AU2022204341A1

AU2022204341A1 - Vehicle Safety Device

Info

Publication number: AU2022204341A1
Application number: AU2022204341A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Stephen Livingstone-Blevins
Original assignee: Paladin Safety Tech Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Paladin Safety Technologies Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-21
Filing date: 2022-06-21
Publication date: 2023-01-19

Abstract

Herein described is a vehicle safety system for use in a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a driver's seat and at least one passenger seat. The vehicle safety system comprises a driver sensor located in the driver's seat and activatable by the physical presence of the driver in the seat. Also, a passenger sensor electronically connected to the driver sensor. The passenger sensor is located in the passenger's seat and activatable by the physical presence of the passenger the seat. An alarm system is provided and is activatable to emit a visual and or an audible sound detectable outside of the vehicle. The alarm is activated when the passenger is detected by the passenger sensor, but the driver is not detected by the driver sensor after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. 1/11 TI C I-I

Description

1/11

TI C I-I

Vehicle Safety Device

Technical field

The present invention relates to a safety device intended to prevent or at least reduce the likelihood that something will be left in a vehicle unattended. In some embodiments, the vehicle safety device raises an alarm if a child is in a vehicle and is left unattended by the driver.

o Background

Most vehicles can carry a driver and at least one passenger. Vehicle also usually have space for carrying belongings that travel with the driver and passenger(s). When the driver leaves the vehicle, they should check that all passenger(s) have left the vehicle, and that all belonging(s) are safely stowed out of sight and or are removed if required. However, sometimes, the driver can leave the vehicle and accidentally leave something behind unattended. Leaving behind a belonging such as a suitcase, can be a nuisance; but leaving behind a passenger that subsequently gets trapped in the vehicle without the driver can be dangerous. The o danger is exacerbated if it is a hot day and the temperature in the vehicle increases beyond what the passenger(s) can tolerate. Children are particularly at risk because their perspiration systems are not fully developed.

According to Kid Safe Australia, every year in Australia, over 5,000 children are rescued after being left unattended in a car. The children that are rescued from the vehicles are the lucky ones. According to KidsAndCars.org in the US, over 940 children have died in hot cars nationwide since 1990. More often than not, the driver forgot that they had the child passenger on board the vehicle, possibly because the driver was not used to carrying the child on that day, or they were in a hurry or otherwise distracted. In all cases, the driver would have benefited from a vehicle safety device that alerted them to the fact that the child had been left unattended.

It is recognised that the risk of a child being accidently left in a vehicle generally decreases as the child ages. Infants and young children are frequently asleep, make less noise, and cannot unbuckle themselves. As such, capsules and convertible child seats are a high risk for a child being left unattended. However it is important not to ignore harnessed and unharnessed booster seats, and also older passengers that might fall asleep or otherwise be unable to communicate with the driver.

There is a need for an improved vehicle safety device that decreases the likelihood o that a passenger (or belongings) will be left unintentionally unattended in a vehicle when the driver leaves the vehicle.

Summary of invention According to the present invention there is provided a vehicle safety system for use in a vehicle comprising a driver's seat and at least one passenger seat, the vehicle safety system comprising: a driver sensor located in the driver's seat and activatable by the physical presence of the driver in the seat; a passenger sensor electronically connected to the driver sensor, the o passenger sensor located in the passenger's seat and activatable by the physical presence ofthe passenger the seat; an alarm system activatable to emit a visual and or an audible sound detectable outside of the vehicle, wherein, the alarm is activated when the passenger is detected by the passenger sensor, but the driver is not detected by the driver sensor after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

If the driver is in the vehicle, the passenger is logically not in danger of being left unattended. The present system, therefore detects the presence of the driver and uses this as an indicator of passenger safety. The presence of the driver is a condition that is linked with the occupation of the passenger, e.g. a child in a child booster seat or capsule. By "presence of the driver", it is meant that the physical form of the driver is detected, rather than anything electronically associated with the driver such as an electronic device including their mobile phone. In systems that detect electronic signals from the driver to ensure presence (e.g. Bluetooth signal from their mobile phone), there is a risk that the item emitting that signal could be left in the vehicle. In addition, there are often service interruptions and a requirement for the driver to'log-in'to the system. This makes these competing systems not 'fail-safe'. If the driver leaves the emitting device in the vehicle, any alarm would not activate because it would not be known that the driver had actually gone. If the driver fails to log in to the system, any alarm would not activate because it would not be known that the driver was there in the first place. o In the present system, if the driver's body is present and then leaves the vehicle, the system will immediately detect this and the alarm process will begin.

The driver sensor can be any type of sensor that detects the driver. In an embodiment, the sensor is a pressure sensor and detects the pressure exerted by the driver's body in the driver's seat. In some embodiments, the sensor is a proximity sensor that detects the physical presence of the driver in its proximity. It is possible to have more than one type of sensor arranged in more than one location in the vehicle so as to ensure optimum detection of the driver's physical presence.

Each sensor can comprise a plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors could be arranged in a pattern/array so as to ensure that no matter the size of the driver, or how the driver is positioned in the driver's seat, at least some of the sensors are activated so as to detect the presence of the driver. Optionally, the driver may also be required to confirm his presence, in order to calibrate the system as to their weight, shape and sitting position.

Where the sensors are for detecting pressure, the sensors could be arranged across the base of the seat. The pressure sensors could be arranged across the back portion of the seat where the driver rests his torso. The sensors can be integrated into the seat during manufacture of the seat. Alternatively, the sensors can be in a mat or cover provided over the seat. The retro-fit use of a mat or cover allows the sensors to be used in any vehicle. The mat can be secured to the seat by straps which wrap around the back and or underside of the seat to ensure that it remains in the correct position. Preferably, the mat or cover is aesthetically appealing and is made from comfortable material, to reduce any chance that the user would remove the mat or cover due to discomfort or dislike. There can be a threshold of pressure build into the system, below which the sensor will not activate. This threshold can ensure that something placed on the driver's seat, e.g. a bag will not be mistaken for the physical presence of a driver. The threshold for detection of a driver could be a weight in excess of at least about 20, 25 or 30 kg. It is unlikely that a driver (even aged 16 or 17) would weigh less than 30, 25 o or 20 kg.

Where the sensor is a proximity sensor, it can be located somewhere in the vehicle where the signal would be obscured by the physical presence of the driver. The proximity sensor could be located, for example, on the interior roof, the door, the dashboard, the steering wheel or in the seat or the headrest of the driver's seat. There can be more than one proximity sensor located in the vehicle to ensure an accurate signal reading. The headrest of the seat is a convenient location for the proximity sensor, because the driver must have his head upright and looking forward (with the back of the head close to the headrest) in order to operate the o vehicle. A proximity sensor in the headrest could be affixed by any means that keeps it secure and in position. In an embodiment, a clamp can be provided on the sensor to lock the sensor to the headrest posts.

The passenger sensor can be any type ofsensor that detect the passenger. In an embodiment, the sensor is a pressure sensor and detects the pressure exerted by the passenger's body in the passenger seat. In some embodiment, the sensor is a proximity sensor that detects the presence of the passenger. It is possible to have more than one type of sensor arranged in more than one location in the vehicle, so as to ensure optimum detection of passenger presence. There is typically more than one seat in a vehicle in which a passenger can sit. A passenger seat can be elected for detection by the system, i.e. the seat on which a child's seat will be located. Alternatively, more than one passenger eat can be elected for monitoring by the system. Alternatively, there can be a passenger sensor in each of the possible locations for a passenger. If there is more than one passenger seat elected, each seat will have its own separate detection system connected to the driver. This should ensure that if all but one passenger is removed, the alarm process will still be activated.

In some embodiments, there is a further passenger sensor located in the storage area of the vehicle, i.e. the car boot (sometimes called the trunk). In station wagons, it is possible for an animal passenger to be carried in the storage area of the vehicle. The passenger sensor in the storage area can be used to detect if the o animal is left unattended in the vehicle. In some embodiments, the passenger is in the form of belongings such as a box, bag, suitcase, equipment, tools. The sensor can detect the present of the belongings and operate in the same way described to reduce the likelihood that the driver will leave their belongings unattended.

Each passenger sensor can comprise a plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors could be arranged in a pattern so as to ensure that no matter the size of the passenger, or how the passenger is positioned in the passenger seat or storage area, at least some of the sensors are activated so as to detect their presence. o Optionally, the driver and or passenger may also be required to confirm their presence, in order to calibrate the system as to their weight, shape and sitting position of the passengers typical for the vehicle.

Where the sensors are for detecting pressure, the sensors could be arranged across the base of the passenger seat. The pressure sensors could be arranged across the back portion of the passenger seat itself. The sensors can be integrated into the passenger seat during manufacture of the seat. Alternatively, the sensors can be in a mat or cover provided over the passenger seat. The retro-fit use of a mat or over allows the sensors to be used in any vehicle. The mat can be secured to the passenger seat by straps which wrap around the back and or underside of the passenger seat to ensure that it remains in the correct position. Preferably the mat or cover is aesthetically appealing and is made from comfortable material, to reduce any chance that the passenger would remove the mat or cover due to discomfort or dislike. In some embodiments, the sensor array in a mat is intended for positioning in, on or under a child seat such as a baby capsule, a harnessed seat or a booster seat. Preferably, the sensor is firmly secured to, or arranged under the child seat so as to reduce any risk that the child will remove the sensor.

Anything placed on the passenger sensor should activate the sensor, even items weighing less than 1kg. A threshold of pressure can be built in if desired, but there does not need to be a threshold of pressure below which the sensor will not activate.

Where the passenger sensor is a proximity sensor, it can be located somewhere in the vehicle where the signal is obscured by the presence of the passenger. The proximity sensor could be located, for example, on the interior roof, the door, the dashboard, the mirror, the steering wheel or in the seat or the headrest of the seat. There can be more than one proximity sensor to ensure an accurate signal reading for each passenger. The headrest of the seat is a convenient location for the proximity sensor, because a passenger in the backseat is usually upright and looking forward towards the headrest. A proximity sensor in the headrest could be affixed by any means that keeps it secure and in position. In an embodiment, Sa clamp can be provided on the sensor to lock it to the headrest posts. While proximity sensors may be convenient, due to the possible small size of e.g. an infant child passenger, it is preferred that the proximity sensor of the passenger is used in conjunction with a passenger pressure sensor.

The or each passenger sensor is electronically connected to the driver sensor. The electronic connection can be by wireless means. The electronic connection can be via wires. The connection between the driver sensor and the passenger sensor(s) allows information from each sensor to be compared, so if one passenger sensor is activated without the driver sensor, the system is alerted.

The system comprises an alarm activatable to emit a visual and or an audible sound detectable outside of the vehicle. The alarm system can comprise multiple components to alert the driver and or other persons in the vicinity of the vehicle.

The multiple components can include one or more of a driver alert device, a vehicle-mounted alert device and a passer-by alert device.

The driver alert device can comprise something carried by the driver. The driver alert device could be a wearable item such as a token or a fob. The driver could wear the wearable item e.g. a wrist band; carry the token e.g. a buzzer; or attach the item to something carried with him e.g. a fob for keys. In an embodiment, the fob is conveniently attached to the car keys, since keys are typically removed from the vehicle when the driver leaves. The driver alert device is adapted to receive a o signal from the safety system. If the driver alert device is activated it could vibrate to attract the drivers attention. If the driver alert device is activated, it could make a sound. The sound could be generated by an audio signalling device powered using piezoelectricity. The audible alert must be extreme enough to draw attention and can be at least about 60, 80, 100, or 120 dB. If the driver alert device is activated, it could also flash lights. If the driver alert device is activated, it could cause a message to be sent to the driver's phone number or to another phone number nominated.

The vehicle-mounted alert device can comprise something attached to the vehicle. o The vehicle-mounted alert device could be attached inside the wheel arch of the vehicle or it could be provided under the bonnet of the vehicle. The attachment of the device to the vehicle could be by double-sided tape or by magnetic connection, or other affixing means that allows for the periodic removal of the device for charging. The vehicle-mounted alert device is adapted to receive a signal from the safety system. If the vehicle-mounted alert device is activated it could vibrate to attract the driver's attention if the driver is still within the vicinity of the vehicle. If the vehicle-mounted alert device is activated, it could make a sound to attract the driver's attention if they are still within the vicinity of the vehicle. The sound could be generated by an audio signalling device powered using piezoelectricity. The sound can be at least about 100, 100 or 120 dB. If the vehicle-mounted alert device is activated, it could flash lights to attract the driver's attention if they are still within the vicinity of the vehicle. The lights might be visible depending on the position of the device. If the driver alert device is activated, it could cause a message to be sent to the driver's phone number or to another phone number.

The passer-by alert device could be the same device as the vehicle-mounted alert device. It should be understood that the vibration, sound and or light display from the vehicle-mounted alert device could also alert passers-by that should not help but notice the vibrating, noisy and or flashing car. However, a further passer-by alert device could be provided in the form of a display on the vehicle, which provides the passer-by with some information as to what to do to help the unattended passenger. The display could be located in the vehicle window and o might include a telephone number of the driver (and or other numbers) and or other information such as the name of the passenger, or prompts as to emergency numbers to dial e.g. 000.

Each of the driver's sensor, passenger sensor, driver alert system and vehicle alert system can be battery operated. The battery should be charged frequently and prompts should be provided to the user to ensure complete charge at all times. A battery light indicator is preferably clearly displayed on each item so as to warn the user of the battery status and the requirement for charge. There can be a central system in the vehicle that provides data as to the status of each of the o components of the system. In an embodiment, the central system is provided as a dashboard to the driver and is located somewhere that the driver can see it frequently. The central system can include lights which flash when one of the components requires attention (such as low battery or other malfunction). In an embodiment, the driver sensor is a proximity sensor mounted on the headrest, and the proximity sensor also acts as the central system, receiving information from the other components and displaying their charged states.

The alarm is activated when the passenger is detected but the driver is not detected. If the passenger gets into the vehicle first, there may be a time period where the driver sensor waits for the driver to get into the vehicle. This can be useful if the driver is first putting the child into the passenger seat, and then moving around the vehicle to get into their own seat. A delay period of about 30, 40, 50 or 60 seconds can be programmed in to allow the driver to get into their seat after arranging the child. If the delay period is exceeded, the alarm can be activated. If it is determined that the alarm is activating "too soon" and the driver feels they are not having enough time to properly seat their passengers before getting into their own seat, the initial delay period can be adjusted.

In the best case scenario, the driver never leaves the passenger unattended and the system is never activated. However, if the passenger is inadvertently left unattended an alarm sequence activates. The activation of the alarm can be in a number of stages, with the alarm level escalating as the stages increase. An initial o stage or first stage (stage 1) can comprise a reasonably low level alarm such as vibration of the driver alert system (e.g. the key fob) and or flashing lights on the central control system. The vibration can be low intermittent vibrations. If after a first stage, the alarm is not deactivated either by the driver getting into his seat, or by the driver deactivating the alarm, then the alarm moves to low alert (stage 2). Stage 2 can be activated after a period of at least about 1 or 2 minutes has elapsed from the driver being noted as absent.

At stage 2, a moderate level of alarm can begin, where the driver alert system (e.g. the fob) starts to make one or more of noise, flash and vibrate. In an o embodiment, the driver alert system can make 50, 60 or 70 dB of noise at 6, 8, or 10 second intermittent beeps optionally with supported vibrations. Optionally, the vehicle alert system can also be activated and may start to vibrate. If after the second stage, the alarm is not deactivated either by the driver getting into his seat, or by the driver deactivating the alarm, then the alarm moves to mid alert stage 3. Stage 3 can be activated after a period of at least about 2, 3 or 4 minutes have elapsed from the driver being noted as absent.

At stage 3, a medium level of alarm can begin where the driver alert system starts to make one or more of noise, flash and vibrate. In an embodiment, the driver alert system can make 70, 80or 90 dB of noise at 4, 5 or 6 second intermittent beeps optionally with intense vibrations. Optionally, the vehicle alert system also starts to make noise. If after the third stage, the alarm is not deactivated either by the driver getting into his seat, or by the driver deactivating the alarm, then the alarm moves to high alert stage 4. Stage 4 can be activated after a period of at least about 4, 5 or 6 minutes has elapsed from the driver being noted as absent.

At stage 4 a high level of alarm can begin where the driver alert system starts to make one or more of noise, flash and vibrate. In an embodiment, the driver alert system can make 100, 110 or 120dB of noise at 1 or 2 second intermittent beeps optionally with intense vibrations. Optionally, the vehicle alert system also starts to make more noise. Optionally, the passer-by alert system is now activated. If after the fourth stage, the alarm is not deactivated either by the driver getting o into his seat, or by the driver deactivating the alarm, then the alarm moves to a final alert stage

There can be any number of stages, and it should be understood that the escalation can be in any form or sequence that the programmer or user requires. It should be understood that as a final stage in the escalation, every alarm feature has been activated. In some embodiments, the system is capable of making a phone call to either of the driver, another nominated number of a responsible person, or even to an emergency service (e.g. 000). Each stage of the alarm process can be deactivated by the driver, so as to avoid any "false alarms". The o deactivation can be a manual override using a deactivation button. The deactivation button can be located on one or more of the driver alert device, the vehicle-mounted alert device and or at another place in the vehicle. It can be possible to make some stages more difficult to deactivate, so as to ensure that the driver is certainly returned to the vehicle and the passenger is safe. For example, it may only be possible to deactivate the final alert stage by physical removal of the passenger from the passenger sensor.

Preferably, the vibration, light and sound should attract attention, but should not damage the hearing or sight of the passenger. It is preferable that the sounds and light are also not too alarming for the passenger trapped in the vehicle.

Also described is a kit of parts comprising for use with the system described herein. The kit could be sold to a customer for installation in their own vehicle.

The kit can comprise: a driver sensor locatable in the driver's seat of the vehicle; a passenger sensor electronically connectable to the driver sensor, the passenger sensor locatable in the passenger's seat of the vehicle; an alarm system activatable to emit a visual and or an audible sound, the alarm system comprising one or more of a driver alert device, a vehicle-mounted alert device and a passer by alert device; and instructions on how to install the system into a vehicle. The instructions can be in hard copy or they can be a link to a website or app that provides the instructions electronically.

o Brief Description of the Figures Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which are not drawn to scale and which are exemplary only and in which:

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional plan view of an embodiment of the vehicle safety system in a vehicle.

Figure 2A is a close up perspective view of a pressure sensor used in the embodiment of Figure 1. Figure 2B is a close up perspective view of the pressure o sensor of Figure 2A with the wires de-attached so the mat can be removed. Figure 2C is a close up perspective view of the pressure sensor of Figure 2A showing the array of sensors in the mat.

Figure 3A is a perspective view of the mat of Figure 2 on the seat in a vehicle. Figure 3B shows the driver sitting on the pressure sensor shown in Figure 3A.

Figure 4A is a perspective view of the passenger sensor of Figure 1 on the passenger seat in a vehicle. Figure 4B shows the child passenger sitting on the pressure sensor shown in Figure 4A.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the passenger sensor of Figure 1 in the storage area of the vehicle and having an animal on the sensor.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the passenger sensor of Figure 1 in the storage area of the vehicle and having luggage on the sensor.

Figure 7 is a key fob for use as a driver alert and connectable to the arrangement shown in Figure 1.

Figure 8A is alert device for use as a passer-by alert device and connectable to the arrangement shown in Figure 1. Figure 8B is a close up of one embodiment o of the passer-by alert device of Figure 8A. Figure 8C is a close up of another embodiment of the passer-by alert device of Figure 8A. Figure 8D is a perspective view of the alert device of Figure 8B. Figure 8E is a perspective view of the alert device of Figure 8C.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the driver sensor.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the driver sensor of figure 9 mounted to the headrest of the driver's seat.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention The vehicle can be of any type capable of carrying a driver and at least one passenger and or belongings. The vehicle described herein is a car. However, the vehicle could also be a truck, a van, a campervan, a bus including a minibus. In some embodiments the vehicle is a minibus transporting children to and from a child care centre. In this embodiment, every passenger seat is fitted with a passenger sensor device.

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional plan view of the vehicle safety system installed in car 10. The driver sensor 12 is shown as a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor 12 is in the form of a mat located on the base of driver's seat 14. The driver's seat 14 has headrest 16. The pressure sensor 12 is actually a plurality of sensors as can be seen more clearly in Figure 2C. In Figure 2C, a top part of the mat has been lifted so some of the plurality of sensors 12', 12", 12'" can be viewed. Each sensor 12', 12", 12"' is activatable to ensure that no matter the size of the driver, or how the driver is positioned in the driver's seat, at least some of the sensors 12', 12", 12"' are activated so as to detect the physical presence of the driver 38. The mat comprising the pressure sensor 12 can be secured to the seat by straps 18 which wrap around the back and or underside of the seat 14 to ensure that it remains in the correct position. A perspective view of the positioning of the mat 12 on seat 14 is shown in Figure 3A. The driver 38 sitting on mat 12 can be seen in Figure 3B.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the driver sensor 112 is shown as a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor 112 is in the form of a headrest mounted sensor located on the headrest 116 of the driver's seat 114. The proximity sensor 112 is affixed to the headrest 116 by arms 113 which can be bolted into place around the steel rods of the headrest. There is a charging port 115 located in the sensor. There is also the option of a passenger sensor 122 facing to the rear to of the vehicle to detect a passenger. This sensor can be used in addition to the sensor 22 described below.

o In Figure 1, the passenger senor 22 is shown as a series of pressure sensors that each detect the pressure exerted by the passenger's body in the respective passenger seats. Pressure sensor 22 is in the form of a mat located on the base of passenger seat 26. Pressure sensor 22 is electronically connected to the driver's pressure sensor via wire 20. Pressure sensor 22' is in the form of a mat located on the base of child seat 24, which is arranged on passenger seat 26'. Pressure sensor 22' is electronically connected to the driver's pressure sensor 12 via wire 20'. A perspective view of the positioning of the mat 22' on seat 24 is shown in Figure 4A. The child passenger 40 sitting on mat 22' can be seen in Figure 4B.

Pressure sensor 22" is in the form of a mat located in the storage area 28 (the car boot). Pressure sensor 22" is electronically connected to the driver's pressure sensor via matt 22 and wires 20" and 20. The passenger sensor 22" in the storage area 28 can be used to detect if an animal 30 is left unattended in the vehicle.

Animal 30 is shown in matt 22" in Figure 5. The passenger sensor 22" in the storage area 28 can be used to detect if a bag 32 is left unattended in the vehicle. Animal 30 is shown in matt 22" in Figure 6.

The system comprises an alarm activatable to emit a visual and or a sound detectable outside of the vehicle 10. The alarm system can comprise multiple items to alert the driver and or other persons in the vicinity of the vehicle. The multiple items can include a driver alert device 34, a vehicle-mounted alert device 36, a passer-by alert device 38.

The driver alert device 34 shown in Figure 7 comprises key fob 34 for attachment by the ring 34'to the car keys (not shown). If the driver alert device 34 is activated it could vibrate to attract the drivers attention. If the driver alert device 34 is activated, it could make a sound. If the driver alert device 34 is activated, it could send a message to telephone the driver's phone or another phone as nominated. The device 34 includes a deactivation button 26 for manually deactivating the alarm once set.

The passer-by alert device 38 is shown in Figure 8. The device 38 is adapted to o make noise via speaker 42. A visual display 44 can be provided to give the passer by information. The display could be located in the window 11 of car 10 and might include a telephone number of the driver (and or other numbers) and or other information such as the name of the passenger, or prompts as to emergency numbers to dial e.g. 000.

The vehicle safety system can be installed by the user by following the installation guidelines. In order to install the system, the user can locate the pressure sensor 12, 22 into the required locations. The sensors are connected together by wires 20. The alert device 38 can also be installed into the required window 11. The alert device 38 is also connected to the system by a wire (in Figure 1, wire 20").

In order to use the system, the driver 38 (or some other person) places the child passenger 40 into child seat 24, making sure that they are located on mat 22'.

The driver then gets into their seat 14 making sure so that they are sitting on mat 12. If the driver 38 stops and exits the vehicle, the system will notice that the driver 38 has left due to the lack of pressure being exerted on pressure sensor 12. The system will allow some time for the driver 38 to remove the child passenger 40 form the seat. If the child passenger 40 is removed from the mat 22', then the system does not activate any alarm and the driver 38 can continue without any interruption.

If the child passenger 40 is not removed from the mat 22' after at least about 1 o minute the key fob 34 will start to vibrate. Accordingly, the alarm is activated when the passenger 40 is detected but the driver 38 is not detected after the predetermined time period of 1 minute. The key fob 34 will also vibrate if it moves about 10 meters away from the car 10. Hopefully, the driver 38 will notice this and immediately return to the vehicle 10. When the driver returns to the vehicle 10, the child passenger 40 can be removed and the alarm can be deactivated.

If a further 1 minute in time elapses and the passenger 40 is detected but the driver 38 is not detected, and the alarm has not been deactivated (either by the driver getting into his seat, or by the driver deactivating the alarm using button o 36), then the alarm process moves to low alert (stage 2). At stage 2, the fob 34 starts to make 60dB of noise as 10 second intermittent beeps with supported vibrations. Hopefully, the driver 38 will notice this and immediately return to the vehicle 10. When the driver returns to the vehicle 10, the child passenger 40 can be removed and the alarm can be deactivated.

If a further 2 minutes in time elapses and the passenger 40 is still detected but the driver 38 is not detected, and the alarm is still not deactivated, then the alarm moves to mid alert stage 3. At stage 3, the fob 34 starts to make 80dB of noise as 5 second intermittent beeps with intense vibrations. Hopefully, the driver 38 will notice this and immediately return to the vehicle 10. When the driver returns to the vehicle 10, the child passenger 40 can be removed and the alarm can be deactivated.

If a further 1 minute in time elapses and the passenger 40 is still detected but the driver 38 is not detected, and the alarm is not deactivated, then the alarm moves to high alert stage 4. At stage 4, alert device 38 is activated and noise is made from speaker 42. The system is now requiring attention from persons other than the driver 38, i.e. passers-by. The alarm should attract enough attention for persons to come over to the vehicle 10 to see what the alarm is for. When the passer-by sees the unattended passenger 40, they will immediately understand that the passenger 40 is in danger and needs to be removed from the car. The system will display a number that the passer-by can telephone. The passer-by o may also voluntarily dial 000, and it is recommended that they do so to quickly get the passenger out safely. Emergency services are able to open the vehicle without the key.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary o implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any promises made in the present description should be understood to relate to some embodiments of the invention, and are not intended to be promises made about the invention. Where there are promises that are deemed to apply to all embodiments of the invention, the right is reserved to later delete those promises from the description since there is no intention to rely on those promises for the acceptance or subsequent grant of a patent unless the context makes clear otherwise.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A vehicle safety system for use in a vehicle comprising a driver's seat and at least one passenger seat, the vehicle safety system comprising: a driver sensor located in the driver's seat and activatable by the physical presence of the driver in the seat; a passenger sensor electronically connected to the driver sensor, the passenger sensor located in the passenger's seat and activatable by the physical presence of the passenger the seat; an alarm system activatable to emit a visual and or an audible sound detectable outside of the vehicle, wherein, the alarm is activated when the passenger is detected by the passenger sensor, but the driver is not detected by the driver sensor after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

2. The vehicle safety system according to claim 1, wherein the alarm system comprises one or more of a driver alert device, a vehicle mounted alert device and a passer-by alert device.

3. The vehicle safety system according to claim 2, wherein the driver alert device comprises a fob attachable to items such as the vehicle key(s).

4. The vehicle safety system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the passer-by alert device is in the form of a display on the vehicle providing information as to what to do to help the unattended passenger.

5. The vehicle safety system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the driver sensor is a pressure sensor that detects the pressure exerted by the driver's body in the driver's seat.

6. The vehicle safety system according to claim 5, wherein there is a threshold of pressure built into the driver pressure sensor, below which the driver pressure sensor will not activate, wherein the threshold is a weight in excess of at least about 20, 25 or 30 kg.

7. The vehicle safety system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passenger sensor is a pressure sensor that detects the pressure exerted by the passenger's body in the passenger seat.

8. The vehicle safety system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the driver sensor and or the passenger sensor comprise a plurality of sensors for detecting the relevant occupant.

9. The vehicle safety system according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of sensors are arranged in a pattern/array so as to ensure that no matter the size of the occupant, or how the occupant is positioned in the seat, at least some of the sensors are activated so as to detect the physical presence of the occupant.

10.The vehicle safety system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the driver sensor is a proximity sensor that detects the physical presence of the driver in its proximity.

11.The vehicle safety system according to claim 10, wherein the proximity sensor is located in the headrest of the driver's seat.

12.The vehicle safety system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the driver is required to confirm their physical presence, in order to calibrate the system as to their weight, shape and sitting position.

13.The vehicle safety system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each passenger seat has its own separate passenger sensor connectable to the driver's seat.

14.The vehicle safety system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is a further passenger sensor located in a storage area of the vehicle.

15.The vehicle safety system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, wherein the predetermined period of time is at least about 30,40, 50, 60, 120 or 180 seconds.

16.The vehicle safety system according any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is a central control system in the vehicle that provides data to the driver as to the status of each of the components of the io system including the driver sensor, the passenger sensor and the alarm system.

17.The vehicle safety system according to any one of claims 2 to 16, wherein the alarm activation sequence escalates according to the is following steps:

a. Stage 1, vibration of the driver alert system; b. Stage 2, the driver alert system makes 50, 60 or 70 dB of noise at 6, 8, or 10 second intermittent beeps, optionally with supported vibrations; c. Stage 3, the driver alert system makes 70, 80 or 90 dB of noise at 4, 5 or 6 second intermittent beeps, optionally with intense vibrations; optionally, at stage 3, the vehicle alert system also starts to make noise; d. Stage 4, the driver alert system makes 100, 110 or 120 dB of noise at 1 or 2 second intermittent beeps, optionally with intense vibrations; optionally, at stage 4, the passer-by alert system is activated displaying emergency contact information to passers-by.

18.A kit of parts comprising for use with the system of any one of claims 2 to 16, the kit comprising a driver sensor locatable in the driver's seat of the vehicle; a passenger sensor electronically connectable to the driver sensor, the passenger sensor locatable in the passenger's seat of the vehicle; an alarm system activatable to emit a visual and or an audible sound, the alarm system comprising one or more of a driver alert device, a vehicle-mounted alert device and a passer-by alert device; and instructions on how to install the system into a vehicle.