Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SAFETY DEVICE AND ADAPTER THEREFOR
FIELD
[0001] The invention concerns a safety device, particularly a safety device
for keeping a user
afloat in a body of water during an emergency situation. The invention further
concerns an
adapter for use in such safety device.
BACKGROUND
[0002] More than a million people die annually as a result of drowning. In the
great majority
of drowning incidents the victim had no intention of going into the water, but
came to be in the
water due to an accident, for example being swept from a pier by a large wave.
[0003] As far as water recreational activities are concerned, cruising in
small motorised boats
rank high in the list of activities drowning victims were engaged in at the
time of drowning.
Such drowning incidents frequently occur as a result of boats capsizing or
victims falling
overboard after a collision with other boats or floating objects. Often
victims are unable to
reach their lifejackets or become exhausted from treading water before help
arriving.
[0004] Another factor contributing to the number of drownings at sea is the
occurrence of what
is referred to as a "rip current" or a "riptide". A rip current is a strong
channel of water which
flows seaward from the shore, typically through the surf line. It can occur at
any time, causing a
swimmer to be taken deep into the ocean. Typically swimmers caught in a rip
current will find
that they are unable to fight the current, with the result that they have no
alternative but to stay
afloat for a prolonged period of time while awaiting the arrival of help.
Victims of such
currents, however, succumb when they become exhausted from treading water
before any help
can arrive.
[0005] A major danger associated with the sport of rock fishing is that of
being swept by an
unusually large wave while fishing from a rock platform. The main problem
confronting a
fisherman swept to sea in such a situation is to stay afloat while searching
for a suitable place
from which to climb from the water. Many fishermen, however, drown after
becoming
exhausted from having to tread water for an extended period of time without
being able to reach
a spot to climb from the water.
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[0006] In light of the threat of drowning to persons engaging in water
recreational activities,
various personal flotation devices ("PFDs") have been developed. Such devices
include, for
example, lifejackets having bladders filled with a buoyant material such as
foam. Those
lifejackets are, however, cumbersome to wear and are not appropriate for
recreational bathers
swimming in the surf, or for persons engaging in a range of other types of
water recreational
activities.
[0007] An alternative type of PFD employs carbon dioxide to inflate a bladder
during an
emergency situation. The carbon dioxide is stored in a pressure cylinder which
is connected to
the bladder. In an emergency situation carbon dioxide is released from the
cylinder when a
sealed end of the cylinder is pierced by an actuator. The actuator, in turn,
will pierce the sealed
end when a dissolvable tablet dissolves when it comes into contact with water.
[0008] The drawback of employing a dissolvable tablet is that the bladder can
accidentally be
inflated when there is no emergency situation. For example, a fisherman may be
safely fishing
from a rock formation when spray from waves breaking against the rock
formation comes into
contact with the dissolvable tablet. The tablet will as a result dissolve
causing the bladder to be
inflated. The fisherman will thus have the inconvenience and cost of replacing
the spent
cylinder. Those types of PFD also are not suitable for persons who engage in
water sports as
they will be activated as soon as the dissolvable tablet comes into contact
with water.
OBJECT
[0009] It is the object of the present invention to substantially overcome or
at least ameliorate
one or more of the above disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative.
SUMMARY
[0010] According to a first aspect there is disclosed herein a safety device
comprising:
an inflating product container to hold inflating product, the inflating
product container
operatively associated with an inflatable bladder to be worn by a user, the
inflating product
container adapted to be placed in an open condition in which open condition
inflating product is
allowed to inflate the inflatable bladder;
an adapter to provide fluid communication between the inflating product
container and
the inflatable bladder, the adapter including (i) a container coupling
formation adapted to secure
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the adapter to the inflating product container and (ii) an actuator
operatively adapted to place the
inflating product container in the open condition; and
a controller operatively associated with the actuator, the controller
including a sensor
assembly, in use the controller adapted to generate an activation signal
responsive to
measurements taken by the sensor assembly,
wherein the actuator is operatively adapted to place the inflating product
container in
the open condition responsive to the controller generating the activation
signal
[0011] According to a second aspect there is disclosed herein an adapter for a
safety device,
the safety device including an inflatable bladder to be worn by a user, the
adapter comprising:
a container coupling formation operatively adapted to secure the adapter to an
inflating
product container holding inflating product, the inflating product container
operatively adapted
to be placed in an open condition in which open condition inflating product is
allowed to inflate
the inflatable bladder;
an outlet operatively adapted to place the inflating product container in
fluid
communication with the inflatable bladder;
a charge chamber for holding a pyrotechnic composition, the charge chamber
operatively associated with the container coupling formation;
a rupture member operatively locatable in the charge chamber; and
an igniter coupling formation operatively adapted to secure an igniter
proximate the
charge chamber, the igniter operatively associated with a controller,
wherein in use the igniter ignites the pyrotechnic composition responsive to
an
activation signal generated by the controller, ignition of the pyrotechnic
composition causing the
rupture member to accelerate across the charge chamber so as to rupture the
inflating product
container, thereby placing the inflating product container in the open
condition.
[0012] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is
disclosed herein a safety
device, comprising:
an inflating product container to hold inflating product;
a conduit operatively associated with the inflating product container;
an adapter adapted to connect the container with the conduit, the adapter
comprising a
valve having a closed condition in which inflating product is deterred from
moving from the
container to the conduit, the valve being adapted to be placed in an open
condition in which
inflating product is allowed to move from the container to the conduit,
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an actuator operatively associated with the valve;
a controller operatively associated with the actuator, the controller
including a sensor
assembly, in use the controller generating an activation signal responsive to
measurements taken
by the sensor assembly,
wherein the actuator is adapted to place the valve in the open condition when
the
activation signal is generated.
[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed
herein an
adapter for connecting an inflating product container to a conduit, the
adapter comprising:
a container coupling formation adapted to couple to a complimentary coupling
formation on the container so as to secure the adapter to the container;
a conduit coupling formation adapted to couple to the conduit so as to secure
the
adapter to the conduit;
a valve operatively located between the container coupling formation and the
conduit
coupling formation and having a closed condition in which inflating product is
deterred from
flowing to the conduit from the container, the valve being adapted to be
placed in an open
condition in which inflating product is allowed to flow from the container to
the conduit;
an actuator operatively associated with the valve and adapted to place the
valve in the
open condition; and
a communication assembly adapted to facilitate communication between the
actuator
and a controller,
wherein the actuator is adapted to place the valve in the open condition
responsive to an
activation signal generated by the controller.
(0014] Preferably the valve comprises a valve body adapted to rupture under
the influence of
the actuator, wherein rupture of the valve body causes the valve tobe placed
in the open
condition so that inflating product flows from the container to the conduit.
[0015] Preferably the valve body is produced from glass, aluminium, ceramic,
steel, brass,
copper or a plastics material.
[0016] Preferably the actuator comprises a heater adapted to heat the valve
body so as to
facilitate rupture of the valve body.
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[0017] Preferably the heater comprises a heating element.
[0018] Preferably the adapter comprises a rupture member adapted to crack the
valve body.
[0019] Preferably the rupture member includes biasing means.
[0020] Preferably the biasing means comprises a spring.
[0021] Preferably the adapter includes a pull cord operatively associated with
the rupture
member.
[0022] Preferably the rupture member is located in a biased position by
locating the spring in a
biased condition, the spring being secured in the biased condition with the
use of a securing
member.
[0023] Preferably the pull cord is secured to the securing member via a curved
connector.
[0024] Preferably the container coupling formation comprises a thread adapted
to engage a
complimentary thread of the coupling formation on the container.
[0025] Preferably the adapter includes a container opening formation adapted
to open the
container so as to allow inflating product to be dispensed therefrom.
[0026] Preferably the container opening formation comprises a piercing
formation adapted to
pierce a hole in the container so as to permit inflating product to be
dispensed from the
container.
[0027] Preferably the sensor assembly includes a water sensor to detect the
presence of water,
a pressure sensor to sense water pressure when the pressure sensor is immersed
in a body of
water, or both a water sensor and a pressure sensor.
[0028] Preferably the sensor assembly includes a heart monitor sensor adapted
to detect the
heartbeat of a user.
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[0029] Preferably the sensor assembly includes a breathing sensor adapted to
detect breathing
of a user.
[0030] Preferably the sensor assembly includes a proximity device.
[0031] Preferably the controller includes signalling means adapted to signal
the location of a
user during an emergency situation.
[0032] Preferably the signalling means includes an Emergency Position
Indicating Radio
Beacon (EPIRB).
[0033] Preferably the signalling means includes a GPS unit.
[0034] Preferably the communication assembly includes an electronic socket
adapted to hold a
plug that is in electronic communication with the controller.
(0035] In an embodiment of the safety device the adapter comprises a valve
having a charge
chamber adapted to hold an amount of a pyrotechnic composition and the
actuator is operatively
associated with the charge chamber.
[0036] Preferably the safety device includes an igniter that is adapted to
ignite the pyrotechnic
composition responsive to the controller generating an activation signal,
ignition of the
pyrotechnic composition causing the charge chamber to be ruptured so as to
place the valve in
the open condition.
[0037] Preferably the pyrotechnic composition comprises flash powder.
[0038] Preferably the safety device further includes a manual actuator having
a piezoelectric
igniter adapted to ignite the pyrotechnic composition.
[0039] Preferably the piezoelectric igniter is attached to a pull cord, the
piezoelectric igniter
being adapted to ignite the pyrotechnic composition responsive to a force
applied to the pull
cord by a user.
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[0040] According to a further aspect of the invention there is disclosed
herein a safety device,
comprising:
an inflating product container to hold inflating product;
a conduit operatively associated with the inflating product container;
an adapter adapted to connect the container with the conduit, the adapter
comprising a
valve having a closed condition in which the valve deters flow of inflating
product from the
container to the conduit, the valve being adapted to be placed in an open
condition in which
inflating product flows from the container to the conduit; and
an actuator operatively associated with the valve;
wherein the valve holds an amount of a pyrotechnic composition and the
actuator is
adapted to ignite the composition of the pyrotechnic composition, the valve
being adapted to
rupture under the influence of ignition of the pyrotechnic composition, such
rupture adapted to
place the valve in the open condition.
[0041] According to another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed
herein a safety
apparatus, comprising:
a safety device according to either the first, second or third aspects of the
invention;
and
, an inflatable bladder defining an inner volume,
wherein the safety device is located within the inner volume of the inflatable
bladder.
[0042] Preferably the bladder includes a sealable closure.
[0043] Preferably the sealable closure comprises a pressure zip fastener.
[0044] Preferably the safety device includes a liquid or water sensor located
exterior of the
inner volume to detect when the bladder is immersed in water or a pressure
sensor also located
exterior of the bladder to sense water pressure when the bladder is immersed
in a body of water,
or both such a water sensor and a pressure sensor.
[0045] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is
disclosed herein a safety
device, comprising:
a conduit adapted for attachment to an inflatable body;
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an inflating product container adapted to hold inflating product, the
inflating product
container operatively associated with the conduit so as in use to supply
inflating product to the
inflatable body, the inflating product container including a valve which (i)
has a closed
condition in which the valve deters flow of inflating product from the
inflating product container
and (ii) is adapted to be placed in an open condition in which inflating
product flows from the
inflating product container;
an adapter operatively adapted to connect the container with the conduit, the
adapter
defining a charge chamber; and
an actuator operatively associated with the valve, the actuator comprising (i)
a rupture
member located within the charge chamber defined by the adapter and (ii) an
igniter operatively
associated with the rupture member, the igniter adapted to ignite a
pyrotechnic composition
operatively located proximate the rupture member, ignition of the pyrotechnic
composition
causing the rupture member to accelerate across the charge chamber towards the
valve so as to
rupture the valve thereby placing the valve in the open condition.
[0046] Preferably the safety device includes a controller operatively
associated with the
actuator, the controller including a sensor assembly, in use the controller
generating an
activation signal responsive to measurements taken by the sensor assembly, the
actuator being
/
adapted to place the valve in the open condition when the activation signal is
generated.
[0047] According to yet a further aspect of the present invention there is
disclosed herein a
safety device, comprising:
an inflating product container adapted to hold inflating product, the
inflating product
container operatively associated with an inflatable body so as in use to
supply inflating product
to the inflatable body, the inflating product container including a valve
which (i) has a closed
condition in which the valve deters flow of inflating product from the
inflating product container
and (ii) is adapted to be placed in an open condition in which inflating
product flows from the
inflating product container;
an adapter operatively adapted to connect to a conduit with the inflating
product
container; and
an actuator operatively associated with the valve, the actuator comprising (i)
a rupture
member located within a charge chamber defined by the adapter and (ii) an
igniter operatively
associated with the rupture member, the igniter adapted to ignite a
pyrotechnic composition
operatively located proximate the rupture member, ignition of the pyrotechnic
composition
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causing the rupture member to accelerate across the charge chamber towards the
valve so as to
rupture the valve thereby placing the valve in the open condition.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter,
by way of
examples only, with reference to the accompany drawings, in which:
[0049] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an inflating product
container and an adapter
of a safety device in accordance with a first aspect of the invention;
[0050] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a controller for use with the
inflating product
container and the adapter of Figure 1;
[0051] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment safety
device;
[0052] Figure 4 is schematic representation of a third embodiment safety
device;
[0053] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a valve body of the safety
device of Figure 4;
[0054] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment safety
apparatus;
[0055] Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment safety
apparatus
incorporating an inflatable bladder and a fourth embodiment safety device;
[0056] Figure 8 is a schematic representation of an oral inflation arrangement
of the safety
apparatus of Figure 7;
[0057] Figure 9 is a front view of a connector of the oral inflation
arrangement of Figure 8;
[0058] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of Figure 9;
[0059] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a base of an inflating product
container of the safety
device of Figure 7;
[0060] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the base of Figure 11;
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[0061] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a lid for the base of Figure 11 and
Figure 12;
[0062] Figure 14 is a perspective view of an adapter of the safety device of
Figure 7;
[0063] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of Figure 14;
[0064] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a window component of the base of
Figure 11;
[0065] Figure 17 is a side view of a window component of Figure 16;
[0066] Figure 18 is a perspective view of a rupture member of the safety
device of Figure 7;
[0067] Figure 19 is a side view of the rupture member of Figure 18;
[0068] Figure 20 is a side view of an igniter of the safety device of Figure
7;
[0069] Figure 21 is a partial perspective bottom view of the igniter of Figure
20;
[0070] Figure 22 is a perspective view of a connector of the oral inflation
arrangement of
Figure 8;
[0071] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of Figure 22;
[0072] Figure 24 is a schematic representation of a non-return valve of the
oral inflation
arrangement of Figure 8;
[0073] Figure 25 is a schematic representation of a non-return valve of an
inflating product
container of the safety device of Figure 7;
[0074] Figure 26 is a schematic representation of a pressure relief valve for
the safety
apparatus of Figure 7;
[0075] Figure 27 is schematic representation of an inflatable body for use
with embodiments
of the safety device;
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[0076] Figure 28 is a schematic representation of an inner bladder of the
inflatable body of
Figure 27;
[0077] Figure 29 is schematic representation of further embodiment inflating
product
container;
[0078] Figure 30 is schematic representation of the inflating product
container of Figure 29;
[0079] Figure 31 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment rupture
member;
[0080] Figure 32 is schematic cross-sectional representation of a further
embodiment adapter;
and
[0081] Figure 33 is schematic representation of the adapter of Figure 32.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0082] In the description below like reference numerals will be used to
illustrate like
components.
[0083] Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrate a first embodiment safety device,
generally indicated
with the reference numeral 10. In use the safety device 10 will be coupled to
a non-illustrated
inflatable bladder. During an emergency situation when a user is immersed in a
body of water,
for example in the case of the user having fallen overboard from a sea vessel,
he safety device
will cause the bladder to be inflated so as to keep the user afloat until the
user is rescued or
manages to swim to safety. The safety device 10 will typically in use be
attached to an article
worn by a user, for example a rash guard.
[0084] The safety device 10 comprises an inflating product container 12 to
hold inflating
product. In this embodiment the container 12 holds carbon dioxide (CO2) as the
inflating
product. The container 12 is tubular in shape. It will, however, be
appreciated that the container
12 can have different shapes such as square tubular, rectangular tubular or
hexagonal. The
container 12 is produced from aluminium. It will of course be understood that
the container 12
could be produced from other materials such as steel, plastic, brass or
ceramic. The container 12
includes a coupling formation 14 provided in the form of a threaded portion.
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[0085] The safety device 10 includes a conduit 16 adapted to be coupled to the
non-illustrated
inflatable bladder. In an emergency situation the conduit 16 will direct
inflating product from
the container 12 in the direction of arrow 18 towards the inflatable bladder.
[0086] The safety device 10 further includes an adapter 20 adapted to connect
the container 12
with the conduit 16 so as to provide fluid communication between the container
12 and the
conduit 16, and as result fluid communication between the container 12 and the
inflatable
bladder. In this embodiment the conduit 16 includes a conduit coupling
formation 22, here a
threaded portion, at one end that is adapted to engage a complimentary
threaded portion 24 at an
outlet 23 of the adapter 20. At another end the adapter 20 includes a
container coupling
formation 26, here a threaded portion that is complimentary to the threaded
portion of the
coupling formation 14.
[0087] The adapter 20 includes a valve 28 having a closed condition, in which
the valve is
adapted in use to deter flow of inflating product from the container 12 to the
conduit 16, and an
open condition in which the valve is adapted to allow inflating product to
flow from the
container 12 to the conduit 16. The operation of the valve 28 is described in
detail below.
[0088] The adapter 20 also includes an actuator 30 that is operatively
associated with the valve
28 and is adapted to place the valve in the open condition.
[0089] The valve 28 of this embodiment comprises a disc-shaped valve body 29.
The valve
body 29 is adapted to rupture under the influence of the actuator 30, wherein
rupture of the
valve body causes the valve to be placed in an open condition so that
inflating product can flow
from the container 12 to the conduit 16 as discussed below. The valve body 29
is produced
from a plastics material. It will, however, be understood that the valve body
29 could be
produced from a range of different materials such as glass, aluminium,
ceramic, steel, brass and
copper.
[0090] The actuator 30 of the adapter 20 comprises a heater having a non-
illustrated heating
element that is adapted to heat the valve body 29, the valve body in turn
being adapted to melt,
such melting serving to facilitate rupture of the valve body 29.
[0091] In order to open the container 12 so that inflating product can flow
through the adapter
20 towards the conduit 16, the adapter 20 includes a container opening
formation 32. In this
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embodiment the container opening formation 32 comprises a piercing formation
adapted to
pierce a hole in the container 12. The piercing formation 32 will pierce the
container 12 when
the adapter 20 is attached to the container 12. This aspect is discussed in
further detail below.
[0092] The adapter 20 includes a rupture member 34 adapted to crack / rupture
the valve body
29. In order to generate sufficient momentum in the rupture member 34 to
rupture the valve
body 29, the rupture member 34 is secured to biasing means 36, here a helical
spring, for in use
preloading the rupture member 34. The rupture member 34 is held in a preloaded
/ biased
position by a securing member 38. The securing member 38 in turn is connected
to a pull cord
40 via a curved connector 42. The curved connector 42 nests within a curved
portion 44 in an
outer surface 46 of the adapter 20. By pulling on the pull cord 40 the
securing member 38 can
be released from the rupture member 34, thereby allowing the rupture member 34
to accelerate
under the influence of the spring 36 to rupture the valve body 29 so as to
release inflating
product into the conduit 16. By providing that the connector 42 is curved it
is possible for a user
to remove the securing member 38 by pulling on the pull cord 40 irrespective
of the orientation
of the pull cord 40 relative to the securing member 38. It is pointed out that
the pull cord 40 will
typically only be employed to rupture the valve body 29 should the actuator 30
for some reason
fail to rupture the valve body 29. The manner in which the actuator 30
functions to open the
valve body 29 is discussed in detail below.
[00931 The safety device 10 further comprises a controller 48 that is
connectable to the adapter
20 through a communication assembly 50. In this embodiment the communication
assembly 50
comprises an electric cable 52 having plugs at its two ends (not illustrated).
The adapter 20 and
the controller 48 each include a socket (not illustrated) adapted to receive
the respective plugs so
as to provide electronic communication between the actuator 30 and the
controller 48. It will be
understood that the communication assembly could be provided by alternative
means, for
example by wireless, BluetoothTM or infrared connectivity. The container 12
and the controller
48 could also be physically coupled to obviate the need for such a
communication assembly.
[0094] The controller 48 includes a sensor assembly 53. In use the controller
48 is adapted to
generate an activation signal responsive to measurements taken by the sensor
assembly 53
indicating that the user is in distress. Upon receipt of the activation signal
the actuator 30 will
place the valve 28 in the open condition by rupturing the valve body 29. Upon
rupture of the
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valve body 29 inflating product will flow from the container 12 to the conduit
16 in order to be
fed to the non-illustrated bladder.
[0095] Figure 2 diagrammatically illustrate that the sensor assembly 53
includes a proximity
sensor 54, signalling means comprising an Emergency Position Indicating Radio
Beacon
(EPIRB) and a Global Position System (GPS) module 56, an electronic water
sensor 58, a
mechanical water pressure sensor 60 in communication with a countdown timer
62, a low
battery alarm 64, a remote activation module 66, a service alert module 68 to
provide indication
that the safety device 10 is due for a routine service (typically in 12 month
intervals), a sensor
activation module function 70, a heart monitor sensor 71 to monitor the heart
rate of a user as
well as a breathing sensor 73 to monitor the breathing of the user. The
controller 48 is powered
by a rechargeable main battery 72. A second rechargeable battery 74 is
provided to serve as a
back-up for the main battery 72 should the latter be rundown or for some
reason fail.
[0096] The controller 48 is pre-set to provide a number of modes of operation,
those being: (i)
a safe mode, (ii) an off-mode, (iii) a remote mode, (iv) a manual mode and (v)
a proximity
mode.
[0097] In the safe mode the safety device 10 will cause the valve body 29 to
be ruptured upon
the water sensor 58 detecting the presence of water. In the off-mode a user is
able to swim and
the water sensor 58 will not trigger rupturing of the valve body 29. However,
should the user
find himself / herself in distress, the pull cord 40 can be employed to
rupture the valve body 29
in order to inflate the bladder.
[0098] In the remote mode a user can also swim without the valve body 29 being
ruptured.
The remote activation module 66 is adapted to receive signals from a remote
signalling means
67. The remote activation mode thus allows, for example, a child to swim and a
parent to cause
the valve body 29 to be ruptured when the child is in distress. Rupture is
achieved by the parent
activating a remote signalling means to communicate with the controller via
the receiving
module. In this embodiment the remote activation module comprises mobile
telephony
circuitry, such as a subscriber identification module (SIM) card that is
adapted to communicate
with a mobile telephone 67. In use a parent can rupture the valve body 29
remotely by
communicating an activation signal to the remote activation module 66.
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[0099] The mobile telephone 67 will typically include application software to
operate in
conjunction with the safety device 10. The software may be adapted to provide
information on
the location of the safety device 10 and to generate an alarm signal to
indicate that an emergency
situation has arisen indicated by the fact that the valve body 29 has been
ruptured. The software
further can be adapted to activate the actuator 30. Furthermore the
application software may be
adapted to control the controller 48 or work with the electronic circuitry of
the controller.
[00100] The proximity mode operates via the proximity sensor 54 and serves as
signalling
means to alert an operator that the user of the safety device 10 has moved
beyond a set distance
from a remote device, here a mobile telephone, held by the operator. That mode
can, for
example, be employed to alert parents inside a house that a child playing
outside has moved
outside a set range. The parent can then take appropriate action to ensure the
safety of the child.
[00101] The controller 48 includes an information display module 76, in this
embodiment
provided in the form of a number of non-illustrated light emitting diodes
(LEDs). The LEDs in
use serve to indicate (i) the selected mode of the safety device, (ii) a low
battery charge, (iii)
potential low levels of inflating product within the inflating product
compartment and (iv)
service due indicator alerting the user that the safety device 10 must undergo
a scheduled
service. The remote activation module 66 may also include indicating means to
alert an
operator that the valve body 29 has been ruptured and that the user of the
safety device may be
in distress. Similarly, the information display module 76 may include an alarm
79 to alert third
parties that the user of the safety device 10 is in distress. The alarm 79 can
be provided in the
form a speaker to generate a siren and/or a light emitting device to generate
a flashing light to
signify distress.
[00102] An additional pull cord 78 is attached to a pin 80 as shown. The pin
80 is adapted to
co-operate with non-illustrated circuitry of the controller 48 in such a
manner that removal of
the pin 80 from the controller 48 by a user pulling on the pull cord 78 will
short-circuit circuitry
to cause an activation signal to be generated so that the actuator 30 will
rupture the valve body
29. Alternatively, the circuitry could include a switch which is arranged such
that pulling on the
cord will close the switch, thereby causing an activation signal to be
generated.
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[00103] It will be understood that coupling between the container 12 and the
adapter 20 could
be achieved in a number of ways and need not be by way of complimentary
threaded portions.
For example, coupling couldi be through a clip-lock formation.
[00104] To recharge the batteries 72 and 74, the controller 48 includes a
recharge socket, not
illustrated, which is adapted to be coupled to a charging unit connectable to
an electricity
supply.
[00105] Figure 3 shows a second embodiment safety device 82. The safety device
82 comprises
a container 12 that is connectable to a controller 48. The controller 48 is
housed within a
circular housing 84 as opposed to the square shaped housing of the controller
48 of the safety
device 10. The controller 48 includes a conununication cable 50 having a plug
86 adapted to be
plugged into a socket 88. The container 12 of the safety device is located
within a protective
casing 90. The safety device 82 operates in a manner similar to the safety
device 10.
[00106] Figure 4 and Figure 5 show a third embodiment safety device, generally
indicated with
the reference numeral 200. The safety device 200 is similar to the safety
device 10 in that it
includes an inflating product container 12 and an adapter 20 for facilitating
coupling between
the container 12 and a conduit 16. The conduit 16 is in fluid communication
with a non-
illustrated inflatable bladder. The adapter 20 includes a hollow valve 28. The
valve 28 at one
end includes a charge chamber 202 to hold an amount of a pyrotechnic
composition. In this
embodiment the pyrotechnic composition is flash powder.
[00107] The adapter 20 includes a container opening formation 32 adapted to
pierce the
container 12 so that inflating product is allowed to flow into the hollow
valve 28. The inflating
product is, however, prevented from flowing to the conduit 16 by the charge
chamber 202
sealing the bottom of the valve 28.
[00108] To deter leakage of inflating product between the container 12 and the
adapter 20 0-
rings 210 are provided.
[00109] The adapter 20 includes an actuator 30. The actuator 30 is in
electronic communication
with the controller 48 via an electric cable 52. The actuator 30 includes an
electric igniter 204
that in use is adapted to ignite the pyrotechnic composition of the charge
chamber 202.
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[00110] During an emergency situation the controller 48 will generate an
activation signal
responsive to measurements taken by a sensor assembly 53 as discussed above.
The ignite 204
is hereafter supplied with electric current so as to ignite the pyrotechnic
composition. Upon
ignition of the pyrotechnic composition the charge chamber 202 will be
ruptured so as to place
the valve 28 in an open condition. Inflating product can now flow from the
container 12 though
the adapter 20, through outlet 23 to the conduit 16 so as to be fed to the
inflatable bladder.
[00111] The safety device 200 includes a manual actuator 206. The manual
actuator 206 can be
employed by a user to ignite the pyrotechnic composition should the controller
48 for some
reason fail to generate an activation signal during an emergency situation.
The manual actuator
206 comprises a pull cord 40 that is attached to a piezoelectric igniter 208.
The piezoelectric
igniter 208 is adapted to ignite the pyrotechnic composition responsive to a
force applied to the
pull cord 40 by a user.
[00112] It will be understood that the safety device may be produced with
either just the manual
actuator or just an actuator in communication with a controller.
[00113] Figure 26 shows a first embodiment safety apparatus, generally
indicated with the
reference numeral 300. The safety apparatus 300 includes an inflatable bladder
302, here in the
form of an inflatable vest. The bladder 302 defines an inner volume 304.
Located within the
inner volume 304 is a safety device 10. To provide access to the inner volume
304, for example
to replace the safety device 10, the bladder 302 includes sealable closures
306. In this
embodiment the sealable closures comprise pressure zip fasteners.
[00114] The safety device 10 further includes a non-illustrated water sensor
exterior of the inner
volume 304 to detect when the bladder 302 is immersed in water as well as a
non-illustrated
pressure sensor, also exterior of the inner volume 304, to sense water
pressure when the bladder
302 is immersed in a body of water. The safety device 10 operates in a manner
as described
above and will cause the bladder 302 to be inflated with inflating product
responsive to
measurements taken by the water sensor and the pressure sensors.
[00115] The safety apparatus 300 further includes an oral inflator 308 whereby
a user can
supplement inflating product in the bladder 302 with breath as well as a non-
illustrated on/off
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switch for activating and deactivating the safety device 10. To charge a
battery 310 of the safety
device 10 a non-illustrated external charge port is provided.
[00116] By enclosing the safety device 10 and its electronic circuitry within
the bladder 302 as
discussed above they are protected against the corrosive effects of water,
particularly salt water.
[00117] Figure 7 shows a second embodiment safety apparatus 600 comprising a
bladder 602
and a fourth embodiment safety device 604 located exterior of the bladder 602.
The safety
device 604 includes an inflating product container 606 which is in fluid
communication with an
oral inflation arrangement 608 of the bladder 602, via a conduit 610. The
conduit 610 is
secured to the inflating product container 606 by way of an adapter 612 as is
described below.
The inflating product container 606 is connected by electric wiring 613 to a
housing 614 holding
electronic circuitry of a controller 48 of the safety device 604. An external
battery 616 is
connected by electric wiring 618 to the electronic circuitry held by the
housing 614. In use the
electronic circuitry of the controller 48 is driven by the external battery
616.
[00118] The oral inflation valve arrangement 608 includes a conventional oral
inflation tube
630 having a non-illustrated non-return valve. The oral inflation valve
arrangement 608 is
adapted to facilitate oral inflation of the bladder 602 with a user's breath
and prevents escape of
fluid from the bladder 602.
[00119] The oral inflation tube 630 has retrofitted thereto a connector 632.
The connector 632
in turn is connected to the conduit 610. The conduit 610 provides fluid
communication between
the oral inflation tube 630 and the inflating product container 606.
100120] Referring to Figures 8 to 10, it is shown that the connector 632 is in
the form of a T-
piece which is sized for retro-fitment to the conventional oral inflation tube
630. The connector
632 includes a side portion 634. The side portion 634 has a threaded interior
636 for threadingly
engaging a connector 638. As shown in Figure 22 and Figure 23, the connector
638 includes an
outer threaded portion 640. The outer threaded portion 640 is complimentary to
the threaded
interior 636 of the side portion 634. To secure the conduit 610 to the side
portion 634, the
connector 638 is threadingly secured to the side portion 634. The conduit 610
is thereafter
secured to the connector 638 with a fitting 642, here a John GuestTM fitting.
The connector 638
includes a non-return valve 644, in this embodiment provided in the form of a
SchraderTm valve.
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This is further illustrated in Figure 24 where the arrow 646 indicates the
direction of inflating
product flow from the inflating product container 606.
[00121] In an emergency situation the product container 606 will release an
inflating product,
here carbon dioxide. The inflating product will be fed via the conduit 610 to
the non-return
valve 644. The pressure of the inflating product will cause the non-return
valve 644 to open
allowing inflating product to enter the oral inflation tube 630. The inflating
product will now be
directed to travel along the oral inflation tube 630 towards the bladder 602.
The pressure of the
inflating product will cause the non-illustrated inflating product non-return
valve to open
allowing inflating product to enter the outer bladder 602. Once the inflating
product container
606 has expended its inflating product, the inflating product non-return valve
is allowed to
return to a closed position as will the non-return valve 644 of the connector
638.
[00122] Should a user wish to add buoyancy to the bladder 602 the user can
blow breath down
the oral inflation tube 630. The pressure exerted by the user will cause the
inflating product
non-return valve (not shown) to open so that the user's expended breath may
enter the bladder
602. When the user ceases to blow down the oral inflation tube 630 the
inflating product non-
return valve will return to its closed position.
[00123] The bladder 602 includes a sealable closure 648, here of nylon,
whereby access can be
gained to the interior of the bladder 602. The sealable closure 648 comprises
a press-seal (clip-
lock). The press-seal closure 648 comprises male and female engagement
portions 650 and 652
which sealingly engage when pressed together. To locate the sealable closure
648 in an open
condition a user may pull on the oral inflation tube 630 whereby the male and
female
engagement portions 650 and 652 are peeled apart. In order to re-seal the
press-seal closure
648, the male and female portions 650 and 652 are simply pressed together so
as to be sealingly
engaged. The press-seal sealable closure 648 is produced from nylon. It will,
however, be
understood that the press-seal could be produced from other materials. The
sealable closure 648
will normally be welded in position at a hole in the bladder 602. In this
embodiment sensors
654, which are operatively associated with the controller 48, are mounted to
the oral inflation
tube 630. The oral inflation tube 630 may also include a non-illustrated
socket to accommodate
an auxiliary battery for the controller.
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[00124] It is pointed out that the safety device 604 can be located on the
interior of the bladder
602 as indicated by the reference numeral 604A. Access to the interior of the
bladder 602 is in
such case effected by way of the sealable closure 648.
[00125] The bladder 602 includes a second press-seal sealable closure 656 as
shown. The
press-seal closure 656 operates in a manner similar to the sealable closure
648. However, in the
case of the sealable closure 656, a pull-tab 658 is provided for pealing the
male and female
portions apart when opening of the sealable closure 656 is required. Opening
of the sealable
closure 656 may, for example, be required to access the interior of the
bladder to install a
satellite phone 660 in position. The face of the satellite phone 660 includes
a waterproof touch
pad exterior of the bladder 602 so as to be operated when the safety apparatus
is in use.
[00126] As shown the safety apparatus 600 includes light emitting diodes
(LEDs) 662. The
LEDs are in communication with the controller 48 and will be activated in an
emergency
situation. In use the LEDs 662 can glow, flash and/or flash in a controlled
manner so as to
generate SOS sequences.
[00127] The inflating product container 606 is discussed with specific
reference to Figures 11 to
13 of the drawings. The inflating product container 606 comprises a base 664
and a lid 666.
The base 664 includes a threaded female portion 668 adapted for engaging a
threaded male
portion 670 of the lid 666. The base 664 includes two diagonally opposed inner
threaded
portions 672 and 674 which are respectively sized for threadingly engaging a
threaded portion
676 of an adapter 678, shown in Figure 14 and Figure 15, and a threaded
portion 680 of a
window component 682, the purpose of which is discussed below.
[00128] To fill the inflating product container 606 with carbon dioxide
inflating product, a
frozen carbon dioxide material is placed inside the base 664. The lid 666 is
hereafter secured to
the base 664 via engagement of the female and male portions 668 and 670
whereafter the lid 666
is sealed to the base 664 by way of welding. The inflating product container
606 will be filled
with an inflating gas product once the carbon dioxide material has melted. In
an alternative
method carbon dioxide is pressure fed into the inflating product container
through the inner
threaded portions 672 and 674. In this method the base 664 and lid 666 will
have been secured
in position prior to the inflating product container 606 being charged with
carbon dioxide.
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[00129] The base 664 includes a valve 684 which can be placed in an open
condition as
discussed below so as to allow inflating product to flow from the inflating
product container 606
to inflate the bladder 602.
[00130] Referring to Figure 16 and Figure 17 the window component 682 includes
a
transparent window member 686 produced from a plastics material, typically a
polycarbonate.
The window component 682 is secured to the base 664 of the inflating product
container 606 by
having the threaded portion 680 engage the corresponding threaded portion 672.
In use an
operator may visually inspect the interior of the inflating product container
606 through the
window member 686 of the window component 682. In an alternative arrangement
the window
member 686 can be replaced with a non-illustrated filling valve.
[00131] The adapter 678 is discussed with reference to Figures 14 and 15 as
well as Figures 18
to 21. The adapter 678 includes a conduit threaded portion 688 at outlet 689
for engagement
with a corresponding threaded portion 640 located on a connector 638 placed on
an end portion
of the conduit 610, as shown in Figure 24. The adapter 678 further includes an
igniter threaded
portion 690 for engagement with a corresponding threaded portion on an igniter
694, shown in
Figure 20 and Figure 21.
[00132] The adapter 678 defines an elongate charge chamber 695 extending from
the igniter
threaded portion 690 across the length of the adapter 678 through the threaded
portion 676 to an
inlet 696. An inflating product outlet 698 branches off from the charge
chamber 695.
(00133] The igniter 694 in use serves to ignite a pyrotechnic composition
located in the charge
chamber 695. The pyrotechnic composition will generally be placed inside the
charge chamber
in the form of a water-based paste and thereafter sealed with a glue seal. The
igniter 694
includes a first and a second ignite element 700 and 702. The first ignite
element is in the form
of a nichrome wire and is in electronic communication with the controller 48
via wiring
connected to a first connecting prong 704. In an emergency situation the
controller 48 will
cause the nichrome wire to become heated, causing the pyrotechnic composition
to be ignited.
In an alternative arrangement the igniter 694 may include a single glow plug
element.
[00134] The second ignite element 702 is a nichrome separated wire. The second
ignite
element 702 is in electric communication with a piezoelectric component, not
shown, located in
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a manual actuator, also not shown. The piezoelectric component is electrically
connected to the
second ignite element 702 via wiring connected to a second connecting prong
706. Responsive
to a force applied to the manual actuator an electric current will flow to the
second ignite
element 702 which in turn will cause a spark between portions of the nichrome
separated wire.
Such spark will ignite the pyrotechnic composition.
[00135] The third prong 708 of the igniter 694 is to be grounded.
[00136] A rupture member 710 is shown in Figure 18 and Figure 19. The rupture
member 710
includes a base 712, a tapering head 714 and a neck 716 for connecting the
base and the head.
The rupture member 710 is sized for location within the charge chamber 695 and
is adapted to
move across the length of the charge chamber 695.
[00137] The igniter 694 and the rupture member 710 provide an actuator for
locating the valve
684 of the inflating product container 606 in an open condition. Specifically,
when the
pyrotechnic composition is caused to be ignited, the expanding gases resulting
from the ignition
will impact on the base 712 of the rupture member 710 causing the rupture
member to accelerate
across the length of the charge chamber 695 and to impact the valve 684. Such
impact will
cause the head 714 of the rupture member 710 to rupture the valve 684.
Inflating product will
thereafter push the rupture member 710 back along the charge chamber 684 so
that inflating
product can follow through the inflating product outlet 698 and into the
conduit 610.
[00138] Referring to Figure 25, the arrow 718 indicates the direction of
inflating product flow
from the inflating product container 606.
[00139] Figure 26 depicts a connector 638 having attached to it a relief cap
720. This
arrangement may be employed as a pressure relief valve in the safety apparatus
600.
[00140] Figure 27 and Figure 28 show an alternative inflatable body 730
comprising an outer
inflatable bladder 732 and an inner inflatable bladder 734. The outer bladder
732 includes a
curved neck support portion 736, operatively configured to support the neck of
a user floating in
a body of water. The outer bladder 732 further includes a torso support
portion 738 operatively
configured to extend around the torso and under the arms of the user. The
torso support portion
738 comprises a first and a second end portion 740 and 742 which are connected
via the neck
support portion 736.
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[00141] The inner bladder 734 is complimentary shaped to the outer bladder 732
and includes a
curved inner neck support portion 744 and an inner torso support portion 746.
The inner neck
support portion 744 is sized for location within the neck support portion 736
of the outer bladder
. 732. The inner torso support portion 746 is similarly sized for location
within the torso support
portion 738 of the outer bladder 102.
[00142] The outer bladder 732 includes a fastening formation 748 adapted to
secure the torso
support portion 738 around the torso of the user. The fastening formation 748
comprises a first
fastener 750 which is adapted for releasable attachment to a second fastener
752.
[00143] The inflatable body 730 is particularly suitable for use by an adult
in that it includes
two bladders for providing buoyancy. In the case of a toddler, for example,
the buoyancy
provided by the inner bladder 734 will be sufficient to keep a toddler afloat.
The inner bladder
734 can accordingly be employed on its own. The inner bladder 734 for this
reason is also
provided with a fastening formation 754. The fastening formation 754 comprises
a first fastener
756 which is adapted for releasable attachment to a second fastener 758 as
well as a third
fastener 760 which is adapted for releasable attachment to a fourth fastener
762.
[00144] The inner bladder 734 is adapted in use to be placed in fluid
communication with a
safety device 604 as discussed above. The outer bladder 732 can either be
orally inflated or
inflated employing a safety device 604 as discussed above.
[00145] Persons familiar with the operation of conventional electric water
sensors will
appreciate that a water sensor includes two elements which define an open
switch which is
closed when those elements are immersed in water. The water sensor 58 employed
by the
controller 48 includes two such elements. In an embodiment safety device the
controller 48 is
adapted such the a user touching the two elements will short circuit the water
sensor 58 thereby
switching on the controller 48 to conduct a self-test of electronic circuitry
of the controller 48.
The controller 48 is further configured such that a second touch will prompt
the controller to test
battery function and strength. An LED on the display module 76 will be caused
to flash if the
batteries of the safety device are sufficiently charged to operate thereby
signalling this fact to a
user.
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[00146] The controller 48 is further configured that upon a third touch of the
sensor elements
the controller 48 will conduct a barometric pressure test and equalise the
pressure of the pressure
sensor and set the controller 48 to zero pressure. The controller 48 is
configured that should the
necessary LEDs fail to light up while conducting the pressure test this will
indicate to a user that
the safety device is not in a proper working condition and should not be used.
[00147] Figure 29 and Figure 30 show an embodiment container 800. The
container 800
includes three inflating product storage modules 802 that are adapted to store
inflating product.
Each inflating product storage module 802 includes a threaded coupling
formation 804 that is
adapted to couple to a complimentary threaded container coupling formation on
an adapter of an
embodiment safety device. An example of a suitable adapter is discussed below
with reference
to Figure 32 and Figure 33.
[00148] Figures 32 and 33 show an alternative embodiment adapter 900. The
adapter 900
includes an outlet 902 having a conduit threaded portion 904 adapted for
engagement with a
corresponding threaded portion on a connector of a conduit in fluid
communication with an
inflatable bladder. The adapter 900 includes an igniter threaded portion 906
for engagement
with a corresponding threaded portion on an igniter, not shown.
[00149] The adapter 900 defines an elongate charge chamber 908 extending from
the igniter
threaded portion 906 across the length of the adapter 900 through the threaded
portion 912 to an
inflating product inlet 914.
[00150] The adapter 900 includes a rupture member 916, shown in Figure 31. The
rupture
member 916 includes a base 918 and an elongate stem 920. A groove 922, the
purpose of which
is discussed below, is provided in the stem 920. The rupture member 916 is
sized for location
within the charge chamber 908 and is adapted to move across the length of the
charge chamber.
[00151] In use a non-illustrated igniter and the rupture member 916 provide an
actuator for
opening a non-illustrated inflating product container. Specifically, when a
pyrotechnic
composition located inside a charge chamber 924 is caused to be ignited, the
expanding gases
resulting from the ignition will impact on the base 918 of the rupture member
916 causing the
rupture member to accelerate across the length of the charge chamber and to
impact the inflating
product container. Such impact will cause the stem 920 of the rupture member
916 to create an
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opening in the inflating product container. Inflating product will thereafter
push the rupture
member 916 back along the charge chamber 908 so that inflating product can
follow through the
inflating product outlet 902 towards an non-illustrated inflatable bladder. In
this regard the
groove 922 will serve to enhance the speed with which the rupture member 916
can be pushed
back by inflating product escaping the open container.
[00152] In a non-illustrated embodiment the safety device is adapted so that
its recharge socket
may be coupled to a mobile device so as to be recharged.
[00153] In a further non-illustrated embodiment the safety device includes a
shark repelling
device adapted to generate a sound signal to repel sharks when the safety
device is used at sea.
[00154] In the specification rupture includes within its meaning to pierce,
break, break open,
cleave, destroy completely, break open, burst, crack, fracture, open,
puncture, shatter, split or
tear.
[00155] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific
examples, it will
be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied
in many other
forms.
