Abstract:
A display device to indicate a private emergency, such as an expectant mother in labor, is disclosed. The device is displayed on the outside surface of a moving automobile. Motorists will yield to the auto, and police officers are alerted to offer assistance as necessary to escort the auto to a hospital.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The field of the present invention is emergency signaling and devices to accomplish the same. 
         [0002]    The use of signage to indicate the condition of a transitory vehicle is well known in the art. For example, Rabkin, U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,909, discloses a sign to display distress signals for alerting passing motorists. On seeing the sign, it is hoped that a passing motorist will summon an appropriate emergency response. Indeed, Rabkin shows several versions of the distress displays such as a sign to request the police, a sign to request the fire department, a sign to request a tow truck, or a sign to request an ambulance. Thereby a passing motorist would know what type of assistance is needed and summon such assistance to the disabled transitory vehicle. 
         [0003]    Also well known in the art are various methods to attach distress signage to a transitory vehicle. For example in Rabkin, discussed above, distress signage is secured to a stopped vehicle or the vehicle&#39;s window using a suction cup. In Panossian, U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,381, distress signage is clipped to the top of a lowered side window with the signage extending perpendicularly from the window. 
         [0004]    The prior art thus discloses structures and methods for a person to display signage proximate a disabled transitory vehicle that encourages a passing motorist to summon an emergency response. Furthermore, today it is common for drivers to have portable or cellular telephones. Drivers may thereby easily summon emergency help by calling an emergency number such as 911 or the Highway Patrol and indicate the location of an emergency site. For example, drivers may see a vehicle parked on the shoulder of a road, assume assistance is needed, and summon help to that site. In other circumstances, a driver may not have access to a portable telephone. However, call boxes are now installed on many freeways whereby a driver may stop and immediately contact an emergency organization such as the Highway Patrol. In such a situation the driver may see a stalled vehicle, assume help is needed, and drive ahead to a call box and contact authorities. 
         [0005]    However, when a person is in an emergency situation, it is not always the case that the person is in a stationary position, awaiting a response from a skilled emergency response team. Rather, it is frequently the case that the person is a passenger in a vehicle, or indeed even the driver thereof, proceeding to a hospital or other destination providing treatment for the emergency condition. If the person suffering the emergency is fortunate enough to be transported in an official vehicle, such as an ambulance, police car, or fire truck, that is equipped with siren and colored lights, the emergency vehicle is allowed the right-of-way by other vehicles to pass through unobstructed. Although there are laws prohibiting blocking the right-of-way of emergency vehicles, in practice these laws are seldom invoked. Almost all persons are willing to pull aside to avoid blocking the emergency vehicle, whether from admirable concern for the wellbeing of unknown strangers, or for the very prudent concern that the emergency vehicle is in extremis, and may present hazards to other vehicles that do not avoid blocking passage to the emergency vehicle. 
         [0006]    Frequently, however, a person in an emergency situation is traveling, not in an official vehicle, but in a private car. There are many examples of this. To name but a couple, a expecting mother goes into labor, and her husband, or another family member or friend, is present to drive her to the hospital to deliver her baby. Or, a mother calls her doctor because her child is sick or injured, and the doctor instructs her to bring the child immediately to the doctor&#39;s office, or the emergency room at the hospital. In these and many other types of common situations, the sufferer of an emergency situation is being transported to safety and treatment in a private vehicle. 
         [0007]    In this situation, the vehicle is not recognized by surrounding motorists as harboring an emergency situation. Passing motorists normally will not treat the vehicle with the deference they treat an emergency vehicle. They are not expected to do so, for they have no notice or identification of the vehicle as harboring an emergency. Thus, especially in a time-sensitive emergency or a crowded roadway, the vehicle may experience significant delays in reaching its destination, delays that would not impede an official emergency vehicle. 
         [0008]    Thus, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved device and method which would allow for swift passage of a private vehicle in an emergency situation; which would not place the suffering motorist in jeopardy; and which would not cause the emergency response communication system to become clogged with unnecessary calls. Additionally, such a device and method should not cause a great disruption to the normal flow of traffic. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    Therefore it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a new and improved device and method which can be used to assist a motorist in transit, suffering an emergency, without placing the motorist in jeopardy, and without causing unnecessary and unwanted clogging of the emergency response communication system. 
         [0010]    Briefly, the above and further objects of the present invention are realized by providing a kit for allowing a person to demonstrate to observers that an emergency is present in the vehicle, and observers should treat the vehicle as an ambulance or other emergency response vehicle, and admit through passage to the vehicle on its journey to a hospital or similar destination. 
         [0011]    The present invention includes a device and method wherein indicia are positionable on the surface of a vehicle, or within the vehicle yet visible from the outside, said display area being visible to an observer of the vehicle. The indicia communicate a message to the observer to encourage the observer to avoid the vehicle, and treat it as an ambulance or other emergency response vehicle, and admit through passage to the vehicle on its journey to a hospital or similar destination. 
         [0012]    Several features of the invention allow the indicia to be observable at night. For example, the indicia may include reflective tape, which is visible when lighted by streetlights, auto headlights, or other night lighting. Further, in one preferred embodiment of the current invention, the indicia are lighted by lights contained on the device on which the indicia are mounted, for example, as lights on a flagpole so disposed as to provide lighting of the flag displaying the indicia. 
         [0013]    A kit is also provided to notify others of the status of an emergency situation. The kit comprises a display support, a first display attachable to the display support with indicia for encouraging the treatment of the vehicle as an emergency vehicle, optional second display similarly attachable, and stowage of said display and indicia when the need for such treatment has passed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The above mentioned and other objects and features of the invention herein described and claimed, and the manner of attaining the objects will become apparent, and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective representation of a car in transit, having flag signage displayed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective representation of a car in transit, having flag signage stowed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective representation of a car in transit, having flag signage displaying a woman in labor, proceeding to the hospital, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of a flagpole for supporting an emergency flag, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a front view of flag signifying an emergency in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and having indicia to indicate caution due to an emergency vehicle proceeding to medical care, such as at a hospital. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic front view of the storage cover in place to cover the emergency flag when not in active use, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a front view of flag signifying an emergency in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and having indicia to indicate caution due to an emergency vehicle carrying a woman in labor, proceeding to medical care, such as at a hospital. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a perspective representation of a car in transit, having flag signage displaying a woman in labor, proceeding to medical care, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The car is preceded by another vehicle, which is pulling over to allow the signed car to proceed. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a perspective representation of a car in transit, having flag signage displaying a woman in labor, proceeding to the hospital, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A police cruiser, notified by the signage, escorts the signed car. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the kit of the current invention, containing all elements of the display materials of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a front view of the flag of a preferred embodiment of the current invention, signifying an emergency in accordance with the present invention, emphasizing the presence of the reflective tape comprising the borders around the message indicia. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0026]    Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a flag  100  constructed in accordance with the present invention is depicted on a vehicle in transit  200 . The moving vehicle  200  is moving along a road while other vehicles continue to pass by in either direction. The driver and any passengers in the passing cars may be observers of the transitory vehicle  200 . The indicia  160  on the flag  100  communicate a message to these observers that the observers should treat the transitory vehicle  200  as an emergency vehicle, such as an ambulance, and respond accordingly to the vehicle  200 . Although not shown in  FIG. 1 , another flag having indicia to encourage the like response an emergency-carrying vehicle in motion may alternatively be displayed. 
         [0028]    To better understand the advantages of using the flag  100 ,  FIG. 1  displays several likely messages communicated by the vehicle in need of passage assistance. The flag  100  carries several visible indicia. As displayed in  FIG. 1 , those indicia include emergency sign  160 , caution sign  110 , caduceus or hospital indicator  120 , and emergency notifier  160 , on board the instant vehicle enroute as shown by indicia  170 . The flag  100  is viewable by passing motorists so that the various indicia communicate to any observer that an emergency response is desired, simply to promote transit of the vehicle. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  shows a flagpole  150  attached to a side window  210  of the car  100 . The flagpole  150  may simply clip to the window or the windowsill, or may have a separate clamping mechanism. Those in the art will readily recognize that several alternatives exist to attach the flagpole  150  to the side window  210 . The pole  150  extends up and away from the vehicle A flag  100  is attached to the pole such that the flag  100  extends substantially perpendicular to the pole and is positioned such that those observing the emergency vehicle may read the indicia on flag  100 . 
         [0030]    The flag  100  may have indicia  160  to indicate that an emergency is in progress. The flag  100  further may have indicia  110 , having an exclamation mark within a triangle symbol, and captioned: CAUTION Vehicles. The exclamation mark within a triangle symbol is internationally known to mean “Caution.” Therefore the indicia  110  shown in  FIG. 1  symbolically displays to observers they are requested to avoid blocking the vehicle, and admit it to through passage on its way to its destination. Additionally, the flag  100  may have further indicia, such as  175 , indicating that the vehicle is en route. Also, indicia  120  may be displayed, to indicate that the vehicle&#39;s destination is a hospital or similar provider of medical treatment services. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that several alternatives exist for indicia that will successfully encourage outside vehicles to make way for the vehicle in emergency. The flag  100  is most conveniently provided as part of a kit. A detailed view of this version of the flag  100 , and indicia thereupon, is visible in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  shows the flag  100  in stowed configuration, as a component of kit  300 . Kit  300  is designed to be conveniently carried in a vehicle. The kit  300  contains at least one flag such as the first flag  100  illustrated in the previous  FIG. 1 . The flag is shown in  FIG. 2  in a stowed position, inside flag container  180 . Container  180  may be a hard canister, or it may be a soft cover of leather or synthetic leather-like construction. The container is held in place over the flag with latch  195 . The entire assembly can be left outside the window in display position, or it can be stored in the trunk or other convenient location inside the vehicle when not in use. Details of the stowed configuration are displayed in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0032]    The kit  300  further contains a pole  150  wherein the pole  150  may be telescoping or made in sections such that the pole  150  conveniently collapses, folds, or disassembles for easy storage, such as many tent poles. The kit  300  may also contain a window bracket to support the pole  150 . In the preferred embodiment, however, the pole  150  and bracket  154  are a single-piece of construction. 
         [0033]    The window bracket will attach to a side window and is adapted to hold and support the pole  150 . The flag  100  is then positionable on the pole  150  so that, when removed from the container, the indicia on the flag are visible to the moving cars  2 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  shows another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, a new flag is shown with different indicia. Here, the cause for travel is a woman in labor, as suggested by indicia  165  in words, and  130  in the form of a pictorial representation of a pregnant woman. Again, the message to nearby vehicles is clear: Please avoid this vehicle, and allow it to pass through as if an official emergency vehicle, transporting a woman in labor to a hospital to give birth under medical care. Details of this version of the emergency flag are depicted in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of a flagpole  150  for supporting an emergency flag, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The lower portion of the pole includes a foot  153  for attachment of the flagpole to a window of an automobile. 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  is a front view of flag  100  signifying an emergency in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and having indicia to indicate caution due to an emergency vehicle proceeding to medical care, such as at a hospital. At the top edge of the flag  100  is found indicia  160  indicating an emergency in progress. Bordering the top edge of flag  100  and underneath indicia  160  are border bars  175 . These bars  175 , in a preferred embodiment, are comprised of reflective material, such as reflective tape. In the central area of the flag  100  are indicia  110  and  120 . Indicia  110  display a request for vehicles to avoid blocking the subject vehicle displaying flag  100 , and indicia  120  indicate the subject vehicle&#39;s destination is to a source of medical care, such as a hospital. Still lower, at the bottom area of flag  100 , is found indicia  170 , indicating that the vehicle is enroute to the destination. Indicia  170  are bordered at top and bottom by border bars  175 , which may be comprised of reflective material. 
         [0037]      FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic front view of the storage cover in place to cover the emergency flag when not in active use, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Flag  100  and flagpole  150  are enclosed within sheath  180 . Such storage protects the flag from dirt and damage when not in use. An optional lock  195  secures the flag and flagpole within the storage sheath  180 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 7  is a front view of flag signifying an emergency in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and having indicia to indicate caution due to an emergency vehicle carrying a woman in labor, proceeding to medical care, such as at a hospital. The cause for travel, a woman in labor, is suggested by indicia  165  in words, and indicia  130  in the form of a pictorial representation of a pregnant woman. The message to nearby vehicles is clear: Please avoid this vehicle, and allow it to pass through as if an official emergency vehicle, transporting a woman in labor to a hospital to give birth under medical care. Indicia  170  indicate that the vehicle is enroute to the destination. Indicia  170  are bordered at top and bottom by border bars  175 , which may be comprised of reflective material. 
         [0039]      FIG. 8  is a perspective representation of a car in transit, having flag signage displaying a woman in labor, proceeding to medical care, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The car is preceded by another vehicle, which is pulling over to allow the signed car to proceed. 
         [0040]      FIG. 9  is a perspective representation of a car in transit, having flag signage displaying a woman in labor, proceeding to the hospital, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A police cruiser, notified by the signage, escorts the signed car. 
         [0041]      FIG. 10  is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the kit  300  of the current invention, containing all elements of the display materials of the present invention. Included within the kit are two examples of flag  100 ; flagpole  150 ; and sheath  180 . The kit can be closed and stored in the trunk of the car, or other secure location, when use of the present invention is not required. 
         [0042]      FIG. 11  is a front view of the flag of a preferred embodiment of the current invention, signifying an emergency in accordance with the present invention, emphasizing the presence of the reflective tape  170  comprising the borders around the message indicia. Flag  100  is constructed from a sheet material, preferably cloth, but plastic, paper, cardboard or other sheet-forming material is acceptable. The indicia are printed on the sheet material, although those skilled in the art will recognize that the indicia may be applied to the sheet material by other processes such as plastic transfer or paint. One edge of the flag  100  will have means for receiving the top end of the pole  150 . 
         [0043]    In use, the flag  100  may initially be removed from the container, and mounted on pole  150  to display while the vehicle is in transit to a destination. Nearby traffic will be notified to assist the occupants of the vehicle in an appropriate way. One encourages response is simply to pull over to allow the vehicle to pass through. Alternatively, the flag  100  may encourage an observer to contact the police or highway patrol to report the emergency. Such contact will likely occur via cell phone, although roadside telephones, CB radios, and other communication means are available to at least some if not most observers. Police thus summoned would be immediately aware of the emergency and the situation around it, and could gauge whether a police escort would be appropriate. 
         [0044]    It is not intended that the use of the present invention will permit the driver of the vehicle displaying the emergency flag to exceed the speed limit, or otherwise drive outside the limits imposed by law. The flags are informational, designed to help a person in an emergency and to inform the observers of their need to treat the flag-displaying vehicle as an emergency in progress. 
         [0045]    One limitation of the flag means of communication is that it may suffer from poor visibility at night. The present invention comprises means of illumination of the flag, to increase visibility at night. One means would employ battery powered mini-flood lamps aimed at the flag. Such flood lamps may be attached to the flagpole  150 , or directly to the outside of the vehicle. The lights could be battery-powered or run through a transformer to plug into the vehicle electronic circuit. 
         [0046]    Another means of illumination contemplated is to include lights as a physical component of the flag. This could best be accomplished by attaching low power LED lights to critical areas of the flag. Thus, perhaps EMERGENCY is illuminated. As in the flood lighting, lights could be battery-powered or run through a transformer to plug into the vehicle electronic circuit. 
         [0047]    While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment or embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.