GB2544035A - Life vest with locator beacon, and protective portion - Google Patents

Abstract

A life vest 10 comprises a flotation aid 12, a protective portion 14 which, in use, at least partially covers a wearer's 2 head, and a locator beacon device comprising a signal generator (16, Fig 10), a wireless transmitting unit (50, Fig 10) for transmitting signals generated by the signal generator by wireless communication, a wireless receiving unit (52, Fig 10) for receiving the signals transmitted by the wireless transmitting unit, and an antenna 18 provided on the protective portion for transmitting a beacon signal based on the signals received by the wireless receiving unit. A protective portion for use with a life vest that comprises at least a wireless receiving unit and an antenna is also disclosed.

Description

LIFE VEST WITH LOCATOR BEACON. AND PROTECTIVE PORTION

The present technique relates to life vests having locator beacons, and to a protective portion for use with a life vest.

Safety in marine and aquatic environments is paramount, and a range of equipment is available to prevent accidents, preserve life and facilitate rescue. One such device is the personal locator beacon. This is a self-contained electronic device which a person can carry with them when on water for leisure or work. The device has the form of a small waterproof housing which can be held in the hand and contains a battery and a signal generator, and is provided with an operating switch. The housing also supports an antenna. The antenna is typically a monopole antenna made from flexible steel which is stored in or around the housing in a retracted, folded or wrapped position, for example wound inside the housing in the manner of a retractable steel tape measure or clipped into mounts around the outside of the housing. Should the person fall into water and require rescue, they can switch the device on. The battery provides power to the signal generator which produces a signal that is broadcast from the antenna. This signal can be detected and used both to alert the emergency services to launch a rescue operation and to locate the casualty. Two signal regimes are commonly used, and any personal locator beacon may operate in one or both regimes. One regime uses the global positioning system (GPS), with the signal being detected by GPS satellites which in turn send an alarm signal to alert the relevant authorities. The other regime uses the automatic identification system (AIS) which is a VHF system used by ships and vessel traffic services to monitor vessel movements. Ships near to a person needing rescue can be quickly alerted if the locator beacon operates in the AIS regime. A problem with these handheld personal locator beacons is that they can be very difficult to operate by a person who has accidentally entered the water. The person is likely to be cold, distressed and possibly even in shock, and it is then very awkward to retrieve the device, deploy the antenna and switch the device on, particularly in rough seas and while impeded by a bulky life vest. It is then necessary to hold the device aloft so that the antenna is kept clear of the water, which can be made difficult by the movement of the water, and becomes more difficult as the person tires, possibly also becoming confused as hypothermia sets in, which can happen very quickly even in relatively benign conditions. Also, monopole antennae broadcast in field patterns which have zero strength directly overhead (the exact shape of the field depending on the antenna length compared to the signal wavelength), making the signal difficult to detect by satellites, helicopters and the like.

It has been suggested to combine these personal locator beacons with life vests (also called life jackets). Persons in a marine environment increasingly choose to wear a life vest whenever they are exposed to fall risk, so that by incorporating the beacon into the life vest, it will then be to hand if a person falls into the water. However, there has been no proper integration of a beacon device, rather they are merely attached to the life vest or placed in a pocket on the life vest. The difficulties in operating the devices are still present. Also, a flexible steel monopole antenna can catch on the fabric of an inflatable life vest and possibly puncture the bladder. A more sophisticated approach has been proposed which replaces the monopole antenna with a fabric antenna attached to the surface of an inflatable life vest (www.gizmag.com/fabric-antenna-lost-at-sea/20025/). While this addresses the problems of deploying and holding a monopole antenna, it has the drawback that the antenna can be temporarily submerged when water washes over the life vest, and an antenna cannot broadcast underwater. A further alternative is disclosed in CN 203005718 (U), which describes a multifunctional life jacket including a search and rescue radar transponder module. The life jacket has a non-inflatable, foam design, and the transponder module is embedded in a foam block at the back of the jacket. The transponder’s antenna is a telescopic antenna arranged on the top of a hat, which arrangement makes the antenna awkward to deploy.

Thus, there is a need for a improved personal locator beacon arrangement for use in aquatic environments.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT TECHNIQUE A life vest comprises: a flotation aid; a protective portion which, in use, at least partially covers a wearer’s head; and a locator beacon device comprising: a signal generator configured to generate signals; a wireless transmitting unit configured to transmit the signals generated by the signal generator by wireless communication; a wireless receiving unit configured to receive the signals transmitted by the wireless transmitting unit; and an antenna provided on the protective portion, wherein the antenna is configured to transmit a beacon signal based on the signals received by the wireless receiving unit..

Positioning of a beacon antenna on a protective portion which in use at least partially covers the wearer’s head allows the antenna to be automatically deployed for use when the wearer dons the protective portion so that two safety objectives are achieved with one action. Also, the protective portion offers elevated locations remote from the water line in which the antenna can be placed for unimpeded transmission of emergency signals.

Wired communications between the signal generator and the antenna can make it more difficult to adequately waterproof the components of the locator beacon device, because the entry points where the wiring enters parts of the life vest and/or the locator beacon device can be difficult to seal. By providing wireless communication between the signal generator and the antenna, this difficulty can be avoided and this also increases the freedom to position the signal generator remotely from the antenna so that the antenna for example can be in a position on the protective portion while other components of the locator beacon device can be on another part of the life vest to avoid the inconvenience of the wearer having to carry relatively heavy components on their head.

For example, the antenna may be on a part of the protective portion which, in use, covers the wearer’s head. This will typically locate the antenna at the highest point available .on a wearer of the life vest floating in water without the need to raise an arm to hold an antenna aloft. Hence, good broadcast conditions are provided without any active input being required from the wearer, who may be fatigued, injured, unconscious, or otherwise prevented from holding an antenna.

In some embodiments, the antenna has a pliable planar format. For example, the antenna is a fabric antenna, or may be made in a planar format with one or more nonfabric materials. A pliable planar antenna can be easily attached to or integrated into a protective shield such as a spray hood without adding to the bulk or weight of the protective shield, and will not interfere with or obstruct storage of the protective shield, for example in a rolled or folded configuration.

Alternatively, the antenna may be monopole antenna, for example a monopole antenna made from flexible steel.

The protective portion may comprise a hat, helmet, hood or spray hood, for example.

For example, the protective portion may comprise a protective shield which, in use, may partially or fully cover the wearer’s head and face. For example, the protective shield may comprise a spray hood. It may be made from a pliable material. Further, the protective shield may be arrangeable in a storage position from which it can be deployed to cover the wearer’s head and face.

The locator beacon device may further comprise a watertight housing for a power source to provide electrical power to the signal generator, and an activating switch to connect the power source to the signal generator and activate the signal generator. The activating switch may be on the watertight housing.

Further, the activating switch may be a manual switch for operation by the wearer, or the activating switch may be configured to be switched automatically when the activating switch is immersed in water. The latter option will activate the locator beacon device in water no matter whether or not the wearer is able to do so. The former option will not do this, but gives the ability to activate the locator beacon device in emergency situations which do not involve water immersion. Alternatively, both types of switch may be included.

The housing may be mounted on the protective portion. Alternatively, the protective portion may comprise securing means configured to receive and hold the housing. A protective portion, for at least partially covering the head of a wearer of a life vest, comprises: a wireless receiving unit to receive from a wireless transmitting unit signals for controlling transmission of a beacon signal; and an antenna provided on the protective portion, wherein the antenna is configured to transmit a beacon signal based on the signals received by the wireless receiving unit.

For example, the protective portion may comprise a spray hood, helmet, hat or hood provided separately from a life vest, to be worn by the wearer of the life vest or fitted to the life vest before use. In this case, the protective portion may comprise at least the wireless receiving unit and antenna discussed above. Optionally, the protective portion may also comprise the signal generator and wireless transmitting unit, although these could instead be provided on the life vest itself.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect reference is now made by way of example to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of life vest according a first embodiment of the invention;

Figures 2, 3 and 4 show schematic depictions of locator beacon devices for use in embodiments of the invention;

Figure 5 shows a side view of a life vest according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 shows a side view of a protective shield according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 shows a schematic depiction of a locator beacon device for use in other embodiments of the invention;

Figure 8 shows some other examples of protective portions for covering the wearer’s head;

Figure 9 shows another example of a life vest provided with a locator beacon device in which a signal generator and antenna communicate via wireless communication;

Figure 10 shows an example of a locator beacon device using wireless communication between the signal generator and antenna; and

Figure 11 shows an example of a protective hood or helmet comprising the antenna and a wireless receiving unit for receiving signals transmitted from a signal generator by wireless communication.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

Figure 1 shows a side view of life jacket or life vest according to a first embodiment of the invention. The life jacket has been donned by a wearer 2 and deployed for use in the water 4. The life jacket 10 comprises a flotation aid 12 which in this example has the form of an inflatable bladder in a U-shape which passes over the wearer’s shoulders and behind the neck. The bladder will typically be packed inside a cover (not shown) prior to inflation, which occurs when the wearer 2 enters water 4 either by user activation or by automatic activation via a water-activated switch, and causes the flotation aid to inflate and burst free from the cover. This is the situation depicted in Figure 1. The flotation aid 12 is attached (possibly via the cover, depending on the design of the life vest and the nature of the flotation aid, which may be non-inflatable, for example, foam) to a securing means 13 such as a harness, which the wearer uses to secure the life vest around his torso. The harness may fasten around the waist and pass over the shoulders or around the neck, for example.

The life vest 10 further comprises a protective shield 14, sometimes known as a spray hood. The spray hood 14 can be deployed by the wearer 2 after entering the water, and is arranged to extend over the wearer’s head and face. A spray hood is typically made from a pliable material, such as woven fabric, a thin flexible plastics material, or a combination thereof, so that it can be rolled or folded into a small volume for storage when not in use, and then pulled out and positioned over the head and face when required. It may be stored in a pocket on or attached to the flotation aid or its cover, for example, or secured in its folded state by tabs fastened with snap fasteners or hook-and-loop fasteners. In this example, the spray hood is made partially from opaque fabric, and includes a window 14a made from transparent plastic to allow the wearer to see out. The spray hood 14 is attached to the flotation aid or its cover, or the harness, in a storage position behind the wearer’s head, from where the user can unfold or roll it out, and pull it over his head and down over his face. The spray hood 14 is maintained in its extended position, as illustrated, by use of an elasticated lower edge 14b which passes around and under the lower part or parts of the flotation aid by the wearer’s chest or waist to secure the spray hood in place. Other ways of fixing the spray hood in place may be used, however, such as fastening it to the harness, or the hood may not be secured in place but merely pulled down into position. Also, it may be attached to the life jacket at a location other than behind the wearer’s head, so long as it can be reached by the wearer to pull it out and across his head and face.

The purpose of a spray hood is to protect the wearer’s nose and mouth from water. This is not merely larger waves and swells which may lap upwards over the life vest in rough water, but particularly water spray. Without protection, spray can surround the wearer’s face and be inhaled as the wearer breathes, thereby entering the lungs and potentially causing drowning; this is known as secondary drowning. In the example illustrated in Figure 1, the spray hood completely encloses the head and face, which provides the best protection from spray. Complete enclosure is not essential, however, and the present invention may be implemented with a protective shield that only partly covers the head and/or face.

Returning to Figure 1, the life vest 10 further includes a locator beacon device. The locator beacon device comprises a signal generator 16 operable to generate an emergency signal for remote detection, for example under the GPS and/or AIS regimes. The signal generator 16 supplies its signal via a connection (not shown) to an antenna 18 for transmission. In this embodiment, the antenna is a planar antenna configured in a pliable format, such as a fabric antenna. The antenna 18 is mounted on the spray hood 14. The purpose of this arrangement is to elevate the antenna 18 into a position which is as far removed as possible from the likelihood of the antenna 18 being submerged and then not able transmit the signal. A person who is wearing a conventionally-arranged life vest fastened around his torso will float in water such that his head is the highest point, furthest above the surface of the water. Providing the life vest with a protective shield that passes over the head, such as a spray hood, offers a convenient location for securing a locator beacon antenna in a manner that maintains the antenna in an elevated position above the water without requiring the person to hold the antenna aloft. He can then preserve his strength, and/or have both arms free to assist with treading water, swimming or otherwise staying afloat. Also, the antenna is automatically deployed when the wearer dons the spray hood. This is an easier action than manipulating an antenna wound in or around a hand-held personal locator beacon, and also allows two safety devices (the spray hood and the locator beacon) to be brought into play by a single wearer action. To obtain maximum height, the antenna in this example is positioned on the part of the spray hood that covers the wearer’s head. In other embodiments the antenna can be mounted elsewhere on the spray hood or other protective shield, however.

The locator beacon device is provided with a power source, for example in the form of one or more batteries, in a water-tight casing or housing 20. The housing 20 may or may not be configured to allow a battery or batteries to be removed and replaced; the housing may more easily be made water-tight if the battery is not removable. In Figure 1, the housing 20 is mounted on a front part of the spray hood 14, and connected, in a water-tight manner, by an electrical cable 22 to the signal generator 16 which is located proximate to the antenna 18 on the top of the spray hood 14. The housing 20 may also conveniently incorporate a switch or button 24 for activating the locator beacon device. Alternatively, the switch 24 may be located elsewhere, such as an in-line switch in the cable 22, again sealed against water. The switch 24, when operated, connects the battery to the signal generator 16 to provide electrical power thereto; the signal generator 16 then begins to generate the emergency signal and send it to the antenna 18 for transmission.

The switch 24 may be a manual switch configured to be operated by the wearer when he wishes the beacon to start transmitting the emergency signal. For example, it may be a push switch covered by a waterproof membrane to prevent ingress of water into the housing 20. Other manual switches may be used instead. In the case of a manual switch, the water-tight housing 20 having the switch, or a separate in-line switch housing, may be considered as a user control unit. Alternatively, the switch 24 may be an water-activated switch. In this case, the switch 24 will have electrical contacts exposed externally from the water-tight housing; these are configured to close the switch when they come into contact with water. Hence, the signal generator 16 is switched on automatically when the wearer enters water and the switch 24 becomes wet. To facilitate this, the cable 22 should be long enough for the switch 24 (either on the housing 20 or in the cable 22) to hang into the water when the user is floating supported by the life vest.

As a further alternative, both a manual switch and a water-activated switch may be provided. In this way, the beacon will be activated in all circumstances when the wearer enters water, even if the user is unable to manually operate a switch. At the same time, the beacon is able to manually operated in other emergency situations if required.

As mentioned, for a water-activated switch the housing 20 should hang freely by the cable 22 so that the switch 24 can enter the water. Hence, the housing 20 should not be permanently affixed to the life vest 10 in this arrangement. However, it may be removably secured thereto, so that the wearer can unfasten it and cast it into the water to activate the switch 24. This also applies to a housing 20 with a manual switch 24, where the user might want to move the housing 20 away from the life vest 10 to operate the switch more easily, or look at the housing 20. Hence, the housing 20 can be conveniently secured in a removable manner to a front portion of the spray hood 14, where it will be easily accessible. For example, the spray hood 14 may be provided with a pocket or elasticated loop (not shown) to receive the housing, or with tabs (not shown) fastenable around the housing 20 by hook and loop or press fasteners, or the housing 20 itself may have a hook or loop fastener on its outer surface that engages with a corresponding loop or hook fastener on the spray hood 14. Other securing means may be employed. In other embodiments, the housing 20 having a manual switch 24 may be permanently secured to the life vest, for example on the spray hood, by adhesive bonding, stitching or similar. Also, the housing 20 may be permanently or removably secured to other positions on the spray hood 14, or a position on the life vest 10 such as the harness 13 or a cover of the flotation aid 12.

As mentioned, the antenna 18 in the Figure 1 embodiment has the form of a pliable, flexible planar element. Antennae of this type comprise conductive thread, wires, printed or deposited traces or the like arranged in a planar pattern such as a spiral or other serpentine configuration woven into, interleaved with, or attached to or deposited on or between one or more layers or sheets of a flexible thin substrate material. The conductive element or elements are integrated with the substrate material in any such manner to form the pliable planar antenna. Fabric antennae are an example. Antennae made from fabric have been proposed in recent years, and are well-suited for use in embodiments of the present invention. A fabric antenna is essentially formed from a conductive fabric (sometimes called “electrotextile) which can be made by interleaving conductive thread made from metals or polymer materials with layers of conventional fabric or fabrics (woven or knitted sheet material, or non-woven fabric). Alternatively or additionally, the conductive thread can be woven or knitted together with threads or yarns of conventional non-conductive material to form the conductive fabric. Both the conductive thread and the non-conductive thread can be selected to give desired properties and characteristics to the final fabric.

Pliable planar antennae made of flexible materials other than fabrics are also suitable for the present invention. Examples include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite materials, polyimide film such as Kapton (registered trade mark), polymeric compounds such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and other silicones, and rubber. Any material which can be formed into a flexible sheet, which is suitable for use in aquatic environments, can be integrated with the conductive elements of the antenna, and be secured to the protective hood can be used. The conductive element(s) can be provided as a shaped thread or wire adhered or bonded to the sheet material, or as a pattern of traces deposited or printed onto the sheet materials, for example in the manner of a printed circuit board. Also, fabric and non-fabric materials can be used in combination in the same antenna if desired, for example to benefit from the different properties of various materials.

For the present application, a selection of fabric or non-fabric material or materials which gives an overall planar antenna construction (formed from one or more layers) which is hydrophobic is preferred, to better preserve the electrical properties if the antenna becomes wet during use, which is of course highly likely due to waves and spray. For a fabric antenna, particular water-repelling threads and yarns might be used, for example, or a conductive fabric layer or layers might be sandwiched between layers of water-proof or water-repellent layers. For general use of conductive fabrics as antennae, a low electrical resistance to minimise losses is useful. Low loss is desirable for other pliable planar antenna configurations (fabric and non-fabric) so the materials can be chosen accordingly. Also, the electrical properties and efficient antenna function are better preserved if the overall antenna construction is inelastic (or at least has low elasticity), is resistant to tearing, and retains mechanical stability in the deployed state. An electrical connection for coupling of the antenna 18 to the signal generator 16 is also required, which should also be water-tight. A pliable planar antenna such as a fabric antenna is particularly well-adapted for application to a spray hood or other protective shield for use with a life vest. The antenna is constructed so as to be pliable or flexible so that it is not damaged when the spray hood 14 is folded or rolled into its storage position ready for use; crumpling will not affect the performance of the antenna. The fabric or other sheet material, and hence also the antenna overall, can be made lightweight by suitable choice of threads, yarns, fabrics or non-fabric material. This is important for use with at least those vests which are intended to be constantly worn rather than donned only in the event of an emergency. Personnel are more likely to adopt constant wear if life vests are comfortable, and the weight of the vest contributes to this; a light vest is more desirable. Safety is thereby enhanced.

The pliable planar antenna 18 can be attached to the protective shield 14, or made integral with it. For external attachment, and depending on material type, the antenna can be secured or mounted in any of the ways in which one might secure conventional fabric, such as sewing or adhesive, including a backing layer of hot-melt adhesive so that the antenna can be ironed on. For sewing, the antenna can be applied to the outer surface of the protective shield as a patch, or can be integrated into the protective shield fabric or material as a panel. Alternatively, a part of the protective shield can be directly made from conductive fabric which is then connected to the signal generator to form an antenna. Antenna made from material which does not lend itself to sewing can be applied as a patch, secured by adhesive or welding for example, according to the material type. A pliable planar antenna has several advantages compared to a retractable monopole antenna in a personal locator beacon. A sheet, patch or panel cannot puncture an inflatable bladder, or tear or otherwise damage or become entangled with other parts of the life vest. This is of particular relevance to inflatable bladder-type life vests, where, before inflation, the bladder, spray hood and other parts of the life vest such as the inflating switch, whistle, and the like are packed tightly together inside one or more covers. Also, there is no need to extend or otherwise deploy the antenna for use in any active manner; it is made ready for transmission merely by donning the spray hood. Further, a more useful broadcast field shape can be achieved compared to a monopole antenna; a flat or substantially flat planar antenna with a conductive element arranged in a pattern such as a spiral behaves as a dipole, and hence does not suffer from the zero field region directly overhead that is characteristic of the monopole antenna.

Some of the various arrangements possible for the components of the locator beacon device will now be discussed in more detail. In each illustrated embodiment, the antenna 18 is on or part of a spray hood (not shown), either mounted or otherwise secured thereon, or integrated in as a panel. The housing 20 may or may not be permanently or releasably attached to the spray hood or other part of the life vest, in accordance with the various options already described. Note that the following Figures 2, 3 and 4 are not to scale, nor do they show all electrical connections. Rather, they are representations of how the various components may be arranged with respect to each other.

Figure 2 shows a first example configuration of a locator beacon device, similar to that in Figure 1. The antenna 18 is positioned on the spray hood, and the signal generator 16, in a water-tight casing, is located directly adjacent to it, and is physically secured by any practical means to the antenna 18 or to the fabric of the spray hood, or both. A water-tight electrical connection 26 is made between the signal generator 16 and the antenna 18. The cable 22 is also electrically connected to the signal generator 16, at one end, and at its other end to the water-tight housing 20. The housing 20 houses one or more batteries 28 (or other electrical power source) which provide electrical power to the signal generator 16 via the cable 22. The switch 24 is provided on the housing 20, to connect the battery 28 to the cable 22 and the signal generator 16.

Figure 3 shows a second example configuration of a locator beacon device. The same reference numerals are used as in Figure 1 to designate the same components. In this example, the signal generator 16 is located in the housing 20, rather than adjacent to the antenna 18. This will likely require a larger housing to accommodate the signal generator, but may be preferred as a way to protect the signal generator from water.

Operation of the switch 24 on the housing 20 connects the battery 28 in the housing 20 to the signal generator 16 (by a connection not shown), and the emergency signal generated by the signal generator 16 passes along the cable 22 to the antenna, to which it is connected by the electrical connection 26.

Figure 4 shows a third example embodiment of a locator beacon device. The same reference numerals are used as in Figure 1 to designate the same components. Compared to the Figure 3 example, in this example both the signal generator 16 and the switch 24 are removed from the housing 20. The signal generator is arranged adjacent to the antenna 18, and switch 24 is configured as an in-line switch in the cable 22.

Other arrangements of the various components of the locator beacon device are also possible; the arrangement may be adapted as best deemed convenient for use with any particular life vest and/or protective shield.

Although a pliable planar antenna has been discussed thus far, the invention is not limited to this. In alternative embodiments, a monopole antenna may be used.

Figure 5 shows a side view of a life jacket or life vest according to such an embodiment of the invention. As in Figure 1, the life vest has been donned by a wearer 2 and deployed for use in the water 4. All components are the same as the Figure 1 embodiment and are labelled with the same reference numerals, except for the antenna 30. In this embodiment, the pliable planar antenna 18 shown in Figure 1 is replaced by a monopole antenna 30. The monopole antenna 30 is located on the spray hood 14 as before, and in particular on the part of the spray hood 14 which in use is over the wearer’s head. The signal generator 16 is disposed also on the spray hood 14, adjacent to the antenna 30 and is electrically connected thereto via a waterproof electrical connection. In turn the signal generator 16 is connected via a cable 22 to the housing 20 with a switch 24, mounted on a front part of the spray hood 14. However, these various components can be configured in other arrangements and at other positions, as discussed above with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

The monopole antenna 30 may be made from any suitable antenna material, and may be rigid or flexible. For example, it may be made from flexible steel like the retractable or folding antennas in the known handheld personal locator beacons. Flexible steel has an advantage in this application that it can be more easily accommodated when the spray hood 14 is folded or rolled into its storage configuration. The antenna 30 can be curved or bent to fit against or within the folded spray hood or into the cover or pack for the spray hood and/or the inflatable bladder, but will spring into its straight shape when the spray hood is pulled over the wearer’s head. A flexible steel antenna may also be lighter. However, a rigid monopole antenna may be used instead, provided its length is short enough to enable it to fit inside or within any cover or the spray hood stored position.

In either case, the monopole antenna 30 is preferable secured to the spray hood 14 by a mount which supports the antenna 30 in a position in which it extends substantially upwardly regardless of its location on the surface of the deployed spray hood 14. The extended spray hood may offer a sufficiently stiff, taut surface of itself to support the mount and antenna in the appropriate orientation. Alternatively, one or more stiffening elements may be integrated into the spray hood, such as an arch-shaped element extending from one side of the spray hood to another, or ribs arranged at either side. In a further alternative, a close-fitting spray hood may take advantage of the underlying presence of the wearer’s head to support the antenna. In any arrangement, the mount should hold the antenna in an upright position. In the example of Figure 4, the antenna 30 is positioned roughly on the longitudinal centre line of the spray hood 14 and above the front part of the wearer’s head. In use, the part of the spray hood supporting the antenna 30 will be roughly horizontal. Hence, a mount of, for example, a planar format, secured to the surface of the spray hood 14 and from which the antenna 30 extends orthogonally, will support the antenna 30 in the required upright, vertical, position, in which it is orthogonal to the spray hood surface. However, other mounting positions, for example still at the part of the spray hood extending over the wearer’s head but on the side of the spray hood, perhaps in the vicinity of the wearer’s ear, will require a mount which supports the antenna in a position that is not orthogonal to the spray hood surface, since this would not be upright when in use. In all examples, a low weight monopole antenna is preferred, as being more easily supported in an upwardly extending position.

The casing or housing of the signal generator 16 may act as the mount or support for the monopole antenna 30. Alternatively, these two components may be separate. A spray hood with the locator beacon device in accordance with embodiments of the invention may be incorporated into a life vest (which may have a flotation aid in the form of an inflatable bladder or other inflatable device, such as a foam flotation aid) as an integral part thereof. In alternative embodiments, however, a spray hood having a locator beacon device may be provided as a separate component from the life vest. This enables the spray hood to be retro-fitted to pre-existing life vests, thereby improving the safety capabilities of such life vests. The spray hood may also be transferred from one life vest to another according to an owner’s requirements.

Figure 6 shows a side view of such a spray hood 34, with a locator beacon device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The spray hood 34 is shown in a deployed position, in which it would extend over a wearer’s head and face (not shown). As in the previous examples, the spray hood 34 is made from pliable fabric and includes a transparent window section 34a to enable a wearer to see out. The locator beacon has a pliable planar antenna 18 in this example, connected to a signal generator 16, a cable 22, a housing 20 and a switch 24 as in the previous embodiments. The antenna 18 is positioned on the head part of the spray hood 14, but might be elsewhere as discussed above. Similarly, the various components of the locator beacon might also be positioned in other configurations such as any of those already described. The antenna may alternatively be a monopole antenna in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 5.

The spray hood 34 is provided with fastening means to enable it to be secured or otherwise fitted to a life vest. The fastening means can take any desired form, for example ties, elastication, snap fasteners, a zip fastener, or hook and loop fasteners, which can be used to secure part of the spray hood to part of a life vest. This may be the harness, the flotation aid or a cover for the flotation aid. Typically, the fastening means will be arranged at or near the bottom edge 34c of the spray hood 34 at the head end, so that the hood can be attached to a life vest in a storage position behind the wearer’s head or neck, ready to be pulled out and over the wearer’s head and face when required. The bottom edge 34b of the spray hood 34 at its lower end may be elasticated so that it can be passed over the lower parts of the flotation aid to hold the spray hood 34 in place once deployed.

The locator beacon device on the spray hood may further comprise additional components in some embodiments, to assist in revealing the wearer’s location to a search and rescue team. For example, a light source may also be included. This can be a light bulb, a light emitting diode or other light source which is disposed in a water-tight casing on the spray hood and connected to the power source in the housing by the cable. The light source could be connected so as to be activated by operating the switch which activates the signal generator, or a separate switch could be provided. The light source may be configured to emit a continuous beam, or series of flashes, or an alternating sequence of continuous and discontinuous emissions. A non-continuous illumination might more easily be detected by observers. Directional light sources may be used, for example two or more light source arranged to emit light in different directions. Two or more light sources that emit light of different colours might be used. The light source can be positioned on the top of the part of the spray hood that covers the wearer’s head to give it the maximum elevation and hence maximum visibility to observers. Other positions might be used instead, however. In an embodiment where the signal generator is located on the spray hood adjacent to the antenna, the light source might for convenience be disposed within the casing of the signal generator.

In a further example, a sound source might be included in the beacon, configured to emit an alarm sound. Again, this can be powered from the power source in the housing and activated via the same switch, or via a separate switch. An audio signal generator and loud speaker can be provided in a water-tight casing secured to the spray hood and connected to the power source in the housing via the cable. For convenience, the audio signal generator and the speaker may be disposed within the casing of the existing signal generator, or within the housing along with the battery. A position for the speaker which is as elevated as possible, for example on the top of the part of the spray hood intended to cover the wearer’s head, is desirable for improved audibility, however.

Both a light source and sound source can be included if desired, and either or both can be combined with a fabric antenna or a monopole antenna.

Figure 7 shows a further example configuration of a locator beacon device, including these additional components. The device is a modified version of the device shown in Figure 2, in which a light source 40 and an audio signal generator 42 plus a loud speaker 44 are comprised within the same waterproof casing 46 as the signal generator 16 which provides the signal for transmission to the antenna 18. In this example the antenna 18 is a planar antenna positioned adjacent to the signal generator casing 46 on the head part of a spray hood (not shown); a monopole antenna could be used instead, however. In this example, a single switch 24 activates both signal generators 16, 42 and the light source 40, although the audio signal generator 42 and the light source 40 may have their own dedicated switches or may share a switch separate from the main switch 24. As in previous examples, the various components of the locator beacon device may be positioned differently.

As shown in Figure 8, the spray hood 14 is not the only form of protective portion which could be provided. Other examples may provide a helmet or hood which covers the wearer’s head, but not the face, and may not be attached to the life vest itself. In a similar way to the examples discussed above, the antenna 18 may be provided on the helmet or hood or other protective portion which, in use, at least partially covers the wearer’s head.

Figures 9 and 10 show another example of a life vest and locator beacon device. Unlike in the preceding examples, there is no cable 22 running between the housing 20 and antenna 18. Instead, as shown in Figure 10 the housing 20 comprises the signal generator 16 and battery 28 and a wireless transmitting unit 50 for transmitting the signals generated by the signal generator 16 to the antenna 18 by wireless communication. The antenna 18 has a wireless receiving unit 52 for receiving the signals transmitted by wireless communication from the wireless transmitting unit 50, and transmits a beacon signal based on the received signals. The wireless communication could use a range of technologies, such as Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, WiFi®, or any other form of short range wireless communication technology. Other than using wireless communication to communicate the signals between the signal generator and the antenna, the life vest of Figure 9 is similar to that of Figure 1.

Hence, as shown in Figure 9 there is no cable 22 which avoids the inconvenience of the wearer catching their arm on the cable 22 while swimming for example. Also, removing the cable 22 makes it simpler to waterproof the housing 20 because there are no cable entry points which would typically be the most likely points for water to enter the housing 20. Removing the cable also provides increased flexibility in positioning of the housing 20 since the housing 20 can now be placed at positions on the life vest 24 for which routing a cable from that position to the antenna 18 on the wearer’s head would be inconvenient.

Hence, by communicating between the signal generator 16 and antenna 18 via a wireless transmitter 50 and receiver 52, this enables the antenna 18 to be provided at a position on the wearer’s head to improve broadcast conditions, while avoiding the manufacturing and operational difficulties caused by the cable 22.

As shown in Figure 11, in other examples the antenna 18 and wireless receiving unit 52 could be provided on a head-worn protective portion such as a hat, hood or helmet to be worn by a wearer of a life vest, with the battery 28, signal generator 16 and wireless transmitting unit 50 provided within a housing 20 on the life vest itself.

Although not shown in Figures 9 to 11, an activating switch could also be provided in a similar way to the examples discussed earlier.

Also, while Figure 9 shows a spray hood attached to the life vest, the spray hood may also be provided as a separate component to the life vest in a similar way to Figure 6. In this case, the separately provided spray hood could comprise the housing 20 (including the battery 28, signal generator 16 and wireless transmitting unit 50) on a lower part of the spray hood and the wireless receiving unit 52 and antenna 18 on a part of the spray hood which in use would cover the wearer’s head. Alternatively, the spray hood could be provided with the wireless receiving unit 52 and antenna 18, but not the battery 28, signal generator 16 and wireless transmitting unit 50 which could be provided on the life vest instead.

REFERENCES

[1] www.gizmag.com/fabric-antenna-lost-at-sea/20025/ [2] CN 203005718 (U)

Claims (26)

1. A life vest comprising: a flotation aid; a protective portion which, in use, at least partially covers a wearer’s head; and a locator beacon device comprising: a signal generator configured to generate signals; a wireless transmitting unit configured to transmit the signals generated by the signal generator by wireless communication; a wireless receiving unit configured to receive the signals transmitted by the wireless transmitting unit; and an antenna provided on the protective portion, wherein the antenna is configured to transmit a beacon signal based on the signals received by the wireless receiving unit.

2. A life vest according to claim 1, in which the antenna is on a part of the protective portion which, in use, covers the wearer’s head.

3. A life vest according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the antenna has a pliable planar format.

4. A life vest according to claim 3, in which the antenna is a fabric antenna.

5. A life vest according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the antenna is a monopole antenna.

6. A life vest according to claim 5, in which the antenna is made from flexible steel.

7. A life vest according to any preceding claim, in which the protective portion comprises a protective shield which, in use, at least partially covers the wearer’s head and face.

8. A life vest according to claim 7, in which the protective shield, in use, fully covers the wearer’s head and face.

9. A life vest according to any of claims 7 and 8, in which the protective shield is made from a pliable material.

10. A life vest according to any of claims 7 to 9, in which the protective shield is arrangeable in a storage position from which it can be deployed to cover the wearer’s head and face.

11. A life vest according to any preceding claim, in which the locator beacon device further comprises a watertight housing for a power source to provide electrical power to the signal generator, and an activating switch to connect the power source to the signal generator and activate the signal generator.

12. A life vest according to claim 11, in which the activating switch is on the watertight housing.

13. A life vest according to claim 11 or claim 12, in which the activating switch is a manual switch for operation by the wearer.

14. A life vest according to claim 11 or claim 12, in which the activating switch is configured to be switched automatically when the activating switch is immersed in water.

15. A life vest according to any one of claims 11 to 14, in which the housing is mounted on the protective portion.

16. A life vest according to any one of claims 11 to 14, in which the protective portion further comprises securing means configured to receive and hold the housing.

17. A protective portion for at least partially covering the head of a wearer of a life vest, the protective portion comprising: a wireless receiving unit to receive from a wireless transmitting unit signals for controlling transmission of a beacon signal; and an antenna configured to transmit the beacon signal based on the signals received by the wireless receiving unit.

18. A protective portion according to claim 17, further comprising: a signal generator configured to generate signals; and a wireless transmitting unit configured to transmit the signals generated by the signal generator by wireless communication to the wireless receiving unit.

19. A protective portion according to any of claims 17 and 18, in which the antenna is on a part of the protective portion which, in use, covers the wearer’s head.

20. A protective portion according to any of claims 17 to 19, in which the antenna has a pliable planar format.

21. A protective portion according to claim 20, in which the antenna is a fabric antenna.

22. A protective portion according to any of claims 17 to 19, in which the antenna is a monopole antenna.

23. A protective portion according to claim 22, in which the antenna is made from flexible steel.

24. A protective portion according to any one of claims 17 to 24, in which the protective portion is made from a pliable material.

25. A life vest substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 9, 10 and 11 of the accompanying drawings.

26. A protective portion substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 9, 10 and 11 of the accompanying drawings.