Safety system for public transport

Abstract

The systems and methods described herein provide a safety system for use in the interior of a vehicle. The safety system described herein can include a protective panel coupled to a support that acts as a sliding protective interface. The protective panel can include a block of material defining a coverage area, a connection device attached to the block of material and configured for attachment to a track for sliding engagement with the track.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 090,332, filed October 12, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Public transportation can include buses, trains, or other mobile environments where staff drive the vehicle through a location and one or more passengers are passengers who get on and off as needed. Traditionally, public transportation staff sit in the front section of the vehicle to control it, while passengers sit and / or stand in the rear section. However, passengers may pass by or approach the vehicle operator.

[0004] Several systems can be used to isolate the vehicle operator. For example, swing doors can be placed between the operator and the rest of the vehicle interior. However, such swing doors can cause obstruction. For instance, a bus passenger might be positioned in the space outside the operator's door, potentially preventing the door from swinging outwards and thus preventing the operator from leaving the cab. If something obstructs the door from opening, the operator might be trapped in their own space. This situation can be common when buses accommodate passengers with physical disabilities getting on and off. If passengers require the operator's assistance, they might form an obstacle preventing the operator from opening the door and approaching the passengers. Such swing doors can also be obstructed by other objects inside the vehicle, preventing the door from opening fully and hindering the operator's access to the vehicle interior from their seat and control area. Furthermore, traditionally, swing-open doors must be fully closed before the vehicle can be operated. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Exemplary embodiments of the safety systems described herein may include a slider-type protective engagement. This protective engagement may be configured to slide along a track. The protective engagement may include one or more handles for access, including opening and closing from either side of the protective engagement. The protective engagement may be fully transparent, partially transparent, translucent, or a combination thereof to reduce obstruction of the operator's peripheral vision and allow the operator to supervise passengers.

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, the security system may include one or more locking mechanisms. For example, the system may allow a door to be locked in an open and / or closed position. The locking mechanism may include electronic and / or manual locks and / or unlockers. In one exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism includes an electronic lock to hold the door in an open or closed position. The electronic locking mechanism may include a manual unlocker for increased operator security. The electronic locking mechanism may also include a fail-open safety device such that, in the event of a power failure, the locking mechanism defaults to being open. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figures 1A to 1B An exemplary security system according to the implementation described herein is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 An exemplary portion of a security system according to an implementation described herein is shown.

[0009] Figures 3A to 3C An exemplary portion of a security system according to an implementation described herein is shown.

[0010] Figures 4A to 4D Exemplary different views are shown on a portion of an exemplary roller system according to the embodiments described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0011] The following detailed description illustrates the principles of the invention by way of example rather than limitation. This description enables those skilled in the art to clearly make and use the invention, and it describes various embodiments, modifications, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including those currently considered the best mode for carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are illustrative and schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

[0012] Exemplary embodiments of the protection systems and methods described herein include a protection panel. The protection panel may be built into a vehicle and / or may be retrofitted into a vehicle after its manufacture. The exemplary embodiments shown herein include different components. It should be understood that any combination of these components may be used in any combination without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0013] The exemplary embodiments described herein are illustrated and described with reference to a public transport vehicle being a bus. Other vehicles are also considered herein, including, for example, trains, trolleys, trams, vans, airplanes, etc. These exemplary embodiments are also illustrated and described for buses in which the operator is a bus driver and the associated bus operator area is the operator's driver's seat. However, other spaces may also be separated for use by other operators. For example, in the case of an airplane, flight attendants may utilize the construction described herein to isolate the flight attendant area from the passenger space. This area may include a portion in which the flight attendant can prepare drinks or food, or otherwise perform flight attendant duties, in which the flight attendant wishes to be separate from the rest of the passengers. Thus, the exemplary embodiments described herein can be used to separate the interior space of a vehicle from other interior spaces of the vehicle, such as separating passenger space from operator space or flight attendant space.

[0014] Figure 1A An exemplary vehicle is shown that can utilize the exemplary safety systems illustrated and described herein. Figure 1B An exemplary security system according to the implementation described herein is shown.

[0015] Figure 1A The image shows public transport bus 100. Figure 1B The diagram shows portions of the interior of a public transport bus. The interior of the bus 100 includes an operator area 102, which includes a seat 102A, a steering wheel 102B, a door control and / or other controllers and components 102C. The public transport bus may also include one or more handrail tracks 104 extending longitudinally along the length of the bus in the upper region of the bus's interior. The handrail tracks may be configured for use by passengers walking along the bus and / or standing on the bus to maintain their balance.

[0016] The exemplary embodiments described herein include a protective panel 106. The protective panel may include a block of material. This block of material may be configured to separate the operator of a public transport bus from the passengers of the bus. This separation may be used for physical contact isolation and / or bacterial isolation. For example, the block of material may be solid and define a complete isolation barrier to reduce the transfer of bacteria from passengers to the operator. The block of material may also be a high-grade or robust material that can withstand one or more impacts from objects swung by passengers. For example, the block of material may be configured to deflect one or more blows from passengers using hammers, baseball bats, or other blunt objects. Thus, the protective panel may define a safety barrier that reduces the operator's exposure to assaults by passengers or provides a fluid barrier to passengers and their bacteria. In one exemplary embodiment, the block of material defines a covered area. In one exemplary embodiment, the protective panel 106 includes a transparent, high-strength flat plastic panel.

[0017] Figure 1B The protective panel 106 shown may be transparent. For example, the material block may be completely transparent. The protective panel 106 may also be partially transparent. For example, a portion of the material block may be transparent. In one exemplary embodiment, the protective panel is sufficiently and / or substantially transparent such that it does not adversely affect the operator's view of the surroundings, the operator's view of the vehicle interior, and / or the passenger's view of the operator. In one exemplary embodiment, a portion of the protective panel may be opaque or translucent. This configuration can be used to protect or shield the operator and / or the operator's movements from being seen by passengers. In one exemplary embodiment, the material block is a piece of plexiglass approximately 1 / 4 to 1 inch in size. The material block may, for example, be approximately half an inch in size.

[0018] In one exemplary embodiment, the protective panel 106 may include a connecting device 108. The connecting device may be configured to attach the material block to the vehicle's rail 104. In one exemplary embodiment, the connecting device 108 defines or forms a sliding engagement between the protective panel 106 and the bus's handrail rail 104. In one exemplary embodiment, the protective panel 106 is configured to integrate into the bus using one or more existing handrail rails 104 within the vehicle. However, other configurations may also be used, such as through integrated rails within the vehicle's interior. Figure 1B An exemplary vehicle 100 configuration is shown in which an existing handrail track 104 terminates at or near the rear of the operator area 102. Therefore, a connecting device 108 can be engaged at this location and support the protective panel 106 when it slides along the track and protrudes forward beyond the handrail track towards the front of the vehicle in a closed position. Exemplary embodiments may include a configuration where the handrail track extends forward along the side of the operator area.

[0019] In one exemplary embodiment, integrating the door into the handrail track allows the door to be aesthetically integrated into the bus design, rather than being explicitly modified into the bus. The use of the track also provides structural rigidity and ease of addition to the vehicle. The handrail track can be part of the original vehicle or can be added to the vehicle to support the material block. In either case, the track can serve as a handrail for passengers to use when entering the vehicle and moving towards the rear. Therefore, exemplary embodiments may include supports for connection to a track-type connection system. The track may approximate or be the same tube or rail used for handrail tracks or extension tracks within the vehicle interior. Thus, the protective panel can form a unified appearance with the rest of the vehicle.

[0020] In one exemplary embodiment, the material block may be partially or completely frameless. In this exemplary configuration, a large portion of the protective panel 106 may be transparent, minimizing interference or obstruction to passenger and / or operator visibility and / or riding experience. In one exemplary embodiment, reduced visual indication of the presence of the protective panel can minimize the operator's feeling of confinement. Reduced visual cues can also reduce or prevent obstruction of vision and / or motion sickness cues to the operator and / or passenger. In one exemplary embodiment, the material block may include a first side 106A, two opposing adjacent sides 106C adjacent to the first side, and a second side 106B opposite to the first side. In one exemplary embodiment, the second side 106B faces the front of the vehicle, and the first side 106A faces the rear of the vehicle. To define a frameless or partially frameless material block, at least one side of the material block may not include a frame or may otherwise be unobstructed or uncovered. Figure 1B As shown, the second side 106B of the material block does not include a frame. For example, the first side 106A, the first of the adjacent sides 106C, the second of the adjacent sides 106C, and combinations thereof can be reinforced with a frame. As described more fully below, the adjacent sides 106C and / or the first side 106A can support the connection system 108. A frame 110 can be used to support the connection system 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the second side 106B opposite to the first side 106A is not reinforced with a frame 110. The second side 106B can face the front of the vehicle. The second side can also face the opening side of the protective panel.

[0021] In one exemplary embodiment, the protruding panel 106 may include a terminal edge shaped to protect the driver and / or provide handle access. As shown, the second side 106B may have a terminal peripheral edge with a wavy shape as described herein. This wavy terminal edge may define the surfaces of the first handle 112A and the second handle 112B.

[0022] The protective panel may include a connecting device 108. The connecting device may be a linear bearing. The connecting device may include a roller mechanism. The roller mechanism may allow the connecting device and a coupled material block to translate along a track. In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting device may include a clamp on the track. The track may include a handrail track 104 for use by passengers moving along the bus.

[0023] Figures 4A to 4D Different exemplary views of an exemplary connection system 108 are shown, which includes a roller system on a portion of a track 104 according to embodiments described herein. In one exemplary embodiment, the connection system includes one or more wheels to contact and roll along the track. As shown, four wheels are used as a group, and one or more groups can be used in the exemplary connection system. In one exemplary embodiment, a group of wheels may include four wheels configured to contact different positions on the track and offset about the periphery of the track. The wheels may be located at substantially the same longitudinal position along the track or may be offset longitudinally. In one exemplary embodiment, the four wheels of a first group are positioned at substantially the same longitudinal position and offset circumferentially from each other, and a second group of wheels, longitudinally aligned with each other, is offset longitudinally from the first group of wheels. The second group of wheels may be substantially aligned with the circumferential position of the first group of wheels or may be offset relative to it.

[0024] like Figures 4A to 4D As shown, two pairs of wheels each define a set of four wheels. The first pair of wheels is coupled to a first connecting plate, and the second pair of wheels is coupled to a second connecting plate. The first and second connecting plates can be joined together using spacers positioned between them. The spacers may include one or more nuts to allow adjustment of the relative distance between the first and second plates. This adjustment can be used to improve roller-track contact and to adapt tracks of different sizes using the same connection system. Each pair of wheels can be positioned on a 90-degree axis, such that the axes of the wheels are approximately 90 degrees. As shown, each connecting plate can be coupled to a 90-degree axis. A pair of wheels can be coupled to the 90-degree axis on opposite sides of the connecting plate. As shown, the wheels can be located on an axis extending from the face of the 90-degree axis. The wheel axle may include locking nuts to hold the wheels within the desired isolation distance. One or more nuts can be used to customize the wheel positions, allowing the connection system to be configured to accommodate different track sizes and / or different track configurations. Considering wheel wear, wheel positioning and / or wheel repositioning can be used alternatively or additionally to maintain the system to replace one or more wheels and / or adapt to changes in wheel wear over time. Exemplary implementations can be customized and / or maintained to reduce clicking and / or noise from the connection system.

[0025] In one exemplary embodiment, the roller mechanism includes at least four wheels 402 configured to contact different positions on the track around the periphery of track 104 when the protective panel is integrated into the vehicle. The roller mechanism may be configured to adjust the tension applied to the track or support member by the connecting means. The roller mechanism may include one or more locking nuts 404 to adjust the position and corresponding force of one or more wheels when the protective panel is attached to the track. Adjustment of the rollers on the track can also be used to customize the force required to translate the material block along the track. For example, additional pressure can be used to clamp the wheels onto the track, requiring additional force to translate the protective panel relative to and / or along the support member. The tension can be set such that the protective panel can be held in one position along the track without slipping during normal operation of the vehicle, such as during driving. This adjustment can also be used to minimize the force required to translate the protective panel, reducing clicks and / or noise from attaching and / or connecting other intended properties of the protective panel.

[0026] In one exemplary embodiment, the connecting device includes at least two roller mechanisms 406. For example, a first roller mechanism of the at least two roller mechanisms is located on a first connecting side of the material block (along one of the adjacent edges or at the corner between the first side 406A and the adjacent edge 106C), and a second roller mechanism of the at least two roller mechanisms is located on a second connecting side of the material block (such as along the second edge of the adjacent edge 106C opposite to the one of the adjacent edges). The first connecting side may be located on the opposite side of the second connecting side. Reference Figure 1B The first roller mechanism 406A can run along the top edge of the material block, while the second roller mechanism 406B can run along the bottom edge of the material block. As shown, the bottom edge includes two separate roller mechanisms. In an exemplary embodiment, the top edge includes a single roller mechanism because the track for protecting the panel terminates behind the front edge of the protective panel when the protective panel is in the closed position. If the support member or track extends further, the top edge may include more than one roller mechanism.

[0027] In one exemplary embodiment, the system may include a dual-track support member. In this case, the first track may be used to support the protective panel and allow the connecting device to translate linearly on the first track, while the second track may be used for passenger gripping and self-support.

[0028] Figure 2 An exemplary portion of a security system according to an implementation described herein is shown. Figure 2 The structure shows that the safety rail 104 can also be used as a handrail track in addition to serving as a support for the connection system of the protective panel.

[0029] In one exemplary embodiment, the connection system 108 includes a robust system for securely attaching the material block to the vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, the material block cannot be removed from the support member by pulling it away.

[0030] refer to Figure 1B The protective panel may include a block of material. This block may define a generally planar panel with an outer perimeter. The block may fully and completely cover the interior area within the outer perimeter. In one exemplary embodiment, a space may be formed in the interior area of ​​the panel. In this case, the panel may include channels, such as serving as ventilation openings and / or facilitating listening between passengers and / or operators. The block may be a complete, continuous, uninterrupted, monolithic block. In this case, the block may serve as a barrier or isolator between operators and passengers, such as to reduce the spread of diseases or bacteria.

[0031] In one exemplary embodiment, the outer periphery of the material block defines a first side 106A and adjacent sides 106C extending from opposite ends of the first side. The first side and adjacent sides may approximate a portion of a rectangle or three sides of a rectangle. For example, adjacent sides located at opposite ends of the first side are perpendicular to the first side. Depending on the shape of the space to be isolated, these sides may also be at different angles. In one exemplary embodiment, a second side 106B is shaped to approximate the shape of the front of a vehicle interior. For example, the second side includes a tapered section extending from one of the adjacent sides away from the first side and toward the other of the adjacent side. The tapered section may be located at the top portion of the material block and may, for example, conform to the overall tapering of the front of the vehicle and / or the windshield of the vehicle and / or adapt to a headrest at the front of the vehicle. The second side 106B of the material block may also include a vertical section extending from one end of the tapered section toward the other side of the adjacent side. The second side of the material block may also include a second vertical section extending toward and intersecting the other side of the adjacent side. The first vertical section and / or the second vertical section may include a tapered shape toward or away from the first side.

[0032] In one exemplary embodiment, the material block may include a recess between the vertical segments on the second side. The recess can serve as a handle 112A to assist the operator in opening the protective panel. The recess can be of any shape. For example, the recess may define a portion of a prism (such as a square or rectangle), or it may define an outwardly concave curve. In one exemplary embodiment, the second side includes a recess defining a minimum width of the protective panel measured vertically from the first side to the second side.

[0033] Figures 3A to 3BAn exemplary portion of a protective panel according to an embodiment described herein is shown. The exemplary embodiment of the system is designed for ease of use by an operator. Thus, the system may include one or more engagements 302A, 302B for operating the protective panel. For example, the protective panel may include one or more handles. As described herein, any combination of handle type and position may be used.

[0034] In one exemplary embodiment, the protective panel may include, for example, Figure 3A The handle shown is a tool. This handle may be formed or defined by the shape of the protective panel itself; for example, the protective panel may include recesses and / or protective portions (not shown) within or outside the surface of the panel. The recesses / protective portions may be used to provide frictional engagement with the panel to aid in sliding the protective panel. As shown, the protective panel may include cut-out sections or recesses in the terminal peripheral edge of the panel. The panel itself may provide a gripping surface for the operator to hold, or the operator may push to close and / or open the terminal edge of the protective panel by sliding it along a support member. Other handle arrangements may also be integrated into the protective panel, such as having openings or holes within the protective panel for the operator to pass through one or more fingers or a portion of their hand to aid in pulling and / or pushing the protective panel.

[0035] In one exemplary embodiment, the protective panel may include, for example, Figure 3B The handle shown is an example of a protective panel. The handle may include a ball grip, hook, strap, pull mechanism, or other protrusion attached to the protective panel. As shown, a pull mechanism includes a strap or rope bolted to the protective panel. The pull mechanism can be attached by adhesive, bolting, riveting, screwing, gluing, or other attachment methods. In one exemplary embodiment, the pull mechanism is located on the side of the protective panel facing the operator's control area. The protective portion or handle may also be located on the outer side of the protective panel, i.e., on the side away from the operator's area. The pull mechanism may also be located at or alternatively at the terminal edge or at one end of the protective panel and extends therefrom. In one exemplary embodiment, the pull mechanism includes a flexible member that minimizes the impact object on the operator. In the event that the operator is about to touch or strike the handle, the handle may be configured to bend or deform, thereby minimizing injury to the operator.

[0036] In one exemplary embodiment, the protective panel may include, for example, Figure 3CThe handle shown is an example of a protective panel. The handle may include protrusions such as hooks, ball handles, pull-out door handles, rings, straps, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the pull mechanism is located on the side of the protective panel facing the operator's control area. The protective portion or handle may also, or alternatively, be located on the outside of the protective panel, i.e., on the side away from the operator's area. The handle may also, or alternatively, be positioned at the edge of the terminal or at one end of the protective panel and extend therefrom.

[0037] As shown in the figure, an exemplary protective panel may include a first handle, a second handle, a third handle, or any combination of handles. The use of the terms "first," "second," "third," or other numerical identifiers herein is not intended to specify a particular quantity or that a second handle is present only if a first handle is also present. Rather, the numerical identifiers are intended only to distinguish one feature from another. Therefore, a system may include a second handle but not a first or third handle. In one exemplary embodiment, the first, second, and / or third handles may include a ball handle, a cord, a pull mechanism, a recess, or other construction described herein or known to those skilled in the art of the protective panel.

[0038] In one exemplary embodiment, the system may include one or more locking systems 114 and / or mechanisms. For example, the locking system may be combined and configured to lock the material block in a first position, a second position, and intermediate positions, and any combination thereof. The first position may be in an open position. The second position may be in a closed position. In one exemplary embodiment, the locking system includes an electronic lock. The system may also include a manual lock and / or a manual unlocker to override the electronic lock. In one exemplary embodiment, the electronic lock includes a double-throw electronic switch. In one exemplary embodiment, the switch and / or manual override and / or manual lock controller is located in the operator's position relative to the vehicle's usage position, allowing the operator easy access and control of the controller without excessive extension of their body. In one exemplary embodiment, control is easily achieved only within arm's reach without moving the body and / or requiring the operator to leave their seat within the controller area to operate the vehicle.

[0039] Exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods described herein include public transport vehicles. Protective panels for public transport vehicles may be integrated into and / or built into the public transport vehicle (e.g., during manufacturing) and / or may be retrofitted using protective panels according to embodiments described herein. Public transport vehicles may include protective panels. A protective panel may include: a material block defining a coverage area; and a connecting device attached to the material block and configured to attach to a track for sliding engagement with the track.

[0040] In one exemplary embodiment, the material block is located between opposite sides of the vehicle and in a position that separates the vehicle's operator area from the vehicle's passenger area. For example, the material block may be placed parallel to the vehicle's lateral sidewalls.

[0041] In one exemplary embodiment, the connecting device may be coupled to the interior of a vehicle such that the material block is configured to translate linearly within the vehicle's interior. For example, the connecting device may include a linear bearing. In one exemplary embodiment, a public transport vehicle may include a handrail track positioned along the top portion of the vehicle's interior. The connecting device may be configured to attach to the handrail track.

[0042] As shown and described herein, exemplary embodiments include a method of modifying a public transport vehicle. This method may include providing a public transport vehicle with handrail rails and / or attaching a material block to the handrail rails. The attachment may be configured to provide linear translation of the material block along the handrail rails. The attachment may utilize linear bearings on the rails attached to the material block.

[0043] The method may also include: translating the material block to an open position to allow an operator access to the vehicle's operator area. The material block may also be translated to a closed position to isolate the operator area from the rest of the vehicle's interior.

[0044] In one exemplary embodiment, the method of modifying a vehicle may further include: adjusting a linear bearing such that one or more wheels of the linear bearing move to apply pressure to the track.

[0045] In one exemplary embodiment, the method may include: installing an electronic lock coupled to a linear bearing to lock the linear bearing in a locked position relative to a track. The installed locking system may also include providing a manual over-locking system to allow a user to over-lock the electronic lock. The system and method may further include: positioning the controller of the electronic lock and / or the manual over-locking controller, and a handle coupled to the material block, within arm's reach of an operator in an operating position within an operator's area.

[0046] The exemplary embodiments described herein may include a method of operating a protective panel within a public transport vehicle, the protective panel comprising material coupled to a track on the vehicle's interior for linear translation of the material relative to the vehicle's interior. The method may include: positioning the material in an open position to provide access to an operator area of ​​the vehicle; repositioning the material to a closed position by sliding the protective panel along the track; repositioning the material to an open position to provide access to the operator area; and any combination thereof. The method may include: locking the protective panel in a closed position. The method may also include: operating the vehicle while the protective panel is in the open position. The method may further include: locking the protective panel by switching a two-way electronic switch coupled to an electronic locking system. The method may further include: overriding the electronic locking system by operating a manual overriding unlocking system coupled to the protective panel.

[0047] It should be noted that various variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein, and the elements therein should be understood as other acceptable instances. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the appended claims. Furthermore, any steps described herein may be performed simultaneously or in a different order than those ordered herein. Moreover, it will be apparent that features and properties of the specific embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0048] Certain terms may be used in the following description for reference only and are therefore not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “above” and “below” refer to orientations in the referenced figures. Terms such as “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” and “side” describe the orientation and / or position of a portion of a component or element within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference, which is apparent from the text describing the component or element under discussion and the associated figures. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used to describe individual components. The use of such terms is not intended to limit or prescribe a particular orientation, number, or presence of one component relative to another. Such terms may include words specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, or words with similar meanings.

[0049] Unless otherwise specifically stated or understood in the context of use, the conditional language used herein (such as "can," "able," "may," "may," "for example," etc.) is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or states. However, this language also includes embodiments in which such features, elements, and / or states are not present. Therefore, this conditional language is not generally intended to imply that one or more embodiments require these features, elements, and / or states in any way, or that one or more embodiments necessarily exclude components not described in another embodiment.

[0050] In addition, the following terms may be used in this document. Unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular forms “one,” “an,” and “the” include plural references. Thus, for example, a reference to one item includes a reference to one or more items. The term “ones” refers to one, two, or more, and generally applies to a selection of some or all of a quantity. The term “multiples” refers to two or more items.

[0051] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the terms “about,” “substantially,” or “approximately” used herein for any numerical value, range, shape, distance, relative relationship, etc., indicate appropriate dimensional tolerances that allow a part or assembly of parts to function as intended for the purposes described herein. Numerical ranges may also be provided herein. Unless otherwise stated, each range is intended to include the endpoints and any quantity within the provided range. Thus, a range of 2 to 4 includes 2, 3, 4, and any subdivision between 2 and 4 (such as 2.1, 2.01, and 2.001). The range also covers any combination of ranges such that 2 to 4 includes 2 to 3 and 3 to 4.

[0052] When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprising" and "including," and variations thereof, mean to include the specified features, steps, or integers. These terms should not be construed as excluding the presence of other features, steps, or components.

[0053] The features disclosed in the following description, the appended claims, or the accompanying drawings, which are expressed in their particular form or as means for performing the disclosed functions or methods or procedures for obtaining the disclosed results (as the case may be), may be used alone or in any combination of these features to implement the invention in various forms.

[0054] While embodiments of the invention have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications should be construed as being included within the scope of the embodiments of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Specifically, exemplary components are described herein. Any combination of these components can be used in any combination. For example, any component, feature, step, or part can be integrated, separate, subdivided, removed, copied, added, or used in any combination, and remains within the scope of this disclosure. These embodiments are merely exemplary and illustrative combinations of features, but are not limited thereto.

Claims

1. A public transit vehicle, comprising: a track (104) that is a tube; a protective panel (106) comprising a block of material configured to isolate an operator of the public transit vehicle (100) from passengers of the public transit vehicle (100); and a connecting device (108) attached to the block of material, the connecting device (108) comprising: a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate, wherein the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are coupled together with spacers positioned therebetween; a roller mechanism (406), the roller mechanism (406) comprising: a first pair of wheels (402) coupled to the first connecting plate and a second pair of wheels (402) coupled to the second connecting plate, wherein the first pair of wheels (402) are positioned on a first 90-degree axle coupled to the first connecting plate and the second pair of wheels (402) are positioned on a second 90-degree axle coupled to the second connecting plate, wherein the 90-degree axles comprise lock nuts (404) to adjust the position and corresponding force of one or more of the first pair of wheels (402) and the second pair of wheels (402) when the protective panel (106) is coupled to the track (104), wherein the connecting device (108) attaches the block of material to the track (104) for sliding engagement with the track, and wherein the first pair of wheels (402) contact the track (104) at a first position and the second pair of wheels (402) contact the track (104) at a second position offset around a perimeter of the track (104).

2. The public transit vehicle of claim 1, wherein, The connecting device (108) comprises a linear bearing.

3. The public transit vehicle of claim 1, wherein, The connecting device (108) comprises at least two roller mechanisms.

4. The public transit vehicle of claim 3, wherein, One of the at least two roller mechanisms is located on a first side of the block of material and a second of the at least two roller mechanisms is located on a second side of the block of material, wherein the first side is located on an opposite side of the second side.

5. The public transit vehicle of claim 1, wherein, The block of material comprises a generally planar plate defining an outer perimeter, and the block of material completely covers an interior region within the outer perimeter.

6. The public transit vehicle of claim 5, wherein, The outer perimeter defines a first side and two adjacent sides extending from opposite ends of the first side, the two adjacent sides on opposite ends of the first side are at right angles to the first side, and wherein the first side and the two adjacent sides are reinforced with a frame and a second side opposite the first side is not reinforced with a frame.

7. The public transit vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a first handle and a second handle, wherein, The first handle or the second handle is a knob.

8. The public transit vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a locking system, wherein, The locking system is configured to lock the block of material in a first position and a second position.

9. The public transit vehicle of claim 6, wherein, The second side includes a recess that defines a minimum width of the protective panel measured perpendicularly across the first side to the second side, and the second side includes a tapered segment that extends away from the first side from one side of the adjacent side and toward the other side of the adjacent side, and the second side includes a vertical segment that extends from one end of the tapered segment toward the other side of the adjacent side, the second side further including: a recess that extends from one end of the vertical segment and defines a narrow section of the protective panel; and a second vertical segment that extends from one end of the recess toward the other side of the adjacent side and intersects the other side.

10. A connection device, the connection device (108) configured to attach a material block to a rail of a public transit vehicle, the material block configured to isolate an operator of the public transit vehicle (100) from passengers of the public transit vehicle (100), and the rail is a tube, the connection device (108) comprising: a first connection plate and a second connection plate, wherein the first connection plate and the second connection plate are coupled together with a spacer positioned therebetween; a roller mechanism (406), the roller mechanism (406) comprising: a first pair of wheels (402) coupled to the first connection plate and a second pair of wheels (402) coupled to the second connection plate, wherein the first pair of wheels (402) are positioned on a first 90 degree axis coupled to the first connection plate and the second pair of wheels (402) are positioned on a second 90 degree axis coupled to the second connection plate, wherein the first 90 degree axis and the second 90 degree axis include lock nuts (404) to adjust a position and a corresponding force of one or more of the first pair of wheels (402) and the second pair of wheels (402) when a protective panel (106) is coupled to the rail (104), wherein the connection device (108) attaches the material block to the rail (104) for sliding engagement with the rail, and wherein the first pair of wheels (402) contact the rail (104) at a first position and the second pair of wheels (402) contact the rail (104) at a second position offset around a perimeter of the rail (104).

11. The connection device of claim 10, wherein, The connection device (108) includes a linear bearing.

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