IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,377,774
Granted Patent B2
US 12,377,774 · App. 18/203,019 · Granted Aug 5, 2025

School bus safety devices and systems

Inventor: Daniel F. Thompson (Rochester, IL)
Assignee: Bus Gates, Inc.
B60Q1/324B60Q1/0052B60Q1/2657B60Q1/2696B60Q1/503B60Q2800/30
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,377,774
App. No.
18/203,019
Granted
Aug 5, 2025
Kind
B2
Abstract

In one instance, a light weight safety arm is coupled to and extends beyond a stop sign coupled to a motor-driven rotatable mount on an exterior side of a school bus. In another instance, a school bus safety device is disclosed that includes a stop sign portion, an arm portion, and a mounting portion. The arm portion, stop sign portion and mounting portion are cut out together as one piece from a single sheet of material. Other embodiments and variations are further disclosed.

Claims (10)

1. A safety device for mounting to a pivoting stop sign on a school bus, the safety device comprising:

a first bracket having a slot for receiving a portion of the pivoting sign, wherein the first bracket is formed from a polymer material that is transparent or translucent;

an arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the first bracket, wherein the arm has a longitudinal length in the range of two feet to six feet and wherein the arm is at least partially formed from a transparent or translucent material; and

a plurality of lights coupled to the arm.

2. The safety device of claim 1 , further comprising reflective safety tape coupled to the arm along the longitudinal length of the arm.

3. The safety device of claim 1 , wherein the arm comprises fiberglass.

4. The safety device of claim 1 , wherein the first bracket comprises a clear polycarbonate material.

5. The safety device of claim 1 , wherein the first bracket has a vertical dimension in the range of 6 to 10 inches.

6. The safety device of claim 1 , wherein the first bracket has a plurality of apertures through the first bracket, and further comprising a plurality of fasteners extending through the plurality of apertures and pulling opposite sides of the slot towards each other.

7. The safety device of claim 1 , wherein a lateral cross section of the arm has a first bulb on a top end and a second bulb on a second end.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 30, 2023
From: THOMPSON, DANIEL F.
To: BUS GATES, INC.
Reel/Frame 063786/0811 →
Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 63349083 · Jun 4, 2022
Related Publication 20230391251A1 · Dec 7, 2023
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Cited By (2)
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