SCREEN FOR SHIELDING AN AREA OF OPERATION

Description

The invention relates to a vehicle for use in an area of operation, wherein the vehicle comprises a screen, wherein the screen comprises a screen element and a securing element, and wherein the screen is secured to the exterior of the vehicle via the securing element in a transport position. In addition, the invention generally relates to a screen that can be secured to a vehicle and to a method for shielding an area of operation, as well as to a corresponding use of a vehicle or screen.

When an accident occurs on a busy road, drivers of vehicles passing an area of operation are often tempted to slow down in order to be able to see distressed people and the area of operation. This leads to a slowdown in the flow of traffic, which can cause traffic jams to form. The distraction of the passing drivers can lead to rear-end collisions. As a result, law enforcement personnel, paramedics or firefighters working at an area of operation are not only hindered in their work, but are also exposed to considerable risks to their safety.

In order to avoid an impairment of the traffic flow and the associated disadvantages, numerous devices are known from the prior art for shielding an area of operation from the view of passing drivers.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,912 A discloses a fold-out screen that comprises an elongated fabric and support posts with fastening cables. The fabric is made of light-reflecting material to warn passing persons and has elongated slits to prevent wind damage. However, the assembly of this screen is time-consuming and requires a lot of space in the emergency vehicle for its transport.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,249 A relates to a screen for shielding an area of operation, wherein the screen, in its set up state, is secured to the exterior of a vehicle and comprises a plurality of panels. The panels may be comprised of frame sections that can be collapsed. The panels can then be folded up so that the screen can be stored in the trunk. Here, too, the assembling and disassembling of the screen is time-consuming and the screen takes up a lot of space in the vehicle.

EP 2460938 A1 discloses an inflatable screen. However, its securing is difficult, especially in the case of wind. The tedious assembly and disassembly as well as the necessary time-consuming drying of an inflatable screen when it gets wet in use are also disadvantageous.

US 2020/0378077 A1 describes a roll-out screen, which is wrapped around a wrapping device in a towable trailer, for shielding an area of operation. In the unrolled state, the screen can be stretched between the trailer and an emergency vehicle.

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

It is an object of the invention to provide a screen for a vehicle of the type mentioned at the outset, which can be adapted to an area of operation while maintaining a distance.

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

The invention further relates generally to a screen for shielding an area of operation, wherein the screen comprises a screen element and a securing element, wherein the securing element is configured for securing the screen in a transport position on the exterior of a vehicle, wherein the screen comprises a frame, wherein the screen element is connected to the frame and the frame is connected to the securing element.

Due to the dimensional stability of the frame, it is possible to adjust the screen without support from objects involved at the area of operation (e.g. vehicles, trees) and a distance can be maintained between the screen and the area of operation. The frame can be rectangular. As a result, good shielding of the area of operation can be achieved. In this case, the frame can have two rods on opposite sides, or four rods on all four sides. For weight reasons, the poles can be made of a light metal, such as aluminium, so that the screen can be easily set up by one or two people. The frame can also be designed as a plate or panel, in particular as a metal panel.

If the screen is secured to a minibus, the frame can have a width of 130 to 170 cm and a height of 150 to 190 cm. When the screen is secured 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 in such a way that it does not rest on a substrate when the screen is in the set up state. For example, the distance of the frame from the substrate can be in the range of 10 to 50 cm. However, it is also possible to design the frame in such a way that, in the set up state of the screen, it rests with one side on the substrate.

The frame can be articulatedly connected to at least one other frame. As a result, it is possible to shield a larger-surface area of operation, or an area of operation can be shielded from several sides. A length of the screen of up to 10 m or 15 m can be realized, in the case of a fire brigade vehicle even up to 25 m. The connection can be made, for example, via a ball joint or a hinge joint. In this case, a part of a joint can be provided on each of two adjacent frames. For connecting two frames each, two or more joints can be provided, in particular two, in order to ensure good stability and load-bearing capacity. Furthermore, the articulated connection simplifies the collapsing of the frames, so that the screen can be easily secured to the exterior of the vehicle in a space-saving manner and, if necessary, the frames can be quickly set up by unfolding them.

In order to prevent unintentional pivoting of the frames relative to one another when the screen is in a set up state or in the transport position, the joint can be designed to be correspondingly stiff. Also, a drop bar latch can be secured to one side of the frame adjacent to a side intended for connection to other frames. The drop bar latch can be screwed to the frame, for example. In the set up state of the screen, the drop bar latch can be rotated by 180° in order to form a positive connection of the frame to which it is secured to an adjacent frame. However, for geometric reasons, this is only possible if the frames are not pivoted relative to each other, but are arranged along a straight line. In the drop bar latch, a protrusion can be provided for receiving in a corresponding recess in one side of the frame, in order to increase the force of the positive connection between two adjacent frames formed by the drop bar latch. For example, the protrusion can be cuboidal in shape in order to be received in a corresponding cuboidal recess of the frame. In order to prevent unintentional pivoting of the frames relative to one another when the screen is in a transport position, a tensioning element can be provided, by means of which the frames are compressed. The tensioning element can have, for example, a tensioning clamp or a tensioning strap. A plurality of tensioning elements, for example two or three, may also be provided at a distance from one another.

If the screen has two or more frames, these can be connected to one another via a double joint. This makes it possible to pivot the frames on both sides of each other (principle of a swinging door). The screen can be adapted particularly well to an area of operation by appropriately pivoting the frames relative to one another. The double joint can be designed, for example, as a double hinge joint or double ball joint.

If the screen has two or more frames, a support wheel can be secured to at least one of the frames. This allows the screen to be easily rolled into a desired position. Especially in the case of a long screen, support wheels can be provided at regular intervals in order 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 materials of the screen), can also be carried by one or two people, rolling is much easier and less draining. The support wheel can be blockable to ensure a stable grip when the desired position is reached. In strong winds, the support wheel can also be fixed 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 substrate, since rolling the screen would not be possible due to friction if there was a contact surface between the frame and the substrate. The support wheel provides additional stability for the screen in the set up state, especially if it is designed to be blockable. The support wheel can be secured to one of the frames via a rod. The securing can be done, for example, by means of a screw connection. The rod can be extendable (e.g. telescopic arm) to flexibly adjust the distance between the frames and the substrate. For example, a support wheel can be provided on each second frame.

The securing 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 obtain the greatest possible freedom of movement when setting up the screen. The securing element can have a suction cup for securing it to the exterior of the vehicle, e.g., to a smooth outer surface, in particular, to a window pane. The securing element can also have a cable or a hook in order to hang or wind it around at a suitable point on the exterior of the vehicle (e.g. on a bracket, a roof rail, or a roof rack). Alternatively, the securing element can have part of a snap, bolt, pin, screw, plug, clamp, clip, hook-and-loop, or articulated connection for securing to the vehicle, while the other part of the respective connection can be provided on the exterior of the vehicle.

The securing element can be connected to the frame via a spacer. This avoids obstructing the opening of doors of the vehicle. For example, sliding side doors frequently provided on an emergency vehicle can also be opened when the screen is secured to the side of the vehicle. The screen can also be fixed in the region of the exterior mirrors of the vehicle with the aid of the spacer, and even this comparatively large distance from the vehicle can be bridged without damaging the exterior mirrors. The spacer can be designed to be extendable, for example by means of an extendable arm (e.g. telescopic arm), in order to adjust the distance to the vehicle as desired. For example, the spacer arm can have stainless steel (NiRoSta) for good weather resistance.

The spacer and the frame may be connected to each other by a rigid connection (e.g., a screw, rivet, adhesive, solder, articulated, or welded connection) or a movable connection. In particular, the spacer and the frame may be connected to one another in an articulated manner. This allows the screen to 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 screen can be stored in a compact manner. The spacer and the frame can be connected to one another, for example, via a hinge or ball joint. In order to avoid unintentional pivoting of the spacer and the frame relative to one another while the screen is being transported or is in a set up state, the joint can be designed to be correspondingly stiff. The spacer can have a strut, such as a diagonal strut. This can increase the stiffness of the connection between the spacer and the frame and thus the stability of the screen. The strut can be articulatedly connected to the spacer or frame when the spacer is articulatedly connected to the frame so as not to interfere with mobility.

The screen element connected to the frame serves, on the one hand, to shield the area of operation from prying eyes of passing drivers. On the other hand, in the event of lateral rain or wind, it can also serve to protect people involved at the area of operation. Furthermore, the screen element can function as an advertising banner. The screen element can be made of metal, fabric, plastic, or a combination thereof. A fire-resistant screen element can be used, as the risk of fire in traffic accidents can be high. For example, the screen element can consist of one or more metals, or of a material and/or plastic, in particular a flame-retardant plastic, with an optional metallic coating.

If a substantially rigid, e.g. metallic, screen element is used, it can be connected to the frame, for example, by welding. Thus, the frame can be filled in both partially and fully. Due to the good thermal resistance of a metallic screen element, its use in a fire brigade operation or in general in the event of a fire hazard can be advantageous.

Depending on the rigidity of the screen element, it can be sufficient to design the frame as two mutually opposite rods, or for the frame and the screen element to be formed by the same, substantially rigid panel or pane (e.g. made of metal or plastic), if sufficient stability can be provided by the screen element. For an embodiment that is as light as possible in terms of weight, the screen element can comprise a light metal, in particular aluminium.

If the screen has several frames, all the frames may be connected to a screen element of the same type. However, a combination of different screen materials in different frames is also conceivable. For example, one frame can be connected to a metallic screen element, while another frame can be connected to a plastic and/or fabric screen element. This allows a good balance to be achieved between the stability and weight of the screen.

If a screen element comprising fabric and/or plastic is used, it can be fixed to the frame by means of bands, for example via eyelets, slots or tunnels incorporated into the edges of the screen element. In particular, the screen element can be made of net vinyl. This is a PVC coated mesh fabric that is weather resistant, UV resistant, tear resistant, flame retardant and dimensionally stable, making it well suited for outdoor use. Due to its good printability and high colour brilliance, mesh vinyl is also well suited as an advertising banner.

The screen element can have holes. The resistance to a transverse force, such as a wind load, is thus reduced. The holes may have a diameter or an edge length in the range from 0.5 to 4 mm, in particular 1 to 2 mm. Overall, the holes may occupy up to 20% or even up to 30% of the area of the screen element. As a result, a significant reduction in the resistance to a shear force can be achieved while at the same time providing good privacy.

The screen element can be elastically connected to the frame. An elastic connection can reduce the risk of damage to the screen element due to a transverse force, such as a wind load, since the transverse force can be introduced into the elastic and thus extensible connection. The elastic connection can be achieved, for example, via elastomer bands or springs.

For example, the screen element can be connected to the frame in the corner regions of the frame via an elastomer band or a spring in each case. Springs can also be arranged evenly distributed over the circumference of the screen element for connection to the frame.

When elastomer bands are used, one elastomer band each can also be tensioned in the immediate vicinity of two mutually opposite sides of the frame parallel to these sides of the frame. The screen element can then be secured to the elastomer bands, for example, via eyelets, slots, or through tunnels incorporated into edges of the screen element, through which the elastomer bands can be threaded.

The screen element can be displaceable relative to the frame. This can be possible, in particular, if the screen element is secured to the frame via elastomer bands, so that the screen element can be displaced along the elastomer bands. Alternatively, the screen element can be mounted, for example, in a rail guide in the frame. By displacing the screen element to one side of the frame (such as a curtain), an opening is designed in the frame that allows emergency responders to climb through. Thus, they can quickly pass from one side of the screen to the other side, whereas otherwise it would be necessary to go around the screen and possibly the vehicle, which would take a comparatively long time and would be disadvantageous especially in an accident situation. Furthermore, a surface perpendicular to a transverse force (e.g. wind load) can be reduced, which can facilitate the set up of the screen, e.g. in wind.

Alternatively, the screen element can have two lamellae that can be displaced relative to one another. For this purpose, for example, two bands, in particular elastomer strips, can be secured to the frame parallel to two mutually opposite sides of the frame and in their immediate vicinity. Two opposing bands then act as a band pair. Each pair of belts can be used to receive a lamella, so that the lamellae can be arranged offset relative to one another in the frame. In the transport position and when the screen is set up, the lamellae can then be displaced to one side of the frame and arranged one above the other. The lamellae can be secured to the bands via eyelets or slits. Alternatively, tunnels can be incorporated into the edges of the lamellae, through which the bands can be threaded. For example, two to six lamellae, in particular three, which can be displaced relative to one another, can be provided in the frame, which makes it possible to significantly reduce the wind load when setting up the screen. As in the case of a lamellar curtain, the lamellae can also be rotatable, so that they can be rotated by 90°, for example, in order to reduce the wind load. As an alternative to bands, it is also possible, for example, to provide parallel guides, such as parallel guide rails, for the lamellae in the frame, on one side or two opposite sides. The lamellae can also be arranged in a common guide rail in such a way that they are displaceable relative to one another and slide off one another.

The screen can further have at least one support leg connected to the frame or to at least one of the frames. For a better grip in a soft surface (e.g. gravel, grass), one end of the support leg can have a narrowing or taper. For a better hold of the screen on a hard surface (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 collapsible, for example with the aid of a hinge joint, so that it can be collapsed for transporting the screen and can rest against the support leg, or so that, in the case of a plurality of frames, their collapsing is not hindered by the support surface.

The support leg can be connected to the frame via a connecting element. This can be, for example, a joint, in particular a hinge joint. Thus, the support leg can be collapsed the transport position of the screen so that it can rest against the frame, which allows a space-saving storage of the screen.

The support leg can be displaceable relative to the frame so that it can rest against the frame in the transport position of the screen. For this purpose, a sleeve or clamp arranged on one side of the frame can be provided, which can be pushed over the support leg for securing purposes. An optional fixation of the sleeve or clamp in a certain position can be carried out, for example, by means of a nail, a screw or a hook-and-loop fastener. For example, the support leg can be held in a transport position by a screw provided on one side of the frame by a corresponding geometric configuration, such as an acute-angled recess at both ends of the support leg. By providing several screws, a better grip can be ensured, or the support leg can also be held by a screw in various positions, e.g. in a transport position and in a set up state of the screen.

For better stability, a strut can be provided between the frame and the support leg, which strut can be articulatedly connected to the support leg. In strong winds, the support leg can also be fixed with a weight, e.g. a sandbag. For example, a sandbag can be placed on the support surface of the support leg. An anemometer or wind gauge can be used to determine the wind strength above which the use of a weight is expedient.

Two opposing support legs may also be secured to the frame to provide particularly good stability. In the set up state of the screen, a V-shaped support can then be provided by the two support legs.

If the screen has two or more frames, one support leg can be secured at preferably regular intervals, e.g. to every second frame. As a result, a better grip is achieved, so that the screen can withstand a lateral force, in particular a wind load, particularly well. The support legs can be arranged offset, so that two adjacent support legs can each be arranged on different sides of the frame, and the support can thus be provided on both sides. For particularly good support, two mutually opposite support legs may also be arranged on each second frame. In the set up state of the screen, a V-shaped support can then be provided by the support legs.

The screen can also have a camera secured to the frame or integrated in the frame. This allows the area of operation to be recorded for documentation purposes. If the camera is secured to the frame, the securing can take place, for example, by means of a clamp, a clip or a screw connection. If the camera is integrated in the frame, it can be flush with the frame, so that the camera is well protected. Operation of the camera by means of a battery or rechargeable battery is possible, but the camera can also be connected to the circuit of the vehicle. The camera can have a camera arm so that it can digitally capture the area of operation from above. Several cameras can also be provided on the frame in order to capture the area of operation from several angles. This is particularly useful in the case of a screen that has a plurality of frames, in which case, for example, a camera can then be provided on each second or third frame. One camera each can also be provided on two sides of the frame, so that the cameras are oriented opposite one another in order to ensure documentation of the area of operation by means of a camera facing the area of operation, regardless of the positioning of the screen relative to the area of operation.

The screen can also have a light source secured to the frame or integrated into the frame. This allows the area of operation to be illuminated and the work of emergency services to be facilitated, especially at night. If the light source is secured to the frame, the securing can take place, for example, by means of a clamp, a clip or a screw connection. If the light source is integrated in 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 incandescent lamp. Furthermore, the light source can be battery-operated or rechargeable by means of a battery; a connection to a circuit of the vehicle is also possible, wherein power cables can be integrated in the frame and, if necessary, in the spacer. A light source can be provided on a front and rear sides of the frame such that the light sources are oppositely oriented to ensure illumination of the area of operation regardless of the positioning of the screen. In this case, it is possible to switch on only the light source facing the area of operation. In addition, however, the light source facing away from the area of operation can also be switched on in order to prevent passing drivers from inspecting the area of operation more closely. Impairment of the driver's vision due to excessive glare must, of course, be avoided. The screen can also have several light sources on one side of the frame to ensure good illumination of the entire area of operation. These light sources can be arranged, for example, at all corners of the frame or evenly distributed over its circumference.

The securing element of the screen can have a suction cup, so that it can be fixed on the exterior of the vehicle, e.g. on a window pane. It is also possible for the securing element to have a cable that can be wound and knotted around a roof rack or a roof rail of the vehicle, for example. A clamp, in particular a clamping lock, or a carabiner can be provided at one end of the securing element, e.g. at a cable end, in order to receive the end of the cable wound around the roof rack or the roof rail and to enable a stable connection; alternatively, a fixed connection can be achieved by knotting. The securing element can also have a hook or part of a snap, bolt, pin, screw, plug, clamping, clip, hook-and-loop or articulated connection, while the other part of the respective connection can be provided on the exterior of the vehicle.

The securing element can also have a gripper, e.g. a 3-finger gripper. The 3-finger gripper can be articulatedly secured to the securing element, in particular with a swivel joint. Hooks or rings may be provided on each finger of the 3-finger gripper for securing to a suitable location on the exterior of the vehicle. If the gripper has rings, they can be opened or mounted, for example, by 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 may be extendible, for example, as a telescopic arm, to vary their length. In a 3-finger gripper, for example, the outer two fingers can be extendible, while the middle finger can have an unchangeable length, whereby a certain minimum distance between the frame and the vehicle can be predetermined. A damping element can be provided in the extendable fingers, as a result of which an abrupt change in the length of the fingers and associated damage to the vehicle or to the screen can be avoided.

The screen can be secured to a rear side of the vehicle in the transport position. As a result, uniform loading of the vehicle by the screen over its width can be ensured, and the occurrence of a tilt due to uneven lateral loading can be avoided. Furthermore, by securing the screen to the rear side of the vehicle, the impairment of the visibility of a driver of the vehicle can be avoided as far as possible. In addition, an increase in the width of the vehicle can be avoided, so that any regulations with regard to the maximum width of the vehicle for participating in road traffic can be complied with more easily.

The screen can be articulatedly secured to the vehicle. This allows greater flexibility when setting up the screen. It is also possible to compensate for unevenness or slopes of the subsurface and the associated differences in height between the vehicle and the set up screen. For example, a hinge or ball joint can be used. In order to avoid unintentional pivoting of the screen relative to the vehicle in a set up state or in the transport position, the joint can be designed to be correspondingly stiff.

The screen can be secured to a guide rail connected to the vehicle. That is, the vehicle can have a guide rail, wherein the guide rail is secured to the exterior of the vehicle, and wherein the screen is secured to the guide rail. As a result, the screen can be displaced relative to the vehicle and set up starting from any position along the guide rail. The guide rail can be mounted on the exterior of the vehicle by means of a suitable connection, in particular a a positive and/or non-positive connection. A screw connection, for example, proves to be expedient. The guide rail can comprise high-strength aluminium to ensure dimensional stability while maintaining a relatively low weight.

The screen can be secured at a desired position along the guide rail. The screen can be fixed in this position, for example, with a clamp, a screw, a clip or a pin. This can prevent unwanted displacing of the screen.

An arrangement of the guide rail directly adjacent to the vehicle is possible, but the guide rail can also be provided at a distance from the vehicle, for example at a distance of 1 to 20 cm. If the guide rail is spaced from the vehicle, a securing element having a cable can be wrapped around the guide rail to secure the screen, or a securing element having a carabiner or hook can be suspended from the guide rail.

The guide rail can be designed as an open profile and have a recess that is constant over its length, which 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 thus be approximately U-shaped. The cross-section of the recess can, for example, taper in a wedge shape from the inside toward the opening. The securing element can then be designed such that it can be pushed into the recess at one end of the guide rail. The securing element should then be designed as a dimensionally stable body and have a cross-sectional area that substantially corresponds to that of the recess.

The securing element can also be designed as a securing clip, which can be inserted into the guide rail by being compressed and can adapt to the geometry of the guide rail after being released in order to achieve a positive connection. In order to provide sufficient stability, the securing clip can be made of metal. For this purpose, a guide rail can be used, for example, which has an open profile with an approximately U-shaped recess, as described above, or a T-shaped profile.

The screen can be secured to a carriage that is displaceable relative to the guide rail. This enables easy displaceability of the screen 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, hook-and-loop or articulated connection to the screen, depending on how the securing element of the screen is designed. For example, the carriage can have a ring on which a carabiner, hook or cable of the securing element can be fixed. In particular, the securing element and the carriage can each have a part of a joint. For example, the securing element can be designed as an articulated head, while a joint socket for receiving this articulated head can be provided in the carriage. A ball joint can be provided to permit pivoting of the screen relative to the vehicle in all directions. Thus, not only can differences in height due to an ascending or descending surface be compensated, but the screen can also be set up at any angle to the vehicle. The carriage can be secured to the guide rail, for example, by means of a screw, plug, clip or clamping connection. The carriage can also have a recess in which the guide rail can be received starting from a free end of the guide rail.

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

The guide rail can also be arranged in close proximity to a longitudinal side and the rear side of the vehicle along the outer side of the roof of the vehicle, wherein it can be curved in a corner region of the roof. The longitudinal side is understood to mean one of the two sides adjacent to the rear side of the vehicle, on which side doors of the vehicle are located. The guide rail can accordingly be designed substantially along an L-shaped outline. If the guide rail is arranged in close proximity to both longitudinal sides and the rear side of the vehicle along the outer side of the roof of the vehicle, it can be designed along a U-shaped outline. Due to a curved design in the corner area, the screen can be easily displaced over the entire length of the guide rail relative to the vehicle. The radius of the curved section of the guide rail can be in the range of 5 to 50 cm. Due to this L- or U-shaped design of the guide rail, the screen can be set up starting from two or three sides of the vehicle. This allows great flexibility, since the screen can be set up regardless of the relative arrangement of the vehicle to the area of operation. Thus, when the vehicle approaches the area of operation, there is no need to take into account its orientation with regard to the set up of the screen. This is an advantage, especially in narrow circumstances, where it is difficult to turn or change the position of the vehicle at the area of operation.

If the securing element has a gripper, in particular a 3-finger gripper, each finger of the gripper can be secured to a separate carriage. A swivel joint each can be provided for securing. In the case of a 3-finger gripper, the outer two fingers can be designed to be extendible, e.g. as telescopic arms. As a result, different lengths of the fingers can be adjusted in curved sections of the guide rail, so that the screen can be displaced along a curved section of the guide rail.

The screen can also have two securing elements connected to the frame, via which the screen can be secured to the exterior of the vehicle. Each of the two securing elements can be connected to the frame in corner areas of the same side of the frame. By securing the screen via two securing elements, pivoting of the set up screen relative to the vehicle can be restricted.

Each of the securing elements can be connected to the frame via a respective spacer. Alternatively, both securing elements may be connected to the frame via a common spacer. In this case, the spacer can have a first rod that can be spaced apart and arranged 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, may be arranged at equal distances from one another over the height of the side of the frame. The first rod can be connected at its two ends or in the end regions to a further rod in each case, for example by screwing or welding, it being possible for these two further rods to be perpendicular to the first rod. A securing element can be arranged at each of the ends of the two further rods.

For example, two guide rails can be connected to the vehicle, wherein the first guide rail can be arranged in the region of a floor of the vehicle and the second guide rail can be arranged in the region of the roof of the vehicle. The first guide rail can be arranged outside of the wheels of the vehicle so that the screen can be freely displaced along the guide rails. The first guide rail can also be designed to be multiple pieces, wherein sections of the first guide rail provided in the region of the wheels can be removed. Thus, the presence of the first guide rail does not impede a wheel change when these sections are removed.

By securing the screen to the exterior of the vehicle in the transport position, the screen can dry quickly (e.g. due to a relative wind) if it has become wet at the site of operation. Furthermore, the securing of the screen to the exterior of the vehicle in the transport position offers the advantage that no space has to be provided inside the vehicle for the screen.

In addition to securing the screen via the securing element, the screen can also be secured, for example, with a hook provided on the frame and a corresponding pin arranged on the exterior of the vehicle. A projection can also be provided on the exterior of the vehicle, on which the screen can be placed.

A cover can be provided to protect the screen during storage. The embodiment of the cover can depend on how the screen is secured to the vehicle. If it is a stable securing that can absorb the additional weight of the cover, the cover can be designed, for example, as a rain-resistant plastic tarpaulin. If the securing of the screen via the securing element is not sufficient to ensure a good hold of the screen during its transport, the cover can be made of a material with a comparatively high rigidity, for example, of metal and/or a fiber-reinforced plastic.

A securing means, such as a pin, a hook, a clip or a clamp, can be provided in the cover in order to secure the screen against slipping during transport in addition to securing via the securing element. A cable strap or hook-and-loop fastener can also be provided to better secure the screen in the cover.

The cover can be designed as a box. The box can be secured to the rear side of the vehicle, for example, by means of screws. It can have one or two pivoting doors, a sliding door, a folding door or a rolling door to facilitate rapid set up of the screen.

Ventilation openings, for example ventilation slots, may be provided in the cover, which allow air to be exchanged with the environment. This allows the screen to dry quickly even if it is stored in the cover.

The cover can have a corresponding recess for the securing element or the spacer (if present), so that the securing of the screen to the vehicle is not hindered by the cover.

The screen can also have a rain cover secured to the frame. The rain protection not only protects the screen from rain in the transport position, but also protects people at the area of operation when the screen is set up. The rain cover can be secured to a side of the frame facing away from the substrate. 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 cover can be arranged substantially parallel to the substrate). The rain cover can be secured to the frame, for example, by means of screws or nails.

The rain cover can also be pivotable so that it can be pivoted by approximately 180°, i.e. from one side of the frame to the other side thereof. Thus, the rain cover can be used to protect people at the point of incidence from rain, regardless of which side of the frame faces the area of operation. For this purpose, the rain cover can be secured to the frame by means of a hinge joint. For example, two hinge joints may be provided for securing. The hinge joints can be designed to be stiff in order to ensure a stable hold of the rain cover and to avoid unintentional pivoting.

The invention further relates to a method for shielding an area of operation, comprising the following steps:

• • (a) driving a vehicle according to the invention up to the area of operation, with the screen in the transport position, and
  • (b) setting up the screen.

In order to set up the screen, the attachment of the screen to the vehicle provided in step (a) can be released, and the screen can be secured to another suitable location on the exterior of the vehicle by means of the securing element. Alternatively, the securing provided in step (a) can be maintained. If a guide rail is provided for securing the screen, the screen can also be displaced along the guide rail relative to the vehicle.

The frame can then be pivoted relative to the vehicle in order to align the screen according to the area of operation. If the securing element is connected to the frame via a spacer, the spacer and the frame can also be pivoted relative to one another in order to align the screen according to the area of operation.

In the transport position of the screen, the screen element can be displaced toward one side of the frame, or if the screen element has lamellae that can be displaced relative to one another, they can be arranged one above the other. In this case, following step (b), the screen element can be extended (such as a curtain), or the lamellae can be displaced relative to one another and arranged next to one another in order to ensure shielding of the area of operation.

If a support wheel is provided on the frame, which is secured to the frame via an extendable rod, the rod can be extended and fixed, e.g. locked and clamped. The screen can then be rolled into a desired position or the distance between a substrate and the frame can be adjusted.

If the frame has a support leg, it can be brought into a position suitable for supporting the frame following step (c), for example by unfolding and/or by displacing the support leg relative, in particular perpendicular, to the frame.

The frame of the screen can be articulatedly connected to at least one additional frame, wherein the frames can be collapsed in the transport position. When setting up, the frames can then be at least partially unfolded. This allows the shielding of a wider area of operation, whereby a length of the screen of up to 10 m or even up to 25 m can be obtained depending on the number and width of the frames (which depends, among other things, on the type of the emergency vehicle). As a result of the at least partial unfolding, any desired angle of the frames with respect to one another can be realized.

When setting up in step (b), the screen can be arranged in a suitable manner at the area of operation. There is no dependence on special circumstances of the area of operation, such as trees or masts. Rather, the screen can be positioned freely, e.g. in a plane of the street. For example, the position of the set up screen can be selected depending on the viewing direction of the drivers of the passing traffic, so that sufficient shielding can be achieved without surrounding the entire area of operation. In addition, the screen can be set up in such a way that unhindered access to the area of operation and to the persons and objects involved in the accident, in particular from all sides, is guaranteed. For example, a suitable distance can be maintained during set up. In the case of two or more vehicles, for example, a corridor can be erected at least with parts of a screen, which corridor allows access to the area of operation and at the same time blocks the view from the outside.

The invention further relates to the use of the vehicle and the screen according to the present invention for shielding an area of operation.

The screen can, for example, have a pack size of approximately 170 cm×155 cm×70 cm. These values can be selected appropriately to adapt the screen to the respective vehicle with which it is to be transported and to which it is to be secured. By appropriately modifying the screen, it can be secured to any vehicle, regardless of the vehicle type or vehicle manufacturer. Due to the weight of the screen (e.g. up to 160 kg), an additional damping element can be provided on the vehicle. The vehicle can be a minibus or minivan, as the rear side of this vehicle type is well suited for securing the screen. This type of vehicle is also preferred as an emergency vehicle in many countries due to its better visibility compared to cars, especially when used on motorways. The vehicle can also be a fire engine, such as an extinguishing vehicle.

For the purposes of this disclosure, indications such as “floor,” “rear side,” etc. relate to the intended operating condition of the vehicle.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to descriptions of figures of some embodiments. These embodiments are particularly preferred exemplary embodiments, to which, however, the invention is not to be limited.

FIGS. 1a-c schematically show embodiments of the screen according to the invention or a section thereof in various set up states or positions.

FIGS. 2a-c and 3a-c show schematic sections of various embodiments of the screen according to the invention and detailed views thereof.

FIGS. 4a-b schematically show an embodiment of a part of the screen according to the invention, without a securing 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 an area of operation during a set up process in various positions of the screen.

FIG. 7 schematically shows an embodiment of a screen according to the invention in a transport position.

FIGS. 8a-d schematically show sections of an embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention in a transport position.

FIGS. 9a-b schematically show sections of an embodiment of a screen or vehicle according to the invention with a rain cover.

FIG. 1a shows a screen 1a in a set up state along a straight path. The 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 securing elements 5, each of which has a recess (not shown) for connection at a suitable point, e.g. on a hook, on the exterior of a vehicle. The frame 2 is connected to the spacer 4 via joints 6. The spacer 4 has two diagonal struts 7 for increasing stiffness. The frame 2 connected to the spacer 4 is connected to a screen element 8 made of metal, while each of the remaining frames 2 is connected to a screen element 8 made of net vinyl having three lamellae 8a that can be displaced relative to one another. The lamellae 8a are connected to the respective frame 2 via elastomer bands 9 (shown in FIG. 2c). Two opposing, collapsible support legs 10 are secured to each second frame 2, so that the set up screen 1a is supported in a V-shape (more precisely, inverted V-shape). Furthermore, a support wheel 11 is secured to the frame 2 via an extendable rod 12 on every second frame 2. The support legs 10 and support wheels 11 are arranged alternately on the frames 2. The arrangement of the frames 2 in FIG. 1a along a straight line allows an additional connection of each two frames 2 by means of a drop bar latch 13, which is secured to each second frame 2, so that the frames arranged in a region between two support legs 10 are rigidly connected to one another.

FIG. 1b shows a further screen 1b in the set up state. It is constructed similarly to the screen 1a shown in FIG. 1a, but has nine frames 2, which are arranged in a pivoted manner with respect to one another. The number of joints 3 between the frames 2 also differs from that of the screen 1a shown in FIG. 1a.

FIG. 1c shows a section of a screen 1c that is substantially constructed like the screen 1a shown in FIG. 1a. However, the securing element 5 differs from those shown above in that it has a 3-finger gripper.

FIG. 2a shows a portion of a screen. A frame 2 is shown, which is connected to a screen element 8, which has three lamellae 8a. Each of the lamellae 8a is connected to the frame via two separate elastomer bands 9. Accordingly, in each case three elastomer bands 9 are tensioned in the immediate vicinity of two mutually opposite sides of the frame 2 parallel to these sides of the frame 2 (see FIG. 2c). In this case, in each case two elastomer bands 9 tensioned on opposite sides of the frame 2 form an elastomer band pair. Each lamella 8a is held by a pair of elastomer bands, so that the lamellae 8a are arranged offset from one another in the frame 2 and are therefore displaceable relative to one another. In FIG. 2a, the lamellae 8a are arranged

One above the other, which can facilitate the set up of the screen by enabling the reduction of an attack surface for wind (quasi the sail surface) and the associated wind load, and can also facilitate the simple temporary opening of the already set up screen, e.g. for a person to climb through. Parts of joints 3 for connection to other frames 2 are secured to two sides of the frame 2. Furthermore, the illustrated part of the screen shows a support wheel 11, which is secured to the frame with an extendable rod 12. On one side of the frame 2 adjoining the two sides to which parts of joints 3 are secured, recesses 14 are provided for receiving corresponding protrusions of drop bar latches 13 secured to adjacent frames 2.

FIGS. 2b-c show a part of a further screen or a section thereof. A frame 2 is shown, which is connected to a screen element 8 having three lamellae 8a. Each of the lamellae 8a is connected to the frame via two separate elastomer bands 9. Accordingly, in each case three elastomer bands 9 are tensioned in the immediate vicinity of two mutually opposite sides of the frame 2 parallel to these sides of the frame 2. In this case, in each case two elastomer bands 9 tensioned on opposite sides of the frame 2 form an elastomer band pair. Each lamella 8a is held on the two narrow sides by a pair of elastomer bands, so that the lamellae 8a are arranged offset from one another in the frame 2 and are therefore displaceable relative to one another. Due to the adjacent arrangement of the lamellae 8a according to FIGS. 2b-c, an area of operation can be well shielded. Parts of joints 3 for connection to other frames 2 are secured to two sides of the frame 2. On a side of the frame 2 adjacent to these two sides, recesses 14 are provided for receiving corresponding protrusions of drop bar latches 13 secured to adjacent frames 2 (shown, for example, in FIG. 1c) . The part of the screen shown in FIG. 2b also shows a support wheel 11 secured to the frame 2 via a rod 12. A support leg 10 is also provided, which rests against the frame 2 and is articulatedly connected to it via a clamp 15.

FIG. 3a illustrates the screen of FIG. 2b with the support legs 10 unfolded. This results in a V-shaped (more precisely, inverted V-shaped) support of 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, collapsible support surface 17, which is folded out in the set up state of the screen in order to ensure good stability on a hard surface (e.g. asphalt). The support legs 10 are displaceable relative to the frame 2 and, due to their geometric configuration (see FIGS. 3b-c), can be held in a certain position by means of screws 18 provided in the frame 2.

FIGS. 3b-c show detailed views of the part of a screen shown in FIG. 2c in a transport position. Two opposing support legs 10 rest against the frame 2. The support legs 10 have an acute-angled recess 19 at both ends and, due to this geometric configuration, are held by screws 18 secured to the frame 2. FIG. 3b illustrates 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) to which the support legs 10 are connected, so that the support legs 10 can be folded out in an set up state of the screen. FIG. 3c illustrates 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 is folded in for transporting the screen.

FIGS. 4a-b show various perspective views of a part of a screen in a transport position, frames 2 connected to one another via joints 3 being collapsed. Each frame 2 is connected to a screen element 8. Each screen element 8 has three lamellae 8a, which are connected to the frame 2 via elastomer bands 9. In FIGS. 4a-b, the lamellae 8a of all frames 2 are arranged one above the other. Provided on each frame 2 is a support wheel 11, which is secured to one side of the frame 2 via an extendable rod 12. The frames also have recesses 14 for receiving drop bar latches 13 (shown, for example, in FIG. 1c) of adjacent frames.

FIGS. 5a-b show a vehicle 21 or a section thereof, to the rear side 22 of which (illustrated in FIGS. 6a-c) a screen 1d is secured in a transport position. Secured in the region of the floor and roof 23 of the vehicle 21 are guide rails 24, which are arranged in the immediate vicinity of two longitudinal sides 25 and the rear side 22 of the vehicle 21 and are curved in corner regions 26, a curve radius being 40 cm. Each guide rail 24 is correspondingly U-shaped. To increase stiffness, the guide rails 24 have struts 27 arranged normal thereto, which are secured to the roof 23 and/or to the floor of the vehicle 21. Sections 28 of the guide rail 24 secured to the floor of the vehicle 21 in the region of the wheels 29 of the vehicle 21 are removable so as not to impede a wheel change. As can also be seen from FIGS. 5a-b, the screen 1d is connected to the two guide rails 24 via two securing 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 screen 1d 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 collapsed for transporting the screen 1d. The spacer 4 is arranged pivoted by 90° with respect to the frame 2, to which it is connected via joints 6, so that the screen 1d rests directly against the rear side 22 of the vehicle 21. Each second frame 2 has a drop bar latch 13 for connection to adjacent frames 2. Recesses 14 for receiving drop bar latches 13 are also provided on the frame 2. FIG. 5b also shows two tensioning elements 31 in the form of tensioning clamps secured to the frame 2 in order to prevent unintentional pivoting of the frames 2 relative to one another in the transport position.

FIGS. 6a-c show the vehicle 21 already shown in FIGS. 5a-b with the screen 1d or sections thereof during a process of installing the screen 1d at an area of operation. The screen 1d is connected to guide rails 24 of the vehicle 21, which are secured to a floor and a roof 23, via a respective securing element 5, 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 thereto via joints 6 are pivoted with respect to one another. In order to set up the screen 1d, collapsed frames 2 connected to one another via joints 3 can be at least partially unfolded. As a result, the screen 1d can be brought into one of the positions shown in FIGS. 1a-b. Since the guide rails 24 are U-shaped, the screen 1d can be set up starting from one of the two longitudinal sides 25 or the rear side 22 of the vehicle 21, which allows great flexibility. Thus, in FIG. 6a, the screen 1d is arranged on a longitudinal side 25 of the vehicle 21 in the region of exterior mirrors, in FIG. 6b on a longitudinal side 25 of the vehicle 21 in the region of wheels 29, and in FIG. 6c in a curved corner region 26 of the guide rails 24.

FIG. 7 shows a further screen le in a transport position. The screen le has two securing elements 5 for securing to a vehicle. The securing elements 5 are designed as 3-finger grippers 30, wherein the outer two fingers 32 are designed to be extendible (see detail view in FIG. 8b). Each of the three fingers 32 is rotatably secured to a separate carriage 33. As a result, the screen le can be displaced along curved corner regions 26 of a guide rail 24 of the vehicle (see FIGS. 8a-d). The screen le shown in FIG. 7 has lamellae 8a, which are displaceable relative to one another by means of guide rails (not shown) provided in frame 2.

FIGS. 8a-d show a vehicle 21 to whose rear side 22 (illustrated in FIGS. 6a-c) the screen le already shown in FIG. 7 is secured in a transport position, or parts thereof. As shown in the detail view in FIG. 8b, the outer two fingers 32 of the 3-finger gripper 30, which are configured to be extendible, have an inner portion 34 that is extendible from an outer portion 35 to vary the length of the outer two fingers 32. Each of the three fingers 32 is secured to a separate carriage 33 with a swivel joint (not shown). The 3-finger gripper 30 is also secured to the securing element 5 by means of a swivel joint (not shown). The carriages 33 are secured by means of screw connections (not shown) to guide rails 24, which are arranged in the region of the floor and the roof 23 of the vehicle 21. In FIG. 8d, the vehicle 21 is only indicated by means of the guide rails 24 and wheels 29 in order to show the securing of the screen le to both guide rails 24.

FIG. 9a shows a section of a screen 1f having a rain cover 36 secured to a frame 2. The screen 1f is in the set up state. The rain cover 36 is arranged at an angle of approximately 90° to the frame 2 and can protect persons from rain at the area of operation. FIG. 9b shows a section of a vehicle 21 in a transport position, to which the screen 1f is secured. The rain cover 36 can protect the screen 1f from rain in the transport position.