Abstract:
The device would be a metal or heavy-duty plastic retractable loading platform, designed to bridge the gap between the train car and the station platform. When not in use, the retractable platform would be retracted into a position of concealment beneath the door(s) of the train car. At the station, the device would move outward, either abutting or overlapping the station platform, just prior to the train door(s) opening.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/069,624, filed Mar. 17, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     This invention relates to retractable platforms and, more particularly, to an automated retractable platform device for bridging a gap between a train and a station platform during passenger loading and unloading procedures. 
     2. Prior Art 
     America in the 21 st  century is a nation of commuters. Most of us work someplace outside the home, and for most of us, that place lies somewhere down the highway. For commuters who live in the suburbs or, increasingly, the farther removed “exurbs,” the commute can be extreme. It is not uncommon for a person employed in San Francisco to live in Modesto or Gilroy, and drive several hours twice a day; and similarly highway-bound existences can be found on the ever-receding peripheries of any&#39;major city. Still, with all the news about road-rage, traffic jams, and the mounting hassles of the commuter lifestyle, we may forget that millions of Americans commute in another manner—by train. Trains offer certain advantages when it comes to the morning and evening commute. 
     For one thing, it&#39;s entirely possible to read the newspaper on the morning train and take a nap on the evening commute. The countryside reels past, the click of the wheels on the tracks instills a reassuring rhythm in the mind and body, and the train proceeds (on most days) like clockwork, traveling down its accustomed track by predestination. On a commuter train, one can relax and prepare for—or forget, once they&#39;ve been met—the demands of the business day. The commuter brethren on the highway, meanwhile, are engaged in a heart-pounding, high-stakes game that is equal parts patience and aggression; small wonder that they come home exhausted and irritable, hands shaking until the first cocktail is down. Given the choice, what veteran of the highway commute would not prefer the train? 
     Then again, commuting by train or subway does have its downside. For one thing, the train commuter must navigate among a sea of strangers each morning and evening, generally at times when he or she most craves silence and solitude. For subway commuters, this lack of privacy and personal space is extreme, as one is frequently shoulder-to-shoulder, standing in a closely packed crowd of fellow riders. On trains, one&#39;s seatmate is often a stranger, and not always a polite or agreeable one. 
     And then there is the rush out the doors when the train reaches the platform or station—“people pushing, people shoving,” as one rock-n-roll song put it, “on the 8:15 into the city.” On top of all this, there is the very real hazard involved in actually stepping off the train and onto the platform. You have to consciously step out, or risk falling between the train and the concrete—a mistake that could be the ruin of your day, certainly, if not your life. In the hurly-burly of the commute, people do in fact fall and get injured between trains and platforms, a problem that the present invention will solve. 
     Platform gaps, up to 15 inches wide, can be caused by a station&#39;s curvature and the design of trains, whose sides are straight. Fliers, posters and yellow stickers on train doors urge riders to “Watch the Gap.” Subway and commuter train stations are busy, crowded places where large groups of people are constantly in motion, and frequently in motions opposed to one another. Scrambling to get aboard a train, or attempting to get off at the station, a passenger frequently finds himself or herself in an anxious, distracted state of mind—a state more likely to lead to a potentially catastrophic misstep. 
     Accordingly, the present invention is disclosed in order to overcome the above noted shortcomings. The retractable platform device is convenient and easy to use, lightweight yet durable in design, and designed to assist train passengers with entering and exiting the train. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a retractable loading platform assembly for bridging a gap between a train and a station platform during passenger loading and unloading procedures. These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are provided by a retractable loading platform assembly preferably including a rigid loading platform adapted to be anchored to an underside of the train, and a mechanism for automatically reciprocating the loading platform along a linear travel path upon detecting first and second triggering events respectively. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the loading platform may be automatically displaced from a retracted position to a fully extended position when the first triggering event is detected. Likewise, the loading platform may be automatically displaced from the fully extended position to the retracted position when the second triggering event is detected. Such a linear travel path is preferably defined along a single horizontal plane. 
     The automatic loading platform reciprocating mechanism may include a power-actuated drive mechanism centrally engaged to a bottom surface of the loading platform. Such a drive mechanism may be connected to the underside of the train. The mechanism further includes a controller preferably includes a processor and a memory electrically coupled thereto. A plurality of sensor may be located at the loading platform and being communicatively coupled to the controller respectively. In this manner, the controller may cause the drive mechanism to toggle between alternate operating modes upon detecting the first and second triggering events respectively. 
     Such a memory preferably includes programmable software instructions that cause the controller to verify an authenticity of the first and second triggering events. Upon detecting the first and second triggering events, a first group of the sensors generates and transmits true first output signals. Similarly, a second group of the sensors may generate and transmit true second output signals upon detecting the second triggering event respectively. Such first and second sensor groups preferably generate and transmit respective first and second false output signals when the first and second triggering events are not detected. 
     The controller may be responsive to the first and second outputs signals and thereby generates and transmits first and second control signals to the drive mechanism upon receiving the true first and second output signals respectively. 
     In this manner, the drive mechanism is caused to rotate in clockwise and counter clockwise directions upon receiving the first and second control signals respectively. 
     In one embodiment, drive mechanism preferably includes a rotary motor coupled to an existing power source of the train, and a plurality of rectilinear drive shafts directly coupled to the rotary motor respectively. Each of such drive shafts may be coupled to the rotary motor and oppositely extend away therefrom respectively. Notably, the drive shafts may be registered along a linear axis oriented parallel to a rear edge of the loading platform. 
     The drive mechanism may further include a plurality of cogwheels anchored to respective distal ends of the drive shafts. Each of such cogwheels may be synchronously rotated with the drive shafts as the motor rotates in the clockwise and counter clockwise directions. A plurality of serrated tracks may be statically connected directly to the bottom surface of the loading platform. Such serrated tracks are preferably configured in such a manner that the cogwheels remain continuously and directly engaged with the serrated tracks during the reciprocating motions. In this manner, the loading platform is caused to linearly reciprocate along the horizontal plane as the drive shafts and the cogwheels rotate along the clockwise and counter clockwise directions respectively. 
     The automatic loading platform reciprocating mechanism may further include a plurality of protective guide rails situated at opposed lateral ends of the loading platform respectively. A plurality of guide wheels may be rotatably anchored within each of the protective guide rails. Such guide wheels are preferably configured in such a manner that the loading platform remains intercalated between top and bottom rows of the guide wheels while reciprocating between the retracted and fully extended positions respectively. 
     In one embodiment, each of the protective guide rails has a longitudinal length registered parallel to the linear travel path of the loading platform for maintaining the loading platform at a substantially stable position during repeated reciprocating movement. 
     For any hurried commuter—and especially for those elderly or mobility-restricted commuters for whom these transitions are a particular obstacle—the retractable platform device would provide a convenient, reliable safety bridge between train and platform, platform and train. 
     The present invention further includes a method of utilizing a retractable loading platform assembly for bridging a gap between a train and a station platform during passenger loading and unloading procedures. Such a method preferably includes the chronological steps of: providing and anchoring a rigid loading platform to an underside of the train; and automatically reciprocating the loading platform along a linear travel path upon detecting first and second triggering events respectively. The later step may be executed by performing the following chronological steps: automatically displacing the loading platform from a retracted position to a fully extended position when the first triggering event is detected; and automatically displacing the loading platform from the fully extended position to the retracted position when the second triggering event is detected. Such a linear travel path is preferably defined along a single horizontal plane. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
     It is noted the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       The novel features believed to be characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing an exemplary environment at which an automated retractable platform device is employed, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing a platform operably supported by an automated loading platform reciprocating mechanism; 
         FIGS. 3 and 4  are top and front elevational views of the loading platform cooperating with the reciprocating mechanism and drive mechanism respectively; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged side elevational view showing one of the cogwheels in direct abutment with the serrated track; and 
         FIG. 6  is a high level schematic block diagram showing the interrelationship between the major electric components of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     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 embodiment of the invention. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures or the shapes, relative sizes or proportions shown in the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, this embodiment is provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the true scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the figures. 
     The device of this invention is referred to generally in  FIGS. 1-6  by the reference numeral  10  and is intended to provide an automated platform retracting device  10  for selectively bridging a gap  42  between a train door  40  and a station platform  41  during passenger loading and unloading procedures. It should be understood that the retractable platform device  10  may be used to bridge the gap between many different types of commuter trains and platforms. 
     The retractable platform device  10  would preclude the possibility of a passenger falling between the train door  40  and the station platform  41 , and thus prevent the serious injuries. With the pressure of people behind, each of them equally intent on getting on or off, the hazards grow to unacceptable levels. As a consequence, people trip and fall, and sometimes fall between the train door  40  and platform  41 . 
     The retractable platform device  10  is designed to bridge that gap  42  and to make such a fall impossible. Designed to move out from beneath the train door  40  an instant before they open, and to retract an instant after they close, the device  10  would operate automatically, connecting the train  43  to the loading platform  11 , and providing a short but stable bridge between the two. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , the retractable loading platform device  10  preferably includes a rigid loading platform  11  adapted to be anchored to an underside of the train. The device  10  further includes a mechanism  12  for automatically reciprocating the loading platform  11  along a linear travel path  25  upon detecting first and second triggering events respectively. Such first and second triggering events may be defined as opening and closing operations of the train doors. However, the triggering events may also be defined when the train comes to a complete stop and begins moving thereafter, respectively. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the loading platform  11  may be automatically displaced from a retracted position to a fully extended position when the first triggering event is detected. The retracted position may be defined when the loading platform  11  is stored beneath the train. The fully retracted position may be defined when the loading platform  11  bridges the gap between the train and station platform. Likewise, the loading platform  11  may be automatically displaced from the fully extended position to the retracted position when the second triggering event is detected. Such a linear travel path  25  is preferably defined along a single horizontal plane aligned with the station platform  41 , for example. 
     The automatic loading platform reciprocating mechanism  12  may include a power-actuated drive mechanism  50  centrally engaged to a bottom surface of the loading platform  11 . Also, such a drive mechanism  50  may be connected to the underside of the train. Advantageously, the centrally mounted drive mechanism  50  provides not only the power-actuated input for the loading platform&#39;s 11 motions, but also provides balance to the loading platform  11 . Through the connecting drive shafts  14 ,  15  and cogwheels  16 ,  17 , the drive mechanism  50  serves to further anchor the remaining components of the automatic loading platform reciprocating mechanism  12  to the undercarriage of the train  43 . 
     The automatic loading platform reciprocating mechanism  12  further includes a controller  13  provided with a processor  30  and a memory  31  electrically coupled thereto. The processor  30  may include a microprocessor or other devices capable of being programmed or configured to perform computations and instruction processing in accordance with the invention. Such other devices may include microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSP), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), discrete gate logic, and/or other integrated circuits, hardware or firmware in lieu of or in addition to a microprocessor. 
     Functions and process steps described herein may be performed using programmed computer devices and related hardware, peripherals, equipment and networks. When programmed, the computing devices are configured to perform functions and carry out steps in accordance with principles of the invention. Such programming may comprise operating systems, software applications, software modules, scripts, files, data, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), discrete gate logic, or other hardware, firmware, or any conventional programmable software, collectively referred to herein as a module. 
     The memory  31  preferably includes programmable software instructions that are executed by the processor  30 . In particular, the programmable software instructions include a plurality of chronological operating steps that define a control logic algorithm for performing the intended functions of the present invention. Such software instructions may be written in a variety of computer program languages such as C++, Fortran and Pascal, for example. One skilled in the art understands that such software instructions may contain various Boolean logic processes that perform the intended function of the present invention. Therefore, the specific source or object code of the software program is not intended to be a limiting factor in executing the present invention&#39;s intended function. 
     The memory  31 , which enables storage of data and programs, may include RAM, ROM, flash memory and any other form of readable and writable storage medium known in the art or hereafter developed. The memory  31  may be a separate component or an integral part of another component such as processor  30 . Such a memory  31  preferably includes programmable software instructions that cause the controller  13  to verify an authenticity of the first and second triggering events. Upon detecting the first and second triggering events, a first group of the sensors  23  may generate and transmit true first output signals. Similarly, a second group of the sensors  24  may generate and transmit true second output signals upon detecting the second triggering event respectively. Such first and second sensor groups  23 ,  24  preferably generate and transmit respective first and second false output signals when the first and second triggering events are not detected. 
     The plurality of sensors  23 ,  24  may be located at the loading platform  11  and, further, may be communicatively coupled to the controller  13  respectively. The two groups of sensors  23 ,  24  may include any suitably sensors. For example, motion and/or light sensors may be provided to cause the present invention to detect the first and second triggering events, for example. Active and/or passive sensors may be used to react to detectable subject matter such as light, noise, radiation (e.g., heat), or changes in emitted energy, fields or beams. However, the invention is not limited to a particular type of sensor. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other sensors may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Examples of such other sensors include pressure sensitive mats; optical sensors configured to sense light; microwave sensors that use a Gunn diode operating within pre-set limits to transmit/flood a designated area/zone with an electronic field whereby movement in the zone disturbs the field and sets off an alarm; an ultrasonic sensor configured to react to a determined range of ultrasonic sound energy in a protected area; or any other sensor capable of providing motion detection capability in accordance with principles of the invention. 
     Advantageously, the controller  13  may cause the drive mechanism  50  to toggle between alternate operating modes upon detecting the first and second triggering events respectively. For example, the controller  13  may be responsive to the first and second outputs signals and thereby generate and transmit first and second control signals to the drive mechanism  50  upon receiving the true first and second output signals respectively. In this manner, the drive mechanism  50  is caused to rotate in clockwise and counter clockwise directions upon receiving the first and second control signals respectively. 
     In one embodiment, drive mechanism  50  preferably includes a rotary motor  51  coupled to an existing power source of the train  43 , and a plurality of rectilinear drive shafts  14 ,  15  directly coupled to the rotary motor respectively. Each of such drive shafts  14 ,  15  may be coupled to the rotary motor  51  and oppositely extends away therefrom respectively. Notably, the drive shafts  14 ,  15  may be registered along a linear axis oriented parallel to a rear edge of the loading platform  11 , as perhaps best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . 
     The drive mechanism  12  may further include a plurality of cogwheels  16 ,  17  anchored to respective distal ends of the drive shafts  14 ,  15 . Each cogwheel  16 ,  17  may be synchronously rotated with the drive shafts  14 ,  15  as the motor  51  rotates in the clockwise and counter clockwise directions. A plurality of serrated tracks  18 ,  19  may be statically connected directly to the bottom surface of the loading platform  11 . Such serrated tracks  18 ,  19  are preferably configured in such a manner that the cogwheels  16 ,  17  remain continuously and directly engaged with the serrated tracks  18 ,  19  during the reciprocating motions. In this manner, the loading platform  11  is caused to linearly reciprocate along the horizontal plane as the drive shafts  14 ,  15  and the cogwheels  16 ,  17  rotate along the clockwise and counter clockwise directions respectively. 
     The automatic loading platform  11  reciprocating mechanism  12  may further include a plurality of protective guide rails  20 ,  21  situated at opposed lateral ends of the loading platform  11  respectively. A plurality of guide wheels  22  may be rotatably anchored within each of the protective guide rails  20 ,  21 . Such guide wheels  22  are preferably configured in such a manner that the loading platform  11  remains intercalated between top and bottom rows of the guide wheels  22  while reciprocating between the retracted and fully extended positions respectively. 
     In one embodiment, each of the protective guide rails  20 ,  21  has a longitudinal length registered parallel to the linear travel path  25  of the loading platform  11  for maintaining the loading platform  11  at a substantially stable position during repeated reciprocating movement. 
     For any hurried commuter—and especially for those elderly or mobility-restricted commuters for whom these transitions are a particular obstacle—the retractable loading platform device  10  would provide a convenient, reliable safety bridge between train and platform, platform and train. 
     The present invention further includes a method of utilizing a retractable loading platform device  10  for bridging a gap between a train  43  and a station platform  41  during passenger loading and unloading procedures. Such a method preferably includes the chronological steps of: providing and anchoring a rigid loading platform  11  to an underside of the train  43 ; and automatically reciprocating the loading platform  11  along a linear travel path  25  upon detecting first and second triggering events respectively. 
     The later step may be executed by performing the following chronological steps: automatically displacing the loading platform  11  from a retracted position to a fully extended position when the first triggering event is detected; and automatically displacing the loading platform  11  from the fully extended position to the retracted position when the second triggering event is detected. Such a linear travel path  25  is preferably defined along a single horizontal plane. 
     While the invention has been described with respect to a certain specific embodiment, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 
     In particular, with respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the present invention may include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation. The assembly and use of the present invention are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art.