Abstract:
A commercial vehicle used for parcel delivery is installed with a control module. The control module communicates wirelessly with a transmitter to give control to the vehicle operator. The vehicle operator can access the vehicle&#39;s cargo compartment through the bulkhead door and/or the rear door solely by using the transmitter as opposed to manually actuating the door latch. A door actuator is added to the bulkhead door such that when the bulkhead door is wirelessly actuated the door opens without operator assistance, and the process of the door opening does not damage the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle operator can initiate the control module to allow a push-button start and stop of the vehicle&#39;s ignition system. Such elements contribute to time savings and cost savings for parcel delivery operators.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention generally relates to commercial vehicles, and more particularly to efficient operation of commercial vehicles for parcel delivery. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Commercial vehicles, such as parcel delivery vans, must have a long operational life, a low cost of ownership, and be safe work environments for the driver and handling personnel. The average commercial vehicle must be designed not only to withstand the wear and tear of making hundreds of stops every day, but also operate as efficiently as possible so to limit delivery time and provide the maximum value to the vehicle owner. 
         [0003]    A typical commercial vehicle for parcel delivery has two main compartments. The first compartment is the cab compartment where the driver and handling personnel sit while the vehicle is driven from stop to stop. The second compartment is the cargo compartment. Access to the cargo compartment is achieved from two locations. The first location is from the rear of the vehicle via a roll-up or rear-swing door. The second location is the bulkhead door, which provides access to the cargo compartment via the cab compartment of the commercial vehicle. 
         [0004]    The vehicle operators have a choice as to which cargo compartment access method they use when removing parcels. Typically, for larger parcels the rear access door is used because the rear door is larger than the bulkhead door. For smaller packages the vehicle operator(s) typically accesses the cargo compartment through the bulkhead door because it is more efficient for the operator to enter the cargo compartment directly from the cab of the vehicle as opposed to walking around to the rear of the truck for every stop. 
         [0005]    Additionally, the vehicle operator has the choice of leaving the engine running once they arrive at the scheduled delivery location or shutting the engine off. Either choice is not ideal because if the operator leaves the engine running the vehicle will unnecessarily consume fuel and if they turn the engine off it will take several seconds to retrieve the key and restart the engine. 
         [0006]    Because commercial vehicles used for parcel delivery will generally make hundreds of stops every day, and at each of those stops the operator will have to both shut the engine off and enter and exit the cargo compartment in order to obtain the parcel, efficient operation of the vehicle and efficient motion of the operator is extremely important. Accessing the cargo compartment of the vehicle efficiently and starting and stopping the vehicle engine efficiently saves delivery time, prevents unnecessary wear and tear on the vehicle, limits fuel consumption, and limits the potential for the operator to be injured by the repetitive nature of parcel delivery. 
         [0007]    Typically, operation of a commercial vehicle used for parcel delivery entails the following processes. First, the operator must manually start the vehicle. Next the operator drives the vehicle to a scheduled delivery location. At the delivery location, the operator then must bring the vehicle to a stop, manually unlock the bulkhead door, manually open the bulkhead door, obtain the parcel, manually close the bulkhead door, deliver the parcel to the desired location, and finally restart the vehicle for the next delivery. A similar process is undertaken if the operator needs to use the rear door to access the cargo compartment as well. Additionally, the operator will pickup parcels at delivery locations. When parcels are collected, the operator will approach the vehicle with the parcel, manually unlock the bulkhead door, manually open the bulkhead door, deposit the parcel in the cargo compartment, and manually close the bulkhead door. 
         [0008]    The delivery process described above presents several problems. The process of manually starting and stopping the vehicle, and unlocking, opening, and then closing the bulkhead door takes several seconds during each delivery and consumes fuel needlessly. Considering that the typical commercial vehicle used for parcel delivery makes hundreds of stops every day the additional time and fuel consumed at each delivery can be significant when viewed in the aggregate. Additionally, the repetitive motion of manually opening and closing the bulkhead door hundreds of times every day will cause damage to the vehicle and potentially harm the operator. Harm to the operator can come from the additional movement needed to unlock, open, and then close the door hundreds of times every day, and damage to the vehicle can come from the bulkhead door slamming open every time the cargo compartment is accessed. 
         [0009]    In view of the above, there is a need for a cost efficient solution for operating a commercial vehicle that reduces the time and fuel consumed at each delivery and the potential harm to the vehicle and its operator. Embodiments of the invention provide such a solution for commercial vehicles. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In view of the above, embodiments of the present invention provide new and improved commercial vehicle operation that overcome the problems existing in the art. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide new and improved operation of commercial vehicles for parcel delivery that overcome problems existing in the art. Still more particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a new and improved way to control the ignition of the commercial vehicle and/or access the cargo compartment in a way that both minimizes damage to the vehicle, saves operator time, and reduces the likelihood of repetitive motion injury. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment a control module is coupled to one or more of a commercial vehicle&#39;s ignition system, bulkhead door, and rear door. The control module controls these separate systems at the command of a vehicle operator communicating with the control module wirelessly through a transmitter. 
         [0012]    Time is more efficiently managed, over the prior art, because movement is minimized in regard to starting and stopping the vehicle engine, opening the bulkhead door, and opening the rear door. Minimizing operator movement also has the added benefit of limiting the type of repetitive motion that can cause injuries to the operator over time. 
         [0013]    Further, fuel consumed by leaving the engine running while at a delivery stop is minimized because the solution provides a quick and efficient way to turn the ignition off and on. 
         [0014]    Finally, damage caused by the bulkhead door slamming opening is minimized. Damage is minimized because the door self actuates and has a dampening mechanism that keeps the door from slamming open and causing damage over time. 
         [0015]    Additionally, in an embodiment of the present invention a lock box is attached to the vehicle. The lock box is securely closed and can only be opened by an individual with a key. Or if the box is locked via a combination lock only a person with the combination can unlock the box. The box is configured to hold a spare transmitter and/or an extra key to the commercial vehicle. The extra transmitter and/or key are to replace originals if lost or damaged. 
         [0016]    Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a commercial vehicle with an embodiment of the present invention installed in the vehicle, including a transmitter. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of the ignition switch of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of the bulkhead door as viewed from the cargo compartment of the vehicle. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3A  is an up-close view of the bracket connecting the bulkhead door to the auto-opening bulkhead door actuator. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is an up-close view of the solenoid latch of the bulkhead door. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a cross section of the auto-opening bulkhead door actuator. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5A  is an exploded view of the auto-opening bulkhead door actuator. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a view of the rear door, as viewed from the cargo compartment of the vehicle. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is an illustration of a lock box used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0027]    While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    Turning now to the drawings, there is illustrated in  FIG. 1  a commercial vehicle  100  installed with a particular embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted, however, that while the following description will describe various embodiments and aspects of the various embodiments of the present invention configured for a commercial vehicle, the scope of the present invention is not so limited. Indeed, many of the aspects of the present invention may find applicability in other applications, in other commercial vehicles other than ones used strictly for parcel delivery. As such, the following description should be taken by way of example and not by way of limitation. 
         [0029]    As may be seen from the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the commercial vehicle  100  has two main compartments. The first compartment is the cab compartment  102 . The cab compartment  102  is where the vehicle operation personnel sit while the commercial vehicle  100  is in use. The second compartment is the cargo compartment  104 . Access to the cargo compartment  104  is achieved through two separate entry ways. The first method of access is through the rear door  108 . The second method of access is through the bulkhead door  106 . 
         [0030]    In this particular embodiment of the invention, starting and stopping the commercial vehicle  100  and access to the cargo compartment  104  is optionally controlled through a transmitter  112  wirelessly communicating with a control module  110 . As can be seen from  FIG. 1  the control module  110  is installed in the commercial vehicle  100  and is communicatively coupled to several systems of the commercial vehicle  100 . 
         [0031]    Specifically, the control module  110  is coupled to the commercial vehicle power supply  126 , the vehicle ignition  118 , a keyless ignition control module  120 , a solenoid latch  122  for the bulkhead door  106 , and a solenoid latch  124  for the rear door  108 . The vehicle operator can operate the control module  110  by using the transmitter  112  in the vicinity of the commercial vehicle  100 . 
         [0032]    The transmitter  112  enables wireless control of any one or more of the commercial vehicle&#39;s ignition  118 , bulkhead door  106 , and/or rear door  108 . The transmitter  112  in one embodiment will enable the engine to start or stop via a start/stop ignition control module  120  installed in the commercial vehicle  100 . Also, the bulkhead door  106  can be opened automatically without the need to self-actuate the solenoid latch  122 . Finally, the rear door  108  can be opened automatically without the need to self-actuate the solenoid latch  124 . 
         [0033]    It should be noted that while this particular embodiment of the present invention discloses operating the vehicle start/stop function and access to the cargo compartment wirelessly, manual overrides of the wireless system may still function. A traditional key that allows a operator to start and stop the commercial vehicle  100  and gives access to the cargo compartment through both the bulkhead door  106  and the rear door  108  may be employed in conjunction with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0034]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , the ignition control module  120  is shown in more detail. The ignition control module  120  is installed in the dash  206  of commercial vehicle  100  in order to provide easy access to the vehicle&#39;s operator. The commercial vehicle ignition  118  is controlled by the start button  202  and the stop button  204 . 
         [0035]    In one embodiment the ignition control module  120  only operates in conjunction with transmitter  112  (see  FIG. 1 ). Specifically, to start the commercial vehicle  100  an initiation signal must be sent from the transmitter  112  to the control module  110 . The initiation signal is sent when the operator presses button  114  on the transmitter  112  within the vicinity of commercial vehicle  100 . This readies the ignition control module  120 . Now the operator needs only to press the start button  202  of ignition control module  120  shown in  FIG. 2  once to start the commercial vehicle  100 . To stop the commercial vehicle  100  the operator only needs to press the stop button  204  of the ignition control module  120 . 
         [0036]    Additionally, the bulkhead door  106  may be opened automatically upon stopping the engine of commercial vehicle  100 . When the operator wants to stop the engine of the commercial vehicle  100  he depresses the stop button  204 , and the commercial vehicle  100  shuts down. When the commercial vehicle  100  shuts down the operator may open the bulkhead door automatically by pressing the stop button  204  one additional time. The operator must perform the above sequence within a predetermined time period subsequent to shutting the commercial vehicle  100  down in order to enable this feature. When that time period expires control module  110  (from  FIG. 1 ) resets the system to prevent unauthorized access to the cargo compartment. 
         [0037]    The ignition control module  120  of the illustrated embodiment is not meant to entirely replace the traditional ignition  118 , but rather only to supplement it. The traditional ignition  118  will still start and stop the commercial vehicle  100 . The ignition control module  120 , however, allows for a quicker starting and stopping process. In other embodiments, the ignition control module  120  may replace the traditional ignition. 
         [0038]      FIG. 3  illustrates the bulkhead door  106 , as viewed from the cargo compartment  104 . The bulkhead door  106  is operated by solenoid latch  122  and auto-opening bulkhead door actuator  306 . The auto-opening bulkhead door actuator  306  is anchored to the cargo compartment  104  by brackets  308 ,  310  and attached to the bulkhead door  106  by bracket  312  (as shown in  FIG. 3A ). When the solenoid latch  122  is released the auto-opening bulkhead door actuator  306  pulls the bulkhead door  106  open. The solenoid latch  122  is released in one embodiment when the operator depresses button  114  on transmitter  112  (see  FIG. 1 ) for a predetermined period, e.g., over one-half second, as opposed to briefly pressing once to activate the ignition control module  120  in an embodiment that provides such operation. 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  illustrates an up-close view of the solenoid latch  122 . The solenoid  402  is connected via the solenoid connector arm  404  to lever  406 . Solenoid latch  122  operates by a control signal being provided to solenoid  402  from control module  110  of  FIG. 1 , which actuates the solenoid connector arm  404  to pull the lever  406  thereby unlatching the bulkhead door  106 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the auto-opening bulkhead door actuator  306 . While this particular embodiment of the invention illustrates using springs in the auto-opening bulkhead door actuator  306  other methods of opening the bulkhead door  106  are contemplated. Some of the other methods contemplated are electric motor controlled openers, and any hydraulic openers or pneumatic openers, or any equivalent thereof. 
         [0041]    Additionally, in the embodiments of the invention discussed herein, the objective of the auto-opening bulkhead door actuator  306  is to open the bulkhead door quickly enough that the operator does not have to wait to enter the cargo compartment. Further, not only must the bulkhead door  106  open quickly, but it must open fully so that the operator has an appropriate amount of room to easily move into and out of the cargo compartment. Even further, it is not enough that the bulkhead door  106  open quickly and fully, but it must also open safely in that it should not cause undue damage to the commercial vehicle  100  or the auto-opening bulkhead door actuator  306  in the process of opening. 
         [0042]    Returning to  FIG. 5 , three springs are contained inside of an inner sheath  514  and an outer sheath  512 . The outer sheath is attached to the cargo compartment by bracket  308  and bracket  310 , while the inner sheath  514  connects to the bulkhead door via bracket  312 . (See  FIGS. 3 and 3A ). Therefore, the inner sheath  514  is capable of moving and the outer sheath  512  is stationary when installed in the illustrated embodiment. 
         [0043]    The inner retracting spring  506  is a resilient member that pulls the bulkhead door  106  open when solenoid latch  122  is actuated. The outer dampening spring  502  and inner dampening spring  504  dampen the retracting force of the inner retracting spring  506 . The dampening is necessary to eliminate or limit damage to either the commercial vehicle  100  or the auto-opening bulkhead door actuator  306 . 
         [0044]    Specifically, slideable member  508 , which is inside of the inner sheath  514 , is connected to the inner retracting spring  506  and bracket  312  (from  FIG. 3A ) by the connecting member  516 . Therefore, when the bulkhead door is closed the inner retracting spring  506  is stressed such that when solenoid latch  122  is actuated the inner retracting spring  506  retracts pulling the inner sheath  514 , the slideable member  508 , and the bulkhead door  106  itself open. 
         [0045]    In a particular embodiment of the present invention single stage dampening is used for the auto-opening bulkhead actuator  306 . Single stage dampening occurs when just before the bulkhead door  106  slides completely open, the slideable member  508  makes contact with both the outer and inner dampening springs  502 ,  504 . The outer and inner dampening springs  502 ,  504  dampen the force from the bulkhead door  106  opening so not to damage the auto-opening bulkhead door actuator  306  and/or the commercial vehicle  100 , but still allowing the door to open quickly and fully. 
         [0046]    Another embodiment of the present invention uses dual stage dampening. Dual stage dampening occurs when one spring, either the inner or outer dampening spring  504 ,  502  makes contact with the slideable member  508  prior to the other. As an example, the outer dampening spring  502  engages the slideable member  508  prior to the inner dampening spring  504 . The outer dampening spring  502  is configured such that the opening speed of the bulkhead door  106  is largely decreased just prior to the bulkhead door  106  being entirely opened. And just prior to the bulkhead door  106  being entirely opened the inner dampening spring  504  engages to completely halt the rate at which the bulkhead door  106  is opening. The outer and inner dampening springs  502 ,  504  allow for the bulkhead door  106  to open quickly, fully, and minimize damage to the commercial vehicle  100  and/or the auto-opening bulkhead actuator  306  that would normally be caused from the bulkhead door  106  slamming open. 
         [0047]      FIG. 5A  shows an exploded view of the auto-opening bulkhead door actuator  306 . Notice how the longest resilient member is the inner retracting spring  506 , the next longest is the outer dampening spring  502 , and the shortest is the inner dampening spring  504 . Also, the inner retracting spring  506  the inner dampening spring  504 , and the outer dampening spring  502  all are contained within the inner sheath  514 , which has a smaller diameter than the outer sheath  512 . Both sides of the auto-opening bulkhead door actuator  306  are contained by the base plug  510  on one end and the slideable member  508  on the other. 
         [0048]      FIG. 6  illustrates the rear door assembly  600 . In this embodiment of the invention, the rear door assembly  600  is composed of a roll-up rear door  108 , solenoid latch  602 , cable  604 , and manual cam lock  606 . 
         [0049]    The solenoid latch  602  is communicatively coupled to control module  110  such that when the operator quickly presses button  114  of transmitter  112  twice the solenoid latch  602  actuates and allows the rear door  108  to slide up.  FIG. 6  also displays a manual cam lock  606 , which causes the solenoid latch  602  to actuate when the operator rotates the manual cam lock  606  by inserting a key and turning. The turning motion in cam lock  606  causes cable  604  to actuate the solenoid latch  602 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 7  illustrates a particular embodiment of the invention that includes a lock box  700 . The lock box  700  is attached to the commercial vehicle  100  and contains a second transmitter  712  in case the first transmitter  112  is lost. The lock box  700  is opened via a locking device  702 .  FIG. 7  displays a push-button locking device; however, other locking devices such as latch and key devices are contemplated as well. 
         [0051]    All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 
         [0052]    The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
         [0053]    Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.