GB2300838A

GB2300838A - Vehicle having barrier around driver's seat

Info

Publication number: GB2300838A
Application number: GB9609877A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keith Evans
Original assignee: IN SECURE Ltd
Current assignee: IN SECURE Ltd
Priority date: 1995-05-13
Filing date: 1996-05-11
Publication date: 1996-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 2016-05-11
Also published as: GB2300838B; GB9609877D0; GB9509730D0

Abstract

A barrier in the form of a screen 1 segregates the driver's area of a vehicle such as a taxi cab or a bus, and comprises a number of transparent panels 3 to 7, supported by a telescopically adjustable tubular framework 2 around the driver's seat 8. The barrier may be secured to the vehicle floor, or to the frame 9 of the driver's seat 8 to allow for seat adjustment. A quick release mechanism enables panel 4 to be removed to provide an alternative emergency exit route. Sliding or pivoting trays 12, 13 (Figures 4 and 12) through a screen allow items such as fares to be passed to the driver.

Description

"Means for Driver Seclusion" This invention relates to means for driver seclusion.

The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to situations where the driver offers himself and his vehicle for hire. It has application in any vehicle adapted to convey a passenger.

A driver is literally a sitting target for persons he invites into his vehicle. It is a regrettable feature of modern life that it has become necessary for him to recognise his vulnerability to those intent on wanton violence or robbery, and prudent for him to adopt measures to protect himself and deter thieves.

The driver must also recognise that charter of his vehicle is more likely if a prospective customer feels that he will be both insulated from the threat of assault from the driver and have a measure of privacy.

According to the present invention there is provided a barrier positionable in a vehicle to segregate a driver's area from the rest of the vehicle without hindering the driver's facility to drive.

The barrier may deter assault on the driver from within the vehicle.

The barrier may deter assault on a passenger from within the vehicle.

The barrier may be retrofitted to a vehicle.

The barrier may be removed from the vehicle without trace.

The barrier may comprise a screen formed from a material which provides a mechanical barrier without restricting visibility.

The barrier may be shaped by thermal forming of the screen. Alternatively, the barrier may further comprise a framework provided to shape the barrier.

The framework may be telescopic for adaptability.

Alternatively the framework may be constructed to specific dimensions.

Preferably, the barrier is secured to the frame of the driver's seat without restricting the capacity of the seat to be adjusted. Alternatively the barrier may be secured to the floor of the vehicle without restricting the capacity of the seat to be adjusted.

The screen is preferably transparent. It may be tough and lightweight. Preferable material for forming the screen is thermoplastic sheeting.

Preferably the screen is coated to resist abrasion and to minimise electrostatic charge.

The screen may comprise a plurality of panels.

Preferably, a panel of the screen is removable for access.

Provision may be made for ventilation and communication between driver and passengers.

A portion of the screen may be adapted to serve as means for fare collection. This fare collection means may be in the form of a tray operable by the driver to allow money or other items to be passed through the screen. Access to the tray may only be possible from one side of the barrier at a time.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the screen and frame in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a rear view of the screen and frame of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the screen and frame of Figure 1; Figures 4-7 are side views showing fare collection means; Figure 8 is a side view showing alternative fare collection means; Figure 9 is an exploded view of a detail of Figure 8; Figures 10 & 11 are rear views of Figure 9; and Figure 12 is a perspective view of the fare collection means of Figure 8.

Referring to the drawings, driver seclusion means within a vehicle are provided by a barrier, formed by a screen 1 supported by a framework 2, which serves to segregate a driver's area from the rest of a vehicle for the purpose of safeguarding the driver from assault by a passenger. A further purpose of the barrier is to safeguard the passenger from assault by the driver and to provide privacy for the passenger or passengers.

The materials chosen for the barrier are fully recyclable and/or reusable.

The screen 1 is constructed from sheets of a transparent thermoplastic such as polycarbonate. Such materials marry lightness and exceptional toughness.

The screen is thus virtually unbreakable.

The screen 1 is given a scratch resistant coating. It is also coated to minimise its electrostatic attraction for dust and dirt. This maintains maximum visibility and optimum appearance.

The framework 2 is constructed from lightweight metal or plastic tubing or a profile. The framework 2 as a whole is telescopic, allowing its expansion or contraction. Adaptation of the telescopic framework 2 allows its fitment to any size of vehicle. In an alternative embodiment the framework 2 is not telescopic, but rather tailored to fit a particular vehicle.

Before a barrier can be fitted to a vehicle, a steel bracket 10 is secured to the frame 9 of the driver's seat 8 by U-bolts. The framework 2 is then positioned within the vehicle. When the framework 2 is in position, the screen 1 can be fitted.

If the framework 2 is metal, the barrier is secured by welding the bracket 10 to the framework 2. If the framework 2 is plastic, the barrier is secured by fastening the bracket 10 to the screen 1.

The screen 1 comprises a plurality of panels 3 4 5 6 7.

The rear portion of the screen 1 comprises a rear panel 3 formed from a single piece of material. If the framework 2 is of tubular construction the rear panel 3 is sized to sit proud of the framework 2 and shaped generally to follow the contours of the roof and side pillar support of the vehicle. If the framework 2 is a profile then the profile is shaped generally to follow the contours of the roof and side pillar support of the vehicle and the rear panel 3 is sized to fit therein.

The rear panel 3 is secured to the inside of the framework 2.

The rear panel 3 reaches to the bottom of the seat 8 behind the driver and rests on a right angled bracket which extends under the seat 8. This panel 3 precludes assault through the back or bottom of the seat 8.

The side of the screen 1 comprises an anterior upper side panel 4, an anterior lower side panel 5, a posterior upper side panel 6 and a posterior lower side panel 7.

The anterior upper side panel 4 is secured outside the framework 2 by means of a pin on the driver's side.

Withdrawal of the pin releases the panel 4, allowing it to be pushed backwards. This quick release mechanism gives the driver the ability to forge an alternative exit route in emergency.

The pin is situated such that it is only accessible to a front seat passenger if he removes his seat belt, moves close to the windscreen and stretches an arm fully round the front edge of the screen 1. This access is not sufficient to assault the driver, but gives the front seat passenger also an alternative exit route in emergency.

This feature also means that when a vehicle is not in service, this panel 4 of the screen 1 may be removed and stored in the boot.

The anterior lower side panel 5 is secured to the front of the framework 2. The posterior upper side panel 6 and a posterior lower side panel 7 are fastened to the rear of the framework 2.

The framework 2 is secured to the frame 9 of the driver's seat 8. When the position of the driver's seat 8 is adjusted, the framework 2 will adjust with the seat 8.

The posterior side panels 6 7 are cut to fit at the back of the anterior side panels 4 5. When the driver's seat 8 is moved, the anterior side panels 4 5 remain stationary whilst the posterior side panels 6 7 move with the framework 2 to maintain integrity of the barrier between a front seat passenger and the driver.

In an alternative embodiment, the framework 2 is secured to the floor of the vehicle and does not impinge upon adjustment of the driver's seat 8.

The centre strut 11 of the side of the framework 2 is angled towards the passenger bulkhead to give the driver unrestricted access to gear lever and handbrake.

The barrier can be fitted to left or right hand drive vehicles.

Fitment of a barrier does not depreciate a vehicle, since the interior of the vehicle remains intact.

When a barrier is in place communication between driver and passengers is possible since the barrier has air gaps all around.

When designed for fitment in a hire vehicle the barrier is provided with sliding trays 12 or pivoting trays 13 which sit flush with the barrier and are moveable by the driver to permit collection of fares from either front or back seat passengers. The trays 12 13 provide no opportunity for assault.

The lower side panels 5 7 which form the lower portion of the screen 1 between the driver and the front seat passenger, and the portion of the rear panel 3 behind the driver's seat 8 can be marketed as advertising space, making the barrier a source of revenue for the vehicle owner.

The fact that the barrier is lightweight means that its inclusion in a vehicle causes no noticeable increase in fuel consumption.

The barrier is suitable also for fitment to police vehicles, buses or other vehicles where the driver is exposed to the public.

The barrier can be 'tailor-made' to the specifications of a particular model of vehicle and sold ready for fitment therein.

Alternative versions of the barrier dispense with the framework 2 or portions thereof. For example, side and rear panels may be formed from a single piece of sheeting and portions of the framework 2 replaced by bends in the thermoplastic. An entire barrier may be formed by injection moulding of a suitable thermoplastic. In each version, the barrier has a releasable portion between driver and front seat passenger.

When in place, the barrier does not hamper the driver, impair his visibility or restrict normal passenger movement.

Claims

1. A barrier removably securable in a vehicle to segregate a driver's area from the rest of the vehicle without hindering the driver's facility to drive.

2. A barrier as claimed in Claim 1 which is securable to the frame of the driver's seat.

3. A barrier as claimed in Claim 1 which is securable to the floor of the vehicle

4. A barrier as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a transparent screen which provides a mechanical barrier to the side and rear of the driver without restricting visibility.

5. A barrier as claimed in Claim 4 comprising an framework to support the screen.

6. A barrier as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the framework is adjustable.

7. A barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least a portion of the barrier to the side of the driver is removable for access.

8. A barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least a portion of the barrier to the side of the driver is angled away from the driver for access to the controls of the vehicle.

9. A barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a portion of the barrier is adapted to allow small items to be passed therethrough.

10. A barrier substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.