AU2019100965B4 - Hazard warning apparatus, system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract The present invention relates generally to apparatus, systems and methods for providing warnings to third parties about the impending onset or existence of a hazard to a given individual. It has particular, although not exclusive application to apparatus, systems and methods for protecting vulnerable subjects, such as infants, the elderly and pets, from hazard conditions, such as heat and cold, when left in a confined space, such as in a motor vehicle. The apparatus, systems and methods comprise a means to detect the onset or the existence of the hazard; and means to provide a warning to the third party, once either the onset or existence of the hazard to the subject is detected.

Description

Hazard warning apparatus, system and method

Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates generally to apparatus, systems and methods for providing warnings to third parties about the impending onset or existence of a hazard to a given individual. It has particular, although not exclusive application to apparatus, systems and methods for protecting vulnerable subjects, such as infants, the elderly and pets, from hazard conditions, such as heat and cold, when left in a confined space, such as in a motor vehicle.

Background to the Invention [0002] It is a matter for deep regret in modern life, that all too often, there are media reports that a child has been left unattended in a motor vehicle for an excessive period of time, while a parent or carer is engaged in some other activity (such as shopping), and in circumstances where neither the child’s carer(s) nor other persons (such as the authorities) are aware until it is too late, that the child has been left unattended. If the child is awake (or happens to awaken from sleep) during such time as the child’s carer is elsewhere, the absence of the carer can alone be very distressing, particularly to a young child.

[0003] Sadly, in a number of instances, parents or other carers have forgotten that they have left a child in a vehicle. This simple human failure has in too many instances, led to disastrous consequences, in which a child has either perished or suffered serious harm because a motor vehicle was (for example) left in the sun for an extended period, and the temperature inside the car became inimical to the child’s wellbeing or, in severe cases, survival.

[0004] A child so left alone that is old enough or sufficiently capable physically of doing so, may, on the other hand, try to exit the vehicle, by, for example, disengaging the child’s seat belt. Once the seat belt can no longer restrain the child’s movements, the child’s freedom to move within the vehicle can of itself lead to certain problems, such as the possibility that, for example, the child might then unwittingly disengage the vehicle’s handbrake. If the child were to succeed in disengaging the handbrake, and if the vehicle was parked beforehand on a sloped landscape, the release of the handbrake could, obviously, lead to tragedy. And regardless of whether or not the child remained secured in the car seat, the mere fact that the child had been left alone could of itself result in or increase the risk of the child being abducted.

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 [0005] Regrettably, there have been disturbing reports in recent years of instances where an individual has stolen a motor vehicle that had a child sleeping in a rear seat. All too often in such circumstances, the child’s carer, and indeed, the authorities, were unware of the problem until after it had occurred. It would therefore be desirable to have an effective warning mechanism that might address these problems, or at the least, to assist in avoiding them.

[0006] Various attempts have to date been made in the art to provide a solution to these problems, but the existing technologies each have their limitations. One significant limitation is that in order to fit a seat belt assembly that contains a hazard warning mechanism into a vehicle, a vehicle owner must normally replace the existing seat belt assembly concerned altogether. This usually means that unless the vehicle owner possesses the technical skills required in order to replace the former assembly with the new one (that contains the hazard warning mechanism), the owner must have the replacement performed by an appropriately skilled professional. This in turn usually results in cost to the owner of the vehicle, as well as requiring that the vehicle be out of use during the time required for the replacement procedure, which is often inconvenient.

[0007] The inconvenience of these requirements thus presents a disincentive to at least some vehicle owners, in terms of replacing a pre-existing seat belt assembly with one that contains a warning mechanism. Even where a warning system of the kinds previously known has been deployed in a motor vehicle, the reaction times that the currently known warning systems provide are often too slow to prevent harm to a child that, for example, has been left in a car exposed to significant heat, cold or other similar hazards.

[0008] The present invention therefore seeks to address one or more of the limitations or shortcomings of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention [0009] The invention generally provides an apparatus for providing a warning to a third party about the onset or existence of a hazard to a subject that is located in an enclosure, the apparatus comprising:

a) means to detect the onset or the existence of the hazard; and

b) means to provide a warning to the third party, once either the onset or existence of the hazard to the subject is detected.

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 [0009a] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a buckle assembly component for a motor vehicle seat-belt or harness buckle assembly comprising a female buckle element and a pronged buckle element, the component comprising a housing comprising:

at least one prong adapted to reversibly engage with the female buckle element of said seat-belt or harness buckle assembly;

at least one slit adapted to reversibly engage with the pronged buckle element of said seat-belt or harness buckle assembly;

a sensor to detect the existence of a hazard within the motor vehicle selected from the group consisting of cold, heat, a harmful gas and smoke;

a sensor to detect disengagement of the component with said seat-belt or harness buckle assembly;

a power source that is independent of said motor vehicle;

a wireless communications device that is independent of said motor vehicle;

a USB port;

a means to provide GPS data that is independent of said motor vehicle;

wherein the wireless communications device is configured with the sensor to detect disengagement and the sensor to detect the existence of a hazard to provide a warning message to a third party of the hazard or the disengagement, and the wireless communications device is communicatively connected to software to generate the warning message, send the warning message and/or enable one or more third parties to receive the warning message from the component.

[0010] In some embodiments of the invention, the enclosure is or forms part of a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle. Alternatively, the enclosure could form part of a water craft or aircraft.

[0011] In some preferred embodiments, the vehicle is a motor vehicle that is suitable for travel across a land surface, such as a motor car, bus or other motorised vehicle of the kind that comprises an enclosed space in which one or more passengers may be transported. Alternatively, the vehicle could be a water craft (such as a boat) or an aircraft

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 that comprises an enclosed space for transporting one or more passengers. In any event, in all such cases, the enclosure (or enclosed space) defines a passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0012] Alternatively, the enclosure could be a room, such as a room in a domestic dwelling or in a health care facility or a room or other relatively confined enclosed space in a building or other permanent, semi-permanent or temporary structure. In embodiments of the invention, the onset or existence of the hazard only occurs as a consequence of the subject exiting said enclosure.

[0013] Accordingly, the hazard may, for example, be associated with a change in conditions within the enclosed space, or a change in the subject’s location with respect to the enclosed space, or a change in the location of the enclosed space with the subject in said enclosed space, or a change in the location of a carer with respect to the subject and/or with respect to the enclosure.

[0014] In some embodiments of the invention, the subject is a human being. The human being may be one that was born either male or female, or a human being that has, since birth, undergone a gender reassignment procedure. The present invention therefore applies to human beings of all descriptions, including of whatever gender or race.

[0015] In some further embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the human being may be: an individual aged under 18; an individual aged under 15; an individual aged under 12; an individual aged under9; an individual aged under6; an individual aged under 3; an individual aged under 2; or an individual aged under 1.

[0016] In preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the individual is a human being aged under the age of 6. In particularly preferred embodiments, the individual is aged less than 3 years of age. In especially preferred embodiments, the individual is aged less than 2 years of age, or less than 1 year of age.

[0017] In alternative embodiments of the invention, the human being may be: an individual aged between 18 and 30; an individual aged between 31 and 40; an individual aged between 41 and 50; an individual aged between 51 and 60; an individual aged between 61 and 70; an individual aged between 71 and 80; an individual aged between 81 and 90; an individual aged between 91 and 100; or an individual aged over 100.

[0018] In preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the individual is a human being aged: between 51 and 60; between 61 and 70; between 71 and 80; between 81 and 90; between 91 and 100; or over 100.

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 [0019] In more preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the individual is a human being aged over the age of 70. In particularly preferred embodiments, the individual is aged between 71 and 80 years of age. In especially preferred embodiments, the individual is aged more than 81 years of age.

[0020] In some embodiments, regardless of age or gender, the individual may be a human being who has impaired cognitive, intellectual, communication or physical abilities, such that the individual has impaired ability:

a) to detect, comprehend or perceive the onset or existence of a hazard;

b) to comprehend or perceive the significance of the onset or existence of a hazard;

c) to communicate having detected or perceived the onset or existence of a hazard to a third party;

d) to communicate the individual’s wishes or concerns about the onset or existence of a hazard to a third party; and/or

e) to react (either physically or intellectually) to the onset or existence of a hazard to a third party.

[0021] In embodiments ofthe invention, the impaired ability of the subject is related to the age on the subject. For example, a child or infant may not have the cognitive abilities to detect a hazard or prevent creating a hazard themselves, nor the intellectual abilities to determine and carry out an appropriate response to a hazard.

[0022] Individuals included within the scope of this embodiment of the invention are those who are afflicted with a medically recognised physical or mental health condition of the kind that involves the individual having one or more of the forms of impairment mentioned in the preceding paragraph. Recognised physical or mental health conditions for this purpose include: mental illness; autism spectrum disorder; intellectual handicap; and physical handicap.

[0023] Alternatively, the subject may be a non-human animal, such as a mammal, a bird, a reptile or a fish. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the apparatus may be used in order to provide a third party with warnings about existing or impending threats to the safety or wellbeing of either a pet or a livestock animal. In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the non- human animal would be a mammal. In particularly preferred embodiments, the non-human animal would, without limitation, include a small animal, such as a pet dog, cat, bird, fish or reptile. It would be understood that non-human animals would have impaired abilities to detect a hazard and/or devise an appropriate response to a hazard.

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 [0024] For the purposes of the present invention, a “hazard” (or the interchangeable equivalent term “hazard condition”) includes any condition which poses a threat to the physical or mental health of the subject. The following are specific examples of “hazards” for the purposes of the present invention:

a) heat (from environmental heat or fire or an artificial source of heat);

b) cold (from environmental cold or an artificial source of cold);

c) humidity;

d) the presence of a liquid in an enclosed space in which the subject is located;

e) the presence of a harmful gas or smoke in an enclosed space in which the subject is located;

f) the presence of an intruder within an enclosed space in which the subject is located;

g) disengagement or disarming of a protection means for the subject; the abduction of the subject; the abandonment of the subject by a carer;

h) the absence of a carer for a defined period of time (whether that absence was intended or not);

i) the loss of, or the inability of a third party (such as the carer, or an official member of the authorities) to locate the whereabouts of or find the subject;

j) or the onset or prevalence of a medical condition that affects the wellbeing of the subject.

[0025] Examples of medical conditions for the purposes of this embodiment of the invention would include seizures (including epileptic seizures), heart attacks, stroke, conditions in which the subject is rendered unconscious (such as, for example, where the subject faints), or circumstances where - for whatever reason - the subject has fallen and is unable to move or contact a third party to seek help. In all such cases, an apparatus made in accordance with the invention would be provided with suitable software and hardware to detect the onset or prevalence of the medical condition. Suitable hardware for detecting such medical conditions would include apparatus for monitoring abnormal electrical activity within the patient’s brain or heart, apparatus for detecting movements of the subject that are consistent with or which indicate that the subject has fallen, as well as apparatus for monitoring the subject’s state of consciousness.

[0026] The means to detect the onset or the existence of the hazard would therefore include any means for detecting the actual existence or prevalence of the hazard, or conditions that indicate the likelihood of its onset.

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 [0027] Accordingly, by way of example, such means would include:

• in the case of heat - a thermometer means that is capable of detecting or sensing when the temperature within an enclosure in which the subject is located approaches, reaches or exceeds a defined level;

• in the case of cold - a thermometer means that is capable of detecting or sensing when the temperature within an enclosure in which the subject is located approaches, descends to or descends below a defined level;

• in the case of humidity - a hygrometer means that is capable of detecting or sensing when the humidity within an enclosure in which the subject is located approaches, reaches, exceeds or, alternatively, descends below a defined level;

• in the case of liquid - a means that is capable of detecting or sensing when the level of a liquid within an enclosure in which the subject is located approaches, reaches or exceeds a defined level;

• in the case of a gas or smoke - a means that is capable of detecting or sensing when the level of a harmful gas within an enclosure in which the subject is located approaches, reaches or exceeds a defined level;

• in the case of an intruder - a means that is capable of detecting or sensing the entry of an unauthorised individual into an enclosure in which the subject is located;

• in the case of disengagement or disarming of a protection means for the subject a means capable of detecting or sensing when an electric or electronic circuit associated with the protection means for the subject has been broken; and • in the case of abduction of the subject - a means (in addition to or in the alternative to a means that is capable of detecting or sensing the entry of an unauthorised individual into an enclosure in which the subject is located) capable of detecting or sensing when the subject has exited the enclosure.

[0028] In those cases where the hazard comprises an objectively measurable physical parameter (such as in the case of the hazard comprising conditions of heat, cold or humidity, or the presence of a gas or liquid), the means to detect the onset or the existence of the hazard condition concerned would be calibrated so that the means detect or sense when the particular hazard condition has reached a predetermined level such that it is likely to, or actually presents a hazard to the subject.

[0029] Preferably, the process of identifying the appropriate predetermined level in the case of any such hazard parameter would be such that it would readily be determined

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 by ordinary persons skilled in the field of the invention, by using any of various means of the kind that would be known to such artisans.

[0030] Where the hazard involves the entry of the intruder into the enclosure in which the subject is located, the means to detect the onset or the prevalence of the hazard condition concerned would typically involve the use of motion sensing means to detect movements within the enclosure. Such sensing means would be configured so as to differentiate between movements by the subject or by authorised persons (such as carers for the subject) as opposed to movements by an unauthorised individual (or individuals).

[0031] So, for example, movements into or within the enclosure by unauthorised persons could be differentiated by (1) sensing or detecting the magnitude of movements within the enclosure, (2) sensing or detecting the location of movements within the enclosure, and (3) by requiring authorised persons (such as carers or emergency services personnel) to use a secret code in order to gain access to the enclosure (which might, for example, be a vehicle) without actuating a hazard warning. In the case of the last of these, the secret code could, for example, be sent by a mobile telephone to a given recipient (such as by sending an SMS or text message containing the code and the vehicle’s registration number to a particular telephone number or web site before entering the vehicle, in order to disarm the motion detection sensor(s).

[0032] Similar means could be deployed in order to prevent the abduction of a subject from a vehicle. In such a case, the sensor or detection means would also comprise means that would be configured so as to provide information about the location of the subject to the subject’s carer(s) or to the authorities and/or emergency services personnel (such as the Police). Such information could be generated by providing the subject with a means for communicating information about the subject’s location to a remote monitoring station (such as, for example, by providing the subject with a transponder capable of wireless communication that is embedded in one or other of the subject’s ears). In alternative embodiments, the sensor or detection means could be embedded in an article of clothing, footwear or headgear worn by the subject.

[0033] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the means to detect the onset or the existence of the hazard would typically be included in a physical housing suitable for use in the apparatus aspect of the invention. In embodiments of the invention the physical housing is associated with the subject, while in other embodiments of the invention, the physical housing is associated with the enclosure. The physical housing associated with

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 a subject may be, for example, a bracelet or collar to be worn by the subject or a device to be carried by the subject or a carer, companion or companion animal of the subject.

[0034] In embodiments where the enclosure is a vehicle (and particularly, a motor vehicle), typically, such a housing would form part of a seat belt assembly or as part of a similar restraint for the subject within the enclosure. An example of the latter would be a harness for securing a capsule or infant seat or a pet restraint harness for a motor vehicle. In preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the housing could, for example, form part of a buckle assembly for a seat belt or other like restraint of the kind previously described.

[0035] The housing may also form part or an airbag assembly or a window assembly, wherein the deployment of the airbag or breakage of the window indicates the onset or existence of a hazard for the subject.

[0036] In various embodiments, a means to detect the onset of or the existence of the hazard could be included within or associated with the seat belt or restraint (such as, for example, by being contained within one or more housings that define a seat belt buckle assembly or a buckle assembly for a like restraint).

[0037] In particularly preferred embodiments of the apparatus aspect of the invention, such a housing (or housing assembly, if the housing comprises more than one physical structure) may contain more than one sensor for a hazard. In such a case, the two or more sensors would preferably be sensors for different kinds of hazards. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the housing/housing assembly could (for example) simultaneously contain sensors for the following hazards (amongst others):

a) heat within the enclosure;

b) cold within the enclosure;

c) humidity within the enclosure;

d) disengagement of the seat belt or restraint assembly.

[0038] In the case of hazard (d) in particular, in some embodiments, the means for detecting when the seat belt or restraint assembly has been disengaged may take the form of the means being located on both ends of the buckle assembly (ie, on the “frame” and the “prong” components), so that relative movement of one as against the other may be detected. Where a buckle assembly includes a button or other like mechanism to actuate the release of a detained prong or like element within a buckle detent means, the

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 ίο means for detecting the disengagement of the overall buckle assembly might comprise means for detecting the actuation of the button or other like release mechanism.

[0039] In some embodiments, disengagement of the buckle detent means might require the wearer to have sufficient strength or dexterity in order to perform the task of disengagement. So, for example, in order to disengage a given buckle assembly, squeezing the buckle with sufficient strength or in a particular way might be required. This might make it more difficult for (by way of example), young children to disengage a vehicle seat belt buckle assembly, than might otherwise be the case (and thus, preventing at least some hazards from arising).

[0040] In particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, a seat belt or other restraint mechanism might include more than one restraint means, so as to make it more difficult for the subject to actuate his or her release inadvertently, or when otherwise not desired by a carer.

[0041] In general, a child aged 3 years or more would usually be capable of disengaging a lap belt buckle assembly. The provision of a secondary restraint on - for example - a cross-chest sash or on a sash or other structure located behind the subject in a place which would not be readily accessible by the subject - might make it more difficult for such a child to secure his or her release other than when desired by a carer. If sensing or detection means were also provided for the disengagement of such a secondary restraint, then the apparatus could optionally be configured such that communication of a warning message would only be triggered where both the primary and the secondary restraints were disengaged.

[0042] In other embodiments, the apparatus could optionally be configured so as to communicate a preliminary or first warning message upon disengagement of the primary restraint, and then to communicate a second or final warning message upon the disengagement of the secondary restraint.

[0043] Regardless of the particular structural form of the apparatus (and specifically, regardless of whether such a seat belt apparatus comprises one or more than one restraint means), when the restraint is (or restraints - if more than one - are) disengaged, the apparatus also comprises means to provide a warning to the third party, once either the onset or existence of the hazard to the subject is detected.

[0044] In some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus will comprise miniaturized components (including, as appropriate, miniaturized electronic circuitry) in

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 order to sense or detect one or more of the hazards referred to above. The nature of suitable componentry for this purpose would readily be understood by ordinary persons of skill in the art.

[0045] A “third party” for the purposes of the present invention is one who:

a) has lawful permanent custodial care and/or responsibility for caring for the subject (such as - in the case of a human being - a parent, co-parent or legal guardian of the subject, or the owner or lawful custodian of a non- human animal);

b) has lawful temporary custodial care and/or responsibility for caring for the subject (such as - in the case of a human being - a child care worker, a school teacher, the leader of an excursion, or a person standing temporarily in loco parentis, or in the case of a non-human animal, a person having temporarily, the responsibility for caring for the subject [such a person may include a veterinarian or a person that provides temporary custodial care for a non-human animal];

c) is a relative or friend lawfully nominated by a person in (a) or (b);

d) is a member of the Police or of any state owned or operated emergency service; or

e) is an emergency call centre or a like public or private facility for (1) receiving emergency communications and initiating and/or (2) generating response actions to emergency communications received about, hazards (of the kind previously described) to a subject. Public facilities for this purpose would include, amongst others, the police forces, public emergency services facilities (including state owned or operated bodies that receive and/or respond to notifications about hazards and potential hazards to the health of an individual) and public missing persons agencies. Private facilities for this purpose would include private bodies and businesses that perform similar functions to their public counterparts (an example being private agencies that monitor the wellbeing of elderly persons).

[0046] In some preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the apparatus communicates with more than one third party, so that if one third party is unable to receive the warning communication, the chances of an appropriate response to the hazard being made within a suitable time frame are increased. In particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, the apparatus would communicate with either party (a) or (b), and with both the parties identified at (c) and (d) of the definition of “third party” given on the previous page.

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 [0047] Generally, however, in those embodiments in which the apparatus communicates with more than one party, the communications with each party could be either simultaneous, substantially simultaneous or sequential. In those cases where the communications pattern chosen is sequential, in some preferred forms of the invention, the communications could be made in accordance with a predetermined sequence. In one example of such an embodiment, the automated sequence might first comprise sending an alert communication to a family member of the subject, then to an alternate family member, then to another designated contact (such as a designated family friend) and then to an emergency services call centre (or alternatively to a private monitoring facility).

[0048] In this or in some other embodiments in which the apparatus generates or initiates a sequence of communications, the sequence might - for example - be terminated once the apparatus establishes contact with a given member of the communications sequence.

[0049] Thus, for example, in an embodiment in which the warning communication takes the form of a telephone call to a member of the third-party communication sequence, the downstream sequence of communication might be terminated once the apparatus establishes contact with a given member of the sequence, so that members who would be contacted later are not sent an alert. In such embodiments, the need to generate concern about the health or wellbeing of the subject could therefore be obviated by configuring the apparatus to stop sending warning alerts to “downstream” members of the communications sequence, once contact is established with an earlier (or “upstream”) member of the sequence.

[0050] In yet other embodiments, the sequence of communications would only end upon a member of the communications sequence taking a specified action (such as for example, by a member of the communications sequence establishing contact with an emergency services or other call centre to confirm that the subject is safe and well). Preferably, in such embodiments, the apparatus would additionally be configured so as to send all members of the communications sequence a subsequent communication to notify them that the hazard no longer applies.

[0051] In further embodiments, irrespective of whether the apparatus is configured in any instance to generate simultaneous, substantially simultaneous or sequential communications, the apparatus might be configured to generate or initiate communications to one or more third parties automatically once circumstances indicating

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 the onset or prevalence of the hazard are detected. In such embodiments (and indeed, for the purposes of the present invention generally), the apparatus would typically comprise suitable software and hardware to generate and dispatch the communications automatically to the third party (or third parties, as the case might be).

[0052] In some embodiments, the apparatus (including all software and hardware comprised within or associated with it) might be configured so as to dispatch more than one alert communication to the third party/parties, once the onset or prevalence of the hazard is detected. So, for example, the apparatus might be configured to send a first warning alert at a given time when the onset or prevalence of the hazard concerned is first detected, and a subsequent alert at a predetermined time, in an endeavour to ensure that a response has been made by at least one third party to a warning in a given instance within a suitable time frame. In some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus could

- as desired - be configured to send more than two warning alerts.

[0053] As the preceding comments explain, where either the onset of a hazard or the actual existence of a hazard is detected, the apparatus communicates with the third party so as to warn the third party that the hazard is impending or has actually arisen. In this regard, the apparatus typically would communicate via any of the modern instantaneous communications means, including via any one or more of:

a) Small message service (SMS);

b) Multimedia messaging service (MMS);

c) electronic mail;

d) voice telephony (including voice over internet telephony (VOIP));

e) radio wave communication;

f) sonar; and/or

g) satellite communication, as well as by other communications means, the nature of which would be well known to or apprehended by ordinary persons of skill in the art.

[0054] In any embodiment of the invention then, the apparatus would - at a minimum

- be capable of utilizing modern means of communication in order to communicate with the third party/parties. To that extent, the apparatus would also be capable of interacting suitably with modern communications networks, such as modern telecommunications networks and the Internet. It follows that in some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus would be capable of communicating with third parties regardless of their location in the world.

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 [0055] In some embodiments of the invention, such communications could also provide GPS (Global Positioning System) data about the location of the enclosure/ vehicle. In some particularly preferred embodiments, where the location of the subject is also desired, the data communicated by the apparatus could also include data about the location of the subject, in the manner previously described.

[0056] In some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus will comprise miniaturized components (including, as appropriate, miniaturized electronic circuitry) in order to co-operate with the detection/sensor means, and so as to generate and send the warning communication messages. The nature of suitable componentry for this purpose would readily be understood by ordinary persons of skill in the art.

[0057] In some particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more software programs may be used in order to:

a) generate a warning message to be sent by the apparatus;

b) send the warning messages from the apparatus; and/or

c) enable one or more third parties to receive warning messages from the apparatus.

[0058] Preferably, the software program(s) - insofar as it is (or they are) intended to be used by one or more of the various third-party recipients, is (or are) such as to be capable of operating on a typical modern consumer smart phone, tablet computer or other computer means.

[0059] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus is capable of generating and communicating one or more warning messages as soon as the onset or existence of hazard is detected. Particularly in those cases where the subject has been exposed to heat, cold or other like hazards, or where there is a risk that the subject has been abducted, it is crucial that the warning messages be sent out as soon as possible.

[0060] While the inventive apparatus would generally be configured so as to work in association with or to cooperate with other infrastructure associated with the enclosure, in some embodiments, an apparatus made in accordance with the invention is capable of operating without the need (apart from communicating with communications networks of the kinds previously described) for other infrastructure associated with the enclosure. Hence, for example, in those embodiments in which the enclosure is a passenger compartment of a vehicle, the inventive apparatus would be capable of operating independently of the vehicle’s electrical or communications systems.

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 [0061] In such embodiments, the apparatus could comprise its own source(s) of electrical power (such as in-built electrical battery facilities and/or one or more solar cells) and its own means for communicating with third parties (such as in-built wireless communications capability). In such embodiments, an apparatus in accordance with the invention would therefore be capable of “stand alone” operation. This would be useful in circumstances where, for example, a vehicle’s electrical battery is dead or operation of the vehicle’s communications systems is impaired.

[0062] The present invention also generally provides a method of communicating to a third party, a warning message about the onset or existence of a hazard to a subject that is located in an enclosure, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting, by the use of an apparatus that comprises detection means, the onset or the existence of the hazard; and communicating by communication means comprised within or associated with the apparatus, a warning message about the hazard to the third party, once either the onset or existence of the hazard to the subject is detected.

[0063] In embodiments of this method aspect of the invention, preferred features of the method may comprise any one or more of the features previously described in this section titled “Summary of the invention” in relation to the apparatus aspect of the invention.

[0064] In some preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the method additionally comprises one or more steps where - once the third party receives a hazard warning message - one or more remedial actions aimed at preventing harm to the subject’s wellbeing (or aimed at preserving the subject’s wellbeing) is (or are) implemented in response to the hazard. In some preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the response would involve actions taken by one or more carers. In other embodiments, the response may be implemented by an emergency service (such as an ambulance or a public rescue service).

[0065] The invention further generally provides a system for providing a warning to a third party about the onset or existence of a hazard to a subject that is located in an enclosure, the system comprising:

a) means to detect the onset or the existence of the hazard; and

b) means to provide a warning to the third party, once either the onset or existence of the hazard to the subject is detected.

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 [0066] In embodiments of this system aspect of the invention, preferred features of the system may comprise any one or more of the features previously described in this section titled “Summary of the invention” in relation to either the apparatus and/or the method aspects of the invention.

[0067] In preferred embodiments, the system additionally comprises one or more steps where - once the third party receives a hazard warning message, one or more remedial actions aimed at preventing harm to the subject’s wellbeing (or aimed at preserving the subject’s wellbeing) is (or are) implemented in response to the hazard. In some preferred embodiments, the response would involve actions taken by one or more carers. In other embodiments, the response may be implemented by an emergency service (such as an ambulance or a public rescue service).

Brief description of the Drawings [0068] Preferred embodiments of the Invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0069] Figure 1 depicts the use of a seat belt assembly that comprises a hazard warning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0070] Figure 2 depicts a perspective view from above of an alternative design (to the design of the buckle shown in Fig 1) of a buckle component of a seat belt buckle assembly that comprises a hazard warning apparatus in accordance with the invention;

[0071] Figure 3 depicts an exploded view of the three components of a seat belt buckle assembly which utilises the buckle component shown in Fig 2, in which the components of the assembly are disengaged from one another;

[0072] Figure 4 depicts a side view of the 3 seat buckle components shown in Figs 2 and 3;

[0073] Figure 5 shows the seat belt buckle components of Figs 3 and 4 when engaged with one another;

[0074] Figure 6 depicts schematically, an embodiment of a hazard warning system and method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and [0075] Figure 7 depicts examples of a warning messages on the display of a smartphone, of the kind that might be generated by the use of the invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the Invention

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 [0076] Referring now to the drawings, Fig 1 depicts the use of a seat belt assembly that comprises a hazard warning apparatus made in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0077] As will be seen from Fig 1, the apparatus (which is generally denoted 1 in Fig 1) forms part of a seat belt assembly of the kind that is suitable for use in an enclosure, such as the passenger compartment (9) of a motor vehicle. In the embodiment depicted in Fig 1, the seat belt assembly 1 is shown as being worn by a subject (generally denoted 3). The seat belt assembly 1 in the embodiment shown forms part of a broader car seat assembly (denoted 5), which comprises a conventional unitary seat base and backrest (denoted 7) for seating and retaining a child when the child is in the interior enclosure (generally denoted 9) of a motor vehicle (denoted generally as 11, and shown only partially in cutaway in Fig 1).

[0078] The illustrated seat belt assembly 1 comprises a cross-sash element 13, which (conventionally) is resiliently tethered to and within a mounting housing 14 located on the upper wall 16 immediately behind and to the side of the child 3. When the car seat assembly 5 is used in normal operation, the cross-sash 13 is extended downwards and across the child’s torso 17 and is releasably secured by a male securement member (notionally designated as 20, although not specifically shown in Fig 1) located at a distal end 19 of the cross-sash 13, and which in use, is adapted to releasably engage a mating seat belt buckle element 21 that defines a reciprocal female coupling component.

[0079] In Fig 1, the seat belt buckle element is shown as being tethered to the vehicle by a lower belt element 61 which forms part of the vehicle’s rear seat 63. When the securement member 20 and the female buckle element are engaged, the coupling of the two elements therefore enables the sash 13 to restrain the child 3 within the car seat assembly 5.

[0080] The female seat belt buckle element 21 shown in Fig 1 is of a conventional design (as would be the mating male element 20). In Figs 2, 3 and 4 however, an alternative embodiment 110 of a seat belt buckle assembly made in accordance with the present invention is depicted. In the description that follows of the seat belt buckle assembly 110 shown in Figs 2, 3 and 4, it will be assumed that the alternative seat belt buckle assembly 110 would take the place of the elements 20 and 21 shown in Fig 1. Accordingly, in the description of that assembly 110 which follows, the features of the embodiment shown in Fig 1 (other than the seat belt buckle elements 20 and 21) will, as applicable, be identified by using the same reference numerals as appear in Fig 1.

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 [0081] As can be seen in Fig 2, the female buckle element 81 of the assembly 110 takes the form of a generally triangular or frusto-conical shaped housing 82 that has an upper surface 83, and which comprises a release button 85.

[0082] The female buckle element is shown more particularly in Fig 3 as also having a slot 84 through which the lower seat belt sash 61 may be received and secured to the vehicle so as, in use of the apparatus 1, to define a first end 4 of a seat belt mechanism to restrain the child 3. The female buckle element is also shown as having a parallel spaced pair of slits (each denoted 87) on a front face 89 of the female buckle element 81. As shown in Fig 3, the spaced pair of slits is designed to receive and co-operate with a mating pair of prongs 33 on a second buckle assembly component (generally denoted as 35 in Figs 2, 3 and 4), so as, in use of the assembly 1, to engage housing 82 releasably with the second buckle element 35. The release button 85 can therefore be used to disengage the female buckle element 81 from the second buckle assembly component 35 as and when desired.

[0083] As shown in Fig 3, the seat belt assembly 1 also includes further elements (in addition to the female buckle element 81), which in combination in the depicted embodiment, define an apparatus in the form of a seat belt buckle assembly (generally denoted as 67 in the accompanying drawings). The seat belt buckle assembly 67 shown in the depicted embodiment comprises three elements:

1. the female buckle element 81;

2. the second buckle assembly component 35; and

3. a pair of pronged buckle elements (each being denoted 39 in the accompanying drawings).

[0084] As Fig 3 depicts, in the illustrated embodiment of the apparatus 1, the second buckle assembly component 35 takes the form of a generally arcuately shaped housing 41, which has an upper surface 43 that comprises a release button 45 for disengaging the second buckle assembly component 35 as and when desired, from the other components of the overall seat belt buckle assembly 67. The housing 41 has a concave side surface 47, which comprises the spaced pair of prongs 33 that are intended to engage and be received in the slits 87 of the female buckle element 81. At the opposite end 49 of the housing 41, there is a convex end surface 49, which comprises a spaced pair of slits 51.

[0085] As Fig 3 also shows, in use of the seat belt buckle assembly 67, the spaced pair of slits 51 is designed to engage with and receive a mating spaced pair of prongs 53 located on each of the pair of third buckle assembly components, namely, the pronged

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 buckle elements 39. As will be evident from Fig 3, each of the pronged buckle elements 39 takes the form of a generally triangular housing 55, which has an internal slot 57, and an arcuate and concave surface 59 that comprises a prong 53. The internal slot is designed to receive through it, one of a pair of a bifurcated seat belt sash elements 68 forming part of the overall seat belt assembly (and taking the place in this alternative embodiment, of the cross-sash element 13 shown in Fig 1), the sash belt elements 68 being in each case secured - in this exemplary embodiment - to the seat belt housing 14 shown in Fig 1.

[0086] In a yet further alternative embodiment, the configuration of the seat belt assembly 110 could be as follows:

a) the female seat buckle element 81 could be located on the distal end of the cross-sash 13, so as in effect to define the “upper” element of the seat belt buckle assembly:

b) the pair of pronged buckle elements 39 could be located on the distal ends of a bifurcated pair of sash elements (replacing the lower seatbelt sash 61 in the preceding embodiment), which would be secured to the vehicle, so as to define a lower seat belt element in this embodiment; and

c) the second buckle assembly component 35, being adapted for releasable securement between the female seat buckle element 81 and the pair of pronged buckle elements 39.

[0087] This further embodiment would therefore represent the reciprocal of the preceding one.

[0088] In the case of any of the embodiments however, any one (or two or more) of the seat belt buckle assembly components discussed above would, by way of example of one embodiment of the invention, comprise means of detecting the disengagement of the seat belt buckle assembly, together with means for communicating a warning message about such disengagement to a third party. As previously explained, the means for detecting disengagement of the seat belt buckle assembly could, by way of example, take the form of providing the seat belt buckle assembly with one or more electronic sensors for detecting when any two or more elements of the assembly have been disengaged relative to one another. Upon such disengagement, the apparatus 1 would communicate a warning message to a third party by communication means of one or more of the kinds previously discussed.

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 [0089] Fig 4 depicts a side view of the components of the seat belt buckle assembly shown in Figs 2 and 3. As will be apparent from the drawing, in the embodiment shown, each of the female buckle element 21 and the second buckle assembly component 35 depicted includes a USB port 95 on a lateral side. In this embodiment, the interior (not shown in the accompanying drawings) of the housings for each of the female buckle element 21 and the second buckle assembly component 35 could comprise (typically, miniaturized) electrical or electronic circuitry, for performing any of a number of various functions.

[0090] In embodiments of the invention, the USB port could be used for a variety of purposes, including to charge any electronic or electrical componentry contained within the housing of either of the depicted components, where such componentry requires charging (or re-charging, as the case might be in different embodiments). Such charging could be achieved by connecting a mating charging cable to the USB port of either component. In preferred embodiments however, the charging function would be performed by providing the housing of either component with one or more solar panels either as an alternative to, or in addition to charging via a USB port or a like connector mechanism.

[0091] As indicated earlier, the USB port 65 (or a like connector) could be used in order to serve various other functions. Such a connector could be used for example, to upload Global Positioning System (GPS) data (including updated GPS data) into the apparatus 1. Further or alternatively, such a port could be used to download data from the apparatus 1, such as - for example - GPS data for where the vehicle in which the apparatus is fitted might have travelled over a given period of time in the past. These are but some examples of what the use of the overall apparatus 1, as envisaged by the invention, is intended to achieve.

[0092] In Fig 5, the seat belt buckle assembly components of the exemplary apparatus 1 depicted in Figs 1 to 4 are shown as being notionally engaged to one another (although without seat belt straps being fitted to the respective distal ends 120 and 130 of the overall apparatus). In this configuration, the apparatus in the exemplary embodiment would be active and able to function as a hazard warning system as envisaged by the present invention, as explained earlier.

[0093] The principal use to which an apparatus according to the present invention is intended to be put concerns the provision of warnings to a third party, where a hazard which might affect a given subject is impending or has actually arisen, so that a third party

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 may attempt to prevent harm that might be caused by the hazard to the wellbeing of the subject. To this end, an apparatus such as the exemplary depicted in Figs 1 to 5 would as previously explained - also comprise means for (a) detecting the onset or actual existence of the hazard, and (b) means for communicating such a state of affairs to the third party concerned, so that remedial action could be taken as necessary.

[0094] To that end, an apparatus in accordance with the invention, such as the exemplary apparatus shown in Figs 1 to 5 would also comprise detection or sensing means to detect or sense when the hazard is impending and when it is actually prevalent. In the modern era, such means would typically involve using electronic sensors or probes for many of the hazards which the invention is intended to sense or detect. So, for example, where the hazard is temperature, the apparatus would be provided with one or more electronic sensors (of the kind that would readily be appreciated by those of skill in the art) for detecting when the temperature inside a motor vehicle (or other enclosure, as applicable) in which the subject is located reaches a certain level that is considered unsafe. In preferred embodiments, components of the apparatus (such as the female buckle element 21) would be fitted with electronic circuitry or componentry for achieving such sensing or detecting such temperatures and temperature changes.

[0095] As explained earlier, in some examples of the seat belt assembly embodiment of the invention, the hazard could be simply that the child or other wearer of the seat belt assembly has unbuckled the seat belt, when it is desired that the wearer should not do so. So, for example, a young child left unattended in a vehicle might - against the wishes of the child’s carer(s), either deliberately or unwittingly unbuckle the seat belt. As indicated earlier, this could potentially have catastrophic consequences. In the exemplary embodiments of the invention shown in Figs 1 to 5, the seat belt assembly is designed specifically to detect when the seat buckle assembly is disengaged (at times when it is not intended by the carer to be disengaged). If and when such disengagement occurs, the apparatus detects it and sends one or more hazard warnings to the designated third party (or parties, as the case may be, in any given embodiment).

[0096] As Fig 6 shows, the communication of the one or more warning messages forms part of a method and system that the invention provides, aimed at assisting a third party charged with the care of a subject, to prevent harm from befalling the subject. [0097] As Fig 6 depicts, the method and system broadly have the following elements:

a) a subject in need of protection from a hazard when located in an enclosure;

b) one or more third parties charged with the protection of the subject;

2019100965 29 Aug 2019

c) an apparatus that is capable of detecting the onset or existence of the hazard in the enclosure;

d) means provided on or in association with the apparatus, for communicating one or more warning messages to the designated third party (or third parties, if more than one), when the onset or existence of the hazard is detected, so that the third party (or parties) may respond to the hazard and thereby attempt to prevent the hazard from harming the subject’s health or wellbeing.

Examples

Example 1 [0098] The following examples illustrate embodiments of the method and system of the invention, as it might be applied in practice.

[0099] John and Mary are the parents of Kylie, a vivacious 3 year old. Late in the morning of Saturday 10 November 2018, John and Mary travelled to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula (a beachside township outside the city of Melbourne), for a family outing. They take their daughter Kylie with them.

[0100] They arrive in Sorrento at around 1:10PM. It is a warm but pleasant day in Sorrento that afternoon (the temperature is about 20 Degrees Celsius when they arrive in Sorrento). John and Mary intend that upon their arrival In Sorrento, the family should have lunch at a local restaurant. However, during the journey, Kylie falls asleep, and is sound asleep by the time when the family arrives in Sorrento. John and Mary decide not to disturb her, and they leave her in the car (which they lock for security purposes), while leaving a rear window slightly ajar for ventilation while they go off to lunch at a restaurant located nearby to where the car is parked. John and Mary believe that this arrangement will leave Kylie safe and that she will be able to breathe freely and complete her sleep while they have lunch.

[0101] Service at the restaurant proves however to be slow. Meanwhile, unbeknown to John and Mary, while they are at lunch, the temperature inside their car (which is exposed to full sun) is steadily increasing. Fortunately for Kylie (and in turn for John and Mary), Kylie is asleep and is restrained in the vehicle with a seat belt assembly that has an apparatus fitted within a buckle component, which comprises a miniaturized digital thermometer, coupled with electronic circuitry (and embedded software) that has been configured to detect when the temperature inside the car reaches 25 Degrees Celsius and 27 Degrees Celsius. The buckle housing also contains a miniaturized wireless

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 communications modem (which in turn also contains and co-operates with an unlocked and communications-enabled Nano SIM card fitted inside the seat belt buckle housing) which is capable of sending warning text messages via a 4G telephony network when the embedded software instructs it to do so.

[0102] The wireless communications system is powered by a solar cell on a surface of the housing for the seat belt buckle, and the housing also contains a back-up Lithium ion button battery. The apparatus has been programmed to send a text message with the following warnings to each of John and Jane’s respective mobile telephones, when the temperature inside the vehicle reaches 25 and 27 Degrees Celsius, respectively:

“WARNING - The temperature inside your car has now reached 25 Degrees C. Please check if anyone is inside the car, to ensure that they do not suffer heat stroke”.

“URGENT WARNING - The temperature inside your car has now reached TI Degrees C. It is CRUCIAL that you check if anyone is inside the car, to ensure that they do not suffer heat stroke. Failure to observe this warning could prove fatal”.

[0103] While waiting for 10 minutes at the restaurant for someone to take their lunch order, John and Mary each notice that they are each receiving the temperature warning messages from the seat belt buckle temperature detection and warning system that the temperature had reached 23 Degrees Celsius. They rush back to the car. Kylie is unharmed, but her parents decide to wake her and take her with them to the restaurant, to avoid the risk that she might be harmed if left in the vehicle any longer.

[0104] In this example, the device was also pre-configured to contact the Emergency Services and well as the Police, in the event that John and Mary did not respond to the device’s warning messages within 2 minutes of the temperature reaching 27 Degrees Celsius. The device was also configured however to cease issuing hazard warnings once Kylie’s seat belt was disengaged. As this occurred at the 23 Degree warning stage however, the communications to Emergency Services and the Police were deemed by the system not to be required.

Example 2 [0105] Rob and Olivia own a pet Scottish terrier (called “Nelson”) that is 4 years old. On 1 November 2018, they decide to go overseas to Bali for a 2 week holiday. They leave Nelson in the care of Julia, Olivia’s younger sister.

[0106] On the morning of Saturday 10 November 2018, Julia goes shopping in suburban Melbourne. She takes Nelson with her, because he would otherwise be left

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 alone at her home while she goes shopping. Rob and Olivia have purchased a device from their veterinarian that can be attached to Nelson’s collar, and which contains a miniaturized digital thermometer and a wireless 4G communications device connected to an Australian telephony network. The device is capable not only of detecting the temperature in Nelson’s immediate surrounding environment, but has been configured so as to send warning MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) messages to specified recipients in the event that the temperature in Nelson’s vicinity ever reaches 23 or 26 Degrees Celsius. The device is also capable of wirelessly reading a transponder inserted in one of Nelson’s ears by his veterinarian, and of providing GPS information as to his whereabouts in the event that he is lost or if there is a critical temperature issue.

[0107] Julie parks her car (with Nelson inside it) at a local shopping centre, in full sun. She leaves a window of her vehicle slightly ajar for ventilation purposes, and goes shopping. She believes that Nelson will be fine, as she doesn’t want to take him with her, because she believes that it would slow down her shopping expedition unduly if she took him with her. Like many members of the community, Julie does not appreciate that dogs cannot regulate their temperature by sweating (as humans can) and that leaving Nelson in a car that could heat up places his wellbeing potentially at serious risk.

[0108] As in the case of the previous example, the temperature in Melbourne was warm that day, and as a result, the temperature begins to rise after Julie leaves the car. Nelson starts to get agitated. As the temperature reaches 23 Degrees C, the device on Nelson’s collar sends an MMS message first to Rob and Olivia’s mobile phone, in accordance with a pre-ordained communication sequence that Rob and Olivia had put in place. However, as Rob and Olivia are in Bali and have their mobile phone turned off, there is no response from them to the MMS message.

[0109] It so happens that Rob and Olivia had also configured the device to send a further warning MMS message within 5 minutes of the first message, but this time, to Olivia’s phone and to Nelson’s veterinary clinic. The device sends these communications. Within minutes, both Olivia and Nelson’s veterinary clinic each receive an MMS message which contains not only a temperature warning and the time and date of the warning, but also information that the hazard warning message relates to Nelson (due to the device reading from his transponder), as well as a map showing his location. Olivia returns to her car and releases Nelson. She also telephones Nelson’s veterinary clinic to inform the staff there that he is all right.

Example 3

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 [0110] Fig 7 depicts examples of various hazard warning and other messages of the kind that might be generated and used by or in accordance with the apparatus, system and method aspects of the present invention. 7(a) is a depiction of a smart phone screen showing exemplary configurations for settings an application for monitoring pets seated in two car seats of a motor vehicle, together with a bar chart showing recordings of the temperature inside the vehicle over a period of time.

[0111] 7(b) is a depiction of an example of a smartphone screen, showing a settings screen for an exemplary smartphone application. As can be seen, the image shows that the application has been configured to send text message at two minute intervals to two separate designated mobile telephone numbers, and then to contact Emergency Services if the warning messages have been ignored 3 continuous times. Figure 7(c) is a depiction of an a settings screen for a smartphone application, showing the inside car temperature within a motor vehicle, and that the application has been configured to monitor two baby seats, while 7(d) is a depiction of a smartphone screen showing an example of a warning message sent by an embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention, about a child left unattended in a vehicle. Note that the recipient of the message is warned by the message that Emergency Services will be contacted automatically by the apparatus, if the recipient does not take a protective action within 4 minutes. Figure 7(e) is a depiction of an alternative warning message generated and sent by an apparatus in accordance with the invention, to the one depicted in Fig 7(d).

Interpretation of this specification [0112] It will therefore be understood that the invention could take many forms and be put to many different uses. All such forms and uses are embodied within the spirit and scope of the invention, which is to be understood as not being limited to the particular constructional details of the embodiments discussed above, but which extends to each novel feature and combination of features disclosed in or evident from this specification and the accompanying claims and drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

[0113] It will also be understood that the term “comprises” (or its grammatical variants), as used in this specification, is equivalent in meaning to the term “includes” and should not be taken as excluding the presence of other elements or features. Further, wherever used in this specification, the term “includes” is not a term of limitation, and is not be taken as excluding the presence of other elements or features.

2019100965 29 Aug 2019 [0114] It is further to be understood that any discussion in this specification of background or prior art documents, devices, acts, information, knowledge or use (‘Background Information’) is included solely to explain the context ofthe invention. Any discussions of such Background Information is not be taken as an admission in any jurisdiction that any such Background Information constitutes prior art, part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the field of the invention on or before the priority date of the appended claims or any amended claims later introduced into this specification.

Claims (5)

1. Claims

   1. A buckle assembly component for a motor vehicle seat-belt or harness buckle assembly comprising a female buckle element and a pronged buckle element, the component comprising a housing comprising:

   at least one prong adapted to reversibly engage with the female buckle element of said seat-belt or harness buckle assembly;

   at least one slit adapted to reversibly engage with the pronged buckle element of said seat-belt or harness buckle assembly;

   a sensor to detect the existence of a hazard within the motor vehicle selected from the group consisting of cold, heat, a harmful gas and smoke and/or a sensor to detect disengagement of the component with said seat-belt or harness buckle assembly; a power source that is independent of said motor vehicle;

   a wireless communications device that is independent of said motor vehicle; a USB port;

   a means to provide GPS data that is independent of said motor vehicle;

   wherein the wireless communications device is configured with the sensor to detect disengagement and/or the sensor to detect the existence of a hazard to provide a warning message to a third party of the hazard or the disengagement, and the wireless communications device is communicatively connected to software to generate the warning message, send the warning message and/or enable one or more third parties to receive the warning message from the component.
2. 2. The component of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises multiple sensors to detect the existence or more than one hazard.
3. 3. The component of claim 1 or 2, wherein the warning message to the third party is an automatic communication to one or more third party.
4. 4. The component of claim 3, wherein the warning message to the third party is an automatic, escalating sequence of communications to more than one third party, wherein a further communication is sent on the basis of the previous communication not establishing contact with the intended third party.
5. 5. The component of claim 4, wherein the communication or sequence of communications to the third party is terminated once the system establishes contact with a third party.