Screen for shielding an area of operation

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle (21) for use in an area of operation, said vehicle (21) having a screen (1a-1f). The screen (1a-1f) has a screen element (8) and a securing element (5), and the screen (1a-1f) is secured to the exterior of the vehicle (21) via the securing element (5) in a transport position. The invention is characterized in that the screen (1a-1f) has a frame (2), wherein the screen element (8) is connected to the frame (2), and the frame (2) is connected to the securing element (5). The invention additionally relates to a method for shielding an area of operation.

Description

[0001] Screen to shield an emergency site

[0002] The invention relates to a vehicle for use at an emergency site, wherein the vehicle has a privacy screen, wherein the privacy screen has a privacy screen element and a fastening element, and wherein the privacy screen is fastened to the outside of the vehicle in a transport position via the fastening element. Furthermore, the invention generally relates to a privacy screen that can be fastened to a vehicle and to a method for shielding an emergency site, as well as to a corresponding use of a vehicle or privacy screen.

[0003] When an accident occurs on a busy road, drivers of vehicles passing an emergency scene are often tempted to slow down so they can see people in distress and the emergency scene. This slows traffic flow, which can lead to traffic jams. The distraction of passing drivers can lead to rear-end collisions. Law enforcement officers, paramedics, or firefighters working at an emergency scene are not only hindered in their work but also face a significant risk to their safety.

[0004] In order to avoid disruption of traffic flow and the associated disadvantages, numerous devices are known from the state of the art to shield an emergency site from the view of people driving past.

[0005] For example, US 4186912 A discloses a foldable privacy screen featuring an elongated fabric and support posts with fastening cables. The fabric is made of light-reflecting material to warn passing pedestrians and has elongated slits to prevent wind damage. However, setting up this privacy screen is time-consuming, and its transport requires a lot of space in the emergency vehicle. US 6036249 A concerns a privacy screen for shielding an emergency scene. In its deployed state, the privacy screen is attached to the outside of a vehicle and has several panels. The panels can consist of frame sections that can be folded together. The panels can then be folded together, allowing the privacy screen to be stored in the trunk. Here, too, setting up and dismantling the privacy screen is time-consuming, and the privacy screen takes up a lot of space in the vehicle.

[0006] EP 2460938 A1 discloses an inflatable privacy screen. However, its installation is difficult, especially in windy conditions. Other disadvantages include the laborious assembly and disassembly, as well as the time-consuming drying required for an inflatable privacy screen if it gets wet during use.

[0007] US 2020 / 0378077 A1 describes a roll-out privacy screen that is wrapped around a winding device in a towable trailer for shielding an emergency scene. When rolled out, the privacy screen can be stretched between the trailer and an emergency vehicle.

[0008] FR 2686914 A1 also describes a roll-out privacy screen for shielding an emergency scene. A curtain is wound up on a roll that is attached to the outside of an emergency vehicle. For protection, the privacy screen can be provided with a cover that can be removed if necessary and the curtain rolled out. The end of the curtain can be attached to a fixed object, e.g. a tree or another emergency vehicle. This privacy screen has the disadvantage that a distance from the emergency scene cannot be guaranteed. Rather, due to the flexibility of the curtain, the privacy screen can be adapted to the emergency scene, but then rests directly against the vehicles involved, which makes working at the scene more difficult.

[0009] It is an object of the invention to provide a visual protection device in a vehicle of the type mentioned at the outset which can be adapted to an operation site while maintaining a distance.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention in the vehicle of the type mentioned at the outset in that the privacy screen has a frame, the privacy screen element being connected to the frame and the frame being connected to the fastening element.

[0011] The invention further relates generally to a privacy screen for shielding an operation site, wherein the privacy screen has a privacy screen element and a fastening element, wherein the fastening element is designed to fasten the privacy screen in a transport position on the outside of a vehicle, wherein the privacy screen has a frame, wherein the privacy screen element is connected to the frame and the frame is connected to the fastening element.

[0012] Due to the dimensional stability of the frame, the privacy screen can be adjusted without support from objects at the scene (e.g. vehicles, trees), and a certain distance can be maintained between the privacy screen and the scene. The frame can be rectangular. This can provide good shielding of the scene. In this case, the frame can have two poles on opposite sides, or four poles on all four sides. For weight reasons, the poles can be made of a light metal, such as aluminum, so that the privacy screen can be easily erected by one or two people. The frame can also be designed as a plate or panel, particularly as a metal plate.

[0013] If the privacy screen is attached to a minibus, the frame can have a width of 130 to 170 cm and a height of 150 to 190 cm. If the privacy screen is attached to a larger vehicle, in particular a fire engine, the frame can have a width of up to 200 cm or 250 cm and a height of up to 300 cm or 350 cm. Furthermore, the frame can be designed so that it does not rest on any surface when the privacy screen is in its upright position. For example, the distance between the frame and the surface can be between 10 and 50 cm. However, it is also possible to design the frame so that one side of the frame rests on the surface when the privacy screen is in its upright position.

[0014] The frame can be connected to at least one other frame in an articulated manner. This makes it possible to shield a larger incident site, or to shield an incident site from several sides. The privacy screen can be up to 10 m or 15 m long, and even up to 25 m in the case of a fire engine. The connection can be made using a ball joint or a hinge joint, for example. Part of a joint can be provided on each two adjacent frames. Two or more joints can be provided to connect each two frames, in particular two, in order to ensure good stability and load-bearing capacity. Furthermore, the articulated connection makes it easier to fold the frames together, so that the privacy screen can be easily attached to the outside of the vehicle to save space, and can also be quickly set up if necessary by unfolding the frames.

[0015] To prevent the frames from accidentally pivoting towards each other when the privacy screen is in an upright position or in the transport position, the joint can be designed to be stiff. A cover can also be attached to a side of the frame that is adjacent to a side intended for connection to other frames. The cover can be screwed to the frame, for example. When the privacy screen is in an upright position, the cover can be rotated through 180° in order to create a positive connection between the frame to which it is attached and an adjacent frame. For geometric reasons, however, this is only possible if the frames are not pivoted towards each other, but arranged along a straight line.A bulge can be provided in the cover for being received in a corresponding recess in one side of the frame in order to increase the strength of the positive connection formed by the cover between two adjacent frames. For example, the bulge can be cuboid-shaped in order to be received in a corresponding cuboid-shaped recess in the frame. To prevent the frames from accidentally pivoting towards one another when the privacy screen is in a transport position, a tensioning element can be provided with which the frames are pressed together. The tensioning element can, for example, have a tensioning clip or a tensioning belt. Several tensioning elements, for example two or three, can also be provided at a distance from one another.

[0016] If the privacy screen has two or more frames, they can be connected via a double joint. This makes it possible to pivot the frames toward each other on both sides (like a swing door principle). The privacy screen can be optimally adapted to a specific location by pivoting the frames toward each other. The double joint can be designed as a double hinge joint or a double ball joint.

[0017] If the privacy screen has two or more frames, a support wheel can be attached to at least one of the frames. This means the screen can be easily rolled into the desired position. Long privacy screens in particular can be fitted with support wheels at regular intervals to reduce the forces acting on the connection between the frames (e.g. the joints). Although the screen, which can weigh up to 160 kg (depending on the number of frames and the material used to make the screen), can be carried by one or two people, this makes rolling it much easier and less strenuous. The support wheel can be lockable to ensure stability once the desired position is reached. In strong winds, the support wheel can be additionally secured with a weight, e.g. a sandbag.If a support wheel is provided, the frames should be designed in such a way that they do not touch the ground, since if there is contact between the frame and the ground, the privacy screen will not be able to roll due to friction. The support wheel provides additional stability for the privacy screen when erected, particularly if it can be locked. The support wheel can be attached to one of the frames via a rod. The attachment can be by means of a screw connection, for example. The rod can be extendable (e.g. telescopic arm) in order to flexibly adjust the distance between the frames and the ground. For example, a support wheel can be provided on every second frame.

[0018] The fastening element can be connected to the frame by a positive and / or non-positive connection. An articulated connection is also possible, for example via a ball or hinge joint, in order to achieve the greatest possible freedom of movement when erecting the privacy screen. The fastening element can have a suction cup to attach it to the outside of the vehicle, e.g. to a smooth outer surface, in particular to a window pane. The fastening element can also have a rope or hook to hang it on or wrap it around a suitable location on the outside of the vehicle (e.g. to a bracket, a roof rail, or a roof rack). Alternatively, the fastening element can have part of a snap, bolt, pin, screw, plug-in, clamp, clip, Velcro, or articulated connection for attachment to the vehicle, while the other part of the respective connection can be provided on the outside of the vehicle.

[0019] The fastening element can be connected to the frame via a spacer. This avoids hindering the opening of the vehicle's doors. For example, side sliding doors that are often provided on an emergency vehicle can still be opened even if the privacy screen is attached to the side of the vehicle. The privacy screen can also be fixed in the area of ​​the vehicle's exterior mirrors using the spacer, and even this comparatively large distance to the vehicle can be bridged without damaging the exterior mirrors. The spacer can be extendable, for example by means of an extendable arm (e.g. telescopic arm), so that the distance to the vehicle can be adjusted as required. For example, the spacer arm can be made of stainless steel (NiRoSta) for good weather resistance. The spacer and the frame can be connected by a rigid connection (e.g.a screw, rivet, adhesive, soldered, hinged or welded connection) or a movable connection. In particular, the spacer and the frame can be connected to one another in an articulated manner. This means that the privacy screen can be set up at any angle to the vehicle. An articulated connection also makes it possible to pivot the spacer and the frame relative to one another so that the privacy screen can be stored compactly. The spacer and the frame can be connected to one another, for example, via a hinge or ball joint. To prevent the spacer and the frame from accidentally pivoting relative to one another while the privacy screen is being transported or is in an erected state, the joint can be designed to be stiff. The spacer can have a strut, such as a diagonal strut.This can increase the rigidity of the connection between the spacer and the frame, thus increasing the stability of the privacy screen. The strut can be hinged to the spacer or the frame if the spacer is hinged to the frame, so as not to impair mobility.

[0020] The privacy screen connected to the frame serves to shield the scene of the incident from the prying eyes of passing drivers. It can also serve to protect people at the scene from sideways rain or wind. The privacy screen can also function as an advertising banner. The privacy screen can be made of metal, fabric, plastic or a combination thereof. A fire-resistant privacy screen can be used because the risk of fire in traffic accidents can be high. For example, the privacy screen can be made of one or more metals, or of a fabric and / or plastic, in particular a flame-retardant plastic, with an optional metallic coating.

[0021] If a substantially rigid, e.g., metallic, screening element is used, it can be connected to the frame, for example, by welding. This allows the frame to be filled either partially or completely. Due to the good thermal resistance of a metallic screening element, its use can be advantageous during firefighting operations or in general in the event of a fire hazard.

[0022] Depending on the rigidity of the screening element, it may be sufficient to construct the frame as two opposing rods, or for the frame and screening element to be formed by the same, essentially rigid plate or pane (e.g., made of metal or plastic), provided the screening element can provide sufficient stability. For a design that is as light as possible, the screening element may comprise a light metal, particularly aluminum.

[0023] If the privacy screen has multiple frames, all frames can be connected to a privacy screen of the same type. A combination of different privacy screen materials in different frames is also conceivable. For example, one frame can be connected to a metal privacy screen, while another frame can be connected to a plastic and / or fabric privacy screen. This allows a good balance between the screen's stability and weight to be achieved.

[0024] If a privacy screen is used that includes fabric and / or plastic, it can be attached to the frame using straps, for example, via eyelets, slots, or tunnels incorporated into the edges of the screen. In particular, the privacy screen can be made of mesh vinyl. This is a PVC-coated mesh fabric that is weatherproof, UV-resistant, tear-resistant, flame-retardant, and dimensionally stable, making it ideal for outdoor use. Due to its good printability and high color brilliance, mesh vinyl is also well-suited as an advertising banner.

[0025] The privacy screen element can have holes. This reduces the resistance to a transverse force, such as a wind load. The holes can have a diameter or an edge length in the range of 0.5 to 4 mm, in particular 1 to 2 mm. In total, the holes can take up to 20% or even up to 30% of the surface of the privacy screen element. This can significantly reduce the resistance to a transverse force while simultaneously providing good privacy.

[0026] The privacy screen element can be elastically connected to the frame. An elastic connection can reduce the risk of damage to the privacy screen element due to transverse forces, such as wind loads, because the transverse force can be transferred into the elastic and thus stretchable connection. The elastic connection can be achieved, for example, using elastomer bands or springs.

[0027] For example, the privacy screen element can be connected to the frame via an elastomer band or a spring in each corner area. Springs can also be arranged evenly distributed around the circumference of the privacy screen element to connect it to the frame.

[0028] When using elastomer bands, one elastomer band can be stretched parallel to each of the two opposite sides of the frame. The privacy screen can then be attached to the elastomer bands via eyelets, slots, or through tunnels incorporated into the edges of the privacy screen, through which the elastomer bands can be threaded.

[0029] The privacy screen element can be movable relative to the frame. This can be particularly possible if the privacy screen element is attached to the frame via elastomer bands, so that the privacy screen element can be moved along the elastomer bands. Alternatively, the privacy screen element can be mounted, for example, in a rail guide in the frame. By moving the privacy screen element to one side of the frame (like a curtain), an opening is created in the frame that allows emergency services to climb through. This allows them to get from one side of the privacy screen to the other quickly, whereas it would otherwise be necessary to walk around the privacy screen and possibly the vehicle, which would take a comparatively long time and would be disadvantageous in the event of an accident. Furthermore, this can prevent a shear force acting perpendicular to the frame (e.g.The area exposed to wind load can be reduced, which can make it easier to set up the privacy screen, for example in windy conditions.

[0030] Alternatively, the privacy screen element can have two slats that can be moved against each other. For this purpose, for example, two straps, in particular elastomer straps, can be attached to the frame parallel to two opposite sides of the frame and in their immediate vicinity. Two opposite straps then act as a pair of straps. Each pair of straps can be used to hold a slat, so that the slats can be arranged offset from one another in the frame. In the transport position and when setting up the privacy screen, the slats can then be moved to one side of the frame and arranged one above the other. The slats can be attached to the straps using eyelets or slots. Alternatively, tunnels can be incorporated into the edges of the slats, through which the straps can be threaded.The frame can, for example, have two to six slats that can be moved relative to one another, especially three, which enables a significant reduction in the wind load when the privacy screen is erected. The slats can also be rotated, as in a vertical blind, so that they can be turned by 90°, for example, in order to reduce the wind load. As an alternative to belts, parallel guides, such as parallel guide rails, can be provided for the slats in the frame, on one side or two opposite sides. The slats can also be arranged in a common guide rail so that they can be moved relative to one another and slide against one another.

[0031] The privacy screen can also have at least one support leg connected to the frame or to at least one of the frames. For better grip on soft ground (e.g. gravel, grass), one end of the support leg can be narrowed or pointed. For better grip of the privacy screen on hard ground (e.g. asphalt), a flattened support surface can be provided at one end of the support leg. Spikes can also be arranged on the support surface. The support surface can be foldable, for example with the help of a hinge joint, so that it can be folded in for transport of the privacy screen and rest against the support leg, or so that in the case of several frames, their folding is not hindered by the support surface.

[0032] The support leg can be connected to the frame via a connecting element. This can be a joint, particularly a hinge. This allows the support leg to be folded in when the privacy screen is in transport position, resting against the frame, allowing for space-saving storage of the privacy screen.

[0033] The support leg can be moved relative to the frame so that it can rest against the frame when the privacy screen is in its transport position. For this purpose, a sleeve or clamp can be provided on one side of the frame, which can be pushed over the support leg to secure it. The sleeve or clamp can be optionally fixed in a certain position using a nail, a screw, or Velcro. For example, the support leg can be held in a transport position by a screw provided on one side of the frame thanks to an appropriate geometric design, such as an acute-angled recess at both ends of the support leg. Providing several screws can ensure better hold, or the support leg can also be held by one screw in different positions, e.g. in a transport position and when the privacy screen is in the upright position.

[0034] For greater stability, a brace can be provided between the frame and the support leg, which can be connected to the support leg via a hinge. In strong winds, the support leg can also be secured with a weight, such as a sandbag. For example, a sandbag can be placed on the support leg's support surface. An anemometer or wind gauge can be used to determine the wind strength at which the use of a weight is appropriate.

[0035] Two opposing support legs can also be attached to the frame to provide particularly good stability. When the privacy screen is erected, the two support legs can then provide V-shaped support. If the privacy screen has two or more frames, a support leg can be attached at preferably regular intervals, e.g. on every second frame. This achieves better stability, so that the privacy screen can withstand transverse forces, in particular wind loads, particularly well. The support legs can be offset, so that two adjacent support legs can be arranged on different sides of the frame, thus providing support on both sides. For particularly good support, two opposing support legs can also be arranged on every second frame.When the privacy screen is in its upright position, the support legs can provide V-shaped support.

[0036] The privacy screen can also have a camera attached to the frame or integrated into the frame. This allows the scene of the incident to be recorded for documentation purposes. If the camera is attached to the frame, it can be attached using a clamp, a clip or a screw connection, for example. If the camera is integrated into the frame, it can be flush with the frame, so that the camera is well protected. The camera can be operated using a battery or rechargeable battery, but the camera can also be connected to the vehicle's electrical circuit. The camera can have a camera arm so that it can digitally record the scene of the incident from above. Several cameras can also be fitted to the frame in order to record the scene of the incident from several angles. This is particularly useful for a privacy screen that has several frames, where, for example, a camera can be fitted on every second or third frame.One camera each can also be provided on two sides of the frame so that the cameras are aligned opposite each other in order to ensure documentation of the scene of the incident using a camera facing the scene of the incident, regardless of the positioning of the privacy screen relative to the scene of the incident.

[0037] The privacy screen can also have a light source attached to the frame or integrated into the frame. This can illuminate the scene of the incident and make the work of emergency services easier, particularly at night. If the light source is attached to the frame, it can be attached using a clamp, a clip or a screw connection, for example. If the light source is integrated into the frame, it can be flush with the frame, so that the light source is well protected. The light source can be an LED lamp or a light bulb. Furthermore, the light source can be battery-operated or rechargeable; connection to a vehicle's electrical circuit is also possible, with power cables integrated into the frame and, if necessary, the spacer.A light source can be provided at the front and rear of the frame so that the light sources are aligned opposite each other to ensure illumination of the scene of the incident regardless of the position of the privacy screen. In this case, it is possible to switch on only the light source facing the scene of the incident. In addition, the light source facing away from the scene of the incident can also be switched on to prevent passing drivers from inspecting the scene more closely. Any impairment of the driver's view due to excessive glare must naturally be avoided. The privacy screen can also have several light sources on one side of the frame to ensure good illumination of the entire scene of the incident. These light sources can, for example, be arranged at all corners of the frame or evenly distributed around its circumference.

[0038] The fastening element of the privacy screen can have a suction cup so that it can be fixed to the outside of the vehicle, e.g. to a window pane. It is also possible for the fastening element to have a rope which can be wound around a roof rack or roof rail of the vehicle and knotted, for example. A clamp, in particular a clamp lock, or a carabiner can be provided at one end of the fastening element, e.g. at one end of the rope, in order to take up the end of the rope wound around the roof rack or roof rail and to enable a stable connection; alternatively, a firm connection can be achieved by knotting. The fastening element can also have a hook or part of a snap, bolt, pin, screw, plug-in, clamp, clip, Velcro or joint connection, while the other part of the respective connection can be provided on the outside of the vehicle.

[0039] The fastening element can further comprise a gripper, e.g. a 3-finger gripper. The 3-finger gripper can be attached to the fastening element in an articulated manner, in particular with a swivel joint. Hooks or rings can be provided on each finger of the 3-finger gripper for attachment to a suitable location on the outside of the vehicle. If the gripper has rings, these can be opened or mounted, for example, using a clamp or screw. The gripper can comprise an elastic material, in particular an elastomer, in order to be able to stretch individual fingers of the gripper relative to one another. Alternatively, fingers of the gripper can be extendable, for example as a telescopic arm, in order to vary their length.In a 3-finger gripper, for example, the two outer fingers can be extendable, while the middle finger can have a fixed length, allowing a certain minimum distance between the frame and the vehicle to be specified. A damping element can be provided in the extendable fingers, preventing an abrupt change in the length of the fingers and the associated damage to the vehicle or the privacy screen.

[0040] The privacy screen can be attached to the rear of the vehicle in the transport position. This ensures that the screen is evenly loaded across the vehicle's width and prevents tilting due to uneven lateral loading. Furthermore, attaching the privacy screen to the rear of the vehicle can minimize obstruction to the driver's view. It also prevents the vehicle from becoming wider, making it easier to comply with any regulations regarding the maximum width of the vehicle for use on the road.

[0041] The privacy screen can be attached to the vehicle with a hinge. This allows for greater flexibility when setting up the privacy screen. Unevenness or inclines in the ground and the resulting height differences between the vehicle and the installed privacy screen can also be easily compensated for. For example, a hinge or ball joint can be used. To prevent the privacy screen from accidentally pivoting relative to the vehicle when in the installed or transport position, the joint can be designed to be stiff.

[0042] The privacy screen can be attached to a guide rail connected to the vehicle. This means that the vehicle can have a guide rail, the guide rail being attached to the outside of the vehicle, and the privacy screen being attached to the guide rail. This allows the privacy screen to be moved relative to the vehicle and set up from any position along the guide rail. The guide rail can be mounted on the outside of the vehicle using a suitable connection, in particular a form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection. A screw connection, for example, has proven to be expedient. The guide rail can comprise high-strength aluminum in order to ensure dimensional stability while remaining relatively lightweight.

[0043] The privacy screen can be attached to any desired position along the guide rail. The privacy screen can be secured in this position using a clamp, a screw, a clip, or a pin, for example. This prevents the privacy screen from shifting unintentionally.

[0044] It is possible to arrange the guide rail directly on the vehicle, but the guide rail can also be spaced apart from the vehicle, for example at a distance of 1 to 20 cm. If the guide rail is spaced apart from the vehicle, a fastening element having a rope can be wound around the guide rail to attach the privacy screen, or a fastening element having a snap hook or hook can be hooked onto the guide rail.

[0045] The guide rail can be designed as an open profile and have a recess that is constant over its length and can be open, for example, in the direction of a side facing away from the vehicle or in the direction of a side arranged perpendicular to the vehicle. The recess can therefore be approximately U-shaped. The cross-section of the recess can, for example, taper from the inside in a wedge shape towards the opening. The fastening element can then be designed such that it can be pushed into the recess at one end of the guide rail. The fastening element should then be designed as a dimensionally stable body and have a cross-sectional area that essentially corresponds to that of the recess.

[0046] The fastening element can also be designed as a fastening clip, which is inserted into the guide rail by pressing it together and, once released, can adapt to the geometry of the guide rail to achieve a positive connection. To provide sufficient stability, the fastening clip can be made of metal. For this purpose, for example, a guide rail can be used that has an open profile with an approximately U-shaped recess, as described above, or a T-shaped profile.

[0047] The privacy screen can be attached to a carriage that is movable relative to the guide rail. This allows the privacy screen to be easily moved relative to the vehicle along the guide rail. The carriage can have a ring, carabiner, hook or part of a snap, bolt, pin, screw, plug, clamp, clip, Velcro or articulated connection to the privacy screen, depending on how the fastening element of the privacy screen is designed. For example, the carriage can have a ring to which a carabiner, hook or rope of the fastening element can be fixed. In particular, the fastening element and the carriage can each have part of a joint. For example, the fastening element can be designed as a joint head, while a joint socket can be provided in the carriage to receive this joint head.A ball joint can be provided to allow the privacy screen to be pivoted in all directions relative to the vehicle. This not only compensates for height differences due to rising or falling ground, but also allows the privacy screen to be set up at any angle to the vehicle. The carriage can be attached to the guide rail, for example, by means of a screw, plug, clip, or clamp connection. The carriage can also have a recess into which the guide rail can be received starting from a free end of the guide rail.

[0048] The guide rail can also be arranged at least at a rear of the vehicle and / or along an outer side of a roof of the vehicle in the immediate vicinity of the rear. This makes it easier to move the privacy screen along the rail into a transport position at the rear of the vehicle.

[0049] The guide rail can also be arranged in the immediate vicinity of a long side and the rear of the vehicle along the outside of the roof of the vehicle, wherein it can be curved in a corner area of ​​the roof. The long side is understood to be one of the two sides adjacent to the rear of the vehicle on which the vehicle's side doors are located. The guide rail can therefore be designed essentially along an L-shaped plan. If the guide rail is arranged in the immediate vicinity of both long sides and the rear of the vehicle along the outside of the roof of the vehicle, it can be designed along a U-shaped plan. Thanks to a curved design in the corner area, the privacy screen can be easily moved relative to the vehicle over the entire length of the guide rail.The radius of the curved section of the guide rail can be in the range of 5 to 50 cm. This L- or U-shaped design of the guide rail means that the privacy screen can be erected from two or three sides of the vehicle. This allows for great flexibility, as the privacy screen can be erected regardless of the vehicle's position relative to the scene of the incident. This means that when the vehicle approaches the scene of the incident, no consideration needs to be given to its orientation with regard to erecting the privacy screen. This is an advantage, particularly in tight spaces where turning or changing the vehicle's position at the scene of the incident is difficult.

[0050] If the fastening element has a gripper, in particular a 3-finger gripper, each finger of the gripper can be attached to a separate carriage. A swivel joint can be provided for attachment. With a 3-finger gripper, the two outer fingers can be designed to be extendable, e.g. as telescopic arms. This allows different finger lengths to be set in curved sections of the guide rail, so that the privacy screen can be moved along a curved section of the guide rail.

[0051] The privacy screen can also have two fastening elements connected to the frame, which can be used to attach the privacy screen to the outside of the vehicle. Each of the two fastening elements can be connected to the frame in corner areas on the same side of the frame. By attaching the privacy screen with two fastening elements, pivoting of the erected privacy screen relative to the vehicle can be restricted.

[0052] Each of the fastening elements can be connected to the frame via a spacer. Alternatively, both fastening elements can be connected to the frame via a common spacer. In this case, the spacer can have a first rod which can be arranged at a distance from and parallel to one side of the frame. The first rod can be connected to the frame via a joint. For example, two to six joints, in particular two, can be arranged evenly spaced from one another over the height of the side of the frame. The first rod can be connected to a further rod at each of its two ends or in the end regions, e.g. by screwing or welding, whereby these two further rods can be perpendicular to the first rod. A fastening element can be arranged at each end of the two further rods.

[0053] For example, two guide rails can be connected to the vehicle, wherein the first guide rail can be arranged in the area of ​​a floor of the vehicle and the second guide rail in the area of ​​the roof of the vehicle. The first guide rail can be arranged outside of the wheels of the vehicle so that the privacy screen can be moved freely along the guide rails. The first guide rail can also be designed in several pieces, wherein sections of the first guide rail provided in the area of ​​the wheels can be removed. Thus, the presence of the first guide rail does not hinder a wheel change if these sections are removed beforehand.

[0054] By attaching the privacy screen to the outside of the vehicle in the transport position, it can dry quickly (e.g., due to wind) if it gets wet at the site. Furthermore, attaching the privacy screen to the outside of the vehicle in the transport position offers the advantage that no space needs to be reserved inside the vehicle for the privacy screen.

[0055] In addition to attaching the privacy screen using the fastening element, the privacy screen can also be secured using a hook provided on the frame and a corresponding pin located on the outside of the vehicle. A projection on the outside of the vehicle can also be provided on the vehicle's exterior, onto which the privacy screen can be placed.

[0056] A cover can be provided to protect the privacy screen during storage. The design of the cover can depend on how the privacy screen is attached to the vehicle. If the attachment is stable and can support the additional weight of the cover, the cover can be made of a rain-resistant plastic tarpaulin, for example. If attaching the privacy screen using the fastening element is not sufficient to ensure that the privacy screen is held securely during transport, the cover can be made of a material with comparatively high rigidity, for example metal and / or a fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0057] The cover may incorporate a fastening device, such as a pin, hook, clip, or clamp, to prevent the privacy screen from slipping during transport, in addition to the fastening element. A cable strap or Velcro fastener may also be incorporated into the cover to better secure the privacy screen.

[0058] The cover can be designed as a box. The box can be attached to the rear of the vehicle, for example, using screws. It can have one or two pivoting doors, a sliding door, a folding door, or a rolling door to facilitate quick installation of the privacy screen.

[0059] The cover can be provided with ventilation openings, such as vents, to allow air to circulate with the surrounding area. This allows the privacy screen to dry quickly even when stored in the cover.

[0060] The cover may have a corresponding recess for the fastening element or the spacer (if present) so that the attachment of the privacy screen to the vehicle is not hindered by the cover.

[0061] The privacy screen can also have a rain cover attached to the frame. The rain cover not only protects the privacy screen from rain when in transport position, but can also protect people at the scene when the privacy screen is erected. The rain cover can be attached to a side of the frame facing away from the ground. The rain cover can have a panel or plate which can be arranged at an angle of approximately 90° to the frame (accordingly, the rain screen can be arranged essentially parallel to the ground). The rain cover can be attached to the frame using screws or nails, for example.

[0062] The rain guard can also be designed to be pivotable, so that it can be pivoted by approximately 180°, i.e. from one side of the frame to the other. The rain guard can therefore be used to protect people at the point of impact from rain, regardless of which side of the frame is facing the site of impact. For this purpose, the rain guard can be attached to the frame using a hinge. For example, two hinge joints can be provided for attachment. The hinge joints can be designed to be stiff to ensure that the rain guard is held securely and to prevent it from pivoting accidentally.

[0063] The invention further relates to a method for shielding an operation site, comprising the steps:

[0064] ( a ) Driving a vehicle according to the invention to the site of use, with the screen in the transport position, and

[0065] (b) Setting up the privacy screen.

[0066] To erect the privacy screen, the fastening of the privacy screen to the vehicle provided in step (a) can be loosened, and the privacy screen can be attached to another suitable location on the outside of the vehicle using the fastening element. Alternatively, the fastening provided in step (a) can be retained. If a guide rail is provided for attaching the privacy screen, the privacy screen can also be moved along the guide rail relative to the vehicle.

[0067] The frame can then be pivoted relative to the vehicle to align the privacy screen to the location of use. If the fastening element is connected to the frame via a spacer, the spacer and the frame can also be pivoted relative to each other to align the privacy screen to the location of use.

[0068] In the transport position of the privacy screen, the privacy screen element can be shifted to one side of the frame, or if the privacy screen element has slats that can be moved relative to one another, these slats can be arranged one above the other. In this case, following step (b), the privacy screen element can be extended (like a curtain), or the slats can be shifted relative to one another and arranged next to one another to ensure shielding of the installation site.

[0069] If the frame is provided with a support wheel which is attached to the frame via an extendable rod, the rod can be extended and fixed, e.g. clicked into place and clamped. The privacy screen can then be rolled into a desired position or the distance between a surface and the frame can be adjusted. If the frame has a support leg, this can be brought into a suitable position for supporting the frame following step (c), for example by folding out and / or by moving the support leg relative to, in particular perpendicular to, the frame.

[0070] The frame of the privacy screen can be hinged to at least one other frame, whereby the frames can be folded together in the transport position. When set up, the frames can then be at least partially unfolded. This enables a wider area of ​​operation to be shielded. Depending on the number and width of the frames (which depends, among other things, on the type of emergency vehicle), the privacy screen can be up to 10 m or even up to 25 m long. By at least partially unfolding the frames, any angle to one another can be achieved.

[0071] When erected in step (b), the privacy screen can be positioned in a suitable manner relative to the scene of the incident. It is not dependent on any special features at the scene of the incident, such as trees or masts. Rather, the privacy screen can be positioned freely, e.g. at the same level as the road. For example, the position of the privacy screen can be selected depending on the line of sight of passing drivers, so that sufficient shielding can be achieved without surrounding the entire scene of the incident. In addition, the privacy screen can be erected in such a way as to ensure the most unhindered access possible to the scene of the incident and to the people and objects involved in the accident, particularly from all sides. For example, a suitable distance can be maintained when erecting it.In the case of two or more vehicles, a corridor can be constructed, for example, using at least parts of a screen, which allows access to the scene of the incident while blocking the view from outside.

[0072] The invention further relates to the use of the vehicle and the privacy screen according to the present invention for shielding an emergency site. The privacy screen can, for example, have a packed size of approximately 170 cm x 155 cm x 70 cm. These values ​​can be selected to suit the privacy screen's design and the specific vehicle it is to be transported in and attached to. By appropriately modifying the privacy screen, it can be attached to any vehicle, regardless of the vehicle type or manufacturer. Due to the weight of the privacy screen (e.g. up to 160 kg), an additional damping element can be provided on the vehicle. The vehicle can be a minibus or small bus, as the rear of this type of vehicle is well suited for attaching the privacy screen.Due to its better visibility compared to cars, this type of vehicle is now preferred as an emergency vehicle in many countries, especially for operations on highways. The vehicle can also be a fire engine, such as a fire engine.

[0073] For the purposes of this disclosure, references such as "floor", "rear", etc., refer to the intended operating condition of the vehicle.

[0074] The invention is further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings describing some embodiments. These embodiments are particularly preferred embodiments to which the invention is not intended to be limited.

[0075] Fig. 1a-c schematically show embodiments of the privacy screen according to the invention or a section thereof in various erected states or positions.

[0076] Fig. 2a-c and 3a-c show schematic sections of various embodiments of the privacy screen according to the invention or detailed views thereof.

[0077] Figs. 4a-b schematically show an embodiment of a part of the privacy screen according to the invention, without a fastening element, in a transport position. Figs. 5a-b and 6a-c schematically show an embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention or sections thereof. In Figs. 5a-b, the vehicle is shown in a transport position, while Figs. 6a-c show the vehicle at a site of use during an installation process with the privacy screen in various positions.

[0078] Fig. 7 shows schematically an embodiment of a privacy screen according to the invention in a transport position.

[0079] Fig. 8a-d show schematic sections of an embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention in a transport position.

[0080] Fig. 9a-b show schematic sections of an embodiment of a privacy screen according to the invention or a vehicle with a rain cover.

[0081] Fig. 1a shows a privacy screen 1a in a state erected along a straight path. The privacy screen 1a has eight frames 2 which are connected to one another via joints 3. One of the two outer frames 2 is connected via a spacer 4 to two fastening elements 5, each of which has a recess (not shown) for connection to a suitable point, e.g. to a hook, on the outside of a vehicle. The frame 2 is connected to the spacer 4 via joints 6. The spacer 4 has two diagonal struts 7 to increase rigidity. The frame 2 connected to the spacer 4 is connected to a privacy screen element 8 made of metal, while each of the remaining frames 2 is connected to a privacy screen element 8 made of mesh vinyl having three mutually displaceable slats 8a. The slats 8a are connected to the respective frame 2 via elastomer bands 9 (shown in Fig. 2c).Two opposing, foldable support legs 10 are attached to every second frame 2, so that a V-shaped (more precisely, inverted V-shaped) support of the erected privacy screen 1a is achieved. Furthermore, a support wheel 11 is attached to every second frame 2 via an extendable rod 12 on the frame 2. The support legs 10 and support wheels 11 are arranged alternately on the frame 2. The arrangement of the frames 2 in Fig. 1a along a straight line allows an additional connection of two frames 2 by means of a cover 13, which is attached to every second frame 2, so that the frames arranged in an area between two support legs 10 are rigidly connected to one another.

[0082] Fig. 1b shows another privacy screen 1b in the erected state. It is constructed similarly to the privacy screen 1a shown in Fig. 1a, but has nine frames 2 that are arranged pivoted relative to one another. The number of joints 3 between the frames 2 also differs from that of the privacy screen 1a shown in Fig. 1a.

[0083] Fig. 1c shows a section of a privacy screen 1c, which is essentially constructed like the privacy screen 1a shown in Fig. 1a. However, the fastening element 5 differs from those previously shown in that it has a 3-finger gripper.

[0084] Fig. 2a shows part of a privacy screen. A frame 2 is shown, which is connected to a privacy screen element 8, which has three slats 8a. Each of the slats 8a is connected to the frame via two separate elastomer bands 9. Accordingly, three elastomer bands 9 are stretched in the immediate vicinity of two opposite sides of the frame 2, parallel to these sides of the frame 2 (see Fig. 2c). Two elastomer bands 9 stretched on opposite sides of the frame 2 form a pair of elastomer bands. Each slat 8a is held by a pair of elastomer bands, so that the slats 8a are arranged offset from one another in the frame 2 and can therefore be moved relative to one another. In Fig.2a, the slats 8a are arranged one above the other, which makes it easier to set up the privacy screen by reducing the surface area exposed to wind (essentially the sail area) and the associated wind load, and also allows the privacy screen to be easily opened temporarily once it has been set up, e.g. to allow a person to climb through. Parts of joints 3 for connecting to other frames 2 are attached to two sides of the frame 2. Furthermore, the part of the privacy screen shown has a support wheel 11 which is attached to the frame with an extendable rod 12. On one side of the frame 2, which adjoins the two sides to which parts of joints 3 are attached, there are recesses 14 for receiving corresponding bulges of overhangs 13 attached to adjacent frames 2.

[0085] Fig. 2b-c show part of another privacy screen or a section thereof. A frame 2 is shown which is connected to a privacy screen element 8 having three slats 8a. Each of the slats 8a is connected to the frame via two separate elastomer bands 9. Accordingly, three elastomer bands 9 are stretched in the immediate vicinity of two opposite sides of the frame 2 and parallel to these sides of the frame 2. Two elastomer bands 9 stretched on opposite sides of the frame 2 form a pair of elastomer bands. Each slat 8a is held on the two narrow sides by a pair of elastomer bands so that the slats 8a are arranged offset from one another in the frame 2 and can therefore be moved against one another. The juxtaposition of the slats 8a as shown in Fig. 2b-c enables an area of ​​use to be effectively shielded.On two sides of the frame 2, parts of joints 3 are attached for connection to other frames 2. On a side of the frame 2 adjacent to these two sides, recesses 14 are provided for receiving corresponding bulges of overhangs 13 attached to adjacent frames 2 (shown, for example, in Fig. 1c). The part of the privacy screen shown in Fig. 2b further shows a support wheel 11 attached to the frame 2 via a rod 12. A support leg 10 is also provided, which rests on the frame 2 and is articulated to it via a clamp 15.

[0086] Fig. 3a shows the privacy screen from Fig. 2b with the support legs 10 folded out. This provides V-shaped (or more precisely, inverted V-shaped) support for the frame 2. A strut 16 is provided between the frame 2 and each of the support legs 10. The support legs 10 have a flattened, foldable support surface 17 which is folded out when the privacy screen is in the erected state in order to ensure good stability on a hard surface (e.g. asphalt). The support legs 10 are movable relative to the frame 2 and, due to their geometric design (see Fig. 3b-c), can be held in a certain position by means of screws 18 provided in the frame 2.

[0087] Fig. 3b-c show detailed views of the part of a privacy screen shown in Fig. 2c in a transport position. Two opposing support legs 10 rest on the frame 2. The support legs 10 have an acute-angled recess 19 at both ends and, due to this geometric design, are held in place by screws 18 fastened to the frame 2. Fig. 3b shows an upper region of the frame 2, wherein the connection of the support legs 10 to the frame 2 can be seen via a clamp 15. The clamp 15 has two hinge joints (not shown) with which the support legs 10 are connected, so that the support legs 10 can be folded out when the privacy screen is in the upright position. In Fig. 3c shows a lower region of the frame 2 , wherein it can be seen that each of the support legs 10 has a flattened support surface 17 .Each of the support surfaces 17 can be rotated relative to the respective support leg 10 via a hinge joint 20 and folded in for transport of the privacy screen.

[0088] Fig. 4a-b show various perspective views of part of a privacy screen in a transport position, wherein frames 2 connected to one another via joints 3 are folded together. Each frame 2 is connected to a privacy screen element 8. Each privacy screen element 8 has three slats 8a which are connected to the frame 2 via elastomer bands 9. In Fig. 4a-b the slats 8a of all frames 2 are arranged one above the other. On each frame 2 there is provided a support wheel 11 which is fastened to one side of the frame 2 via an extendable rod 12. The frames also have recesses 14 for receiving covers 13 (shown e.g. in Fig. 1c) of adjacent frames.

[0089] Fig. 5a-b show a vehicle 21 or a section thereof, to the rear 22 of which (shown in Fig. 6a-c) a privacy screen 1d is fastened in a transport position. Guide rails 24 are fastened in the area of ​​the floor and roof 23 of the vehicle 21. These guide rails are arranged in the immediate vicinity of two long sides 25 and the rear 22 of the vehicle 21 and are curved in corner regions 26, with a curve radius of 40 cm. Each guide rail 24 is accordingly U-shaped. To increase rigidity, the guide rails 24 have struts 27 arranged perpendicular to them, which are fastened to the roof 23 and / or to the floor of the vehicle 21. Sections 28 of the guide rail 24 fastened to the floor of the vehicle 21 in the area of ​​the wheels 29 of the vehicle 21 can be removed so as not to hinder a wheel change. As can be seen from Fig.5a-b, the privacy screen Id is connected to the two guide rails 24 via two fastening elements 5, each of which has a 3-finger gripper 30 (shown schematically). The connection is made by receiving the guide rails 24 in circular or elliptical recesses of the 3-finger grippers 30 and then screwing them together. In order to enable movement of the privacy screen Id along the curved corner regions 26 of the guide rails 24, the 3-finger grippers 30 comprise an elastomer so that the individual fingers of the 3-finger gripper 30 can be stretched relative to one another. Frames 2 connected via joints 3 are folded together for transport of the privacy screen Id. The spacer 4 is arranged pivoted by 90° relative to the frame 2, to which it is connected via joints 6, so that the privacy screen Id lies directly against the rear side 22 of the vehicle 21.Every second frame 2 has a cover 13 for connecting to adjacent frames 2. Recesses 14 for receiving cover pieces 13 are also provided on the frame 2. Fig. 5b also shows two tensioning elements 31 in the form of tensioning clamps which are fastened to the frame 2 in order to prevent the frames 2 from accidentally pivoting relative to one another in the transport position. Figs. 6a-c show the vehicle 21 already shown in Figs. 5a-b with the privacy screen 1d or sections thereof during an erection process of the privacy screen 1d at an operation site. The privacy screen 1d is connected to guide rails 24 of the vehicle 21 which are fastened to a floor and a roof 23 by means of a fastening element 5 each, which has a 3-finger gripper 30 (shown schematically). In contrast to a transport position (see Fig. 5), a spacer 4 and a frame 2 connected to it via joints 6 are pivoted towards each other.In order to erect the privacy screen Id, folded frames 2 which are connected to one another via joints 3 can be at least partially unfolded. This allows the privacy screen Id to be brought into one of the positions shown in Fig. 1a-b. Since the guide rails 24 are U-shaped, the privacy screen Id can be erected starting from one of the two long sides 25 or the rear 22 of the vehicle 21, which allows a high degree of flexibility. Thus, in Fig. 6a the privacy screen Id is arranged on a long side 25 of the vehicle 21 in the area of ​​exterior mirrors, in Fig. 6b on a long side 25 of the vehicle 21 in the area of ​​wheels 29, and in Fig. 6c in a curved corner area 26 of the guide rails 24.

[0090] Fig. 7 shows a further privacy screen le in a transport position. The privacy screen le has two fastening elements 5 for fastening to a vehicle. The fastening elements 5 are designed as 3-finger grippers 30, wherein the two outer fingers 32 are designed to be extendable (see detailed view in Fig. 8b). Each of the three fingers 32 is rotatably fastened to a separate carriage 33. This allows the privacy screen le to be moved along curved corner regions 26 of a guide rail 24 of the vehicle (see Fig. 8a-d). The privacy screen le shown in Fig. 7 has slats 8a which can be moved relative to one another by means of guide rails (not shown) provided in frame 2. Fig. 8a-d show a vehicle 21, to whose rear 22 (shown in Fig. 6a-c) the privacy screen 1e already shown in Fig. 7 is attached in a transport position, or parts thereof. As shown in the detailed view in Fig.As shown in Fig. 8b, the two outer fingers 32 of the 3-finger gripper 30, which are designed to be extendable, have an inner part 34 that can be pulled out from an outer part 35 in order to vary the length of the two outer fingers 32. Each of the three fingers 32 is attached to a separate carriage 33 with a swivel joint (not shown). The 3-finger gripper 30 is also attached to the fastening element 5 with a swivel joint (not shown). The carriages 33 are attached by means of screw connections (not shown) to guide rails 24, which are arranged in the area of ​​the floor and roof 23 of the vehicle 21. In Fig. 8d, the vehicle 21 is only schematically shown by means of the guide rails 24 and wheels 29 in order to show the attachment of the privacy screen 1e to both guide rails 24.

[0091] Fig. 9a shows a section of a privacy screen If, which has a rain cover 36 attached to a frame 2. The privacy screen If is in the deployed state. The rain cover 36 is arranged at an angle of approximately 90° to the frame 2 and can protect people at the scene from rain. Fig. 9b shows a section of a vehicle 21 in a transport position, to which the privacy screen If is attached. The rain cover 36 can protect the privacy screen If from rain in the transport position.

Claims

Claims 1. Vehicle (21) for use at an emergency site, the vehicle (21) having a privacy screen (la-lf), the privacy screen (la-lf) having a privacy screen element (8) and a fastening element (5), the privacy screen (la-lf) being fastened to the outside of the vehicle (21) in a transport position via the fastening element (5), characterized in that the privacy screen (la-lf) has a frame (2), the privacy screen element (8) being connected to the frame (2) and the frame (2) being connected to the fastening element (5).

2. Vehicle (21) according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame (2) is articulated to at least one further frame.

3. Vehicle (21) according to claim 2, characterized in that the frames (2) are connected to one another via a double joint.

4. Vehicle (21) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a support wheel (11) is attached to at least one of the frames (2).

5. Vehicle (21) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fastening element (5) has a Spacer (4) is connected to the frame (2).

6. Vehicle (21) according to one of the claims to 5, characterized in that the privacy screen element (8) is elastically connected to the frame (2).

7. Vehicle (21) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the privacy screen (la-lf) is fastened to a rear side (22) of the vehicle (21) in the transport position.

8. Vehicle (21) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the privacy screen (la-lf) is hingedly attached to the vehicle (21).

9. Vehicle (21) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the privacy screen (la-lf) is fastened to a guide rail (24) connected to the vehicle (21).

10. Vehicle (21) according to claim 9, characterized in that the privacy screen (la-lf) is attached to a carriage which is displaceable relative to the guide rail (24).

11. Visual protection (la-lf) for shielding an operation site, wherein the visual protection (la-lf) has a visual protection element (8) and a fastening element (5), wherein the fastening element (5) is designed to fasten the visual protection (la-lf) in a transport position on the outside of a vehicle (21), characterized in that the visual protection (la-lf) has a frame (2), wherein the visual protection element (8) is connected to the frame (2) and the frame (2) is connected to the fastening element (5).

12. A method for shielding an incident site, comprising the steps of: (a) driving a vehicle (21) according to one of claims 1 to 10 to the site of use, with the screen (la-lf) in the transport position, and (b) Erection of the privacy screen (la-lf).

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the frame (2) of the privacy screen (la-lf) is pivotally connected to at least one further frame (2), wherein the frames (2) are folded together in the transport position, characterized in that the frames (2) are at least partially unfolded when erected.

14. Use of a vehicle (21) according to one of claims 1 to 10 or a screen (la-lf) according to claim 11 for shielding an operation site.

Images