GB2520971A

GB2520971A - Roadside rescue pod

Info

Publication number: GB2520971A
Application number: GB1321457.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nick Power
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-12-05
Filing date: 2013-12-05
Publication date: 2015-06-10
Also published as: GB201321457D0

Abstract

An emergency shelter system comprises a housing container and a housing/shelter device. The housing device is capable of being folded along at least one edge. The folded housing device is arranged to be received within the container. The housing device comprises at least one attachment means for securing a hood portion to a top end of the housing device and opening means for providing a door portion. The housing device further comprises at least one high visibility or illumination portion for increasing the visibility of the housing device and at least one transparent portion arranged to enable the user to watch for an emergency rescue unit. The housing device further provides at least one storage portion arranged in use to receive at least one emergency tool. The device may comprise a collapsible structure, such as a pop-up tent, comprising a hi-vis outer mounted on a tensioned wire frame joined by a rotatable ferrule.

Description

AN EMERGENCY SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an emergency system, in particular an emergency system for providing safety and visibility to users caught in an emergency; more particularly but not exclusively a system for providing a device to protect those caught in an emergency such as a vehicular crash or failure.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a system comprising: a housing container; and a housing device capable of being folded élong at least one edge, in which said folded housing device is arranged to be received within the housing container, and in which said housing device comprises at least one attachment means for securing a hood portion to a top end of the housing device, and in which the housing device further comprises opening means for providing a door portion in the housing device, and in which the housing device further comprises at least one high visibility portion or illumination portion for increasing the visibility of the housing device, and in which the housing device further provides at least one transparent portion arranged to enable the user to watch for an emergency rescue unit; and in which the housing device further provides at least one storage portion arranged in use to receive at least one emergency tool.

The system preferably further comprises at least one emergency tool located within the storage portion(s). The hood portion may be displaceable, detachable or integral. For example in some embodiments the hood portion may comprise a flap of the housing device, capable for example of securing over the device's uppermost part. Preferably the hood portion in all embodiments allows passage of air from the housing device in use, so as to permit ventilation and passage of exhaust gases from the housing device in use. In some embodiments the hood portion may be adjustable in such respect.

I

In further embodiments the hood portion may comprise or total a fastening together of the housing device at a topmost or upper area.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a system comprising means for removing an emergency system from a storage area; means for orienting a housing container to remove a housing device; means for unfolding the housing device along at least one edge; means for mounting said housing device; means for arranging a hood portion over a top end of said housing device; means for opening a door portion in said housing device; means for providing visibility for said housing device with a high visibility portion; means for accessing an emergency tool from a storage portion; and means for watching for an emergency rescue unit through a window portion.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for assembling a system as herein described, comprising removing the system as herein described from a storage area; orienting a housing container to remove a housing device; unfolding the housing device along at least one edge; means for mounting said housing device; joining a hood portion to a top end of said housing device; opening a door portion in said housing device; providing visibility for said housing device with a high visibility portion and optionally accessing an emergency tool from a storage portion.

The method may further comprise the step of watching for an emergency rescue unit through at least one transparent portion, for example at least one window portion.

Preferably the system further comprises actuation means for actuating an exterior illumination portion and an interior illumination portion for providing interior as well as exterior visibility.

Said system comprises or provides a housing device which is arranged to provide a temporary shelter for users.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0001] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 100021 FIG. I illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary emergency system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0003] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate detailed perspective views of exemplary emergency systems, where FIG. 2A illustrates a door portion in a closed position and an exemplary exterior illumination portion flashing, and FIG. 2B illustrates a door portion in an open position and a blow up view of an exemplary interior illumination portion, in accordance with an embodLment of the present invention; and 10004] FIGs. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, and 3F illustrate detailed perspective views for storing an exemplary housing device, where FIG. 3A illustrates removal of an exemplary hood portion from a housing device, FIG. 3B illustrates demounting an exemplary mounting portion and folding a housing device along exemplary at least one edge, FIG. 3G illustrates folding the housing device from a top end to a bottom end, FIG. 3D illustrates refolding the housing device to form a circular shape, FIG. 3E illustrates refolding the housing device and twisting the folded housing device in a circle, FIG. 3F illustrates storing the folded housing device in a housing container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

100051 Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Detailed Description of Some Embodiments

[00061 The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed

figures and description set forth herein.

100071 Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing steps may be suitably replaced, reordered, removed and additional steps may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application. Moreover, the prescribed method steps of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented using any physical and/or hardware system that those skilled in the art will readily know is suitable in light of the foregoing teachings. For any method steps described in the present application that can be carried out on a computing machine, a typical computer system can, when appropriately configured or designed, serve as a computer system in which those aspects of the invention may be embodied. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular tangible means of implementation.

[0008] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0009] There are various types of emergency systems. The present invention may include an emergency system that forms a protective temporary sheltering device for a user during an emergency situation. The emergency situation may include, without limitation, a vehicle breakdown on the roadway. The emergency system may be sufficiently compactable such that a vehicle, a suitcase, or a room in a building can store the system until the emergency situation arises. For example, without limitation, a pop-up tent may be stored in a vehicle trunk until needed for the emergency situation. The shelter provided by the system allows a user to avoid having to wait inside the vehicle, which may be dangerous.

[0010] In some embodiments, the emergency system may include a housing device for providing the temporary shelter. The housing device may include a shelter consisting of sheets of fabric or other material draped over, attached to a frame of poles or attached to a supporting rope. The housing device may include both exterior and interior illumination, accessibility, storage space, and emergency tools. The housing device may incorporate enhanced visibility through the use of various illuminations and reflective lights for alerting to the emergency situation and identifying an emergency response unit about the location and type of emergency. The system may be utilized to store and actuate communication equipment for resolving the emergency situation. The system may also store and provide access to emergency tools during the emergency situation.

[0011] In some embodiments, the emergency system may include a housing device having at least one edge configured to fold for creating a compact housing device for storage and portability. The housing device may include, without limitation, a pop-up tent. The housing device may include a door portion for at least partially allowing access to the interior of the housing device. The door portion may include a rolled canvas with a zipper. A window portion may provide viewing from the interior to the exterior. This may be useful while waiting for an emergency response unit.

[00121 In some embodiments, the housing device may include a hood portion for providing a top to the housing device. The hood portion may provide protection from moisture, and also support an exterior illumination portion. The exterior illumination may be used for alerting to the emergency situation. An interior illumination may also help illuminate the interior of the housing device during use. A portable power source may provide power to each type of illumination. A high visibility portion may join with an exterior surface of the housing device to alert about the position and location of the system. The high visibility portion may be efficaciouS for alerting oncoming traffic to the system and emergency, and also identifying the location of the emergency situation to the emergency response unit.

(0013] In some embodiments, the housing device includes a storage portion on both the interior surface and the exterior surface for storing items useful for an emergency situation, including, without limitation, emergency tools, flares, communication tools, clothing, blankets, maps, water, food, and a radio. A mounting portion may include pegs that attach to lines at the top of the housing device. The mounting portion may be efficient and easy to set up and bring down, not requiring many tools. A housing container stores the housing device.

10014] FIG. 1 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary emergency system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. An emergency system 100 may provide a temporary shelter and access to emergency tools until an emergency response unit 120 arrives to the emergency situation. In one embodiment, the emergency system may include a housing device, such as a shelter apparatus consisting of sheets of fabric or other material draped over, attached to a frame of poles or attached to a supporting rope. Suitable housing may include, without limitation, a pop-up tent, having a cotton canvas, which allows functional breathability while serving the purpose of temporary shelter. Other suitable materials may include, without limitation, nylon, canvas, cotton, rubber, felt, and polyester. H, the housing device may take myriad shapes and dimensions, and further be built with eclectic mechanisms. For example, without limitation, the housing device may include a lightweight, freestanding tent type shelter using four poles that create tension on the hood portion. The four poles may be positioned between ground-level platform poles that form a perpendicular base for the arch pole. In another embodiment, the housing device may also be inflatable. In any case, the housing device includes a temporary shelter that provides portability, stowability, and illumination for alerting to the emergency situation.

[0015] In some embodiments, the emergency system may include a housing device 102 having at least one edge 106 configured to fold for creating a compact housing device for storage and portability. The housing device may include, without limitation, a pop-up tent. The housing device may include a door portion 110 for at least partially allowing access to the interior of the housing device. The door portion may include a rolled canvas with a zipper. However, in other embodiments, the door portion may include a rigid, hinged panel. A window portion 112 may provide viewing from the interior to the exterior. The window portion may include a mesh that has sufficient space for viewing, yet does not allow insects inside the housing device. This may be useful while waiting for an emergency response unit. Other embodiments have transparent or translucent material.

[0016] In some embodiments, the housing device may include a hood portion 104 for providing a top to the housing device. The hood portion may be rigid and provide protection from moisture, and also support an exterior illumination portion 106. In some embodiments the exterior illumination portion may be situated on one side of the fascia or hung from a supporting pole. The exterior illumination may be used for alerting to the emergency situation. The exterior illumination portion may include a flashing light emitting diode. In some embodiments, the exterior illumination portion may position on a top end of the housing device and illuminate the interior area of the housing device also.

An interior illumination may also help illuminate the interior of the housing device during use. A portable power source, such as a battery may power each type of illumination. A high visibility portion 114 may join with an exterior surface of the housing device to alert about the position and location of the system. The high visibility portion may include without limitation, reflective tape, bright colors and markings, flags, text, and graphics.

The high visibility portion may be efficacious for alerting oncoming traffic to the system and emergency, and also identifying the location of the emergency situation to the emergency response unit.

[0017] In some embodiments, the housing device includes a storage portion 116 on both the interior surface and the exterior surface for storing items useful for an emergency situation, including, without limitation, emergency tools, communication tools, clothing, blankets, maps, water, food, and a radio. The storage portion may include a plurality of pouches positioned on the exterior and interior surface of the housing device.

A mounting portion 118 may include pegs that attach to lines at the top of the housing device. The mounting portion may be efficient and easy to set up and bring down, not requiring many tools. A housing container stores the housing device. The housing container may include a canvas bag, shaped and dimensioned to receive a fully compacted housing device.

[0018] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate detailed perspective views of exemplary emergency systems, where FIG. 2A illustrates a door portion in a closed position and an exemplary exterior illumination portion flashing, and FIG. 2B illustrates a door portion in an open position and a blow up view of an exemplary interior illumination portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, a user may remain inside the housing device until the emergency response unit arrives. In one embodiment, the interior area may be sized and dimensioned to accommodate two adults and two children. An interior illumination portion 202 may provide lighting inside the housing device. Both the interior and exterior illumination portion may include a portable power source, such as a battery, for powering the lights. The storage portion may also be inside the housing device, and include items useful for emergency situations, including, without limitation, emergency tools, flares, communication tools, clothing, blankets, maps, water, food, and a radio. The interior area of the housing device may also include a reflective material for creating a glow from within the housing device. This further increases the visibility of the system.

10019] FIGs. 3A, SB, SC, 3D, 3E, and 3F illustrate detailed perspective views for storing an exemplary housing device, where FIG. 3A illustrates removal of an exemplary hood portion from a housing device, FIG. 35 illustrates demounting an exemplary mounting portion and folding a housing device along exemplary at least one edge, FIG. 3C illustrates folding the housing device from a top end to a bottom end, FIG. 3D illustrates refolding the housing device to form a circular shape, FIG. SE illustrates refolding the housing device and twisting the folded housing device in a circle, FIG. 3F illustrates storing the folded housing device in a housing container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the system may be stored in a compact location for future retrieval, including, without limitation, a vehicle trunk, a vehicle compartment, a suitcase, a room, a gas station, and a roadway storage site. The stowability of the housing device enables the system to be stored in such a manner. Further, the material and configuration of the housing device may differ, and thereby require different methods for stowing in a storage container 302. In one embodiment, a pop-up tent may be stowed without toots, for example comprising a continuous wire frame joined at a mutually twistable ferrule. The lightweight material of the pop-up tent further facilitates the storage. A first Step 304 for stowing the housing device may include removing the hood, and by extension, the exterior illumination portion from the top end of the housing device. Another Step 306 may include removing the mounting portion. This may include removing the pegs and lines that support the pop-up tent. Another Step 308 may include folding the housing device form the top end to the bottom end. The flexible material of the pop-up tent, such as canvas, enables this facilitated fold. In some embodiments, a Step 310 may include refolding the housing device to form a circular shape to fit into the housing container. However, other shapes may be utilized. In a Step 312, the housing device may include refolding the housing device additional times and twisting the folded housing device into a substantially circle shape. A final Step 314 may include storing the circular housing device into the housing container. The housing container may then be stored for a future emergency situation, such as in a vehicle trunk.

[0020] In one alternative embodiment, the housing device may join with an external power source, such as a generator or an electrical outlet. In yet another alternative embodiment, the system may include an audio portion for providing audio signals to alert to the emergency situation. In yet another alternative embodiment, the housing device may be buoyant for water vehicle emergency situations.

[0021] The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMSA system comprising: a housing container: and a housing device capable of being folded along at least one edge, in which said folded housing device is arranged to be received within the housing container, and in which said housing device comprises at least one attachment means for securing a hood portion to a top end of the housing device, and in which the housing device further comprises opening means for providing a door portion in the housing device, and in which the housing device further comprises at least one high visibility portion or illumination portion for increasing the visibility of the housing device, and in which the housing device further provides at least one transparent portion arranged to enable the user to watch for an emergency rescue unit: and in which the housing device further provides at least one storage portion arranged in use to receive at least one emergency tool.
2. A system comprising removing an emergency system from a storage area: comprising means for orienting a housing container to remove a housing device: means for unfolding the housing device along at least one edge; means for mounting said housing device: means for arranging a hood portion over a top end of said housing device; means for opening a door portion in said housing device; means for providing visibility for said housing device with a high visibility portion; means for accessing an emergency tool from a storage portion; and means for watching for an emergency rescue unit through a window portion.
3. A system according to either of claims 1 and 2, comprising means for actuating an exterior illumination portion and an interior illumination portion.
4. A device for use in the system defined in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a collapsible structure with high visibility outer mounted upon or stretched across a frame formed of tensioned wire lengths joined by at least one rotatable ferrule.
5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the frame is attachable to the ground using guide lines and pegs.
6. A method for assembling a system as claimed in any one of claims ito 5, comprising removing the system as herein described from a storage area; orienting a housing container to remove a housing device; unfolding the housing device along at least one edge; means for mounting said housing device; joining a hood portion to a top end of said housing device: opening a door portion in said housing device; providing visibility for said housing device with a high visibility portion and optionally accessing an emergency tool from a storage portion.
7. A method as claimed in claim 6, further comprising watching for an emergency rescue unit through at least one transparent portion, for example at least one window portion.
8. A device constructed according to the system substantially as described herein, as illustrated in the figures.