WO2021117058A1

WO2021117058A1 - Under-run protection device

Info

Publication number: WO2021117058A1
Application number: PCT/IN2020/051010
Authority: WO
Inventors: Santosh PRADHAN
Original assignee: Pradhan Santosh
Priority date: 2019-12-08
Filing date: 2020-12-08
Publication date: 2021-06-17

Abstract

An under-run protection device (100) that is mounted on a chassis (120) of a vehicle (110) is disclosed. The under-run protection device is positioned ahead of front wheels (140) and rear wheels (150) of the vehicle (110). The device includes a first connector assembly (200) that is removably connectable to the chassis the chassis (120). A second protector assembly (205) is rotatably connected to the first connector assembly (200) by a hinge (215). A third spring assembly (210) is securely connected to the second protector assembly (205). The device operates in a first working position and the device has a second folded position.

Description

UNDER-RUN PROTECTION DEVICE

FIEUD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to under-run protection device for vehicles and more particularly a foldable under-run protection device that is positioned ahead of wheels of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The increase in the use of large automobiles for transportation of goods and personnel is ever increasing. The increase and usage of automobiles has resulted in increase in the number of accidents. Automobile related accidents are one of the most serious problems faced by the society in terms of loss of life, injuries and in financial losses suffered as a result of accidents. Annual insurance losses in our country are in billions of dollars. The costs of medical treatment, permanent injuries and damage to property to those involved in accidents are astonishing. It is observed that when a large vehicle like a truck is in an accident or a collision with a smaller vehicle like a bike, bicycle or a pedestrian, the victim may slip under the body of the large vehicle. During accidents like these the victim is crushed under the front or the rear wheels of the large vehicle. The chance of survival for the victim is very low. As advancements are made in vehicular safety using innovation and technology for life saving inventions like seat belts, proximity scanners, automatic braking systems and anti-collusion devices there is a need of a device which can protect the safety of the victims who may slip under the body of a large vehicle during an accident. Prior art discloses devices which are used for under-run protection for vehicles. Swedish Patent SE522817C2 discloses an arrangement for an under-run protection (also known as run-under protection) device for a vehicle with large road clearance using a frame, an impact element and a displaceable carrier element. The drawback of this invention is it does not provide any sideways protection but is focused on the back and front. Another drawback is this invention focuses on passengers in an automobile or a smaller vehicle but there is no protection to pedestrians, bicyclists or bikers who can fall off their vehicles and get caught under the tyres of the larger vehicle.

European Patent EP2845772B1 also discloses an under-run protection device with beams, troughs and energy absorbing mechanisms. This device does not provide any protection on the sides of the vehicles and no protection is provided for pedestrians, bikers, bicyclists, etc.

There is a need of an under-run protection device that protect pedestrians, bikers, bicyclists, and individuals in similar vehicles who are in the danger of slipping under the wheels of a large vehicle during an accident.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An under-run protection device that is removably mountable on a chassis of a vehicle by positioning the device ahead of a front wheels and a rear wheels of the vehicle includes a first connector assembly, a second protector assembly and a third spring assembly. The first connector assembly includes a base, an actuator, and a stopper that are connected by a pair of screws. The first connector assembly is removably connectable to the chassis the chassis of the vehicle.

The second protector assembly includes a protector, a spring rest and a plate. The second protector assembly is rotatably connected to the first connector assembly by a hinge. The third spring assembly includes a rod, a nut, a washer, a spring, a magnet, a wheel and a pair of protrusions. The third spring assembly is securely connected to the second protector assembly. The under-run protection device has a first working position and a second folded position.

The second protector assembly is rotatable relative to the first connector assembly along the hinge from the first working position to the second folded position and vice versa by activating the actuator. In the first position of the device, wheels of the device are just above the ground such that the first connector assembly and the second protector assembly are aligned along a central longitudinal axis-Y is normal to the ground. In the second folded position, the second protector assembly is folded relative to the first connector assembly by 90°.

The hinge is locked in a position when the second protector assembly becomes perpendicular to the first connector assembly such that in the locked position the third spring assembly is aligned below the chassis. The magnet of the third spring assembly is connected to a shaft such that the magnet attracts loose objects to prevent puncturing of tires of the vehicle wheels.

In an embodiment, the first connector assembly includes a rectangular frame that is removably connected with the chassis with a plurality of nut-bolt assemblies. A bottom portion of the first connector assembly includes two-pairs of opposed through holes that receive respective connectors of the third spring assembly. The third spring assembly includes a cover, a plurality of connectors, and a plurality of spring. The connectors are normal to the cover such that each of the connectors includes one spring that is located on the cover end of the connector. Each of the connectors includes a top end having springs and a bottom end including bolt and washer such that the bottom end is connected to the second protector assembly by the bolt and washer.

In another embodiment, the under-run protection device includes a controller unit that includes an actuator, a piston, a bracket, a triangular frame and a leaf spring. The leaf spring is positioned between the arms of the triangular frame such that a first arm is fixed relative to the chassis and the second arm is movable in two positions relative to the chassis. In accordance with this embodiment, the controller unit is removably connected with the chassis of a vehicle is active-able from a dashboard of the vehicle.

In another embodiment, the under-run protection device includes the second protector assembly having a plurality of protectors that are connected to the second protector assembly by respective angle bracket such that a plane of each of the protectors and is normal to the plane of the rear wheels of the vehicle.

In another embodiment, the second protector assembly includes a hollow rectangular frame and a protector, a top end of the frame is connected to the second spring assembly. In another embodiment, the protector includes a rectangular cushion made of rubber attached to the bottom flat end of the frame such that a plane of the cushion and a plane of the protector are parallel to each other.

In another embodiment, the under-run protection device, the second protector assembly includes the frame and a plurality of protectors. In one more embodiment, the protector includes a plurality of wheels that are positioned on the bottom flat end of the frame such that a plane of protector is parallel to a plane of the rear wheels of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the under-run protection device has protector that includes the bracket-wheel assembly that is positioned on the rear end of the protector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in accordance with the accompanying drawings wherein: FIG. 1 shows a side view of an under-run protection device positioned ahead of a rear wheel being removably connected on a chassis of the vehicle in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2A shows a side view of a first connector assembly, a second protector assembly and a third spring assembly of the under-run protection device of FIG. l;

FIG. 2B shows a side view of a first position of the under-run protection device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of an under-run protection device of FIG. 1 in a second folded position;

FIG. 4A shows a front view of an under-run protection device of FIG. 1 while being positioned ahead of a rear wheel of the vehicle in accordance to the present invention;

FIG. 4B shows a side view of an under-run protection device of FIG. 1 being positioned ahead of a front wheel of the vehicle;

FIG. 5A shows a first embodiment of an under-run protection device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5B shows a pair of under-run protection device of FIG. 5A positioned ahead of front wheels of a vehicle by removably connecting the respective devices on the chassis of the vehicle; FIG. 6 A shows a front view of an under-run protection device of FIG. 5 A;

FIG. 6B shows a side view of an under-run protection device of FIG. 5 A; FIG. 6C shows a perspective view of the second protector assembly of the under- run protection device of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 7A shows a second embodiment of an under-run protection device of FIG. 5A in a first working position in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 7B shows a second dis-engaged position of the second embodiment of the under-run protection device of FIG. 7 A;

FIG. 8A shows a front view of a of an under-run protection device of FIG. 5A;

FIG.8B shows a side view of the third embodiment of an under-run protection device of FIG. 5 A; FIG. 9 shows a front view of a fourth embodiment of an under-run protection device of FIG. 5 A;

FIG. 10 shows a front view of a fifth embodiment of an under-run protection device of FIG. 5 A;

FIG. 11 shows a side view of a sixth embodiment of an under-run protection device of FIG. 5 A; and

FIG. 12 shows a side view of alternative positions of an under-run protection device of FIG. 5 A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention described herein is explained using specific exemplary details for better understanding. However, the invention disclosed can be worked on by a person skilled in the art without the use of these specific details.

References in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

References in the specification to “preferred embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in detail thereby omitting known constructions and functions for clear description of the present invention.

The foregoing description of specific embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

In general aspect, the present invention is an under-run protection device 100 that is used for saving lives of victims in accidents with large vehicles who come under either front or rear wheels of the vehicles. The under-run protection device 100 is prevents under-running of victims under the wheels of a large vehicles during accidents thereby protecting the victim’s life. Referring to FIG. 1, an under-run protection device 100, hereinafter referred as the device 100 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is described. The device 100 is preferably removably connected on a chassis 120 of a vehicle 110. The under-run protection device 100 is positioned between a front wheel 140 and a rear wheel 150 of the vehicle 110 such that the device 100 is positioned ahead of the rear wheel 150. It is, however, noted that the device 100 is preferably positionable ahead of each of the wheels of the vehicle. The device 100 has two positions such as a first working position and a second folded position. In the first working position, a bottom end portion the device 100 is just above the ground 130, and a central longitudinal axis-Y passing through the device lOOis normal to the ground 130. In the second folded position, the device 100 is folded such that the bottom end portion of the device 100 is at a substantial distance from the ground 130 defining more ground clearance relative to the first position of the device 100. Now referring to FIG. 2A and 2B, the under-run prevention device 100 of the present invention includes a first connector assembly 200, a second protector assembly 205, and a third spring assembly 210 is shown. The first connector assembly 200 is removably connected to the chassis 120. The second protector assembly 205 is rotatably connected to the first connector assembly 200 by a hinge 215 and the third spring assembly 210 is fixedly connected to the second protector assembly 205 (FIG. 2B). In the second folded position, the second protector assembly 205 is rotatable relative to the first connector assembly 200 along the hinge 215. The first connector assembly 200 and the second protector assembly 205 are aligned along a central longitudinal axis-Y that is normal to the ground 130 in the first working position. In the second folded position, the second protector assembly 205 is folded relative to the first connector assembly 200 by an angle of approximately 90°. Referring to FIG. 3, the under-run device 100 is shown in the second folded position. Accordingly, the first connector assembly 200 includes a rectangular base 300, an actuator 302, and a stopper 305 that are preferably connected by a pair of screws 310. The actuator 302 is defined, for example, by a lever or a handle. The second protector assembly 205 includes a protector 315, a spring rest 320 and a plate 325. The third spring assembly 210 includes a rod 328, a nut 330, a washer 335, a spring 340, a magnet 345, a wheel 350 and a pair of projections 355. The rod 328 includes a wheel 350 at one end and an assembly defined by the 330, washer 335 and spring 340. The spring is guided by the pair of projections 355. The spring 340 rests on the spring rest 320 that has the nut 330 and the washer 335 on the top of the spring rest 320. The spring rest 320, the plate 325 and protector 315 of the second protector assembly 205 are connected to the third spring assembly 210. The plate 325 has arcuate profile.

The device 100 is removably connectable to the chassis 120 of the vehicle preferably by first positioning the device ahead of a wheel and then rotating the actuator 302 in clockwise direction. The device 100 is detached from the chassis

120 by rotating the actuator 302 in anticlockwise direction. In a preferred method of folding the device 100, from the first position to the second position, the hinge 215 is loosened by removing a screw in the hinge 215. The second protector assembly 205 along with the third spring assembly 210 are rotated along the hinge 215 by the user. When the second protector assembly 210 becomes perpendicular to the first connector assembly 200 the hinge 215 is locked. The third spring assembly 210 is aligned below the chassis 120 when the hinge 215 is locked. The second protector assembly 205 is rotatable relative to the first connector assembly 200 along the hinge 215 from the first working position to the second folded position and vice versa by activating the actuator 302. Now Referring to FIG. 4 A a front view of the under-run prevention device

100 of the present invention in the first working position is shown. The wheels 350 of the third spring assembly 210 are connected by a shaft 400. The shaft 400 includes magnet 345 that is positioned on the shaft 400 such that the magnet 345 faces the ground 130. The under-run protection device 100 is foldable along the axis- X by rotating the second protector assembly 205 relative to the first assembly 200 in a direction indicated by arrows-‘A\

Referring to FIG. 5A, a first embodiment of the under-run protection device 100 is shown. In this embodiment, the device 500 includes a first connector assembly 504, a second protector assembly 508 and a third spring assembly 512. The first connector assembly 504 is removably connected with the chassis 120 of the vehicle 110. The second protector assembly 508 is connected to the first connector assembly 504 by the third spring assembly 512. The device 500 is preferably positioned between the front wheel 140 and the rear wheel 150 of the vehicle 110 such that the device 500 is close to the rear wheel 150 relative to the front wheel 140. The device 500 has two positions, including a first position and a second position. The protector is movable from a first position to a second position in a direction indicated by arrow “C”. As shown in FIG. 5B a pair of under-run protection devices 500 is positioned ahead of front wheels of the vehicle by removably connecting the respective devices on the chassis of the vehicle in accordance with a preferred method of positioning the device 500 of the present invention. A separate device 500 is positioned in front of each of the front wheels 140. Similarly, a separate device 500 is positionable ahead of each of the wheels of the vehicle by mounting the respective device 500 on the chassis of the vehicle 110.

In one more embodiment of the device 500, the third spring assembly includes a pair of connectors instead of two pairs of connectors.

Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, the first connector assembly 504 of the device 500 includes a rectangular frame 600 that is removably connected with the chassis 120 preferably with a plurality of nut-bolt assemblies 602. The bottom portion of the first connector assembly 504 includes two-pairs of opposed through holes that receive respective connectors of the third spring assembly 512.

The second protector assembly 508 is a rectangular construction that includes a protector 604 that further includes a bottom end portion having arcuate profile 608 and a magnetic strip 610. The third spring assembly 512 includes a cover 610, a plurality of connectors 612, and a plurality of springs 616. The connectors 612 are normal to the cover 610. The springs 616 are positioned on the connecters 612. It is to be noted that each of the connectors 612 includes one spring that is located on the cover end of the connector 612. Each of the connectors 612 includes a top end having springs 616 and a bottom end including bolt and washer. The bottom end of the connector 612 is connected to the second protector assembly 508 by bolts and washers.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second protector assembly 508 is preferably made of a mix of materials such as rubber, carbon black, silica, poly-butadiene, sulphur, zinc oxides and antioxidants. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the protector 604 is manufacture- able by tyre building and curing processes. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protector 604 is preferably an inflated tyre.

Now referring to FIG. 7 A and 7B, a second embodiment of the under-run protection device 500 is shown. In this embodiment, the device 500 includes an additional controller unit 700. The controller unit 700 includes an actuator 702, a piston 704, a bracket 706, a triangular frame 708 and a leaf spring 712. The actuator is defined by a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder or the like. The leaf spring 712 is positioned between the arms 716, 720 of the triangular frame 708. The arm 716 is fixed relative to the chassis 120. The second arm 720 is movable in two positions relative to the chassis 120. It is to be noted that a pneumatic cylinder 702 is replace-able by a hydraulic cylinder or an electric cylinder. In the first position of the second arm 720, the second arm 720 is locked such that the device 500 is engaged and in working position. In the second position of the second arm 720, the second arm 720 is pushed down relative to the cylinder 702 to dis-engage the device 500 from the first position. The leaf spring 712 keeps the second arm 720 intact in the first position.

The controller unit 700 is removably connected with the chassis 120. The controller unit 700 is actuated by the user using an activator preferably positioned on the dashboard of the vehicle 110. The triangular frame 708 is movable in the direction indicated by arrow “B” by the arm 704. Referring to FIG. 7A and 7B, a preferred method of moving the device

500 from the first working position to the second dis-engaged position and vice- versa is described. The first working position is a default position of the device 500. In the first working position of the device 500, the second arm 720 is in the first locked position. It is to be noted that, in the first locked position of the arm 720, the bracket 706 is also in the first position.

The controller unit 700 is actuated by pressing an actuator (not shown) preferably present on the dashboard of the vehicle 110. In the activated condition, the piston 704 moves from the default resting position to another position along axis-Y in a direction indicated by arrow “B”. As a result, the bracket 706 also moves from the first position to the second position. In accordance with the present invention, the length of the stroke of the piston 704 is equal to the distance between ends of the arms 716, 720 of the triangular frame 708. The second arm 720 in the second position lifts the device 500 to the second dis engaged position.

Now referring to FIG. 8 A and 8B, yet a third embodiment of the device 500 is described. In this embodiment, the device 500 includes the second protector assembly 508 further includes a plurality of protectors that are connected to the second protector assembly 508 by respective angle brackets. In this embodiment, the protector is defined by inflated tyre having diameter, for example, 275 millimetres. The tyres are preferably made of rubber. In this embodiment the device 500 includes three protectors 804, 808 and 812. The planes of the first protector 804, second protector 808 and the third protector 812 are parallel to each other. The planes of the three protectors 804, 808 and 812 are normal to the plane of the rear wheels 140 of the vehicle 110.

Now referring to FIG. 9, a fourth embodiment of the device 500 is described. In this embodiment, the device 500 includes the second protector assembly 508 that further includes a frame 900 and a protector 904. The frame 900 is preferably a hollow rectangular frame. The top end of the frame 900 is connected to the second spring assembly 508. The protector 904 is a cylindrical construction, preferably made of rubber. The protector 904 is attached to the bottom flat end of the frame 900. The planes of the cushion 904 and the protector 900 are parallel to each other.

Now referring to FIG. 10, a fifth embodiment of the device 500 is described. In this embodiment, the device 500 includes the second protector assembly 508 that includes the frame 900 and a protector 1004. In this embodiment, the protector 1004 is defined by a plurality of wheels having diameter, 100 millimetres. The protector 1004 is preferably made of any solid tyre material known in the prior art. The protector 1004 is positioned on the bottom flat end of the frame 900. The plane of the wheels of the protector 1004 is parallel to the plane of the rear wheels 150 of the vehicle 110.

Now referring to FIG. 11, a sixth embodiment of the device 500 is described. In this embodiment, the device 500 includes the second protector assembly 508 that includes the protector 604 and a bracket- wheel assembly 1100. The bracket- wheel assembly 1100 is positioned on the rear end of the protector 604. The plane of the bracket-wheel assembly 1100 is parallel to the plane of the rear wheels 150 of the vehicle 110.

Now referring to FIG. 12, alternative positions of the under-run device 500 relative to the chassis 120 of the vehicle are described. The device 500 is positionable at position ‘A’ ahead of the front wheel 140 of the vehicle 110. Additionally, the device 500 is positionable at position ‘B’ between the front wheel 140 and the first intermediate wheel 142 of the vehicle 110. The device 500 is positionable at position ‘C’ between the first intermediate wheel 142 and the second intermediate wheel 146. Further, the device 500 is positionable at position ‘D’ between the second intermediate wheel 146 and the rear wheel 150.

Now referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, in operation, during an accident or a collusion of a vehicle with a pedestrian, bicyclist, biker or individual with smaller vehicle, the victim may slip under the body of the large vehicle. The under-run protection device 100 placed under the chassis 120 prevents the victim from getting crushed under the tyres of the large vehicle. The victim gets caught in the protector 315, the profiling on the plate 325 provides bending strength to the device 100. The stopper 305 provided on the base 300 provides additional strength to the device 100.

The wheels 350 and 410 are placed just above the ground 130. When the vehicle 110 is moving and there is a bump or a change in terrain the spring 340 mechanisms comes into working by providing suspension to the device 100. The spring 340 is wound by the action of the bump and the device 100 passes over the speed bump and returns to the original position.

Now referring to FIGS. 5 to 6C, in operation, the device 500 is positioned on the chassis of the vehicle preferably ahead of each of the wheels of the vehicle. While the vehicle is running and in case of any person found under any of the wheels of the vehicle the under-run protection device 500 prevents the individual from getting under the respective wheel. It is know that during an accident or during an accident or a collusion of a vehicle with a pedestrian, bicyclist, biker or individual with smaller vehicle, the victim may slip under the body of the large vehicle, the victim may slip under the body of the large vehicle. The under-run protection device 500 positioned under the chassis 120 prevents the victim from getting crushed under the tyres of the large vehicle. The victim gets caught by the protector 604 of the second protector assembly 508. The first connector assembly 504 provides the required strength for the victim to be stuck in the device 500. When the vehicle 110 is moving and there is a bump or a change in terrain the plurality of springs 616 provide the necessary suspension to the second protector assembly 508 to lift the protector 604 to prevent any damage. The arcuate profile 608 of the protector 604 allows the smooth rolling of the protector 604 over the bump.

Now referring to FIG. 7 in operation, the first working position is a default position of the device 500. In the first working position of the device 500, the second arm 720 is in the first locked position. It is to be noted that, in the first locked position of the arm 720, the bracket 706 is also in the first position. The controller unit 700 is actuated by pressing an actuator switch (not shown) preferably present on the dashboard of the vehicle 110. In the activated condition, the piston 704 moves from the default resting position to another position along axis-Y in a direction indicated by arrow “B”. As a result, the bracket 706 also moves from the first position to the second position. In accordance with the present invention, the length of the stroke of the piston 704 is equal to the distance between ends of the arms 716, 720 of the triangular frame 708. The second arm 720 in the second position lifts the device 500 to the second dis-engaged position.

Now referring to FIG. 8 A and FIG. 8B, in operation, during an accident or during an accident or a collusion of a vehicle with a pedestrian, bicyclist, biker or individual with smaller vehicle, the victim may slip under the body of the large vehicle, the victim may slip under the body of the large vehicle. The victim gets caught by the plurality of protectors 804, 808 and 812. The flexible nature of the protectors 804, 808 and 812 along with the plurality of springs 616 allows the device 500 to pass over any bumps or speed-breakers with ease.

Now referring to FIG. 9, in operation, the victim in an accident gets caught by the protector 904. The protector 904 cushions the victim and prevents the victim from getting under-run by the vehicle 100.

Now referring to FIG. 10, in operation, the victim gets caught by the protector 1004. The plurality of small-sized wheels dampens the velocity of the victim and prevents the victim from getting under-run by the vehicle 110. Now referring to FIG. 11, in operation, the bracket- wheel assembly 1100 rotates in tandem with the rear wheels 150 of the vehicle 110. The bracket- wheel assembly 1100 and the plurality of springs allow the device 500 to pass over any bumps, rocks, etc. on the road.

It is understood, however, that the spring rest 230 defines a connection between second protector assembly 205 and the third spring assembly 210. The arcuate profile of the plate 325 to increase the bending strength of the plate 325. Protrusions 355 are placed on the spring rest 320 to maintain the shape of the spring 340. The magnet 345 is used to prevent loose screws, nails and other magnetic objects from puncturing of the tyres. In accordance with the present invention, the device 100 advantageously prevents the victim from getting crushed under the tyres of a large vehicle during collusion. The protector 315 and the stopper 305 of the device 100 advantageously provide the necessary bending strength that prevents the victim from any major harm from getting under-run by a large vehicle. The wheels 350 and the spring 340 of the device 100 advantageously provide suspension and flexibility to the device 100 for passing over any bumps or rocks on the road. The profiling on the plate 325 advantageously provides bending strength to the device 100. The magnet 345 of the device 100 advantageously prevents loose screws, nails and other metallic objects from puncturing the tyres.

In further accordance with the present invention, the first connector assembly 504 of the device 500 is advantageously removably connectable with the chassis 120 of any vehicle. The second protector assembly 508 of the device 500 advantageously prevents a victim from getting under-run by a large vehicle. Additionally, the plurality of springs 616 of the third spring assembly 512 advantageously provide suspension to the protector 604 to pass over bumps and rocks to prevent any damage to the device 500. In accordance with the present invention, the control unit 700 advantageously allows the device 500 to move from the default working position to the second dis-engaged position. The second dis-engaged position advantageously allows the user to pass over any big bumps or rocks on the road without damaging the device 100. This present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An under-run protection device 100 being mounted on a chassis 120 of a vehicle 110 by positioning the device 100 ahead of a front wheels 140 and a rear wheels 150 of the vehicle 110, the device comprising: a first connector assembly 200, the first connector assembly 200 including a base300, an actuator 302, and a stopper 305 that are connected by a pair of screws 310, the first connector assembly removably connectable to the chassis the chassis 120; a second protector assembly 205, the second protector assembly 205 including a protector 315, a spring rest 320 and a plate 325 is rotatably connected to the first connector assembly 200 by a hinge 215; a third spring assembly 210, the third spring assembly 210 including a rod 328, a nut 330, a washer 335, a spring 340, a magnet 345, a wheel 350 and a pair of protrusions 355 is securely connected to the second protector assembly 205; a first working position of the device and a second folded position of the device; the second protector assembly 205 being rotatable relative to the first connector assembly 200 along the hinge 215 from the first working position to the second folded position and vice versa by activating the actuator 302.

2. The under-run protection device of claim 1 wherein, in the first position, wheels 350 of the device 100 are just above the ground 130 such that a the first connector assembly 200 and the second protector assembly 205 are aligned along a central longitudinal axis-Y is normal to the ground 130, and in the second folded position the second protector assembly 205 is folded relative to the first connector assembly 200 by 90°.

3. The under-run protection device of claim 1 wherein, the hinge 215 is locked in a position when the second protector assembly 210 becomes perpendicular to the first connector assembly 200 such that in the locked position the third spring assembly 210 is aligned below the chassis 120.

4. The under-run protection device of claim 1 wherein, the magnet 345 of the third spring assembly 210 is connected to a shaft 400 such that the magnet 345 attracts loose objects to prevent puncturing of tires of the vehicle wheels.

5. The under-run protection device of claim 1 wherein, the first connector assembly 504 includes a rectangular frame 600 that is removably connected with the chassis 120 with a plurality of nut-bolt assemblies 602.

6. The under-run protection device of claim 1 wherein, a bottom portion of the first connector assembly 504 includes two-pairs of opposed through holes that receive respective connectors 612 of the third spring assembly

512.

7. The under-run protection device of claim 1 wherein, the third spring assembly 512 includes a cover 610, a plurality of connectors 612, and a plurality of spring 616.

8. The under-run protection device of claim 7 wherein, the connectors 612 are normal to the cover 610 such that each of the connectors 612 includes one spring that is located on the cover end of the connector 612.

9. The under-run protection device of claim 7 wherein, each of the connectors 612 includes a top end having springs 616 and a bottom end including bolt and washer such that the bottom end is connected to the second protector assembly 508 by the bolt and washer.

10. The under-run protection device of claim 5, wherein a controller unit 700 includes an actuator 702, a piston 704, a bracket 706, a triangular frame 708 and a leaf spring 712.

11. The under-run protection device of claim 10, wherein the leaf spring 712 is positioned between the arms 716, 720 of the triangular frame 708 such that a first arm 716 is fixed relative to the chassis 120 and the second arm 720 is movable in two positions relative to the chassis 120.

12. The under-run protection device of claim 10, wherein the controller unit that is removably connected with the chassis 120 of a vehicle 110 is active-able from a dashboard of the vehicle.

13. The under-run protection device of claim 5, wherein the second protector assembly 508 includes a plurality of protectors that are connected to the second protector assembly 508 by respective angle bracket such that a plane of each of the protectors 804, 808 and 812 is normal to the plane of the rear wheels 140 of the vehicle 110.

14. The under-run protection device of claim 5, wherein the second protector assembly 508 that includes a hollow rectangular frame 900 and a protector 904, a top end of the frame 900 is connected to the second spring assembly 508.

15. The under-run protection device of claim 14, wherein the protector 904 includes a rectangular cushion made of rubber attached to the bottom flat end of the frame 900 such that a plane of the cushion 904 and a plane of the protector 900 are parallel to each other.

16. The under-run protection device of claim 5, wherein the second protector assembly 508 includes the frame 900 and a plurality of protectors.

17. The under-run protection device of claim 16, wherein the protector includes a plurality of wheels 1004 that are positioned on the bottom flat end of the frame 900 such that a plane of protector 1004 is parallel to a plane of the rear wheels 150 of the vehicle 110.

18. The under-run protection device of claim 17, wherein the protector includes the bracket- wheel assembly 1100 that is positioned on the rear end of the protector 604.