Portable traffic incident screen

{
  "publication_number": "US9908465B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Portable traffic incident screen",
  "abstract": "A portable free-standing traffic incident screening assembly of flexible fabric (tarp, screen, etc.) stretched between at least two stanchions, each stanchion having at least three adjustable legs, flexible telescoping vertical extension portions, and removable ballast. The portable screens defend incident sites by establishing privacy, reduce the probability of secondary accidents due to an unprotected scene, and provide a secure environment for incident investigators.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A portable traffic incident screen system comprising: at least two stanchions, each stanchion further comprising: a base having an annulus therein, a bottom section, a top section and wherein as deployed said base is elevated above ground and wherein at least one said base is elevated from a plane parallel to a bottom of the legs by at least 1 inch to no more than 5 inches; at least three adjustable length legs rotatably attached to said top section of said base; a telescoping vertical extension slidingly disposed in said base wherein said vertical extension further comprises a flexible material portion; a ballast removably disposed in said annulus of at least one said base and said ballast is between said adjustable length legs; flexible fabric removably disposed between said at least two stanchions; and wherein said system has a stability ratio of more than 0 to no more than 30 pounds per stanchion.",
    "2. The portable traffic incident screen system of claim 1 further comprising at least one handle.",
    "3. The portable traffic incident screen system of claim 1 wherein said ballast is selected from the group consisting of sand, water and dirt.",
    "4. The portable traffic incident screen system of claim 1 further comprising an accessory attached to at least one said stanchion.",
    "5. The portable traffic incident screen system of claim 4 wherein said accessory is a beacon.",
    "6. The portable traffic incident screen system of claim 4 wherein said accessory is attached to said vertical extension.",
    "7. The portable traffic incident screen system of claim 4 wherein said accessory is attached by a magnet.",
    "8. The portable traffic incident screen system of claim 1 wherein said stability ratio is at least 5 to no more than 25.",
    "9. The portable traffic incident screen system of claim 1 wherein said flexible fabric is removably attached to at least one said stanchion by at least one bungee cord.",
    "10. A portable traffic incident screen system comprising: at least two stanchions, each stanchion further comprising: a base having an annulus therein, a bottom section a top section wherein as deployed said base is elevated above ground and wherein at least one said base is elevated from a plane parallel to a bottom of the legs by at least 1 inch to no more than 5 inches; at least three adjustable length legs rotatably attached to the top section of said base; a telescoping vertical extension slidingly disposed in said base wherein said vertical extension further comprises a flexible material portion; a ballast removably disposed in said annulus of at least one said base and said ballast is between said adjustable length legs; flexible fabric removably disposed between said at least two stanchions; and wherein when deployed said base is elevated from a plane parallel to a bottom of the legs.",
    "11. The portable traffic incident screen system of claim 10 wherein when deployed said system has a stability ratio of more than 0 to no more than 30 pounds per stanchion.",
    "12. The portable traffic incident screen system of claim 11 wherein said stability ratio is more than 5 to no more than 25.",
    "13. The portable traffic incident screen system of claim 10 wherein said ballast is selected from the group consisting of sand, water and dirt.",
    "14. The portable traffic incident screen system of claim 10 further comprising an accessory attached to at least one said stanchion.",
    "15. The portable traffic incident screen system of claim 14 wherein said accessory is a beacon.",
    "16. The portable traffic incident screen system of claim 14 wherein said accessory is attached to said vertical extension.",
    "17. The portable traffic incident screen system of claim 15 wherein said accessory is attached by a magnet."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The present invention is related to a portable screen particularly suitable for providing a barrier inhibiting bystanders, particularly motorist, from visual inspection of an area, and more particularly a crash site or traffic incident.\n\nIn a recent report issued by the North Carolina Department of Transportation ‘rubbernecking’ is among the main causes of secondary traffic accidents and related injuries. First responders to accidents typically arrive quickly, but as the ‘rubberneckers’ pass by, the privacy and integrity of the incident scene is lost due to traffic congestion. Firefighters and EMS personnel are hampered from performing their duties safely and with confidence that the site is protected from unwanted intrusion. Such traffic congestion is characterized by slower speeds and longer trip times. In addition to accidents, causes of traffic congestion may include roadwork, or other construction, and increased congestion caused thereby.\n\nRegardless of cause, traffic congestion can escalate and increase due to “gawking.” Gawking occurs when drivers stuck in traffic slow down, despite nearing the cause or end of congestion, to observe what is going on. Often, this is to see a car accident, wreckage, and emergency response vehicles. Regardless, such gawking often magnifies the delays caused by the traffic congestion.\n\nAccording to a 2003 study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University, rubbernecking, driver fatigue and looking at scenery are some of the leading causes of distraction-related traffic crashes.",
  "cpc": [
    "B60Q 7/00",
    "E01F 13/02",
    "E01F 7/00",
    "E01F 9/688",
    "E01F 9/692"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "E01F 9/692",
    "E01F 9/70",
    "B60Q 7/00",
    "E01F 7/00",
    "E01F 9/00"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Donna Allison"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2015-11-06",
  "publication_date": "2018-03-06",
  "grant_date": "2018-03-06",
  "priority_date": "2014-11-10",
  "application_number": "US-201514934747-A",
  "family_id": "59019601",
  "cited_by_count": 6,
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}