag, unlocks and/or closes panel 102 relative to the door opening of vehicle 104. Alternatively, other known automated systems, such as a biometric sensing system (e.g. fingerprint), may be incorporated into handle 116 for improving ease of operation of panel 102. Although FIG. 2B illustrates an example location of handle 116, one skilled in the art would understand from the description herein that the illustrated location of handle 116 is not intended to be limiting. Rather, the placement of handle 116 on the panel 102 may be varied, as desired, based on the design of panel 102 or vehicle 104, for example.

Further, attachment points or surfaces may include one or more aerodynamic shields 122, selectively placed along a perimeter of panel 102 for reducing wind resistance and improving aerodynamic efficiency of vehicle 104 having panel 102. The shields 122 and panel 102 (or vehicle 104) may be integrally formed as a single body of unitary construction, or may be separately formed prior to coupling via known attachment means. Although FIG. 2A illustrates example locations of shields 122, one skilled in the art would understand from the description herein that these illustrated locations are not intended to be limiting. Rather, the placements of shields 122 on the panel 102 may be varied, as desired, such as based on the design of panel 102 or vehicle 104.

Turning now to FIGS. 2A-2B, the operational components of panel 102 may include a warning system 108. The activation or deactivation of one or more components of warning system 108 (discussed below) may be automatic, e.g. when panel 102 is moved toward a deployed position (discussed below), when the vehicle 104 is in a stationary position, etc. Alternatively, the activation or deactivation of one or more components of warning system 108 (discussed below) may be subject to authorization by one or more users (e.g. driver, delivery worker, etc.).

The warning system 108 may include a speed detection radar 110. Speed detection radar 110 is operable to detect a speed (or range of speeds) of an external object approaching the vehicle 104. Additionally or optionally, speed detection radar 110 is configured to generate a signal related to the speed of the external object. Based on the signal from the speed detection radar 110 and received by a processor, such as a processor mounted on panel 102 or vehicle 104, one or more operational components of panel 102 may be activated or operated (e.g. auditory indicator 112, visual indicator 114, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, speed detection radar 110 may be activated (automatically or by user actuation) when the vehicle 104 is in a stationary condition. Additionally or optionally, speed detection radar 110 may be activated (automatically or by user actuation) when panel 102 is in the deployed position (as shown in FIG. 2B). Although FIG. 2B illustrates an example location of speed detection radar 110 on panel 102, one skilled in the art would understand from the description herein that the illustrated location of speed detection radar 110 on panel 102 is not intended to be limiting. Rather, the placement of speed detection radar 110 on the panel 102 may be varied for functional or aesthetic considerations.

Additionally or optionally, the warning system 108 comprises an auditory indicator 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the auditory indicator 112 may be selectively activated or deactivated in response to at least the signal (or signals) generated by the speed detection radar 110. The auditory indicator 112 may comprise a siren configured to increase or decrease in frequency, duration, volume, intensity, or combination thereof based on at least the speed detected of the external object approaching the vehicle 104. Still further, the auditory feedback generated by auditory indicator 112 may be intermittent, constant, or a combination thereof, or predetermined series or sequence of intermittent, constant, or a combination thereof. Although FIG. 2B illustrates an example location of auditory indicator 112 on panel 102, one skilled in the art would understand from the description herein that the illustrated location of auditory indicator 112 on panel 102 is not intended to be limiting. Rather, the placement of speed auditory indicator 112 on the panel 102 may be varied for functional or aesthetic considerations. Still further, auditory indicator 112 may comprise a plurality of auditory indicators. The plurality of a plurality of auditory indicators may each be selectively activated or deactivated (automatically or by user actuation) based on one or more signals received from at least the speed detection radar 110. One skilled in the art would understand form the description herein that variations in types or characteristics of auditory feedback may be tailored based on several factors, including working conditions, type of vehicle 104, shape and size of panel 102, etc.

Additionally or optionally, the warning system 108 comprises a visual indicator 114. Visual indicator 114 is configured to selectively illuminate, such as in response to at least the signal (or range of signals) generated by the speed detection radar 110. Based on the signal (or signals) from the speed detection radar 110 and received by a processor, such as the processor mounted on panel 102 or vehicle 104, visual indicator 114 may be activated or operated.

In an exemplary embodiment, the visual indicator 114 comprises a light emitting diode (LED) module 126 mounted to the panel 102 or the vehicle 104 (or portion thereof). Although FIG. 2B illustrates locations of LED modules 126 and/or LEDs 128a, 128b, 128c one skilled in the art would understand from the description herein that these illustrated locations are not intended to be limiting. Rather, the placement of the visual indicators 114 on the panel 102 may be varied, as desired, based on functional or aesthetic considerations, such as visibility of LED modules 126 and/or LEDS 128a, 128b, 128c from the rear of vehicle 104, as well as shape and size of panel 102 or vehicle 104. Still further, the placement of visual indicators 114 (e.g. LEDS 128a, 128b, 128c) on the panel 102 may create a pattern or graphic (e.g. picture, text, etc.), irrespective if one or more LEDs 128a, 128b, 128c are illuminated or not.

The LED module 126 may have an illuminated area visible from behind the vehicle 104, such that the illuminated area would be visible to an approaching external object and/or a driver or worker adjacent the rear or side of vehicle 104. The LED module 126 includes one or more LEDs 128a, 128b, 128c configured to emit light. Alternatively, the LED module 126 comprises at least two LEDs 128a, 128b. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one LED 128a is configured to emit a wavelength of light (e.g. red) that is different from that emitted by another LED 128b (e.g. yellow). For example, the red wavelength of light may correspond to a higher speed (of a vehicle or external object) detected by the speed detection radar 110, relative to the speed detected by the speed detection radar 110 when the wavelength of light emitted is yellow. Further, the visual indicators 114 may operate or activate in conjunction with one or more components of warning system 108, such as those that are activated based on the signal received from speed detection radar 110 (e.g. auditory indicator 112, etc.).

Additionally or optionally, one or both of the at least two LEDs 128a, 128b illuminate with variable intensity, frequency, or duration, based on the speed detected of the external object approaching the vehicle 104. Still further, one or both of the at least two LEDs 128a, 128b may be configured to generate visual feedback (e.g. illumination) that is intermittent, constant, or a combination thereof, or a predetermined series or sequence of intermittent, constant, or combination thereof. One skilled in the art would understand that a pattern of illumination (generated when one or more LEDs 128a, 128b, 128c are selectively illuminated) may be varied based on functional or aesthetic purposes. Additionally or optionally, the visual indicator 114 comprises a safety reflector 130 for aiding visibility of panel 102 to the external object, such as another vehicle.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3B, the safety barrier system 100 may include latch 106. Latch 106 is mounted to the panel 102 or the vehicle 104 (or portion thereof). As stated above, the panel 102 is configured for movement relative to the vehicle 104 (or portion thereof) from a stowed position, in which the panel is closed relative to the vehicle 104 (or portion thereof), to the deployed position, in which the panel is open relative to the vehicle 104 (or portion thereof). Further, the panel 102 is in the stowed position during travel of the vehicle 104 and the panel 102 is in the deployed position during a stationary condition of the vehicle 104. When the panel 102 is in the stowed position, the latch 106 is in an engaged or locked position. Conversely, when the panel 102 is in the deployed position, the latch 106 is in a disengaged or unlocked position. One skilled in the art would understand from the description herein that latch 106 may vary in design and mechanism, but generally latch 106 is operable from outside the vehicle 104 and includes a latching mechanism which upon closing of panel 102 relative to the door opening of vehicle 104, latches onto a strike member (not shown) mounted on a portion of vehicle 104 (e.g. door frame forming the door opening or a door jamb) for retaining the panel 102 in the stowed position. Alternatively, latch 106 may be separate from another latch mounted on a vehicle door 134 (FIG. 3A) configured for restricting access into an interior of vehicle 104. Thus, latch 106 is operable from outside vehicle 104 and includes a separate latching mechanism, which upon closing of panel 102 relative to the vehicle door 134, latches onto a strike member (not shown) mounted on the vehicle door 134 for retaining the panel 102 in the stowed position.

In an exemplary embodiment, the panel 102 may comprise a transparent window portion 120. Transparent window portion 120 may be useful for increasing visibility of oncoming traffic and/or external objects approaching the vehicle 104. In a non-limiting example, panel 102 having transparent window portion 120 may be coupled to or along the rear-facing vehicle portion vehicle portions of vehicle 104. Further, the safety barrier system 100 may lack additional movable panel(s) having another transparent window portion other than the movable panel 102 having transparent window portion 120. The safety barrier system 100 may lack additional movable panel(s) having another transparent window portion(s) and/or additional movable panel(s) having another transparent window portion(s) and coupled to or along the rear-facing vehicle portion of vehicle 104.

Additionally or optionally, when the panel 102 is in the deployed position, a display portion 118 of the panel 102 is visible from behind the vehicle 104. For example, the display portion 118 may comprise visual prints or indicators for identifying products for delivery (e.g. water jugs) or for enhancing safety of the worker or driver. Alternatively, display portion 118 may be configured for solely non-functional or aesthetic considerations.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.