GB2387396A - Safety pod - Google Patents

Abstract

A safety pod, e.g. for stranded motorists, is lightweight and weatherproof and quickly erected from a folded flat to an erect condition by means of an internal spring, on releasing tapes 11, 16. It has an integral hood 6 attached by means of a 360 degree zip fastener. It has an outer skin of highly visible weather proof material and the upper portion 3 is transparent. It may include a collapsible stool (Fig 2, not shown) and a vacuum packed emergency blanket. A carrying case (Fig 3, not shown) is provided.

Description

SAFETY POD

This invention relates to a quick erect safety pod which is weather proof with attached hood including a fold-flat stool and emergency blanket.

In the event of an accident or breakdown in a vehicle the emergency services recommend that the occupants should leave the vehicle and await the arrival of the emergency services or recovery service at a safe distance from the vehicle. Indeed, where the vehicle is too badly damaged by impact or fire it would not be possible to remain inside the vehicle.

At night, in fog or other poor visibility conditions it is difficult for other road users to see individuals standing by the side of the road or motorway. In inclement weather the effects of wind, rain and cold can at best be uncomfortable and even life threatening.

Accordingly this invention provides a highly visible weather proof safety pod which is light, portable and speedy toerect with a fold-flat stool and emergency blanket included so that vehicle drivers and occupants can quickly, easily and safely shelter themselves from the effects of wind, rain and cold.

The outer skin of the safety pod is constructed from a light-weight and strong man made material such as tent sheeting which is treated to be wind and weather proof. This skin will be yellow or orange with reflective strips stitched at intervals around the pod to provide extra visibility whilst the upper portion is transparent to allow all round visibility from a sitting position.

For uses such as bird watching the outer skin may be olive green or camouflaged.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 shows the erected safety pod with reflective strips and transparent upper portion.

FIGURE 2 shows the fold flat stool which is included.

FIGURE 3 shows the zip fastening casing for the safety pod.

( All) FIGURE 4 shows the zip fastening for the hood and the attached handle with integral ilelcro.strip as well as the quick erect spring and air vent. '

The safety shelter has a circular carrying case (Figure 3) which will be constructed from a strong nylon material in yellow or orange with a 180 degree zip fastener (Figure 3/14) and two carrying handles (Figure 3/15) stitched to the outside of the case. The interior of the case is lined with a quilted material or mock fur so that the occupant of the pod can place their feet inside to increase resistance to cold.

The pod itself is erected by releasing the top ties (Figure 1/11) from the bottom ties (Figure 4/16) which allows the spring attached to the inside of the pod to extend the pod to its full height.

Inside the safety pod is a fold flat metal stool (Figure 2) which has a strong nylon seat *Figure 2/12) Also inside is a vacuum packed emergency blanket.

The base of the safety pod (Figure 4/5) is constructed from a rigid rubberised material to prevent perforation and resist water from the ground. It is stitched to the outer skin.

The outer skin (Figure 1/1) is constructed of a wind and weather proof material such as tent sheeting and will be yellow or orange.

The outer skin is stitched to a transparent material forming the upper portion of the pod (Figure 1/3) allowing 360 degree visibility for the occupant.

A weather proof fabric covered rigid hoop is stitched to the top of the transparent portion to provide a rigid structure at the top.

The hood (figure 4/6) is attached to the body of the pod by means of a heavy duty nylon zip. The zip is two way and has two zip handles to allow the pod to be unzipped from both inside and outside the pod. The zip handles will be metal and have large eyelets to enable them to be tied together to prevent external operation of the zip and thereby added security for lone females.

The hood has an internal nylon handle (Figure 4/8) which has a Velcro strip (Figure 4/9) stitched to it to enable the easy attachment of a light source.

Externally the pod has reflective strips (Figure 1 /2) stitched at intervals around the pod to provide additional visibility.

At the rear of the pod is an air vent constructed from a nylon gauze covered with a flap made of the same material as the outer skin..

Claims (5)

1 A portable safety pod which is erected by means of an internal spring with an integral hood and solid base and is covered with a lightweight, weather proof highly visible material with a transparent upper portion.

2 A safety pod as claimed in Claim 1 which includes a fold flat stool constructed of

lightweight metal with a strong nylon seat.

3 A safety pod as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 which includes a vacuum packed emergency blanket.

4 A safety pod as claimed in any preceding claim that has a carrying case with quilted or mock fur lined interior, 180 degree zip and carrying handles.

5 A safety pod as claimed in any preceding claim that has reflective strips attached to the exterior. 6 A safety pod substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

5 A safety pod as claimed in any preceding claim that has reflective strips attached to the exterior. 6 A safety pod substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS

1 A portable safety pod which is erectable to an upright generally cylindrical configuration by means of an internal spring, having an integral hood and a solid base, and having a cover of a lightweight, weatherproof, highly visible material, with a transparent upper portion extending circumferentially around.

2 A safety pod as claimed in Claim 1 which includes a fold flat stool constructed of lightweight metal with a strong nylon seat.

3 A safety pod as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 which includes a vacuum packed emergency blanket.

4 A safety pod as claimed in any preceding claim that has a carrying case with quilted or mock fill lined interior, 180 degree zip and carrying handles.