Parking enforcement system

A parking enforcement system configured to impair the view of a driver through a windshield of a vehicle is provided. The parking enforcement system includes a plurality of covering assemblies. Each of the covering assemblies has one or more suction assemblies configured for placement against a windshield of a vehicle. A pump assembly is configured for pneumatic communication with the one or more suction assemblies. The pump assembly is configured to develop a partial vacuum between the suction assemblies and the windshield. A release assembly is configured for pneumatic communication with the one or more suction assemblies. The release assembly has a servo motor configured to actuate release of the suction assemblies from the windshield.

BACKGROUND

Wheel clamp devices are in common use today for dealing with improperly parked vehicles and/or parking enforcement issues. Wheel clamp devices are typically attached to the wheel of a parked vehicle by a wheel clamp operative, so as to prevent the owner of the vehicle from driving the vehicle away or moving the vehicle.

At the same time as deploying the wheel clamp device on the parked vehicle, the wheel clamp operative will usually display a notice in the window of the vehicle informing the owner that the vehicle is improperly parked and that the wheel clamp device will remain on the vehicle until such a time as applicable fees are paid. When the owner of the vehicle has contacted the appropriate authorities and paid the requisite fees, the wheel clamp operative is instructed to return to the vehicle to remove the wheel clamp device, after which the owner of the vehicle is free to move the vehicle.

One problem with existing wheel clamp devices is that, in order to be effective in preventing movement of the vehicle as well as strong and secure enough to prevent unauthorized removal of the wheel clamp device (by means of force or otherwise), the wheel clamp devices tend to be bulky and heavy. Furthermore, the complexity of many wheel clamp devices makes successful and secure deployment difficult to achieve for an inexperienced wheel clamp operative. In other instances, the wheel clamp operative can be forced to work in the flow of oncoming traffic in the event of deploying a wheel clamp device on a vehicle that is parked flush to an obstacle on one side of the vehicle, such as for example a curb. In still other instances, wheel clamp devices can be ineffective against large-wheeled vehicles such as trucks and buses.

It would be advantageous if parking enforcement systems could be improved.

SUMMARY

The above objects as well as other objects not specifically enumerated are achieved by a parking enforcement system configured to impair the view of a driver through a windshield of a vehicle. The parking enforcement system includes a plurality of covering assemblies. Each of the covering assemblies has one or more suction assemblies configured for placement against a windshield of a vehicle. A pump assembly is configured for pneumatic communication with the one or more suction assemblies. The pump assembly is configured to develop a partial vacuum between the suction assemblies and the windshield. A release assembly is configured for pneumatic communication with the one or more suction assemblies. The release assembly has a servo motor configured to actuate release of the suction assemblies from the windshield.

There is also provided a parking enforcement system configured to impair the view of a driver through a windshield of a vehicle. The parking enforcement system includes a plurality of covering assemblies. Each of the covering assemblies has one or more suction assemblies configured for placement against a windshield of a vehicle. A pump assembly is configured for pneumatic communication with the one or more suction assemblies. The pump assembly is configured to develop suction between the suction assemblies and the windshield. A release assembly is configured for pneumatic communication with the one or more suction assemblies. A control module is in communication with the release assembly. A match of a release code stored in the control module and a user input release code is configured to actuate release of the suction between the suction assemblies and the windshield.

There is also provided a method of using a parking enforcement system configured to impair the view of a driver through a windshield of a vehicle. The method includes the steps of storing an initial release code in a control module of the parking enforcement system, deploying the parking enforcement system on a windshield of a vehicle, developing suction between a plurality of covering assemblies and the windshield, providing a release code to a user tasked with removing the parking enforcement system, entering the release code in the control module, comparing the stored release code with the input release code, initiating detachment of the parking enforcement system in the event of a match between the stored release code and the input release code, removing the parking enforcement system from the vehicle and generating a new stored release code.

Various objects and advantages of the parking enforcement system will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The parking enforcement system will now be described with occasional reference to the specific embodiments. The parking enforcement system may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the parking enforcement system to those skilled in the art.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of dimensions such as length, width, height, and so forth as used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the parking enforcement system. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the parking enforcement system are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a parking enforcement system is provided. Generally, the parking enforcement system is secured to a windshield of a vehicle through suction formed by one or more suction assemblies. The parking enforcement system is removed from the windshield after a user input release code matches a stored release code and after a servo motor actuates release of the suction between the suction assemblies and the windshield. In the alternative, the suction between the suction assemblies and the windshield can be released by actuation of a release valve lock assembly.

The term “suction”, as used herein, is defined to mean any force that, by a pressure differential, attracts an object to the region of lower pressure.

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated inFIG. 1a diagrammatic and simplified view of a vehicle10. The vehicle10is conventional in the art and includes a passenger compartment12, configured for a driver (not shown) and optional passengers (not shown). The passenger compartment12is equipped with vehicle controls (not shown) including a steering mechanism, acceleration and braking devices. The steering mechanism, acceleration and braking devices are conventional in the art. When viewed from the driver's position within the passenger compartment12, the vehicle10has a left side14and a right side16. In the illustrated embodiment, the driver and the vehicle controls are positioned on the left side of the passenger compartment12. However, in other embodiments, the driver and the vehicle controls can be positioned in other locations of the passenger compartment12.

Referring again toFIG. 1, the vehicle10includes a windshield18. The windshield18is configured to protect the occupants of the passenger compartment12during use of the vehicle10and further configured to provide the driver with a view of a path in front of the vehicle10. The windshield18can have any desired construction, including the non-limiting example of a laminated construction and can have any desired shape, size and configuration, including the non-limiting examples of flat or curved surfaces.

Referring again toFIG. 1, the vehicle10is equipped with a parking enforcement system20(hereafter “system”). The system20is configured for attachment to an exterior surface22of the windshield18. Generally, in an installed position, the system20is configured to impair the view of the driver through the windshield18, such as to make it difficult for the driver to view the path in front of the vehicle10.

Referring now toFIGS. 2 and 3, the system20is illustrated. The system20includes a first covering assembly26connected to a second covering assembly28by a plurality of links30A-30C. The system20is illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3in a deployed arrangement, that is, in the arrangement as installed on the exterior surface22of the windshield18as shown inFIG. 1. As will be discussed in more detail below, the links30A-30C are configured to facilitate folding of the first and second covering assemblies26,28into a stowed arrangement.

Referring again toFIGS. 2 and 3, the first covering assembly26includes an outer shell32configured to enclose and support a first suction assembly34, positioned on an underside of the outer shell32. Referring now toFIG. 3, optionally, the outer shell32can include a plurality of gussets36configured to support the first suction assembly34. In the illustrated embodiment, the gussets36have a radial orientation. Alternatively, the gussets36can have other orientations, such as the non-limiting example of a circumferential orientation. However, it should be appreciated that the gussets36are optional and not required for operation of the system20.

Referring again toFIGS. 2 and 3, the second covering assembly28includes an outer shell40configured to enclose and support a second suction assembly42, positioned on an underside of the outer shell40. Referring now toFIG. 3, optionally, the outer shell40can include a plurality of gussets44configured to support the second suction assembly42. In the illustrated embodiment, the gussets44have a radial orientation. Alternatively, the gussets44can have other orientations, such as the non-limiting example of a circumferential orientation. However, it should be appreciated that the gussets44are optional and not required for operation of the system20.

Referring now toFIG. 3, the first and second covering assemblies26,28each include a support ring38. The support ring38extends from the outer shell32to a rim39. With the system20in a deployed arrangement, the rim39is configured for contact with the windshield18. In this orientation, the support ring38is configured as a tamper resistant structure, that is, the support ring38is configured to prevent engagement of the first and second suction assemblies34,42by a mechanism or device extending under the first and second covering assemblies26,28, for purposes of relieving the partial vacuum formed in the first and second suction assemblies34,42. In the illustrated embodiment, the support ring38and the rim39have a circular cross-sectional shape that extend circumferentially around the suction assemblies34,42. However, in other embodiments, the support ring38and the rim39can have other cross-sectional shapes sufficient to form a tamper resistant structure to prevent engagement of the first and second suction assemblies34,42.

Referring now toFIG. 4, the first covering assembly26includes a plate46concentrically positioned between the outer shell32and the first suction assembly34. The plate46is configured as a tamper resistant structure, that is, the plate46is configured to prevent engagement of the first and second suction assemblies34,42by a mechanism or device extending through the outer shells32,40of the first and second covering assemblies26,28, for purposes of relieving the partial vacuum formed in the first and second suction assemblies34,42. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate46has a circular cross-sectional shape that extend circumferentially around the suction assemblies34,42. However, in other embodiments, the plate46can have other cross-sectional shapes sufficient to form a tamper resistant structure to prevent engagement of the first and second suction assemblies34,42. In a similar manner, the second covering assembly includes a tamper resistant plate47.

Referring now toFIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the second covering assembly28includes an input assembly48, a pump assembly50, a power supply assembly52and a suction release assembly53. The input assembly48includes a display device54, an input device56, a control module (not shown) and a memory device (not shown). Generally, the input device56is configured for entry of a user-provided release code. In the illustrated embodiment, the input device56is an electronic keypad. One non-limiting example of a suitable input device56is the Membrane 3×4 Matrix Keypad, Model419, manufactured by Adafruit Industries LLC, headquartered in New York City. However, in other embodiments, the input device56can be other structures, mechanisms and devices sufficient for entry of a user-provided release code, such as the non-limiting examples of numeric pads, touch screens and the like.

Referring now toFIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the display device54is in electrical communication with the input device56and is configured to illustrate the release code input by the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the display device54is an LCD-type type of screen configured to operation with low power requirements. One non-limiting example of a suitable display device54is the Lumex model LCD-S401C39TR, manufactured by Lumex Inc, headquartered in Carol Stream, Ill., 60188. While the embodiment of the display device54shown inFIGS. 2, 4 and 5is described as an LCD-type of display, it should be appreciated that other display devices, sufficient to illustrate the release code input by the user, can be used.

Referring again toFIGS. 2, 4 and 5and as will be discussed in more detail below, the memory device (not shown) is configured to store a previously provided system release code. The memory device can be any structure, mechanism or device sufficient to store a previously provided system release code, including the non-limiting example of a random access memory device.

Referring again toFIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the control module is in electrical communication with the input device56and the memory device and is configured to compare the user-entered release code with the system release code stored in the memory device. In the event the user-entered release code matches the system release code stored in the memory device, the control module is configured to initiate release of the system20from the windshield18of the vehicle10. In the illustrated embodiment, the control module has the form of a microprocessor-based printed circuit board, containing software or code sufficient to compare the user-entered release code with the system release code. However, in other embodiments, the control module can have other desired forms, sufficient for the functions described above.

Referring again toFIG. 4, the power supply assembly52is configured for several functions. First, the power supply assembly52is configured to provide electrical power to the display device54, the keyboard56, the control module and the memory device. Second, the power supply assembly52is configured to provide electrical power to the suction release assembly53in order to initiate release of the system20from the windshield18of the vehicle10. In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply assembly52includes a plurality of size AA batteries (not shown). However, in other embodiments, the power supply assembly52can have other desired forms, including the non-limiting examples of rechargeable batteries or an external power source (not shown). In still other embodiments, it is within the contemplation of the system20that the battery or batteries within the power supply assembly52can be charged by a plurality of solar cells (not shown) positioned within the system20. The power supply assembly52can provide electrical power in any desired form, voltage or amperage sufficient to power the operations of the system20.

Referring now toFIGS. 4 and 5, the pump assembly50is configured to produce a partial vacuum in the first and second suction assemblies34,42. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump assembly50includes a positive-displacement, hand-operated pump60having a handle62connected to an internal piston (not shown) and inlet ports64A,64B. The inlet port64A is pneumatically connected to the first suction assembly34via pneumatic hose66A. Pneumatic hose66A includes a one-way valve68A. The inlet port64B is pneumatically connected to the second suction assembly42via pneumatic hose66B. Pneumatic hose66B includes a one-way valve68B.

Referring now toFIG. 5, the handle62is connected to the internal piston by a rod63. The pump assembly50is advantageously configured such than an outward movement of the handle62, as indicated by direction arrow A, or an inward movement of the handle62, as indicated by direction arrow B, draws air from the first and second suction assemblies34,42through the hoses66A and through the valves68A,68B, as indicated by direction arrows C. The drawn air flows through the inlet ports64A64B, through the pump60and is displaced to the outside. Repeated outward and inward movement of the handle62provides a partial vacuum in the first and second suction assemblies34,42. The partial vacuum in the first and second suction assemblies34,42is used to secure the system20to the exterior surface18of the windshield12.

Referring again toFIG. 5, one non-limiting example of a pump assembly60is the Bimba model DX, manufactured by Bimba Manufacturing, headquartered in University Park, Ill., 60484. While the embodiment shown inFIGS. 4 and 5illustrate use of the positive-displacement, hand-operated dual-directional pump assembly50to provide a partial vacuum in the first and second suction assemblies34,42, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, other structures, mechanisms and devices can be used to provide a partial vacuum in the first and second suction assemblies34,42, such as the non-limiting example of an electrically driven pump.

Referring again toFIG. 5, a pump handle release assembly65is configured to selectively allow operation of the pump assembly60. The pump handle release assembly65includes a lock67and a cam69. The lock67includes an internal lock shaft (not shown) configured for rotation upon activation by a key inserted into the lock67. The cam69is connected to the lock shaft and is configured to rotate as the lock shaft rotates. The pump handle release assembly65is shown in a first position. In the first position, the cam69extends into a circumferential channel71formed in the handle62, thereby preventing outward movement of the handle62. Upon insertion and rotation of the key, the lock shaft and the cam69rotate from the first position to a second position. In the second position, the cam69rotates out of the circumferential channel71, thereby allowing outward movement of the handle62. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock67is a tubular pin tumbler lock (also known as an ace lock, circle pin tumbler lock, or radial lock). However, in other embodiments, the lock67can be other types of locks sufficient to selectively allow operation of the pump assembly60.

Referring now toFIGS. 5 and 6, the suction release assembly53is in pneumatic communication with the first and second suction assemblies34,42and is configured to release the suction formed between the first and second suction assemblies34,42and the exterior surface22of the windshield18. The suction release assembly53includes a servo motor70equipped with a servo cam72, a release slide74, a plurality of release valves76A,76B. As shown inFIG. 5, the release valves76A,76B are in pneumatic communication with the first and second suction assemblies34,42via pneumatic hoses78A,78b.

Referring now toFIG. 6, the servo motor70is in electrical communication with the control module (not shown) and the power supply assembly52, and is configured to rotate a servo motor shaft (not shown) upon receiving an activation signal from the control module. One non-limiting example of a suitable servo motor is the Tower Pro Model SG92R, manufactured by Tower Pro PTE LTD, headquartered in Singapore. However, in other embodiments, other servo motors sufficient to rotate a servo motor shaft upon receiving an activation signal from the control module can be used.

Referring again toFIG. 6, the servo cam72is connected to the servo motor shaft such that rotation of the servo motor shaft results in rotation of the servo cam72. The servo cam72is configured for selective contact with the release slide74. In operation, upon receiving an activation signal from the control module, the servo motor70rotates the servo motor shaft, resulting in rotation of the servo cam72. Rotation of the servo cam72against a portion of the release slide74results in movement of the release slide74in a direction toward the release valves (76A,76B) as shown by direction arrow D. It should be appreciated that the servo cam72can have any desired cross-sectional profile sufficient to produce movement of the release slide74against the release valves (76A,76B).

Referring again toFIG. 6, the release slide74includes an inlet portion79configured to receive the servo cam72. The inlet portion79is defined at one end by an intermediate segment80that extends from the inlet portion79to an end wall82. The intermediate segment80includes a first contact surface84and a recess86. The first contact surface84is configured for contact with the servo cam72. In operation, rotation of the servo cam72initially results in contact of the servo cam72with the first contact surface84. Further rotation of the servo cam72results in the servo cam72forcing movement of the release slide74in a direction toward the release valves (76A,76B) as shown by direction arrow D.

Referring again toFIG. 6, the recess86formed in the intermediate segment80of the release slide74is configured to receive a release valve lock assembly88. The release valve lock assembly88is configured to selectively force movement of the release slide74. The release valve lock assembly88includes a release lock90and a lock cam92. The release lock90includes an internal lock shaft (not shown) configured for rotation upon activation by a key inserted into the release lock90. The lock cam92is connected to the lock shaft and is configured to rotate as the lock shaft rotates. The release valve lock assembly88is shown in a first position. In the first position, the lock cam92extends radially into an area away from the end wall82of the release slide74. In the first position, the lock cam92is not in contact with the release slide74. Upon insertion and rotation of the key, the lock shaft and the lock cam92rotate from the first position to a second position. In the second position, the lock cam92contacts the end wall82of the release slid74such as to force movement of the release slide74in the direction toward the release valves76A,76B. In the illustrated embodiment, the release lock90is a tubular pin tumbler lock. However, in other embodiments, the release lock90can be other types of locks sufficient to selectively force movement of the release slide74.

Referring again toFIG. 6, it should be appreciated that the lock cam92can have any desired cross-sectional profile sufficient to produce movement of the release slide74against the release valves (76A,76B).

Referring again toFIG. 6, the end wall82extends to a location adjacent the release valves76A,76B and is shown in a first position. In the first position, the end wall82is configured to exert little or no force on the release valves76A,76B, thereby avoiding actuation of the release valves76A,76B. Upon movement of the release slide74in the direction D, the end wall82initially moves to contact release valve switches94A,94B. Further movement of the end wall82in the direction D serves to depress the release valve switches94A,94B, thereby actuating the release valves76A,76B. While the release slide74is illustrated inFIG. 6as having the structure of an end wall82, in other embodiments, the release slide74can include other structures, mechanisms and devices configured to depress the release valve switches94A,94B and actuate the release valves76A,76B.

Referring again toFIGS. 5 and 6, the release valves76A,76B are configured for several functions. First, the release valves76A,76B are configured to receive the pneumatic hoses78A,78B originating with the first and second suction assemblies34,42. Second, the release valves76A,76B are configured for pneumatic communication with the first and second suction assemblies34. Third, the release valves76A,76B are configured to release the suction created in the first and second suction assemblies34. The suction in the first and second suction assemblies34can be relieved in two different manners. In a first manner, the release valves76A,76B can be actuated by movement of the release slide74against the release valve switches94A,94B as caused by rotation of the servo cam72, resulting from electrical communication between the control module and the servo motor70. In a second manner, the release valves76A,76B can be actuated by movement of the release slide74against the release valve switches94A,94B as caused by rotation of the lock cam92, resulting from manual rotation of the release lock90.

Referring again to embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6, the release valves76A,76B are push button style of pneumatic valve. That is, the release valves76A,76B are configured to be normally closed and opened only upon depression of the release valve switches94A,94B. One non-limiting example of a suitable release valve is the push button valve model PB2NC-B, manufactured by Specialty Manufacturing Company, headquartered in St. Paul, Minn. However, in other embodiments, other release valves sufficient to be normally closed and opened only upon depression of the release valve switches94A,94B can be used.

Referring again toFIG. 3, the first and second suction assemblies34,42are illustrated. The first and second suction assemblies34,42include a flexible rubber suction cup (such flexible rubber suction cup are commonly used in the glazing industry for the moving of panes of glass). One non-limiting example of a suitable suction assembly is the suction assembly of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,427,094 to Marks et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference, in its entirety. However, other suction assemblies, sufficient to secure the system20to the exterior surface18of the windshield12can be used.

Referring again toFIG. 3, while the illustrated embodiment shows a quantity of one suction assembly for each covering assembly26,28, it is within the contemplation of this disclosure that each covering assembly26,28can be equipped with more than one suction assembly.

Referring now toFIG. 7, the setup and operation of the system20will be described. In an initial setup step100, an initial multi-digit release code is input into the control module with the input device56. The initial multi-digit release code is stored in the memory device and continuously displayed on the display device54. As will be discussed in more detail below, the initial multi-digit release code is used to identify the specific system20. In a next setup step102, the system20is deployed on the exterior surface18of vehicle windshield12. In this step, the first and second suction assemblies34,42are without suction, that is, the components within the system20are at atmospheric pressure. In a final setup step104, the system20is secured to the exterior surface18of the vehicle windshield12by developing suction in the first and second suction assemblies34,42. The suction is developed by the pump assembly50and conveyed to the first and second suction assemblies via the pneumatic hoses66A,66B.

Referring again toFIG. 7in a first operational step106, in the event it is desired to remove the system20, a user tasked with removing the system20notes the initial multi-digit release code displayed on the display device54. Using the initial multi-digit release code as a system identifier, the user obtains a release code from an operational facility. After proper authorization, the release code can be provided to the user via different manners, including the non-limiting examples of a payment receipt, e-mail, text message and the like. It is also within the contemplation of the system20, that the user can obtain the release code via an internet-based application (web app) or a mobile application. By providing the release code directly to the user, the release code is not provided to the display device54, input device56, control module or memory device. In a next operational step108, the user enters the release code into the control module via the input device56. Optionally, the user can view the input release code via the display device54, although such is not necessary for operation of the system20. In a next operational step110, the control module compares the input release code with the stored release code. In a next operation step112, upon a match of the input release code with the stored release code, detachment of the system20from the windshield18is initiated. This step includes the action of removing the suction formed between the first and second suction assemblies34,42and the exterior surface18of the windshield using the suction release assembly53. In a next operational step114, the system20is removed from the vehicle10.

Referring again toFIG. 7and operation step110, in the event the input release code does not match the stored release code, in a next step116, the user is returned to operational step110to re-input the release code.

In a next operational step118, once the control module determines a match between the input release code and the stored release code, and the system20is removed from the windshield18, the control module is configured to generate a new release code that is stored in the memory device. The newly generated release code supersedes the previously stored release code. The system20is then ready for a new deployment.

In a final step120, the user returns the system20to an operational facility. It is contemplated that the user may have a defined time in which to return the system20to the operational facility. For example, it is contemplated that the user may have a time limit of 24.0 hours in which to make the return. In the event, the system20is not returned, the user may be assessed penalties, such as the non-limiting example of further financial charges.

Referring again toFIG. 4, the system20can include an alarm assembly, shown schematically at130. The alarm assembly130is configured to sense movement and/or vibration of a deployed system20and further configured to provide notification of the movement and/or vibration. In the illustrated embodiment, the alarm system includes an accelerometer (not shown) configured to sense movement and/or vibration of the deployed system20. However, in other embodiments, other structures, mechanisms and devices can be used. The alarm system130further includes a visual and/or audio indicator (not shown). The visual and/or audio indicator is configured to provide continuous visual and/or indications of movement and/or vibration of the system20. Non-limiting examples of visual indicators include a flashing strobe-style of light, flashing colored lights and interrupted beams of light formed by one or more lasers. Non-limiting examples of audio indicators include beeping sounds, alarms, sirens and the like. The beeping sound can have any desired and suitable tone, pulse and volume.

Referring again toFIG. 2and as described above, the system20is illustrated in a deployed arrangement, that is, each of the first and second covering assemblies26,28are installed on the exterior surface22of the windshield18, as shown inFIG. 1. However, it is within the contemplation of the system20, that the covering assemblies26,28can be positioned in a folded arrangement for storage and transportation purposes. Referring now toFIG. 8, a plurality of systems20are shown in a folded and stacked arrangement. The folded arrangement includes rotating the first and second covering assemblies26,28about the links30A-30C such that the interior portions of the first and second covering assemblies26,28contact and seat each other. In the folded arrangement, the outer shells32,40of the first and second covering assemblies26,28advantageously provide protection of the system20against environmental elements and physical abuse.

In the embodiment of the system20described above and illustrated inFIGS. 1-4, the system20includes first and second covering assemblies26,28rotatably connected together by a plurality of links30A-30C. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first and second covering assemblies26,28can have other connective structures configured to facilitate a deployed and a stowed arrangement. As one non-limiting example, it is contemplated that the first and second covering assemblies26,28can include mechanisms facilitating a sliding arrangement, such that the first and second covering assemblies26,28“nest” or seat upon each other for storage and transportation purposes. In still other embodiments, it is contemplated that the first and second covering assemblies26,28can be oriented in a telescoping arrangement, such that either of the first and second covering assemblies26,28extends from the other covering assembly.

In the embodiment of the system20described above and illustrated inFIG. 1, the system20is secured to a windshield18of a vehicle10through suction formed by one or more suction assemblies and configured to impair the view of the driver through the windshield18. However, it should be appreciated that the system can be deployed in other manners sufficient to impair the view of the driver through the windshield18. Referring now toFIG. 9, a system210is illustrated having first and second covering assemblies226,228connected together by links230A-230C. In the illustrated embodiment, the covering assemblies226,228and the links230A-230C are the same as, or similar to, the covering assemblies26,28and the links30A-30C described above and illustrated inFIG. 2. In this embodiment, the first covering assembly226is secured to an engine hood250through suction formed by one or more suction assemblies in the first covering assembly226and the second covering assembly228is secured to the windshield18through suction formed by one or more suction assemblies in the second covering assembly228. Deployment and operation of the system220is the same as described above for system20.

Referring again toFIG. 9, it should be appreciated that the first covering assembly226can be deployed to other areas of the vehicle10, such as for example, a driver side window (not shown) or a top252of the passenger compartment12sufficient to allow the second covering assembly228to be secured to the windshield18.

In the embodiments of the system20,220described above and illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 9show use of the system20to impair the view of the driver through the windshield18, it is further contemplated that a system can be used for driverless or autonomous vehicle applications. Referring now toFIG. 10, a driverless vehicle310is illustrated. The autonomous vehicle310includes a front portion360extending in the direction of forward travel. The front portion360can include one or more sensors, shown schematically at362,364. The sensors362,364can include detection technologies such as sonar devices, stereo cameras, lasers, and radar and can be used for operation of the autonomous vehicle310, including operations such as lane departure warnings, collision avoidance and blind spot monitoring. A system320is illustrated having first and second covering assemblies326,328connected together by links330A-330C. In the illustrated embodiment, the covering assemblies326,328and the links330A-330C are the same as, or similar to, the covering assemblies26,28and the links30A-30C described above and illustrated inFIG. 2. In this embodiment, the first covering assembly326is secured to an engine hood350through suction formed by one or more suction assemblies in the first covering assembly326and the second covering assembly328is secured to the front portion360through suction formed by one or more suction assemblies in the second covering assembly328. Deployment and operation of the system320is the same as described above for system20.

While the embodiments of the systems20,220and320have been described above and shown in the Figures as securing the first and second covering assemblies to portion of a vehicle with the force created by a partial vacuum, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, forces created by other physical phenomena can be used. Non-limiting examples of other forces include magnetic forces, electrodynamic forces, intermolecular forces and the like.

The principle and mode of operation of the parking enforcement system have been described in the illustrated embodiments. However, it should be noted that the parking enforcement system may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its scope.