Deployable device for lateral protection of vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to a deployable device for the lateral protection of vehicles. The device comprises a housing (1) which accommodates a retractable mechanism (2) configured to extend and retract a flexible protective element (3), preferably in the form of a strap. Said protective element (3) has at least one securing element (4) at the free end thereof, designed to be coupled to an anchoring element (5) arranged externally, such as a wall, column or support. In a deployed position, the protective element (3) is arranged along the lateral side of the vehicle, forming a barrier which reduces damage caused by impacts from the opening of adjacent vehicle doors in small parking spaces. The retractable mechanism (3), comprising a spring coupled to a winding reel, allows for the automatic retraction of the protective element (3) when not in use.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Deployable device for side protection of vehicles

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, as the title of this specification indicates, is a deployable device for side protection of vehicles. It is an innovation that offers advantages previously unknown within current techniques.

[0005] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0006] The present invention falls within the sector of diverse industrial techniques and transport in vehicles in general, especially in vehicles, equipment or parts of vehicles, not provided for elsewhere.

[0007] Similarly, it falls under the classification of removable external protective covers specially adapted to vehicles or parts of vehicles, for example, covers for parking spaces, as well as protectors rolled on rollers and even in the section to cover only specific parts of the vehicle, for example, the doors.

[0008] STATE OF THE ART

[0009] The present invention arises from observing that vehicle drivers face a growing concern about damage caused by impacts from adjacent vehicle doors when parking in communal parking lots.

[0010] In confined parking spaces, it is common for some drivers to open their vehicle doors recklessly, without considering the risk of hitting adjacent cars.

[0011] This can cause dents, scratches, and other aesthetic damage that affects the vehicle's appearance, increasing the feeling of insecurity and discomfort when parking in these spaces.

[0012] Accordingly, this invention presents a deployable device for side protection of vehicles that acts as a barrier between parked cars, protecting the sides of the vehicle from possible accidental impacts caused by the opening of the doors of other vehicles.

[0013] Currently, there is no known existence of any deployable device for side protection of vehicles that presents structural and constitutive technical characteristics equal or similar to those described in this descriptive report, as claimed.

[0014] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The object of the present invention is the creation of a deployable device for side protection of vehicles that provides a notable innovation within its field of application in the current state of the art, the characterizing details that make it possible being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description.

[0016] The present invention describes a deployable device for the side protection of vehicles, comprising a housing that contains a retractable mechanism designed to extend and retract a flexible protective element, which can be stored within the housing when not in use. This protective element is provided with at least one fastening element at its free end, which attaches to an external anchor point, such as a column or post. This attachment secures the protective element in its deployed position, thus providing protection to the side of a parked vehicle against accidental impacts caused by the opening of adjacent vehicle doors in shared or confined parking spaces. The protective element is therefore a strip or similar material, of sufficient width (generally more than 15 cm) and mechanical strength, which is positioned between the sides of two parked vehicles.

[0017] This invention solves the problem of damage caused by the careless opening of doors in communal parking garages by offering a deployable barrier that protects the side of parked vehicles. The device prevents bumps and scratches by acting as a separator between vehicles, ensuring their integrity in confined spaces. Being flexible, the protective element does not prevent doors from opening even if the driver has stopped too close to the vehicle.

[0018] The practical benefits include an easy-to-use and install solution that provides added security without complications. Its retractable and deployable design allows for effective protection in high-traffic areas, ensuring greater peace of mind for drivers while parking.

[0019] The preferred casing for this device has a slim, elongated shape, with a front opening that allows the protective element to pass through.

[0020] This housing is designed for installation on a wall or column using fasteners such as screws. This design facilitates mounting in parking spaces, ensuring stability and accessibility for the user. It is generally positioned so that the protective element deploys horizontally, with its greatest width in the vertical direction.

[0021] The preferred embodiment of the retractable mechanism housed in the casing comprises at least a spring coupled to a winding reel, which is configured to automatically retract the protective element once it is no longer in use. This winding system ensures that the protective element is stored neatly and quickly, preventing any inconvenience when removing it.

[0022] The protective element, for its part, consists of an elongated strip with a width suitable to cover the side of the vehicle and a length sufficient to adapt to the different dimensions of the space to be protected, with a little margin to allow its deformation when a door opens and pushes it.

[0023] This tape is normally unfolded manually, allowing the user to adjust the coverage according to their specific protection needs.

[0024] Furthermore, the protective element is made of a flexible, high-density material, such as synthetic foam, providing strength and effective protection against accidental impacts that may occur due to the opening of nearby vehicle doors. It may also contain a more durable material, such as canvas, to achieve sufficient tensile strength.

[0025] The fastening element is located at the end of the protective element and can be configured as a hook that attaches to the anchoring element. This fastening mechanism facilitates securing the protective element in its deployed position, ensuring that the device remains in place while performing its protective function. Finally, the anchoring element is positioned opposite and at a distance from the housing.

[0026] This anchoring element, which can be a stake, a ring attached to a wall or a hole, among other solutions, facilitates the attachment of the fastening element and keeps the protective element taut, guaranteeing its effectiveness and stability at all times.

[0027] To use the vehicle side protection device, the user must install the housing on a wall or column using the included fixings. Then, the user must manually unfold the protective element and attach it to the corresponding anchor point. Once in place, the retractable system ensures that the protective element retracts automatically after use.

[0028] In this way, the device allows for easy installation and use, providing a temporary protective barrier that retracts automatically after each use, ensuring both user comfort and the protection of their vehicle.

[0029] EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] To complete the description being made and in order to help in the better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by some figures in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the deployable device for side protection of vehicles.

[0032] Figure 2 shows a side view of the deployable device for side protection of vehicles, in use.

[0033] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION.

[0034] The deployable vehicle side protection device is designed to prevent damage caused by the opening of adjacent vehicle doors in shared or confined parking spaces. The device comprises a housing (1) containing a retractable mechanism (2), configured to extend and retract a protective element (3) provided with at least one fastening element (4) at its free end. This protective element attaches to an anchoring element (5), such as a column or wall in a garage, ensuring that the protective element (3) remains in its deployed position and providing protection to the side of the parked vehicle against accidental impacts caused by the opening of adjacent vehicle doors.

[0035] The housing (1) can be fixed to different elements, such as a wall, a post, a column, or similar.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the housing (1) has a slim, elongated box shape with a front opening (1.1) that allows the passage of the protective element (3) and is designed to be installed vertically on a wall or column using fixing elements such as screws, ensuring its support and stability in the parking space.

[0037] Preferably, the retractable mechanism (2) comprises at least one spring coupled to a winding reel, configured to automatically retract the protective element (3) after use. This system ensures efficient operation, allowing the protective element (3) to be stored quickly and neatly when not in use.

[0038] Alternatively, the protective element (3) consists of an elongated strip, with a width suitable for covering the side of the vehicle and a length appropriate to adapt to the different dimensions of the space to be protected. This strip is deployed manually, offering flexibility and ease of use in different parking situations.

[0039] Typically, the protective element (3) is made of a flexible, high-density material, such as synthetic foam, providing effective impact protection without compromising the device's durability. It may include tensile-resistant fibers.

[0040] Preferably, the fastening element (4) is configured as a hook located at the end of the protective element (3), intended to engage with the anchoring element (5). This fastening mechanism ensures that the protective element (3) remains in its deployed position, thus protecting the side of the parked vehicle from potential damage. Generally, the anchoring element (5) is positioned opposite and at a distance from the housing (1), serving as an attachment point, such as a stake, post, ring attached to a wall, or a hole, which enables the attachment of the fastening element (4) and keeps the protective element (3) taut, thereby ensuring its stability and effectiveness in its protective function.

[0041] In one embodiment, the fastening element (4) is a vertical post or support that, for example, can be driven into the ground.

[0042] In another embodiment, the anchoring element (5) is a vertical post or support; this will be especially useful in cases where there is no column.

[0043] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it, it being noted that, within its essentiality, it may be put into practice in other modes of embodiment that differ in detail from the one indicated as an example, and which will also achieve the protection sought provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Deployable device for side protection of vehicles, characterized by comprising a housing (1) that houses a protective element (3) deployable and retractable by a retractable mechanism (2) in the housing (1), the free end of the protective element (3) having at least one fastening element (4) attachable to an anchoring element (5).

2. Deployable device for side protection of vehicles, according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (1) has an elongated box shape with a front opening (1.1) for the passage of the protective element (3).

3. Deployable device for side protection of vehicles, according to claim 1, characterized in that the retractable mechanism (2) comprises at least one spring coupled to a winding reel.

4. Deployable device for side protection of vehicles, according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective element (3) is a tape.

5. Deployable device for side protection of vehicles, according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective element (3) is made of synthetic foam.

6. Deployable device for side protection of vehicles, according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening element (4) is a hook.

7. Deployable device for side protection of vehicles, according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening element (4) is a vertical post or support.

8. Deployable device for side protection of vehicles, according to claim 1, characterized in that the anchoring element (5) is a vertical post or support.

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