GB2577304A

GB2577304A - A vehicular breakdown emergency refuge device

Info

Publication number: GB2577304A
Application number: GB1815392.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Charles Sanderson Ian; Raymond Rodgers Iain
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-09-21
Filing date: 2018-09-21
Publication date: 2020-03-25
Also published as: GB201815392D0

Abstract

The device is a tent like shelter including a plurality of inflatable members, preferably tubular arch like vertical ribs 2 and horizontal spine 1, the members being joined by a material 3, the device having retro-reflective high-visibility portions, a ground sheet, windows 5, a door 4 and an inflation mechanism 11. The material 3 may be waterproof plastic such as PVC, and may be reflective. The inflation mechanism may be a compressed air single-use disposable cartridge e.g. a carbon dioxide canister. The ground sheet may have elevated side sections 10, 3, and holes 6 for pegs. There may be two doors, with zips 7, which are rollable. There may be an illumination device such as an electric light source e.g. strobe lighting. The device may be used to cover a stranded vehicle with its passengers inside while they await recovery. The canister may allow the device to be deployed quickly in an emergency.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII1815392.4 RTM Date:12 March 2019 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: SOLAS (page 6) LTIVIL (page 6) Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk /ipo

A VEHICULAR BREAKDOWN EMERGENCY REFUGE DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vehicular breakdown emergency refuge device, in particular a device for providing a shelter to vehicle users who have a failed vehicle.

Background

Increasing numbers of users are on roads. This means increased congestion in many areas. In some areas however there may be very few vehicles on a stretch of road.

It can be particularly dangerous if there is either no other road users or if there are too many and the user's vehicle fails.

It can be hazardous to wait in the vehicle, as other road users may not realise the vehicle has stopped and so may crash into the stationery vehicle.

However in inclement conditions many users may wish to stay in the vehicle.

Prior Art

WO 2015 183 926 (GAMBER et al) discloses a flexible temporary structure, such as a tent, awning, canopy or gazebo that has an extended length of lighting incorporated into the fabric that forms the structure. The length of lighting is present in a sleeve of fabric on the interior of the structure, which, in some implementations, is attached to a seam of the structure. A battery pack provides portable power for the lights.

GB 2 520 971 (POWER) discloses 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.

GB 2 517 464 (FRANKLIN) discloses a temporary roadside shelter comprising an inverted dish-shaped upper housing, a plurality of inflatable pillars connected to the housing, a series of flexible wall panels 4 attached to the inflatable pillars and an inflation device for inflating the pillars, in which when not inflated the pillars and the wall panels are stored within the housing and when inflated the pillars are arranged to extend downwards and outwards to form a standing frame that supports the upper housing and the wall panels are arranged to extend between the pillars. Preferably, there are strips connecting the bases or feet of opposed pillars and connected to a central point or ring to prevent these from splaying apart. There may also be a lower housing connected to the underside of the upper housing. The shelter is used to protect potentially vulnerable occupants of a broken-down vehicle from bad weather a safe distance away from the road.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a vehicular breakdown emergency refuge device comprising a plurality of inflatable members, said members joined by material; and comprising retroreflective portions, ground sheet, windows and a door; 30 and an inflation mechanism for inflation of the members.

The device may be envisaged to be arranged with a fast-acting inflation mechanism, so as to deploy quickly in event of an emergency, in a manner similar to a liferaft as known in the art.

In some embodiments the device comprises a mechanical inflation mechanism, for example comprising a carbon dioxide or other fluid powered mechanism and a release mechanism.

Some embodiments may comprise an oral or manual inflation mechanism, for example such that the embodiment may be topped up orally after the initial pressurisation.

In some embodiments the device comprises a powered inflation mechanism, for example comprising a battery powered mechanism and/or a pump. Some 10 embodiments of the device may comprise power packs to charge a mobile phone with a low battery, or portable solar panels also to provide a power supply.

In some embodiments the mechanism is single-use. In this manner a cost-effective emergency solution may be produced.

In other embodiments a part of the mechanism may be replaced for repeat use. For example there may be a replaceable part such as a gas canister.

Some embodiments of the device may comprise a single mechanism, which mechanism may be applicable to all the inflatable parts of the device, advantageously so as to increase simplicity of use and reduce production costs. In other embodiments the device may comprise a multipartite mechanism, so as to advantageously ensure that efficacy cannot be easily compromised.

In some embodiments the members comprise side members, or arches arranged to 25 provide structure to sides of the device in use and comprising a substantially or wholly vertically configured member in use. The device may comprise at least two such arch members, and preferably at least three.

Arch-like members may be envisaged to provide a robust structure, and one that allows 30 standing and is not liable to compromise in adverse weather conditions.

In some embodiments the members comprise one or more lateral members, or spine members, which spine members may comprise one or more member running substantially or partially horizontally in use.

The material may comprise wholly retroreflective material, or the device may comprise areas of retroreflective material arranged to draw attention to the presence of the device.

In some embodiments the device may comprise a light source. Such light source may be directed outwards and/or inwards, for example providing a means of drawing attention to the presence of the device, thereby perhaps formed by a flashing light source, and/or allowing users of the device to be able to see inside.

In some embodiments the device comprises a light source internal the device so that the user is enabled to pass enjoyable time within the device when waiting for rescue, even in low light conditions.

In some embodiments the device may comprise an aerial. Such aerial may be 15 utilisable for the user, who may for example connect a mobile phone to the device to enhance the signal available to the user, for example in remote rescue locations.

The ground sheet may be arranged to be secured to the ground in use, and may consequently comprise perforations for ground pegs or similar, which may be 20 envisaged to be comprised in a kit of parts at retail.

The door may comprise an open or securable door, or door panel. For example the door may comprise a roll-up panel in some embodiments. In other embodiments the door may comprise one or more zippers or other securement mechanisms. The door 25 may be displaced permanently or temporarily so as to allow visibility to the user.

The door may be envisaged to be located in an end of the device in use, so as to provide an entrance to an internal space of the device at maximal height.

Some embodiments of the device have a door at either end, so as to allow the device to function as a covering tunnel in some rescue conditions.

The device may have windows in the sides, for example between the members, and/or at the ends, in the door(s) or end face(s). Such windows may be formed from 35 transparent polyethylene or thermoplastics and be located close to head height to allow visibility.

Some embodiments of the device may comprise an internal seating area, for example a seat or chair, so as to allow for comfort whilst waiting. For example the seat may be inflatable.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the members and ground sheet of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; And Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 3.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference generally to the figures there is shown an embodiment of the device 99 generally comprising a vehicular breakdown emergency device comprising four inflatable members 1,2, said members joined by material 3; and comprising retroreflective portions, ground sheet 39, windows and a door 4; and an inflation mechanism 6 for inflation of the members.

In particular reference to the embodiment shown in the figures the embodiment comprises an elongate tubular structure, formed of three arch-like vertical members 2 35 and a topmost horizontal spine member 1 split into two either side of the central vertical member 2.

The device comprises a single-sheet form, comprising waterproof material 3 between the members. The material has windows 5 interspersed between the members 2, and two ends. The material may comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or similar synthetic material, bamboo or flax or similar. Different embodiments may envisage different materials, for example such that first-responder embodiments may use PVC and recreational use may comprise bamboo or flax.

The ends of the device comprise vertical flat faces 38. Both the ends have a door 4 10 in. The door 4 comprises a rollable fabric panel, with zippers 7 down its sides, and with tie tabs located close to the top which can be tied together to hold the door in a rolled-up position.

The members 2 are joined at sewn joints, and comprise a single inflatable cell, inflated 15 in use by the inflation mechanism. After inflation an internal pressure of 7 PSI is estimated to be required in order for the device to be suitably rigid.

Reflective SOLAS seam tape may be used to cover and reinforce welded seams between the members and material and increase the visibility of the device.

In some embodiments the device may include relevant words such as "Emergency" or "Rescue" along the side of the device, to show passing motorists this isn't a commercial or recreational tent, but an emergency refuge for those waiting assistance in the case of a stranded motorist. This may advantageously prompt a passing motorist to call emergency services. In some embodiments the device may comprise machine readable codes, such as "OR codes" printed on the packaging and/or internally to help the users organise assistance and basic abandonment rules, also contact numbers for contract breakdown companies or emergency services in various localities.

The inflation mechanism 11 in the pictured embodiment comprises a carbon dioxide canister and release valve in a contained unit. Such inflation mechanism unit is located near the bottom of one of the end members forming a face 38 with the door 4 in.

The device uses a single UML Manual Inflator and uses consumable 100g CO 35 cartridges. The mechanism is activated by pulling the cord which triggers a firing mechanism.

The members' internal inflatable elements are housed in a protective textile outer case, which are accessible via zippers (not shown) in case of maintenance.

In use: Remove the device from a hard storage and transport case and remove inflator mechanism's cover.

With the inflator exposed, pull on an activation toggle.

As the device inflates it will automatically begin to unfold.

The device should be fully inflated in less than 30 seconds.

Once inflated, the device is ready to be used where in an option in extreme weather, the device may be tethered.

The ground sheet 39 is permanently connected to the device, and comprises perforations 6 for pegs in external corners. The ground sheet 39 further includes elevated side panels 9 and end panels 10, which extend orthogonally above the rest of the ground sheet and limit ingress of moisture into the device interior whereby the ground sheet 39 is a thicker weight and or more robust in comparison to the material between the members.

The ground sheet further comprises member end pads 40, which pads act to maintain the member ends in a preferred circular form at all times.

The internal surface of the ground sheet 41 may comprise a comfort liner, for example 30 flock, so as to encourage users within the device in use.

The members comprises internal elements with spaced apart strengthening bands 12 separate the overall arcuate form into linear segments, which provide the structure and shape to the members. In some embodiments these bands may provide a form of 35 structure to the members even when not inflated.

In this way the device provides an inflatable, temporary shelter designed to encourage users to exit their broken-down vehicles on the hard shoulder and move to a safer location.

The device provides protection from the elements which is highly visible to other road users and the emergency services.

The inflatable members are located on the inside of the device but the outer material is split in colour to show their position and further draw attention. In some embodiments the outer material of the device comprises fluorescent, luminescent or retroreflective material or coating in part or whole. It may be envisaged that such material may be separated, in a pattern or spaced about the device so as to draw attention. The device may further include lighting to draw attention and/or provide a more hospitable interior. In particular it may be envisaged that externally the device may comprise strobe lighting to aid in location in low visibility.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely 20 combination of features of described embodiments.

Optionally a pressurised gas canister may be provided in order to deploy the emergency device rapidly.