Multi-purpose roadway d ivider curtain with mounting assembly. Technical Field :

0001 The present invention generally pertains to light blocking roadway divider, particularly to the light blocking roadway curtain and more specifically Mu lti-purpose roadway divider cu rtain, which optionally replaces conventional light blocking roadway dividers/ barriers.

Background Art:

0002 Motor vehicles are the most important means of transportation in the world. It is very important to draw the attention towards the improvement of roadway safety systems, in view of increasing intensity of motor vehicles day ^" by d ay. Following facts tells us about the importance of Road safety:

0003 Road Accident Fatality Statistics for I ndia:

> I ndia leads the world in Road Accident deaths ,

> One fatal accident every 3.7 minutes = 1 6 people die every hour which equals to 384 deaths happening every day,

> One accident every minute,

> Trucks and two wheelers contribute for 40 % of these fatal-accidents,

> Accidents impose significant costs of 3% GDP,

> N ight time traffic volume is about ha lf that of day. time volume: ^' However, recent National safety council figures show about 62% of all traffic deaths nationwide occur at nig ht,

> Globally, un less acti on is taken, roa d traffic i nju ries a re predicted to become the 5 ^th lea ding cause of death by 2030. 0004 Here it is necessary to refer National Road accident policy statement published by Ministry of _. Road Transport and Highways (Government of India); titled "Road Accidents . In India- 2013", the Article- XI I- (iii declares: I n order to achieve a significant improvement in road safety, the Governme nt of India is committed to:

(iii) Ensure Safer Road Infrastructure

The Government will take measures to review standards pertaining to safety in the design of rural and urban roads and bring them in consonance with international best practices keeping in view Indian traffic conditions. Contin uing, application of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) under a national framework to establish a safe and efficient transport system will be encouraged .

0005 India has thousands of kilometers of two way roadways including national highways, state highways and express highways. Most of them are provided with the median strip or central reserved area that separates op posi ng lanes of traffic on divided road ways. Both sides of the reserved/ dividing area is simply separated out opposing lanes by different types of barriers and commonly ada pted to other functions. For exam ple, it may accommodate decorative landscaping, plantation etc..

0006 A search of the closest prior art disclose patent that read directly on the claims of the instant invention . US Patent No. 6,982,461 , dated Nov. 8, 2005; Baek sung Choi ; describe a Multi-purpose anti- glare divider using modular approach for minimizing glare from oncoming traffic, generates electricity by using wind and solar energy; limited to minimize glare, but not isolating the glare completely; and not providing extra light on roadways which can improve visibi lity. 0007 The following related patents and literature illustrates of such prior, art. While these units can be unique but _. would not- be as. suitable for the purposes of the instant invention as heretofore described:

US 4,249,832 Feb. 20, 1 981 Donald W. Schmanski US 4,338,041 Jul. 6, 1982 Donald W. Schmanski US 4,751 , 893 Jun. 21 , 1 988 William S. Brantley

US 5,015, 1 1 9 May. 14, 1 991 Donald W. Schmanski US 5,022,781 Jun. 1 1 , 1991 Timothy S. Smith

US 5, 181 ,695 Jan. 28, 1993 W. Eugene Arthu r

US 5,641 ,241 Jun. 24, 1 997 Hollis B. Rushing

Sum mary of the Invention: Technical Problem:

0008 In an effort to continuously improve the road safety characteristics; roa d designers, manufacturers and innovato rs attempt to discover where there are lacking/ deficiencies. One deficiency in road design is the provision of complete protection of the motor veh icle drivers' eyes against the hazards of glare and direct incidence of high intensity discharge headlights; of oncoming motor vehicle, Main ^' reasons to avoid night driving are glare and di rect incidence of high intensity discharge headlights of oncomi ng motor vehicles, and insufficient lightings,

0009 In fact, a ll motor vehicle driver uses to d rive their vehicle with hig h beam in the dark, Frequent use of high/ low beam switch may be 'boring/ harassing , due to continuous oncoming ve hicles. It's a fact that every driver faces this ha rassment while driving in dark, and deprecates oncoming d rivers , sometimes they deprecate themselves also: Why should I go for nig ht driving?" 0010 The decorative landscaping OR beautiful plantation in ^' the median strip or central reservation areas does not provide a complete blocking of glare, but motor vehicle driver faces a major . problem while driving ^' in dark. For- example, eyes will adj ust to ^' lower levels of light, but they have difficulty functioning properly when frequently switching from bright to dark and vice versa. This happens frequently on the roadways when driver looks ahead, which creates dark spots and increases the chances of accidents.

001 1 There are various types of vehicle antiglare front g lasses, antiglare coatings, antiglare goggles/ devices available in market. But still none of them is successful in providing complete protection against glare and direct incidence of oncoming vehicle headlights, while night driving.

0012 So, what is needed is to provide an opaque curtain in between the opposing lanes of traffic. For example, a light blocking wall or curtai n may be provided within the dividing areas i.e. median strip or central reservation ^' :are.a, instead of decorative landsca pe or plantation,

;O01 3 Space/ land for agriculture, industries and basic infrastructure are red ucing day by day. I n addition to that, CO2 emissions are continuing to rise due to such human activities like- land use change and burning of . conventional fossil fuels , causing g lobal warming and polluting the environment, Hence, it is very important to find the best ways to protect the envi ronment and to utilize the available space/ land for multi-purpose use. For example, it is possible to use at least the median strip or central reservation area to install Multi-purpose roadways divider curtain, to protect the motor vehicle d river from the di rect incidence and the glare of oncoming high intensity discharge headlights of motor vehicles; to generate electricity as well as to provide extra light on roadway; without spendi ng much on creating basic infrastructure, including land acquisition , Solution to the Problem :

0014 The principal objective of the M ulti-purpose roadway divider curtain is to provide a glare/ light blocking, curtain within the median strip or dividing area to improve road safety;

0015 Another main objective of the Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain is to generate electrical energy in day time from Sun light as well as in night from artificial light of motor vehicle high intensity discharge headlights;

0016 Another main objective of the Mu lti-purpose roadway divider curtai n is to provide a benefit of extra light on the roadway ahead, improves visibility;

0017 Further objective of the Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain is to provide clear vision to vehicle drivers and clear sense to the sensors of the future smart vehicles;

0018 Further objective of the Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain is to provide electricity to roadway related users like cc tv cameras, roadways signals and signs, signboards; battery charging station for future motor vehicles; also to domestic/ street lights during night times in urban and ru ral areas; remote area like mountain or desert where commercial power is not easily available, without spending much for power and instal lation cost;

0019 Further objective is to provide a Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain which is prefabricated from light weight and corrosive resistant material like aluminum alloys, PVC, galvanized steel or sometimes stain less steel in panels; sections; either sides of angle adjustment support i .e. central axle arms may be provided with mechanical couplings for ease in tilting , handling, installation and which when instal led is read ily joined to other panels/ sections/ couplings to form a continuous roadway divider curtain array OR easy dismantle for maintenance/ replacement work. 0020 These and other objectives of this invention will become apparent from the description taken together with the accompa nying drawings.

Advantageous Effects of the Invention:

0021 The most high lighted triple advantages of Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain are; Firstly, artificial light of oncoming vehicles, transmitted through Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain surface produces electricity; Secondly, reflectance light reflects on the roadways that increase visibility ahead while in dark/ night; and Thirdly, transmitted Sun light produces electricity while in day time.

0022 Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain provides safer roadway that promotes night driving as it confirms safe and pleasant night driving experience, so that some of day time traffic may be diverted to night driving: ^'

0023 Mu lti-purpose , roadway divider curtain provides to perform multi functions. For example, it protects the motor vehicle drivers' eyes completely from glare and direct incidence of motor vehicle high intensity discharge headlights; generates electricity; increase visibility on roadways also.

0024 Mu lti-purpose roadway divider curtain provides saving of parts, space,: i nstallation without spending much on creating basic infrastructure, includi ng land acquisition and functional improvements in use, and easier assembly process.

0025 Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain consists of plurality of Photovoltaic cel ls which directly convert Sunlight/ a rtificial light to electricity and is an attractive alternative to conventional sources of electricity. It is eco- friendly, safe, si lent, simple, rigid, renewable, having long life, economical ru nning cost against capital cost, extremely rel iable, virtually maintena nce free, can be installed almost anywhere and also can be easily manufactured , 0026 Plantation within median strip or central- reservation area proved unsatisfactory due to expensive affair, time consumi ng care ^' and attention : needed to keep the plants alive and trimmed. Such expenses are more or less equal to maintain Multi-purpose roadway _, divider curtain module with gain, of electricity.

0027 The present invention has been developed after much research and study in to the above mentioned problems and is smartly designed for such purposes. It provides safer roadways, electricity production that protects the environment for next future generation and facilitates motor vehicle driver a safe and pleasant night driving .

Brief Description of Drawings in accordance of the present invention:

0028 Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain together ^: i with the. above mentioned and other objectives and advantages can best be understood frorh' the following detailed description of the embodiments, but. not restricted to >the embodiments, wherein is shown schematically:

Fi g. 1 is a perspective view of the Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain with Mounting assembly, shown in position along a roadway median strip.

Fig. 2 is a side view, illustrati ng tilting position of the Multi-pu rpose roadway divider curtain, in communication of auxiliary Solar tracking system.

Fig. 3 is an isometric view, illustrating Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain ^" .

Fig. 4 includes Figs. 4a; 4b; and 4c which illustrates Rectangle curtain frame of the Mu lti-purpose roadway divider curtain, in front; side and top view respectively.

Fig . 5 includes Figs. 5a; a nd 5b which illustrates Male axle arm of the M ulti ^¬ purpose roadway divider curtain, in top and front view respectively. Fig. 6 includes Figs. 6a; and 6b, ^' which illustrates Female axle arm of tr Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain in top and front ^' view respectively. -

Fig. 7 includes Figs. 7a; and 7b, illustrating Vertical Column of the M ul purpose roadway divider curtain, in front and side view respectively.

Reference Numerals in the Drawi ngs:

0029 Reference numerals shown and described throughout; the san numeral is used to identify the same or similar element listed as below:

10 Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain with mounting assembly

12 Median strip OR Central reservation area

14 Concrete paved blocks/ barriers

16 Road level

1 8 Central axis

20 Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain

22 Hole

24 Round support

26 Ventilation holes

28 Nuts, washers

30 Rectangle curtain frame

32 "C" channel

34 Upper web

36 Lower web

38 Web flange

40 Telescopic web

42 Curtain frame supports

44 Solar panel supports

46 Supportive flange

48 Curtain support flange 0 Solar panel

2 . . Screws or nuts/ bolts

4· Electrical. terminals

6 Auxiliary solar tracking system .

8 , Electricity storage and/ or distributing system

0 Vertical column

2 Bearing

4 Vertical column flange

6 Concrete foundation

8 Foundation bolt

0 Male axle arm

2 Key slot

4 Key

6 Flat flange of axle ms

8 Round portion of axle arms

0 Female axle arm ^'

2 Hole for providing pivot pin

4 Pivot pin and Lock pin

6 Holes for fixing axle arms

8 Spring type nuts, bolts, fender washers

0 Artificial light

92 Reflectance

94 Sun light

Description of the Preferred Embod iments:

0030 Referring now in Fig. 1 shows the perspective view of Multi-purpose light blocking module for blocking gla re and lights completely, from oncoming vehicles; here addressed as a Multi-pu rpose roadway divider curtain, with Mounting assembly 10 wherein, it consists of Solar panels 50 mounted on both and opposite sides of Rectangle curtain frame 30. Upper web 34 having at least a height from Road level 16, which confirms an appropriate light- blocking orientation, to protect motor vehicle drivers' eyes . against the hazards of glare and direct incidence of high intensity discharge headlights of oncoming motor vehicles; and Lower web 36 having at least a height from Road level 16, which confirms easy tilting , safe from rain water and wind, Length of each individual Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain 20 may vary, to confirm safe and easy installation in a desired position relative to the two way roadways, particularly while turning roadways, positioned spaced apart end to end , along the length of the roadways and secured within Median strip or central reservation area 12 which separates out up and down lanes of roadways by Concrete paved blocks/ barriers 14; mounted with the help of Mounting assembly.

0031 ^" Referring further in Fig, 1 , Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain with Mounting assembly 10 wherein, Mounting assembly consists of Male axle arm 70; Female axle arm 80; at least a pair of Vertical column 60; and Conventional universal cou pling, where necessary.

0032 Referri ng now in Fig. 2, is a side view, ill ustrating tilting position of the M ulti-purpose roadway divider curtain 20, in day time as well as vertical position in night; in accordance to the present invention ^' . At least a Mu ltipurpose roadway divider curtain 20; or a set of Multi-purpose roadway divider cu rtain provided with microcontroller based Auxiliary solar tracking system 56, to take maxi mu m advantage for collecting Sun light 94 in day time and Artificial light 90 in night.

0033 Further referring now in Fig. 1 and 2, Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain ^' 20 positioned, in communication with Auxiliary solar tracking system 56 microcontroller mechanism provided to tilt as per progra mmed, in accordance with the geographic region/ location and roadway direction throughout ^' the roadways. For ^' example, while in day time, that orient Solar panel 50 of Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain 20, by keeping track of Sun movement, from dusk to dawn, thus maximizing power generation efficiency, if roadway direction is in North- south approaching; by keeping parallel positioned to the roadway, if roadway is in other direction; and while in night time, rotate reverse and get vertically positioned, as shown in dotted lines, to collect possible energy from Artificial light 90 of oncoming motor vehicles high intensity discharge headlights and to behave like array; and curtain to block glare and direct incidence of high intensity discharge lights of oncoming motor vehicles completely. Any one of the axle arms 70/ 80 of at least a Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain 20; or First or Last Multipurpose roadway divider curtain 20 among a set, provided with gear/ pulley to couple with Auxiliary solar tracking system. :56.

0034 Still referring to the invention, shown ^' in Fig. 1 and 2, A set of Multipurpose roadway divider curtain consists :maximum possible numbers of Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain 20. in ^' series , as per the design and capacity of Auxiliary solar tracking system 56, OR Auxiliary sola r tracking system 56 may designed such that it may carry req uired num bers of Mu ltipurpose roadway divider cu rtain 20, coupled centrally and horizontally with each other and provide to tilt freely on Central axis 18, keeping Solar panel 50 facing at a particular direction in .communication with Auxiliary solar tracking system 56, to behave like a solar panel array.

0035 Referring now in Fig. 3, an isometric view which illustrating Multipu rpose roadway divider curtain, wherein, Solar panels 50, are rigid ly fixed with plurality of Screws or nuts/ bolts 52 on both and opposite sides of Rectangle curtain frame 30 Web flanges 38. The best mode of this i nvention is to use Solar panels 50 as Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain 20. For example, while in dark, transmitted Artificial light 90 from vehicle high intensity discharge headlights generate electricity, Reflectance 92 light strikes on roadway, ahead, which increase visibility, and du ring day time, transmitted Sun light 94 produces electricity.

0036 Still referring to the invention, shown in Fig , 3, Solar panels 50 consists of plurality of photovoltaic cells, made from semiconductor which directly converts Sun light 94 and Artificial light 90 to electricity, The Solar panels 50 coated with a suitable material like glass/ polymer and also textured with an anti reflection coatings, each solar cell is connected electrically within Sola r panel 50 and provided with Electrical terminals 54 which connects next ahead curtains within a set of Mu lti-purpose roadway divider curtain 20, and finally connected with separately provided Electricity storage and/ or distributi ng system 58 by using suitable connectors.

0037 Referring now in Figs. ^' 4 includes Figs. 4a; 4b; and 4c which illustrates Rectangle curtain frame .30 i n front view; side view and top view respectively, Rectangle curtain frame 30 designed and constructed such that it carries Solar pa nels 50 on both and opposite sides; made of any light weight material and should be corrosion proof. For example, al uminum alloys, PVC OR sometimes stainless steel square/ CI I cha nnels. Cross section of "C" channel 32 consists of Upper web 34, Lower web 36 and Telescopic Webs 40 on either sides, and Web flanges 38 sticking out on both sides with webs.

0038 Referring now in Fig. 4b illustrates side view of Rectangle curtain frame 30. To take maximum advantage of una bsorbed Artificial light 90 reflected from Solar panel 50 on the roadways in night, i .e. Reflectance 92, Recta ngle curtain frame 30 made such that both surfaces of Solar panels ^' 50 may slig htly ti lt and kept facing towards both up and down roadway surfaces, helps Artificial light 90 to reflect on the roadway. For example, Up per we b 34 made wider than Lower web 36 of the structure and both sides having Telescoping webs 40. The angle of inclination/ tilting . provided according to . mounting height of Multi-purpose roadway divider . curtain, 20 relative to roadways. Upper and Lower webs 34; 36 are provided with Ventilation holes 26 to move out the. generated , heat, back of Solar panels 50. Web . width provided such that it may accommodate fixing of Curtain frame supports 42, Solar panel supports 44, Axle arms 70/ 80, where necessary- Conventional universal couplings within Rectangle curtain frame 30, itself.

0039 Referring now in Fig. 4b, Unwanted behavior of solar panel is advantageous here, some light is always reflected off the surface of the Solar pane l 50 even though the surface is usually texturized and coated with an anti reflective coating; The possible g la re due to Sun and Artificial light 94/ 90 from PV systems are at safe levels and are decisively lower.

0040 Referring in Fig. 4, to avoid gap between the curtains, because of low height of ^Vertical column 60, upper half of a vertica l web side df Recta ngle curtaih : frame 30 provided elongated , The ful l length of Vertical column 30 can make shading on the Solar panel 50, to be avoided .

0041 F urther referring in Fig. 4, Rectangle curtain frame 30 may be structured, such that it provides rigidity to Rectangle curtain ^' frame 30, and flanges for fixing Axle arms 70/ 80. For example, Curtain frame supports 42 and Solar panel supports 44 provided to back supports Solar panels 50, distribute the weight of Rectangle curtain frame 30; consists two sets of metal battens, rigidly fixed/ we lded , parallel and symmetrical on both sides of "C" channel 32 Web flanges 38 with help of Supportive flanges 46, within Rectangle curtain frame 30. Two sets of Curtain frame support 42 make a pair of Curtain su pport flange 48 with hel p of tummy shaped bending while passing centrally with each other, such that they provide space in between , to slide or hold Flat flanges of ^' axle arms 76, and rigidly . ^' fixed by means of Spring type nuts _s bolts and fender washers 88; in alignment relating to the Central axis 18 of .'the Rectangle curtain frame 30.

0042 Still referring to the invention, shown in Fig. 4, Rectangle curtain frame 30 having Holes 22 and Round supports 24 welded on both Telescopic webs 40, centrally, through which Axle arms 70/ 80 pass tightly. Inner diameter of Round supports 24 and Bearing 62 are same as Hole 22 inner diameter.

0043 Referring now in Fig. 5 includes Figs. 5a; and 5b which illustrates Male axle arm 70 in top and front view respectively, and Figs. 6 includes Figs . 6a and 6b which illustrates Female axle arm 80 in top and front view respectively. Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain 20 is mounted and hinged on a pair of Vertical column 60 centrally and horizontally with help of central horizontal shaft axle, referred to Centra l axis 1 8, coupled a nd aligned such that it confirms easy tilting. Making of central horizontal shaft axle provide convenience to assemble/ dismantle, whole structure. For example, having two parts, one is Male axle arm 70; another is Female axle arm 80.

0044 Still referring to the invention , shown in Figs. 5 and 6, Flat flanges of axle arms 76 having Holes for fixing axle arms 86 and at least a width that can rigidly fixed and carry whole Rectangle curtain frame 30, rigidly fixed with the Curtain support flanges 48. Key slots .72 provided on Round portion of Male axle arm 70 and related Round support 24 to fix with Key 74, which distributes tilting load. Round portion of axle arms 78 having same inner diameter, as of inner diameter of Round supports 24 and Holes 22; with at least a clearance provided to pass rigidly through them.

0045 Further referring in Figs. 5 and 6, Coupling of Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain 20, such that it accommodates easy tilting, while roadway is straight or turning . For ^' example , mechanical linkage may be with simple Ma le and Female axle arms 70/ 80, while roadway is straight, and with ^" help of conventional u niversal coupling, _. while road is turning, which provide easy tilting instead of axis varies. Conventional universal coupling having either ., ends with male and fema le joint provision having shape, dimensions; same . as of Axle arms 70/ 80 end portions,. so that it can directly couple with Axle arms 70/ 80. Male axle arm 70 having at least a length, from where it is rigidly fixed with one of Curtain support flange 48, can pass through Round support 24, Bearing 62 and can link with Female axle arm 80 OR with female end of Conventional universal coupling of next/ ahead Rectangle curtain frame 30. Female axle arm 80 having at least a length, from where it is rigidly fixed with another Curtain support flange 48 and can lin k with Male axle arm 70 OR with male end of Conventional universal coupling within Rectang le curtain frame 30. End portion of Male axle arm 70 having outer diameter equal to inner diameter of Female axle arm 80. All described couplings having holes to accommodate Pivot and lock pin 84.

0046 Referring now in Fig. 7,. includes Figs. 7a ; and 7b, illustrating Vertical column 60 in front view and side view respectively, consists of Bearing 62, Concrete foundation 66, Foundation bolts 68, Nuts, washers 28 , and Vertical colu mn flange 64. Vertical column 60 made of any corrosion proof rigid material . For example, aluminum alloys, galvanized steel, stainless steel square/ CI I channels. A pair of Vertical column 60 is desig ned and constructed to carry M u lti-purpose roadway divider curtain 20. For example, Bearing 62 which is rigidly fixed on the upper portion of the Vertical column 60 through which Round portion of axie arms 78 passed and rigidly fixed, and carry full load of Rectangle curtain frame 30, and allow free. movement to tilt. Bearing 62 having inner diameter, same as outer diameter of Round portion of axle arms 78.

is 0047 Referring now in Fig . 7, Bottom end of Vertical column ^' 60 rigidly fixed/ welded with Vertical column flange 64 having holes to secure with Concrete foundation 66 with hel p of Foundation bolts 68 and Nuts, Washers 28; Whole .. assembly is such designed that withstand wind gusts, flood conditions, soil erosion and with proper grounding facilities.

0048 Further referring now in Fig . 7, Vertical column 60 may be designed and constructed such that Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain 20 tilt easily and not allow ga p between each other, when Multi-pu rpose roadway divider curtain 20 cou pled by Conventional universal coupling in different axis, particularly while roadway is turning.

0049 While the invention has been described in detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details since many changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing' from the spirit and the scope thereof.

For example:

1. Reflective Vehicle high intensity discharge headlights strikes, on the roadways can be spread out more to cover maximum' possible roadway area which increase visibility while in dark/ night on the roadway, by using inclined as well as convex shaped Multi-purpose roadway divider cu rtain;

2. Fixed type Multi-pu rpose roadway d ivider curtain, may be secured directly on Median barrier. For example, If Median strip or central reservation area is not sufficiently wide and if the location and . direction of the roadway does not allow taking advantages of solar energy, Multi-purpose ¹ roadway divider curtain may be mounted directly on Median barrier. I n a preferred method , lower portions of Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain secured to Median barrier, having a substantially flat upper portion ^' , with the help of supports and fixtures.

3. - It is practically difficult to ^' provide tilt angle .to Multi-purpose roadway •divider curtain to take maximum advantage of Solar energy, in accordance with the geographic . region./ location and direction , throughout the roadways, but it is possible to provide varieties of auxi liary solar tracking systems, according to the geographical regions, location, direction and available space. For example, passive or active and to follow the Sun from east to west in dual axis, to follow the S un from east to west and from north to south du ring _, seasonal change.

0050 While the foregoing written description of the Multi-purpose roadway divider curtain enables one of ordinary skill, to make and use what , is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of /variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein . The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by a ll embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.