VEHICLE CABIN BARRIER SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention may provide a barrier system for preventing transmission of disease (i.e., airborne or droplet-based disease) between two occupants of a vehicle, the barrier system comprising a frame adjustable in size and shape to fit the cabin of a plurality of different passenger vehicles, a shield operable to fit over the frame and being impervious to droplets expelled from the nose or mouth of a person, and a securing member operable to hold the barrier system in place.

Claims

1. A barrier system for preventing transmission of a disease between two occupants in a cabin of a vehicle, the system comprising: a. a frame; and b. a shield supported by said frame.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a securing member for securing said frame to an interior surface of said cabin.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said securing member comprises a rigid extension operable to engage with a seem of said interior surface.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said interior surface comprises a pillar between a front door and a rear door of said cabin and said seem comprises an edge of a cover for said pillar.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein said securing member comprises a plurality of securing members arranged at different positions along a perimeter of said frame, wherein said plurality of securing members comprises a first rigid extension operable to engage with a first seem of said interior surface and a second rigid extension operable to engage with a second seem of said interior surface.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said shield comprises a flexible material substantially impervious to droplets expelled from a person's nose or mouth.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a shaping member operable to conform to a shape of said cabin, said shaping member being operable to substantially reduce any gaps between said barrier system and an interior surface of said cabin.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the shaping member is arranged at a perimeter of said shield.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said shaping member comprises a pliable material wrapped around a support member of said frame, said pliable material being operable to conform to a shape of said interior surface of said cabin when said shaping member is pressed against said interior surface.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein said shaping member and said shield each comprise a passage for allowing a securing member of said frame to pass therethrough and secure said frame to said interior surface.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one supplemental securing member for securing said shield to a support structure of said vehicle.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein said supplemental securing member comprises a plurality of adjustable straps extending from said shield and said support structure comprises at least one seat of said vehicle.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein said shield comprises a console passage, said console passage comprising a shape complementary to an outer shape of a center console of said vehicle and allowing access by said passenger to a rear surface of said center console.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising an extending member, said extending member being removably attachable at a perimeter of said shield and operable to fill a gap between said shield and a surface of said cabin.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a plurality of interlocking rigid or semirigid support members.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein said frame is operable to conform to a shape complementary to an interior cross-sectional shape of said cabin.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein said frame comprises at least one telescoping member, said telescoping member comprising a first member extendably nested inside a second member.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein said frame comprises a rigid horizontal member, a rigid first lateral member, a rigid second lateral member, a semi-rigid first connecting member extendably nested within a first end of said horizontal member and within an upper end of said first lateral member, and a semi-rigid second connecting member extendably nested within a second end of said horizontal member and within an upper end of said second lateral member.

19. A barrier system for preventing transmission of a disease between two occupants in a cabin of a vehicle, the system comprising an adjustable frame, an expandable shield supported by said frame, and a securing member for securing said frame to a support structure of said vehicle.

20. A method of using a barrier system for preventing transmission of a disease between two occupants in a cabin of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: a. providing said barrier system comprising an adjustable frame, an expandable shield supported by said frame, and a securing member for securing said frame to a support structure of said vehicle; b. adjusting a shape of said frame; and c. engaging said securing member with said support structure of said vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] FIGS. 1A and 1B show perspective views of a frame of a barrier system for preventing transmission of disease in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIGS. 2A and 2B show perspective views of a frame of a barrier system for preventing transmission of disease in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIGS. 3A and 3B show perspective views of a frame of a barrier system for preventing transmission of disease in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIGS. 4A and 4B show perspective views of a frame of a barrier system for preventing transmission of disease in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIGS. 5A and 5B show perspective views of a barrier system for preventing transmission of disease in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIGS. 6A and 6B show perspective views of a barrier system for preventing transmission of disease in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIGS. 7A and 7B show perspective views of a barrier system for preventing transmission of disease in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIGS. 8A-8C each show a side, cross-section view of elements of a barrier system for preventing transmission of disease in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIGS. 9A and 9B show perspective views of elements of a barrier system for preventing transmission of disease in a vehicle being installed in a cabin of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 9C shows a perspective view of a elements of a barrier system for preventing transmission of disease in a vehicle installed in a cabin of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 9D shows a perspective view of a barrier system for preventing transmission of disease in a vehicle installed in a cabin of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIGS. 10A and 10B show perspective views of elements of a barrier system for preventing transmission of disease in a vehicle being installed in a cabin of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in reference to these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included within the spirit and scope of the invention. In the following disclosure, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without all of the specific details provided

[0050] The present invention may provide a barrier system 100 for preventing transmission of disease (i.e., airborne or droplet-based disease) between two occupants of a vehicle, the barrier system comprising a frame 110 adjustable in size and shape to fit the cabin 199 of a plurality of different passenger vehicles, and a shield 150 operable to fit over the frame and being impervious to droplets expelled from the nose or mouth of a person.

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, 2A-2B, 3A-3B, 4A-4B, 9A-9C, and 10A-10B are depicted without the shield 150. This is done for clarity, so as to see the details of the frame 110, while in practice the shield 150 would be present.

[0052] As seen in FIG. 1, the frame 110 may comprise a substantially horizontal member 111, a plurality of lateral members 115, and at least one securing member 120. The horizontal member 111 may be located at an upper perimeter of the frame 110, adjacent to a ceiling 195 of the cabin 199 of the vehicle (see FIGS. 9B and 10B). The plurality of lateral members 115 may be located at a first lateral side 191 of the cabin 199 (i.e., the driver's side) and a second lateral side 192 of the cabin 199 (i.e., the passenger side, see FIG. 9C). The plurality of lateral members 115 may comprise a first lateral member 115a and a second lateral member 115b, the first lateral member 115a being located adjacent to a first inner surface 191a of the vehicle 199 (i.e., a support post between the driver's door and the rear driver's side door), and the second lateral member 115b being located adjacent to a second inner surface 192a of the vehicle 199 (i.e., a support post between the front passenger side door and the rear passenger side door).

[0053] The horizontal member 111 may have a first end 111a and a second end 111b, the first end 111a being connected to the first lateral member 115a and the second end 111b being connected to the second lateral member 115b. The first end 111a and the first lateral member 115a may be connected via a first connecting member 112, the first connecting member 112 comprising a shape complementary to a shape of a first corner 197 (see FIG. 9C) of the cabin 199 (i.e., a corner between the ceiling of the cabin and a support post between a front and a rear door of the vehicle). The second end 111b the second lateral member 115b may be connected via a second connecting member 113. The second connecting member 113 may comprise a shape complementary to a shape of a second corner 198 of the cabin 199. The first and second connecting members 112, 113 may each comprise a semi-rigid, flexible material operable to adapt to the shapes of the first corner 197 and second corner 198 of the cabin 199.

[0054] The first connecting member 112 may comprise a first end 112a and a second end 112b. The first end 112a may be extendably nested within the first end 111a of the horizontal member 111 (i.e., wherein the connecting member 112 may be operable to telescope into and out of the first end 111a of the horizontal member 111) effectively extending (see FIG. 1A) or reducing (see FIG. 1B) the overall width of the frame 110 to fit the width of the cabin 199. The second end 112b of the connecting member 112 may be extendably nested within an upper end of the first lateral member 115a (i.e., wherein the connecting member 112 may be operable to telescope into and out of the upper end of the first horizontal member 115a) effectively extending (see FIG. 1A) or reducing (see FIG. 1B) the overall height of the frame 110 to fit the height of the cabin 199.

[0055] The barrier system 100 may further comprise a first lateral extension 116a and a second lateral extension 116b, the first and second lateral extensions 116a, 116b extending from lower ends of the first and second lateral members 115a, 115b, respectively. The first and second lateral extensions 116a, 116b may each comprise a semi-rigid, flexible material, and be operable to conform to a shape of lower interior surface of the cabin 199 (i.e., the lower end of the door and the floor pan of the cabin). The first and second lateral extensions 116a, 116b may be extendably nested within the lower ends of the first and second lateral members 115a, 115b, respectively, and may thus be operable to extend from the first and second lateral members 115a, 115b in a telescoping manner.

[0056] The frame 110 may further comprise a first lower lateral member 117a and a second lower lateral member 117b. The first lateral member 115a and the first lower lateral member 117a may be adjustably connected via the a first lateral extension 116a, and the second lateral member 115b and second lower lateral member 117b may be adjustably connected via the second lateral extension 116b. The first lateral extension 116a may be extendably nested within an upper end of the first lower lateral member 117a in a telescopic manner and the second lateral extension 116b may be extendably nested within an upper end of the second lower lateral member 117b in a telescopic manner.

[0057] The frame may comprise at least one locking mechanism 125 for locking a position of a first support member (i.e., the first lateral member 115a) with respect to a second support member (i.e., the first connecting member 112) to prevent telescoping movement between them. The locking mechanism 125 may comprise a twist-tighten mechanism similar to those commonly used for hiking poles.

[0058] The frame 110 may comprise at least one securing member 120 for securing the frame 110 in position in the cabin 199 of the vehicle. The securing member 120 may comprise a rigid extension operable to engage with a surface of the cabin 199 to hold the frame 110 in place. The rigid extension 120 may have a tapering distal end operable to insert behind an edge of a rigid cover 194 of a support post of the vehicle. The at least one securing member 120 may comprise a first securing member 120a operable to engage with a first rigid cover 194a of the cabin 199, a second securing member operable to engage with a second rigid cover 194b of the cabin 199, a first lower securing member 121a operable to engage with the floor (i.e., carpet) on the first side 191 of the cabin and a second lower securing member 121b operable to engage with the floor on the second side 192 of the cabin.

[0059] In another embodiment of the present invention, the securing member 920 may comprise a clamp operable to fit around and engage (i.e., squeeze) the sides of the support post 991a of the vehicle (see FIGS. 10A and 10B).

[0060] As seen in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the shield 150 may comprise a substantially supple material operable to fold up (see FIG. 5B) or stretch out (see FIG. 5A) as the size or shape of the frame 110 is adjusted to fit the size or shape of the cabin 199 of the vehicle. The shield 150 may engage with the frame 110 in a manner which substantially prevents any open gaps between the shield 150 and the frame 110, and between the shield 150 and an interior surface (i.e., the ceiling 195) of the cabin 199 of the vehicle.

[0061] As seen in FIG. The shield 150 may wrap around the members (i.e., the horizontal member 111) of the frame 110. The shield 150 may wrap around the horizontal member 111, each of the plurality of lateral members 115, and each of the connecting members 112, 113 of the frame 110, the shield 150 securely engaging with itself after wrapping around frame 150. The shield 150 may securely engage with itself via an attachment mechanism 151. The attachment mechanism may comprise at least one of a sewing (see FIG. 8A), a hook and loop mechanism such as Velcro® (see FIG. 8B), and an adhesive (see FIG. 8C). The shield 150 may thereby substantially cover at least a portion of frame 110 and thereby be positioned to come in contact with the interior surfaces of the ceiling 195 and two lateral sides 191a, 192a of the cabin 199 of the vehicle (see FIG. 9D).

[0062] The shield 150 may comprise a window 160 operable to allow the occupants of the vehicle on each side of the barrier system 100 to view each other. The window 160 may be located at face height while a person is sitting in the vehicle (see, i.e., FIG. 5A). The shield may comprise a plurality of securing passages 152 adjacent to a support member (i.e., a lateral member 115) of the frame 110 to allow for the securing members 120a, 120b to pass through the shield 150 and engage with the interior surface 194a of the cabin 199. The securing passages 152 may each comprise a grommet.

[0063] As seen in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 8B, and 8C, the barrier system 100 may further comprise a shaping member 155 operable to supplement the shape of the frame 110 to fill in an area where the interior surface of the cabin 199 comprises an irregular shape (i.e., at a sunroof), thus providing substantially unbroken contact between the barrier 100 and the interior surface. The shaping member 155 may be removably attachable to the frame 110 (see FIGS. 6A and 8C) operable to securely wrap around a portion (i.e., the horizontal member 111) of the frame 110. In another embodiment, the shaping member 555 may be permanently attached to the frame (see FIGS. 6B and 8B). The shaping member 155/555 may comprise a fibrous web material.

[0064] In one embodiment, the shaping member may comprise an inner, compressible material 155a and an outer, protective cover 155b, the protective cover 155b being substantially impervious to droplets expelled from a person (see FIG. 8C). The protective cover 155b may comprise the same material as the shield 150. In another embodiment, the portion of the shield 550 wrapping around the shaping member 555 may be operable to act as a protective cover (see FIG. 8B).

[0065] In one embodiment, the barrier system 700 may comprise an extension member 756 operable to extend the shield 750 in a vehicle having an unusually tall cabin. The extension member 756 may comprise the same material as the shield 750 and may removably attach to the shield 750 via an extension attachment mechanism 757 (i.e., a plurality of snaps). The extension member 756 may removably attach to the shield 750 at the lower edge thereof and may be operable to effectively extend the height of the shield 750 (see FIG. 7A).

[0066] In one embodiment, the barrier system 800 may comprise a console passage 858 comprising an opening in the shield 850 positioned to allow a console 198 of the vehicle (i.e., the center console between the driver and front passenger seat) to pass through the shield 850. The rear side of the console 198 may therefore protrude into the passenger side of the barrier system 800, allowing access to the console 198 by a passenger of the vehicle. The barrier system 800 may thereby allow services provided at the rear side of the console 198 (i.e., climate control vents, power outlets, cup holders, and the like) to be accessible by the passenger. The console passage 858 may comprise a shape complementary to an outer shape of the console 198, reducing or eliminating any openings between the console 198 and the console passage 858.