Alerting device and associated method

An alerting safety device includes a pole formed from flexible material, a flag attached to the pole, a fastening member attached to a bottom end of the pole, a coupling attached to the fastening member and spaced from the pole, and a light-emitting section attached to a top most end of the pole above the flag. Notably, the light-emitting section is automatically toggled between on and off modes upon receiving input signals respectively.

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

1. Technical Field

This invention relates to safety devices and, more particularly, to an alerting device for providing users with an easy and convenient means of warning motorist of a slow moving vehicle or assistive mobility vehicle close by.

2. Prior Art

Over 54 million Americans suffer from some form of limited mobility. In fact, according to statistics compiled by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), these numbers are ever increasing. Limited mobility can result from a variety of causes such as arthritis, muscle deterioration or inactivity. In addition, over eleven thousand Americans suffer an injury to the spinal cord. Often resulting in paraplegia (paralysis from the legs down) or quadriplegia (paralysis from the neck down) the severity of one's condition depends upon the location on the spinal cord which was injured. According to statistics compiled by the National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) and the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), there are approximately 250,000 Americans living with this debilitating injury in the United States today.

Regardless of whether one suffers limited mobility brought on by disease or by injury to the legs, back or spinal cord, many of these infirmities result in the sufferer becoming temporarily or permanently dependent upon a wheelchair. Wheelchairs are extremely practical devices which enable those with limited mobility to get from one place to another in a simple and comfortable manner. While those who suffer paraplegia, quadriplegia, cerebral palsy or similar ailments most often utilize a wheelchair, these devices are also often used by seniors, those with heart or lung conditions, as well as other consumers who do possess the ability to walk, but simply lack the strength or dexterity to do so for extended periods.

For those who depend on wheelchairs, these devices are necessary regardless of whether spending time indoors or out. In fact, many who suffer limited mobility lead very active lives and enjoy participating in various outdoor sports or recreational activities. Unfortunately, as with anyone else, there are occasions when spending time outdoors that those who depend on assistive mobility devices are at risk for injury. Specifically, when spending time outdoors after nightfall consumers who depend on wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility devices can be difficult for those traveling in cars and trucks to see. Every year, thousands of consumers are struck by vehicles when walking near or across streets and roadways.

In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control nearly 85,000 consumers suffer traffic related injuries each year, with approximately 5,000 of these injuries resulting in a fatality. Not surprisingly, children are especially at risk when it comes to traffic related accidents, with nearly 32% of nonfatal pedestrian injuries and 12% of pedestrian fatalities reported incurred by children under the age of fifteen. Perhaps one of the most prevalent causes of these types of accidents is that the passing motorist simply does not see the pedestrian on or near the road.

In particular, for those driving light trucks, SUV's, professional service trucks, or long haul freight liners, the very height of the vehicle cab can serve to obstruct pedestrians, such as those in wheelchairs and scooters, who are positioned low to the ground, thus resulting in the unaware motorist striking, injuring and in worse cases killing, a passing pedestrian.

Accordingly, a need remains for a device in order to overcome the above-noted shortcomings. The present invention satisfies such a need by providing an alerting device that is convenient and easy to use, lightweight yet durable in design, versatile in its applications, and designed for warning motorists of a slow moving or assistive mobility vehicle close by.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) to provide an alerting safety device for warning a moving vehicle of a pedestrian-operated transporter. These and other objects, features, and advantages of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) are provided by the alerting safety device including a pole formed from flexible material, a flag attached to the pole, a fastening member attached to a bottom end of the pole, a coupling attached to the fastening member and spaced from the pole, and a light-emitting section attached to a top most end of the pole above the flag. Notably, the light-emitting section is automatically toggled between on and off modes upon receiving input signals respectively.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the flag includes first, second and third coextensively shaped wings statically mated to the pole.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the flag is provided with a reflective coating for reflecting light.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the light-emitting section is toggled between the on and off modes when the reflective coating reflects a minimum quantity of lumens.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the fastening member includes a tubular first member statically coupled to the bottom end of the pole, a tubular second member dynamically coupled to the tubular first member, and a first adjustment knob selectively locking the tubular first member to the tubular second member. In this manner, the tubular first member and the pole are contemporaneously rotated relative to the tubular second member.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the coupling includes a c-shaped first member statically mated to the tubular first member, a c-shaped second member removably locked with the c-shaped first member, and a second adjustment knob removably mated to first ends of the c-shaped first and second members respectively. Notably, the c-shaped first member has a notch formed at a second end thereof. The c-shaped second member has a protruding finger formed at a second end thereof. In this manner, the protruding finger is interfitted within the notch when the adjustment knob is mated to the first ends.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the coupling is a c-clamp fixedly mated to the fastening member and oppositely spaced from the first adjustment knob.

The present disclosure further includes a method of utilizing an alerting safety device for warning a moving vehicle of a pedestrian-operated transporter. Such a method includes the chronological steps of: providing a pole formed from flexible material; providing and attaching a flag to the pole; providing and attaching a fastening member to a bottom end of the pole; providing and attaching a coupling to the fastening member; spacing the coupling from the pole; providing and attaching a light-emitting section to a top most end of the pole above the flag; and the light-emitting section automatically toggling between on and off modes upon receiving input signals respectively.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure so that the following detailed description may be better understood, and that the present contribution to the relevant art(s) may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) depicted in the figures nor the shapes, relative sizes or proportions shown in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure is shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) set forth herein. Rather, such non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the relevant art(s). Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the figures.

The illustrations of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the present disclosure. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of the structures, systems and/or methods described herein. Other non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) upon reviewing the disclosure. Other non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may be utilized and derived from the disclosure such that structural, logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

References in the specification to “one embodiment(s)”, “an embodiment(s)”, “a preferred embodiment(s)”, “an alternative embodiment(s)” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in at least an embodiment(s) of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s). The appearances of the phrase “non-limiting exemplary embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment(s).

The non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) is/are referred to generally inFIGS. 1-6and is/are intended to provide an alerting safety device. It should be understood that the present invention may be used to alert motorists of a slow moving or assistive mobility vehicle and many different types of vulnerable objects close by, and should not be limited to the uses described herein. The device may also be used by people using bicycles, recumbent bikes and jogging strollers, for example, so motorists would see them more closely.

Referring toFIGS. 1-6in general, an alerting safety device10for warning a moving vehicle of a pedestrian-operated transporter is shown. Such an alerting safety device10includes a pole20formed from flexible material, a flag21attached to the pole20, a fastening member30attached to a bottom end of the pole20, a coupling31attached to the fastening member30and spaced from the pole20, and a light-emitting section23attached to a top most end of the pole20above the flag21. Notably, the light-emitting section23is automatically toggled between on and off modes upon receiving input signals32respectively. Such input signals32are the reflections emitted by the reflective coating33when light shines thereon.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the flag21includes first21a, second21band third21ccoextensively shaped wings statically mated to the pole20.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the flag21is provided with a reflective coating33for reflecting light. The reflective coating33generates and emits the input signals32when light shines thereon. Such reflected light rays are picked up by sensors50communicatively coupled to the light-emitting section23.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the light-emitting section23is toggled between the on and off modes when the reflective coating33reflects a minimum quantity of lumens. One skilled in the art understands such a minimum quantity can be adjusted by calibrating sensors50or adjusting reflective coating33. That is, when sensors50detect input signals32from reflective coating33, a switch51is toggled to a closed position and thereby transmits power55to light-emitting section23, which illuminates. In a similar manner, when light rays are not reflected from reflective coating33, sensors50do not detect input signals32and switch51remains at an open position so that power is not transmitted to light-emitting section23.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the fastening member30includes a tubular first member35statically coupled to the bottom end of the pole20, a tubular second member36dynamically coupled to the tubular first member35, and a first adjustment knob37selectively locking the tubular first member35to the tubular second member36. In this manner, the tubular first member35and the pole20are contemporaneously rotated relative to the tubular second member36.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, coupling31includes a c-shaped first member40statically mated to the tubular first member35, a c-shaped second member41removably locked with c-shaped first member40. A second adjustment knob43is removably mated to first ends40a,41aof the c-shaped first and second members40,41, respectively. Notably, the c-shaped first member40has a notch47formed at a second end40bthereof. The c-shaped second member40has a protruding finger46formed at a second end41bthereof. In this manner, the protruding finger46is interfitted within the notch47when the second adjustment knob43is mated to the first ends40a,41a.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the coupling31is a c-clamp22fixedly mated to the fastening member30and oppositely spaced from the first adjustment knob37.

The present disclosure further includes a method of utilizing an alerting safety device10for warning a moving vehicle of a pedestrian-operated transporter. Such a method includes the chronological steps of: providing a pole20formed from flexible material; providing and attaching a flag21to the pole20; providing and attaching a fastening member30to a bottom end of the pole20; providing and attaching a coupling31to the fastening member30; spacing the coupling31from the pole20; providing and attaching a light-emitting section23to a top most end of the pole20above the flag21; and the light-emitting section23automatically toggling between on and off modes upon receiving input signals32respectively.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the alerting device10may include a telescoping pole20and a flag21. The flag21may be attached to a top end portion of the telescoping pole20. A C-clamp22may be fixedly mated to a bottom end portion of the telescoping pole20. The pole20may further be detachably mated to a slow moving vehicle11via the C-clamp22. The flag21may further include a reflective coating33which would enable the device10to which they are attached, to be easily spotted by motorists and others. The yield sign flag21may be manufactured in roll form, or as a wide, flat panel produced in sizes up to 10″ in width and length for example. The reflective material may further be designed to reflect the light emitted by vehicle headlights, street lamps or illuminated signage. In addition, the material of the flag21may be of a conspicuous color, such as bright silver, green, orange or yellow, ensuring clear visibility during the daylight hours. The flag21may be designed to spin and sway in different directions thus increasing visibility of users. A red light23connected to a portable power source may further be located at the top of the pole20to visually alert passing motorists in the dark.

As a non-limiting example, the device10may be a 3 feet, turquoise and white stripped pole20made of highly reflective material that can be extended to approximately 5 feet depending on the vehicle the pole20is attached to. At the top is a reflective “YIELD” sign21made of reflective yellow material with an orange red stripe on its edge. The “YIELD” sign21turns as the vehicle11moves and wind blows it causing the pole20to wave back and forth slightly making the device10more noticeable. There is a red light23attached to the top of the pole20, making it more visible. The advantage of the device10over conventional alerting devices is its highly reflective turquoise and white stripped material. The revolving “YIELD” orange sign21and the red light23at the top of the pole20further enable motorists to easily see the device10coming towards and away from them.

The alerting device10may provide users with a number of significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, the device10would provide users who depend on wheelchairs, scooters and other assistive devices, a simple means of alerting passing motorists to their presence on the road. The device10would provide a clearly visible alert to passing motorist to take extra caution and care when passing. Produced in vibrant, eye catching colors, use of the device10would ensure that drivers of light trucks, SUV's or even eighteen wheelers could clearly view the traveling user from their high perch in the vehicle cab.

In this manner, the device10could prove an invaluable safety tool, preventing motorists from accidentally striking those who depend on assistive devices and thus, effectively prevent accidents, injury and even death. Ideal for use by adults, the device10would also be well suited for use by teens and children who suffer varying degrees of limited mobility. Although designed specifically for use on wheelchairs and scooters, the device10could also be applied to walkers, crutches, canes and similar mobility aids, enabling consumers who suffer a wide array of medical maladies to benefit from the device10.

In use, the alerting device10would be simple and straightforward to use. Users would simply purchase the device10in sizes appropriate for their assistive mobility vehicle11. Once purchased, the user, alone or with the help of a friend, may install the device10in designated areas about their wheelchair, scooter or other mobility tool. Once positioned in place, the device10would provide a clearly visible beacon to passing motorists, alerting them to the presence of the user and enabling them to take necessary safety precautions.

In an alternative embodiment, the alerting device10may feature a pulley system for raising the flag21when a higher level of visibility is needed. In this way, disabled users who may not be able to stand up may be able to raise and adjust the flag21to ensure a good visibility of the device10to passing motorists.

While non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) has/have been described with respect to certain specific embodiment(s), it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In particular, with respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation.