Hazard warning system

Abstract

A hazard warning system having a display panel operatively associated with two mounting elements. One mounting element is adapted for coupling to a trailer hitch, and another mounting element is adapted for engaging a ground-supported frame. The display panel is configurable to alert and instruct the public in real time.

Claims

1. Hazard warning system, comprising: a display panel operatively associated with two spaced apart mounting elements; the two mounting elements comprising: a hitch interface configured to couple to a trailer hitch; and a frame interface configured to couple to an upper surface of a frame, wherein the hitch interface and the frame interface are configured so that while the upper surface of the frame is engaged by the frame interface, the hitch interface contacts a supporting surface supporting the frame.

2. The hazard warning system of claim 1, further comprising a ballistic shield removably attached along an upper surface of the display panel.

3. The hazard warning system of claim 1, wherein the hitch interface comprises a L-shape having a vertical leg and a horizontal leg, and wherein the vertical leg is attached to a rear surface of the display panel; and the frame interface further comprising a brace dimensioned to extend from the vertical leg to a distal end of the frame.

4. The hazard warning system of claim 1, wherein the frame interface has U-shaped upper portions that circumscribe a removable power source.

5. The hazard warning system of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises two or more wheels connectable to ends of two legs of the frame.

6. The hazard warning system of claim 1, wherein the display panel comprises an image capturing device attached thereto.

7. A hazard warning system, comprising: a display panel operatively associated with two spaced apart mounting elements; the two mounting elements comprising: a hitch interface configured to couple to a trailer hitch; and a frame interface configured to couple to an upper surface of a frame, wherein the hitch interface and the frame interface are configured so that while the upper surface of the frame is engaged by the frame interface, the hitch interface contacts a supporting surface supporting the frame, wherein the hitch interface comprises a L-shape having a vertical leg and a horizontal leg, and wherein the vertical leg is attached to a rear surface of the display panel; the frame interface further comprising a brace dimensioned to extend from the vertical leg to a distal end of the frame; the frame interface has U-shaped upper portions that circumscribe a removable power source; a ballistic shield removably attached along an upper surface of the display panel; an image capturing device attached to the display panel; and two or more wheels connectable to ends of two legs of the frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in use mounted to a vehicle.

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in use mounted to a stand-alone frame

(3) FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2.

(4) FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(8) The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

(9) Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a hazard warning system having a display panel operatively associated with two mounting elements, one mounting element for coupled to a trailer hitch, and another mounting element for engaging a ground-supported frame. The display panel is configurable to visually alert and instruct the public in real time.

(10) Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 7, the present invention may include a hazard warning system 100. The hazard warning system 100 operatively associates a display panel 10 with two mounting elements. The first mounting element is a hitch interface 12 adapted to removable mount to a trailer hitch 34. The second mounting element is a frame interface 42 adapted to engage a frame 24. The display panel 10 may include a television (CCTV) surveillance system, LED and digital functionality, emergency lights 30, and an image-capturing device 20 mounted thereto by way of a camera mount 14. A ballistic shield 18 may be mounted to the display panel 10.

(11) A power source 22 may be mounted to a rear surface of the display panel 10 by way of the frame interface 42. The frame interface 42 may project from said rear surface. A lower portion of the frame interface 42 may be a plate or the like. An upper portion of the frame interface 42 may provide U-shaped framing 16 perpendicularly extending from the lower portion for circumscribing the power source 22.

(12) The hitch interface 12 may include a L-shaped member, wherein an upper portion of the vertical leg of the L-shaped member is attached to the rear surface of the display panel. The horizontal leg of the L-shaped member engages the trailer hitch 34 and/or a hitch adaptor 36 of a vehicle 32.

(13) The frame 24 may extend from a distal end 23 to a proximal end 25. The frame 24 may have wheel 28 to assist in moving the frame 24 around by lifting the distal end 23 and rolling the frame 24 on its wheel 28. The wheels 28 may be connected to legs 27 of the frame 24 by way of wheel mounts 29.

(14) The frame interface may include a brace 26 that extends from a distal end 23 of the frame 24 to the upper portion of the vertical leg of the L-shaped member. When the frame interface 42 is engaged with the proximal end 25 of the frame 24, the bottom of the horizontal leg of the hitch interface 12 may engage the same supporting surface of the legs 27 of the frame 24.

(15) As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. And the term “substantially” refers to up to 80% or more of an entirety. Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

(16) For purposes of this disclosure, the term “aligned” means parallel, substantially parallel, or forming an angle of less than 35.0 degrees. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “transverse” means perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or forming an angle between 55.0 and 125.0 degrees. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “length” means the longest dimension of an object. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “width” means the dimension of an object from side to side. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “above” generally means superjacent, substantially superjacent, or higher than another object although not directly overlying the object. Further, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “mechanical communication” generally refers to components being in direct physical contact with each other or being in indirect physical contact with each other where movement of one component affect the position of the other.

(17) The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the embodiments or the claims. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed embodiments.

(18) In the following description, it is understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms unless specifically stated to the contrary.

(19) It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.