Relieving Urban Traffic Congestion

• US 20090125160A1
• Filed: 07/02/2008
• Published: 05/14/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/13/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Shitalkumar V. Desai, Vipinchandra M. Desai
• Original Assignee: Shitalkumar V. Desai, Vipinchandra M. Desai
• Inventors: Desai, Shitalkumar V., Desai, Vipinchandra M.
• Granted Patent: US 7,739,030 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/01 Arrangement of seats relative to one another
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2554/00 Input parameters relating to objects
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 30/12 Lane keeping
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 40/04 Traffic conditions
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 31/003 compact cars, e.g. city cars
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 61/08 with single front wheel
• CPC Class Codes: E01C 1/002 Design or lay-out of roads, e.g. street systems, cross-sections E01C1/005, E01C1/007 take precedence; of footpaths, sidewalks, berms, hard shoulders or cycle tracks E01C15/00; Design for noise abatement, e.g. sunken road reducing transmission of structure-born noise E01C3/06; arrangements for absorbing or reflecting air transmitted road traffic noise, e.g. barriers E01F8/00

Abstract

A method of reducing congestion on a roadway is disclosed comprising dividing selected lengths of selected normal lanes of a roadway into two commuter lanes, providing distinctive lane markings to identify the commuter lanes, and dynamically designating selected lengths of selected lanes as either normal lanes or pairs of commuter lanes. In order to dynamically change lane configurations, a set of indicators can be provided as lane markers together with a control system to alter particular lane configurations between normal lanes and commuting lanes both cyclically according to a preprogrammed schedule and dynamically in response to sensed vehicle traffic volume, unusual events such as accidents, weather, and so on. Commuter lanes are designated cyclically and dynamically in response to traffic conditions to increase the capacity of the affected road. Normal lanes are designated at other times. To facilitate entry and exit from designated commuter lanes, transition zones can be provided where entering and exiting commuter lane traffic has right of way.

A commuter vehicle is disclosed for use on commuter lanes. A typical commuter vehicle weighs less than 650 lbs., has at least three wheels, an enclosed seating compartment, and a low center of gravity with at least one occupant. In one embodiment, occupants sit in a near-kneeling position to lower their center of gravity. In, an alternate embodiment also providing a low center of gravity, occupants sit in a recumbent position. A mechanism can be provided to raise and lower the seats to facilitate occupant entry and exit. Occupants can be position in-line, one behind the other. Embodiments with two, three, or more seats can be provided.

Claims

1. A method of reducing congestion on a roadway, comprising

providing a vehicle roadway having at least one normal lane,

dividing selected lengths of selected normal lanes of said roadway into two commuter lanes,

providing distinctive lane markings to identify said commuter lanes, and

dynamically designating said selected lengths of selected lanes as either normal lanes or pairs of commuter lanes.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said roadway is a freeway.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said roadway is a local arterial street.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said distinctive lane markings comprise flashing lights.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein a control system is provided to perform said dynamic designation in response to signals comprising one or more of a preprogrammed schedule, vehicle sensors on said roadway, notice of unusual events, weather sensors, and weather condition reports.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said preprogrammed schedule designates said selected lengths of selected lanes as commuter lanes during certain times and as normal lanes during all other times.

7. A commuter vehicle, comprising an enclosed seating compartment and three road running wheels, wherein the total vehicle weight is less than about 650 pounds, and the center of gravity with at least one occupant is less than about 13 inches above the ground.

8. The commuter vehicle of claim 7, wherein the occupants are in a near-kneeling position.

9. The commuter vehicle of claim 7, wherein the occupants are in a recumbent position.

10. The commuter vehicle of claim 7, further comprising two seats, one behind the other.

11. The commuter vehicle of claim 10, further comprising a third seat behind the second seat.

12. The commuter vehicle of claim 7, wherein no part of the vehicle extends beyond a total width of 2.75 ft.

13. The commuter vehicle of claim 7, wherein all vehicle controls are operated by the driver'"'"'s hands.

14. The commuter vehicle of claim 13, wherein both hands are required for normal vehicle operation.

15. The commuter vehicle of claim 7, further comprising a fourth wheel.

16. The commuter vehicle of claim 7, further comprising a canopy which opens to the front or rear for vehicle entry and exit.

17. The commuter vehicle of claim 7, further comprising road reaction sensors on at least two wheels, and a vehicle stability control unit.

18. The commuter vehicle of claim 7, further comprising a mechanism to raise and lower seats to facilitate occupant entry and exit.

19. A system to reduce traffic congestion, comprising

a commuter vehicle;

a vehicle roadway comprising a set of normal lanes and commuter lanes, wherein two commuter lanes are marked in the space of one normal lane;

a dynamic lane marking system, wherein a length of a normal lane can be dynamically changed to and from a set of two commuter lanes; and

a control system for said dynamic lane marking system, wherein said two commuter lanes are provided during times of heavy traffic, and said normal lane is provided when traffic is not heavy.

20. The system of claim 19, further comprising transition zones near freeway entrances and exits.