EP2555950A1

EP2555950A1 - Security shield for bus driver

Info

Publication number: EP2555950A1
Application number: EP10726289A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Trevor Lee
Original assignee: SABIC Innovative Plastics IP BV
Current assignee: SABIC Global Technologies BV
Priority date: 2010-04-09
Filing date: 2010-05-21
Publication date: 2013-02-13
Also published as: WO2011124950A1; CN102834302A

Abstract

A shield device (10) comprising a main panel (26), a frame (38,54) and a sliding element that engages the main panel and the frame. The main panel slides relative to the frame between and opened and a closed position. The shield device is configured to be installed in a vehicle, on a side of an operator area. When installed in the vehicle, when in the closed position, the main panel forms a barrier across the one side of the operator area. In one embodiment, the method of using a shield device in a vehicle can comprise releasing a latch (24) holding a panel in an open position, sliding the panel on a side of an operator area in the vehicle to a close position, wherein the panel cannot be readily moved back to an open position from someone outside of the operator area.

Description

SECURITY SHIELD FOR BUS DRIVER

BACKGROUND

[0001] This disclosure relates to a security device, and especially relates to driver shields.

[0002] Intercity passenger buses may be used to transport passengers from point to point such as Greyhound buses. Similar buses may also be used in mass transit operations within a metropolitan area. In any event, the bus driver is normally preoccupied with driving the bus and thus may be unaware of passengers attempting to assault the bus driver, take over the bus, rob the bus driver of collected fares, or crash the bus, until it is too late to prevent direct contact. Thus the bus driver is unable to mount a reasonable defense against interference from the attacking passenger(s) without possibly losing control of the bus. If the passenger bus is a mass transit bus, a passenger may be attempting to rob the driver of collected fares also.

[0003] Buses are typically operated during all times of the day, with night time operations creating special problems for the driver. The driver is confronted with glaring lights and reflections from lights both from vehicles in the rear and those approaching, so it is difficult for the driver to monitor the passenger area using the inside rearview mirror.

[0004] Hence, the risk of being involved in a violent confrontation is very real for bus drivers as well as many other professionals involved with interactions with the public. As a result, driver shields have been designed for professionals including taxicab drivers, police officers, health workers, and detention staff who may require additional protection from the people they transport. However, these shields have not been sufficiently designed for bus drivers wherein access to the bus driver is not only from behind the driver (such as in a taxi, police car, etc.), it is also from the side of the driver. Consequently, irate passengers, e.g., farebeaters and so forth, still have access to the driver and assaults on drivers have been on the rise.

[0005] In an attempt to address this issue, some side barriers have been designed as well. However, these designs have problems such as being immovable, thereby creating difficulty for the operator to maneuver into and out of the driver's seat, or movable shields that are inaccessible from the driver's seat, thereby require the driver to stand to close the shield. [0006] There exists a continuing need in the art for a security device, e.g., a protective shield that meets National Highway Transportation Safety Administration standards (e.g., for optical clarity), while being easy to use, even while the vehicle is in motion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0007] The above-described drawbacks are alleviated by the present shield device and method for use thereof.

[0008] In an embodiment, a shield device can comprise: a main panel, a frame, and a sliding element that engages the main panel and the frame. The main panel can slide relative to the frame between an opened and a closed position. The shield device can be configured to be installed in a vehicle, on a side of an operator area. When installed in the vehicle, when in the closed position, the main panel can form a barrier across the one side of the operator area.

[0009] In an embodiment, a vehicle can comprise: a shield device and an operator area defined by a windshield and a driver's seat. The shield device can comprise a plurality of panels, wherein the panels are transparent and a frame. The shield device can be configured to move from a location above the operator area to a closed position wherein the shield forms a barrier across the one side of the operator area (e.g., opposite the driver's side window).

[0010] In another embodiment, a vehicle can comprise: a shield device and an operator area defined by a windshield and a seat. The shield device can comprise a main panel, wherein the main panel is transparent, a frame, and a sliding element engaging the main panel and the frame. The main panel can slide relative to the frame between an opened and a closed position. The shield device can be located on one side of the operator area. In the closed position, the main panel can form a barrier across the one side of the operator area.

[0011] In one embodiment, the method of using a shield device in a vehicle can comprise releasing a latch holding a panel in an open position, sliding the panel to a side of an operator area in the vehicle to a close position, wherein the panel cannot be readily moved back to an open position from outside of the operator area.

[0012] The above described and other features are exemplified by the following Figures and detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Refer now to the drawings, which are exemplary, not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered alike in several figures.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of a bus driver shield installed in a bus.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a side prospective view of an embodiment of a shield assembly without the rails.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a side prospective view of the embodiment of the shield assembly of FIG. 1 with the rails.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the latch 24 in section A of FIG. 3.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of an embodiment of the main panel.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the stop 32 in section B of FIG. 3.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of a shield assembly installed in a bus.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a partial side view of an embodiment of a portion of a frame.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a partial side view of the latch 42 in section C of FIG. 7.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the main panel with a tongue and groove track and supports.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sliding shield assembly that, in the open position is located above the operator area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Security devices, e.g., shield assemblies, can be used to protect the vehicle operator. These devices can comprise a main panel on a pivot so that the operator can pivot the panel from an open position to a closed, secured position. This operation entails the operator to stand, move behind and/or beside the area to be secured (e.g., driver's seat area), to release the panel so that it can be pivoted into the closed, secured position. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates a shield 1 pivotally attached via pivot 4 to the support wall 5. Therefore, a driver that would sit in the seat 3 would, prior to sitting behind the steering wheel 6, pivot the shield 3 around the pivot 4 as is illustrated with the arrow, in order to close the shield, thereby protecting the driver. Since, in the open position, the shield 1 is not readily accessible to the driver from the seat 3, the driver must secure the shield while the bus is stationary. It is also noted that the shield 1 is not readily movable from the closed position to the open position if there is an obstacle in the aisle of the bus (e.g., a person, luggage, etc.) since the path through which the shield will travel is through the aisle. Finally, due to the design of shield 1 and the need to move it back and forth through the aisle in order to open and close the panel, the percentage of the coverage plane blocked by the panel 1 is restricted. Generally a swing door covers less than or equal to 60% of the coverage plane.

[0026] With a slidable security device, the main panel can be moved between the opened and closed positions by an operator that is seated in the driver's seat, whether or not the vehicle is in motion, and whether or not there are obstacles in the aisle. The main panel of the security device is configured to slide into and out of the closed position (e.g., slide toward the windshield (e.g., across the side of the area occupied by a driver (e.g., the

"operator area"), or to slide toward the bus floor from above the operator area), forming a barrier between the driver and passengers entering the bus. To open the shield, the panel is slid in the opposite direction, back to its original position, e.g., in a direction away from the windshield, across the side of the operator area, or in a direction away from the floor, upward, such that the panel is over the operator area in the opened position.

[0027] Referring to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in Figures 2 - 7, the security device 10 can comprise a main panel 26 that can slide toward panel stop 34 and away from the vehicle windshield (not illustrated). The main panel can operably engage a guide rail to enable the main panel 26 to slide relative thereto. In Figure 2, the guide rail is illustrated as frames 38,54. The guide rail can be a slide mechanism securing the main panel 26 to the bus and allowing the main panel to slide relative to the operator area (e.g., across the operator area or up above the operator area); e.g., a complementary track and element assembly such as a ridge and roller assembly (e.g., wheel(s), bearing(s), etc), tongue and groove assembly, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing.

[0028] In addition to a guide rail, the main panel can have a support to provide structural integrity to the main panel. When the main panel is in the closed position, the edge of the main panel can be supported on one or more sides, e.g., to prevent the panel from being forced into the operator area or pulled away from the operator area, thereby giving access to the operator. For example, if the top edge has the track, the bottom edge 56 can be supported in the support (e.g., door bracket 18, frame(s) 38,54, brace(s) 70 (see FIG. 10), and so forth). Although all sides of the main panel can comprise additional supports (e.g., bracket(s), brace(s), etc), desirably, support mechanism(s) are configured to at least support the edge of the main panel opposite the slide mechanism (e.g., see FIG. 10). When the slide mechanism is located in contact with two opposing edges of the main panel (e.g., see FIG. 11), support mechanism(s) can be configured to support the unsupported edge (e.g., edge 80 in FIG. 11) and optionally other edges (e.g., edges 82 and/or 82; see FIG. 11).

[0029] The main panel 26 can have a general shape to create a barrier across a side of the operator area that would otherwise be accessible to a party outside the operator area (e.g., between the roof of the vehicle and the gate area adjacent the driver's seat). For example, so that the side of the operator area is substantially blocked from the roof to the floor, thereby protecting the operator from assault. Desirably, the panel extends above the top of the driver's seat by greater than or equal to 6 inches, specifically covers greater than or equal to 65% of the plane bounded by the roof, seat area (e.g., if present, the gate or other blocked area adjacent to the seat), back of the driver's seat, and the windshield (e.g., see the area partially covered by shield 1, FIG. 1 ; hereinafter the "coverage plane"), specifically, greater than or equal to 70%, with greater than or equal to 75% possible.

[0030] The first end 50 of the panel 26 can optionally comprise a grasp 52 (e.g., hole, handle, and so forth) to enable the operator to grasp the panel and move it through the coverage plane to the open or closed position. Once in the closed position, the panel 26 creates the barrier adjacent to the operator. Optionally, the panel 26 can have openings, such as the series of openings 30 oriented in a circular fashion, e.g., to enhance voice transmission through the panel.

[0031] To enhance the structural integrity of this barrier, the panel 26 can comprise a door bracket 18 extending from the bottom frame portion 54 and/or a front bracket 16 extending from the top frame 38. Alternatively, or in addition, the door bracket 18 can extend from the bus (e.g., post, seat, floor, gate, bulkhead, or any other component of the bus having sufficient structural integrity) toward the panel so as to support the panel (e.g., see braces 70 in FIG. 10). Theses brackets can engage adjacent elements of the vehicle (e.g., the gate or side of the seat or the bulkhead, respectively), to provide further structural integrity to the panel. For example, the bracket can extend into the operator area so as to hook around or otherwise connect with the vehicle element, thereby preventing the shield from readily being pulled in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the main panel slides.

[0032] The first end 50 of the main panel 26 can further comprise a shape so as to enable complete extension of the panel 26 e.g., to the dashboard even in the presence of a coin and/or ticket box 44. (See FIG. 7) For example, extension of the panel 26 partially or wholly over the coin and/or ticket box 44. In this embodiment, the main panel 26 has an opening sized to enable the panel 26 to extend over the coin box. Hence, the bottom edge 56 has a smaller length ( _¾) than the top edge length (l_t). The width of the panel can also narrow toward the first end 50 (e.g., the top edge can curve toward the bottom edge, complementary with the shape of the roof) so as to follow the contours of the vehicle roof, allowing the panel to extend to the bulkhead area.

[0033] The main panel can further comprise a latch 12,42 that can engage a bracket 14. The bracket can be attached to the bus post 48 so that when the panel is in the closed position, the latch engages the bracket, thereby inhibiting the panel from being moved to the open position by someone other than the operator. Therefore, the latch is on the inner surface 60 (i.e., on the operator area side of the panel 26 (adjacent to the operator)), such that passengers on the opposite side of the panel (e.g., adjacent the outer surface 62 (the

"outside")) cannot readily gain access to the operator by unlatching the panel and sliding it to the open position.

[0034] The main panel 26 can engage the frame 38,54 using a sliding element that enables the panel 26 to move relative to the frame 38,54. For example, the sliding element can extend into the slot 40 of the frame 38. Possible sliding elements include pins, trolleys (e.g., comprising wheels), and so forth, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing. Desirably, the sliding element is chosen to create low friction, enabling facile movement of the panel.

[0035] The frame 38 can have a sufficient length such that the main panel 26 can be moved into an open position wherein the main panel doesn't obstruct the operator from getting into or out of the driver's seat. Optionally, the frame can comprise catch(es). For example, through a first surface of the bottom frame portion 54 can be a closed position catch 64 configured to receive and engage an optional shield latch 24 (e.g., any type of catch or latch that can retain the panel in the desired location; the illustrated latch is merely intended to be exemplary) when the main panel 26 is in the closed position, and/or an open position catch 66 configured to receive and engage the optional shield latch 24 when the main panel 26 is in the open position.

[0036] In some embodiments, cover panel(s) 28 can be located in the frame. The cover panel(s) 28 can have graphics on the outside so as to be visible to passengers. For example, the cover panel can comprise an advertisement (e.g., the panels can be removable and/or changeable such that a series advertisements can be displayed as desired), and/or other information. The cover panel 28 can be oriented so that the main panel 26 slides behind the cover panel 28 (i.e., so that the main panel 26 is located between the cover panel 28 and the driver's area). In other words, when the main panel 26 is in the opened position, the cover panel 28 hides most or the entire main panel 26 from the view of the bus door. Alternatively, the cover panel 28 can be oriented so that the main panel 26 slides in front of the cover panel 28 (i.e., so that the cover panel 28 is located between the main panel 26 and the driver's area). Desirably, the main panel 26 slides behind the cover panel 28 to protect the main panel 26 when in the open position.

[0037] The main panel 26 can further comprise a stop 32 and/or the frame can have a stop 34 to inhibit the main panel 26 from moving past the second end 68 of the frame, or of the cover panel 28, when in the open position.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 10, a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a sliding shield assembly is illustrated. In this figure, the sliding action is accomplished with a tongue and groove arrangement 72. The groove is formed in a base 74 that can be mounted to the bus so as to enable the main panel 26 to slide across the operator area into and out of the closed position. The edge 80 of the main panel 26 can also be supported, e.g., by braces 70. The braces are configured to inhibit a passenger from grasping the edge of the panel and forcing the panel to pivot (e.g., around the tongue), into the operator area or into the aisle.

[0039] FIG. 11 is an illustration of another embodiment of a shield assembly wherein the panel slides into the closed position from above the operator area. In this embodiment, the main panel is shown with joint(s) 78 that enable the panel 76 to bend when moving between tracks 86,88. Thus, an operator can grasp the edge 80 of the panel (and/or optional handle 90), to pull the panel 76 down into the closed position, and/or to push the panel up into the open position.

[0040] The materials of the main panel 26 are chosen to attain the desired

transparency (e.g., optical clarity) and structural integrity. Some possible materials include transparent thermoplastic, thermoset materials, and combinations comprising at least one of these materials. For example, the material can be polycarbonate or a combination of materials comprising polycarbonate. The panel(s) can also comprise coating(s), e.g., to inhibit or prevent glare, enhance scratch resistance, and/or enhance UV resistance, and the like. For example, the panel(s) (main and/or cover) can comprise Lexan* resin

(commercially available from SABIC Innovative Plastics IP, Pittsfield, MA) with an Exatec coating (commercially available from Exatec LLC, Wixon, MI), such as Lexan* 9034 sheet with an Exatec E900 coating, commercially available from Exatec LLC. Desirably, the main panel 26 meets National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) ANSI Z26.1 AS2 standard, as does Lexan* 9034 sheet with Exatec E900 coating.

[0041] The cover panel 28 can be formed from the same or a different material as the main panel 26. For example, the cover panel 28 can comprise a thermoplastic material, thermoset material, metal, ceramic, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing materials. This panel can be transparent, translucent, or opaque, as desired.

[0042] The shield device can be designed to be installed into existing vehicles (e.g., retrofitted into existing buses) using appropriate brackets and mounts. This device can be employed in any vehicle where removable separation is desired on a side of the operator. This device allows the operator to open and/or close the panel (e.g., shield) while seated in the driver's seat, regardless of whether or not the vehicle is moving. In other words, if the operator forgets to close the main panel before moving the bus, and/or if (even while the bus is moving) the operator decides a different position of the panel would be preferred (such as opened (if currently closed) or closed (if currently opened)), the operator can change the panel position without stopping the bus. Additionally, obstacles (e.g., people, luggage, packages, etc.), in the aisle will not obstruct the opening or closing of the main panel (e.g., shield).

[0043] Engaging the shield can be accomplished by releasing the catch (e.g., latch 12 and/or shield latch 24, or the like), grasping the main panel 26, and sliding the main panel 26 toward the windshield, e.g., until the shield latch 24 (if present) engages the closed position catch 64 and/or the optional front bracket 16 engages the bulkhead. To move the main panel 26 to the open position, the operator releases the latch(es) 12,24, accordingly, and pushes the main shield 26 away from the windshield. For example, pushes the panel 26 until the panel contacts the panel stop 34, the shield latch 24 engages the open position catch 66, and/or the stop 32 engages the bracket 14.

[0044] In one embodiment, a shield device can comprise: a main panel, wherein the main panel is transparent, a frame, and a sliding element engaging the main panel and the frame, wherein the main panel can slide relative to the frame between an opened and a closed position. The shield device can be configured to be installed in a vehicle, on a side of an operator area defined by a windshield and a seat (e.g., opposite the driver's side window). When installed in the vehicle, when in the closed position, the main panel can form a barrier across the one side of the operator area. [0045] In one embodiment, a vehicle can comprise: a shield device and an operator area defined by a windshield and a driver's seat. The shield device can comprise a main panel, wherein the main panel is transparent, a frame, and a sliding element engaging the main panel and the frame, wherein the main panel can slide relative to the frame between an opened and a closed position. The shield device can be located on one side of the operator area (e.g., opposite the driver's side window). In the closed position the main panel can forms a barrier across the one side of the operator area (e.g., opposite the driver's side window).

[0046] In another embodiment, a vehicle can comprise: a shield device and an operator area defined by a windshield and a driver's seat. The shield device can comprise a plurality of panels, wherein the panels are transparent and a frame. The shield device can be configured to move from a location above the operator area to a closed position wherein the shield forms a barrier across the one side of the operator area (e.g., opposite the driver's side window).

[0047] In one embodiment, the method of using a shield device in a vehicle can comprise releasing a latch holding a panel (e.g., the main panel) in an open position, sliding the panel to a side of an operator area (e.g., across a side of the operator area and/or from above the operator area to the side of the operator area) in the vehicle to a close position, wherein the panel cannot be readily moved back to an open position from outside of the operator area.

[0048] In the various embodiments: (i) the main panel can further comprise a stop at a first end of the main panel, and a latch; and/or (ii) the shield device can further comprise a cover panel and wherein the main panel, when in the open position, overlaps the cover panel; and/or (iii) in the opened position the main panel can be between the cover panel and the operator area; and/or (iv) the main panel can be movable from the open position to the closed position by an operator while the operator is seated in the driver's seat; and/or (v) a bottom portion of the frame can further comprise a bracket that engages a portion of the vehicle near the seat; and/or (vi) the main panel can comprise a front bracket near an end of the main panel closest to the windshield; and/or (vii) the main panel can have a bottom edge with a smaller length ( _¾) than a top edge length (¾); and/or (viii) the frame can be located over the driver's seat and the panel can move relative to the frame from an open position over the driver's seat to a closed position between the driver's seat and the bus aisle. [0049] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0050] All cited patents, patent applications, and other references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, if a term in the present application contradicts or conflicts with a term in the incorporated reference, the term from the present application takes precedence over the conflicting term from the incorporated reference.

[0051] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other (e.g., ranges of "up to 25 wt.%, or, more specifically, 5 wt.% to 20 wt.%", is inclusive of the endpoints and all intermediate values of the ranges of "5 wt.% to 25 wt.%," etc.). "Combination" is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The terms "a" and "an" and "the" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, and are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The suffix "(s)" as used herein is intended to include both the singular and the plural of the term that it modifies, thereby including one or more of that term (e.g., the film(s) includes one or more films). Reference throughout the specification to "one embodiment", "another embodiment", "an embodiment", and so forth, means that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, and/or characteristic) described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment described herein, and may or may not be present in other embodiments. In addition, it is to be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various embodiments.

[0052] What is claimed is:

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A vehicle, comprising:

a shield device, wherein the shield device comprises

a main panel, wherein the main panel is transparent;

a frame; and

a sliding element engaging the main panel and the frame, wherein the main panel can slide relative to the frame between an opened and a closed position; and

an operator area defined by a windshield and a driver's seat;

wherein the shield device is located on one side of the operator area; and

wherein in the closed position the main panel forms a barrier across the one side of the operator area.

2. The vehicle of Claim 1 , wherein the main panel further comprises a stop at a first end of the main panel, and a latch.

3. The vehicle of any of Claims 1 - 2, wherein the shield device further comprises a cover panel and wherein the main panel, when in the open position, overlaps the cover panel.

4. The vehicle of Claim 3, wherein, in the opened position the main panel is between the cover panel and the operator area.

5. A vehicle, comprising:

a shield device, wherein the shield device comprises a plurality of panels, wherein the panels are transparent and a frame; and

an operator area defined by a windshield and a driver's seat;

wherein the shield device configured to move from a location above the operator area to a closed position wherein the shield forms a barrier across the one side of the operator area.

6. The vehicle of any of Claims 1 - 5, wherein the main panel is movable from the open position to the closed position by an operator while the operator is seated in the driver's seat.

7. The vehicle of any of Claims 1 - 6, wherein a bottom portion of the frame further comprises a bracket that engages a portion of the vehicle near the seat.

8. The vehicle of any of Claims 1 - 7, wherein the main panel comprises a front bracket near an end of the main panel closest to the windshield.

9. The vehicle of any of Claims 1 - 8, wherein the main panel has a bottom edge with a smaller length (4) than a top edge length (¾).

10. A shield device, comprising:

a main panel, wherein the main panel is transparent;

a frame; and

wherein the shield device is configured to be installed in a vehicle, on a side of an operator area defined by a windshield and a seat; and

wherein, when installed in the vehicle, when in the closed position, the main panel forms a barrier across the one side of the operator area.

11. The shield device of Claim 10, wherein the main panel configured to be movable from the open position to the closed position by an operator while the operator is seated in the driver's seat.

12. The shield device of any of Claims 10 - 11, wherein a bottom portion of the frame further comprises a bracket configured to engages a portion of the vehicle near the seat.

13. The shield device of any of Claims 10 - 12, wherein the main panel comprises a front bracket near an end of the main panel that when installed and in the closed position will be closest to the windshield.

14. The shield device of any of Claims 10 - 13, wherein the main panel has a bottom edge with a smaller length (¾,) than a top edge length (l_t).

15. A method of using a shield device in a vehicle, comprising:

releasing a latch holding a panel of a shield device in an open position; and

sliding the panel to a side of an operator area in the vehicle to a close position;

wherein the panel cannot be readily moved back to an open position from outside of the operator area.