GB2585940A

GB2585940A - Clothing system with communication apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2585940A
Application number: GB1910696.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Lynch Michael
Original assignee: Wearable Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Wearable Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2019-07-26
Filing date: 2019-07-26
Publication date: 2021-01-27
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-26
Also published as: GB201910696D0; GB2585940B

Abstract

A system comprising a communication apparatus 401 and a high-visibility item of clothing (for example a jacket, parka or vest) 206, the comms device having an upper surface 404 that is substantially flat horizontal when arranged in a specific, self-supporting configuration (upright as in figure 8), the apparatus also having a front surface that is substantially vertical when arranged in this configuration, the clothing including a fabric enclosure 601 for including a window 801 (501, fig. 5) the upper surface 404 including indicator lights visible through the window. The fabric enclosure might be a detachable pouch (601, fig. 6) with a more permanent upper attachment means 802, 803 and a more temporary connector (901, figure 9) so that the user can incline the device up towards them and view a front screen 403 through a front window 401. The communication device may be part of a network for safety in hazardous environments (figures 1-2). Also claimed is a method (figs. 3-4) of attaching a communication apparatus to a garment comprising the steps of locating an electrical connector within the apparatus, the connector being within a pouch, placing the communication device within a pouch and attaching the pouch to the garment.

Description

Clothing system with Communication Apparatus CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This is the first application for a patent directed towards the invention and the subject matter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a clothing system for use by an operative, comprising a high-visibility item of clothing and a communication apparatus.

The present invention also relates to a method of attaching a communication apparatus to an item of clothing.

It is known to provide high-visibility items of clothing with communication apparatus, as described in GB2534678 (US 9,922,516) assigned to the present applicant. To protect the communication apparatus, the apparatus itself is restrained within an internal pocket, which also allows it to be connected to an internal wiring loom. Having made this connection, the communication apparatus may also perform the duties of a control unit, by being in a position to communicate with local peripheral devices. However, a problem with this approach is that any visual outputs provided by the communication unit itself are not visible to the operative while the device is retained within an internal pocket.

As an alternative approach, it is known for radio units to be attached externally to jackets, such that the devices may be removed temporarily to facilitate visual and audio communication. However, such systems create problems in that a semi-permanent connection may be made or a temporary connection may be made. With a semi-permanent connection, it may be difficult for an operative to physically remove the device under operational conditions. Alternatively, if a temporary attachment is made, requiring relatively little force to achieve removal, accidental removal may take place while conducting other operational duties.

A demand has also been identified for communication devices for use at a supervisory level, that remain compatible with similar devices used at the operational level. Thus, at the supervisory level, access and visibility present a higher priority compared to the physical protection of the device itself. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clothing system for use by an operative, as set out in claim 1.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of attaching a communication apparatus to an item of clothing, as set out in claim 18.

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed embodiments show the best mode known to the inventor and provide support for the invention as claimed. However, they are only exemplary and should not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims. Their purpose is to provide a teaching to those skilled in the art. Components and processes distinguished by ordinal phrases such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily define an order or ranking of any sort.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a hazardous environment in which operatives are wearing high-visibility jackets; Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic representation of the jackets identified in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an example of a supervisor's clothing system, embodying an aspect of the present invention and including a communication apparatus; Figure 4 shows the insertion of a communication plug within a communication apparatus; Figure 5 shows the communication apparatus of Figure 4 secured within an external pocket; Figure 6 shows the insertion of the communication apparatus of Figure 4 within a pouch; Figure 7 shows a rear surface of the pouch identified in Figure 6; Figure 8 shows the pouch identified in Figure 6 in a restrained configuration; Figure 9 shows the pouch of Figure 6 in an inclined configuration; Figure 10 shows the provision of a release strip between the pouch and a connector support material; Figure 11 illustrates the application of force upon the release strip identified in Figure 10; and Figure 12 shows the detachment of the substantially permanent upper connector from a cylindrical connecting component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 A hazardous environment is illustrated in Figure 1 in which a first high-visibility item of clothing 101 is being worn by a first operative and a second high-visibility item of clothing 102 is being worn by a second operative. In this example, the items of clothing 101, 102 are jackets worn on the upper torso of the operative. However, in alternative embodiments, the items of clothing could take the form of parkas, vests or shirts etc. A communication apparatus is retained within an internal pocket of each item of clothing and this apparatus can be activated by applying pressure at the position of an indictor 103 that aligns with a relatively large activation button on the communication apparatus itself, as described in US10,161,611 assigned to the present applicant. Activation of this button may also be used to allow an operative to identify a dangerous condition requiring assistance from a supervisory function. Devices may also be included to identify when an operative has fallen or has become inactive for a relatively long period of time; often described in the art as a "man down" condition.

Alarm conditions can also be generated via detection devices, such as detection device 104, possibly identifying the presence of dangerous gases, high levels of noise or radiation for example. The communication apparatus allows communication to be made between operatives, or between each operative and a remote-control station, as described in GB2534678 (US9,922,519).

Figure 2 A diagrammatic representation of jacket 101, along with jacket 102 and additional jackets 201 to 204 is shown in Figure 2. The combination of each high-visibility item of clothing with its communication apparatus provides a clothing system in which each system may communicate with a central control station 205. Alternatively, it is possible for one jacket, say the second alternative jacket 202, to be provided with direct communication with the control station 205, with the other jackets in the group communicating directly with the second additional jacket 202.

The environment illustrated in Figure 2 also includes a supervisor's clothing system 206 embodying an aspect of the present invention. The supervisor may be seen as belonging to the group of operatives but their role is primarily to provide a monitoring function and as such, therefore it advantageous for their communication apparatus to be visible, while at the same time being protected against mechanical knocks and the ingress of water.

Figure 3 An example of the supervisor's clothing system 206 is shown in Figure 3. High-visibility properties of the item of clothing are provided by a florescent outer material 301, along with strips of light-reflective material applied thereto, including a strip 302 of light-reflective material. Instead of being retained within an internal pocket, as described with reference to Figure 1, in this embodiment the control unit is retained within an external pocket 303.

A plug 304 is attached to a loom portion 305, with loom portion 305 having a sufficient length to allow the plug 304 to be removed from pocket 303, as illustrated in Figure 3.

Figure 4 After the removal of plug 304, as described with reference to Figure 3, the plug 304 is inserted into a communication apparatus 401. The communication apparatus includes a wireless communication device and a socket for receiving plug 304.

In this embodiment, the communication apparatus includes a relatively large activation button 402 and a visual display screen 403. An upper surface of the communication apparatus includes light emitting indicators which, in this embodiment, are visible through a transparent cover portion 404.

After locating plug 304 into the communication apparatus 401, the communication apparatus is then placed in the external pocket 303. The clothing system of this embodiment is then complete, in that it comprises a high-visibility item of clothing and a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus has an upper surface, defined by the transparent cover portion 404, that is substantially horizontal when arranged in a self-supported configuration, as illustrated in Figure 5. In addition, the apparatus has a front surface that is substantially vertical when arranged in this self-supported configuration.

Figure 5 The high-visibility item of clothing includes a fabric enclosure, external pocket 303 in this embodiment, for supporting the communication apparatus in the self-supported configuration. The fabric enclosure includes a window 501, such that light emitting indicators provided on the communication apparatus are visible to an operative through this window when the communication apparatus is in the self-supported configuration.

In an embodiment, the loom portion 305 may be connected to a loom within the item of clothing, such that it is possible for light emitting devices on the item of clothing to be energised and for input signals to be received from detectors, as described with reference to Figure 1. Alternatively, the item of clothing could be provided without a loom of this type, such that the system only performs communication activities and is primarily configured to monitor signals received from operatives working within the hazardous environment.

In an embodiment, each individual communication apparatus may be substantially similar, with instructions retained therein for operating in a fully functional manner, such as when installed in the first high-visibility item of clothing, along with instructions for operating in the supervisory role. Upon connection of plug 301 within the communication apparatus 401, as described with reference to Figure 4, data is received from the plug 301 notifying the communication apparatus to the effect that a connection has been made.

Thus, the plug 304 can be just sewn into the pocket with no electrical connection. However, when plugged-in, the communication apparatus 401 knows that a connection has been made and that it is plugged-in. The communication apparatus is then provided with configuration data such that, in this way, the communication apparatus 401 knows that it is in a pocket but with no loom. Data can then be uploaded the control station 205 to say that the communication apparatus is in an external pocket and is not in a garment.

Figure 6 An alternative embodiment is shown in Figure 6, in which the fabric enclosure takes the form of a detachable pouch 601. In this embodiment, the external control unit is not expecting to see a loom and as such could be provided with customised firmware. Alternatively, the pouch is again provided with its own plug such that, when plugged-in, the communication apparatus knows that a connection has been made and that it has been plugged-in.

Furthermore, the plug may be provided with configuration data, such that the communication apparatus knows that it is now in a pouch but with no loom. This data can then be uploaded to the control station 205 to inform the control station that the unit is in a pouch and not in a garment.

Figure 7 In an embodiment, the detachable pouch 601 includes a substantially permanent upper connector 701 and a detachable lower attachment material 702. In an embodiment, the detachable lower attachment material 703 is implemented as a strip of hook material, with a cooperating strip of loop material being included on the item of clothing (usually identified by the commercial designation "Velcro" RTM), as described with reference to Figure 9.

In an embodiment, the upper connector 701 defines an annulus and a substantially cylindrical connecting component is attached to the item of clothing as described with reference to Figure 12. The connecting component is secured within the annulus in response to a compressive force. An example of a substantially cylindrical connecting component of this type is disclosed in GB2569816 assigned to the present applicant.

In an embodiment, a substantially circular top of the connecting component defines concentric electrical conductors and these electrical conductors provide electrical connections between the communication apparatus and the item of clothing. In an embodiment, the communication apparatus is configured to read data from a data storage device via these electrical connections. Thus, a connector of this type allows configuration data to be supplied to the communication apparatus from the jacket itself.

Figure 8 In an embodiment, the detachable pouch 601 includes a front window 801, such that the visual display unit 403 is visible to an operative after manually moving the communication-apparatus-containing pouch to a manually inclined configuration.

In Figure 8, the pouch 601 is shown in a restrained configuration, in which the lower attachment material 702 attaches to a cooperating strip of attachment material secured to the jacket.

In this embodiment, a cylindrical connecting component (further described with reference to Figure 12) is attached to a connector-support material 802. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a release strip 803 includes an orifice, thereby allowing it to be positioned between the pouch 601 and the connector-support material 802.

Figure 9 A cooperating strip of attachment material 901 is shown in Figure 9. In an embodiment, this is a strip of Velcro (RTM) which attaches to the lower attachment material 702 when the pouch 601 is in its restrained configuration, as described with reference to Figure 8. As shown in Figure 9, the detachable lower detachment material 702 is detached when manually moving the pouch containing the communication apparatus to an inclined configuration.

After viewing the visual display screen 403, the pouch 601 is released by the operative, such that it automatically becomes reattached by means of a Velcro connection being made between the lower attachment material 702 and the cooperating strip of attachment material 901.

Figure 10 In this embodiment, the substantially permanent upper connector 701 is arranged to be manually detached from the cylindrical connecting component. However, in an embodiment, a significant force is required in order to achieve detachment, thereby minimising the risk of accidental detachment taking place. However, it is appreciated that difficulties may then arise in terms of removing the pouch 601 if the required level of force is too high. Thus, under these circumstances, it may be necessary for the operative to remove the jacket before this detachment takes place, which would often be seen as inconvenient. Furthermore, if the level of force required is too high, this also introduces the risk of damage occurring, possibly resulting in the detachment of the cylindrical connecting component from the connector support material 802.

To mitigate this problem, the release strip 803 is provided between the pouch 601 and the connector-support material 802, as described with reference to Figure 8. As illustrated in Figure 10, this allows an operative to support the pouch 601 in a first hand, while holding the release strip 803 in their other hand.

Figure 11 Following the supporting action described with reference to Figure 10, an operative applies force to the release strip 803 substantially in the direction of arrow 1101. This deployment effectively provides a class 2 lever, in which the load, in this case the force required to achieve attachment, is in the middle of the lever. The release strap is stitched at its opposite end, as described with reference to Figure 12, to provide the fulcrum for the class 2 lever.

Figure 12 Having applied force in the direction of arrow 1101, as described with reference to Figure 11, the substantially permanent upper connector 701 becomes detached from a cylindrical connecting component 1201. As described with reference to Figure 8, the cylindrical connecting component 1201 is attached to the connector support material 802, possibly using the procedures disclosed in GB2569816, assigned to the present applicant. Furthermore, circuitry behind the cylindrical connecting component 1201 may include a data storage device, thereby allowing configuration data to be read by the communication apparatus 401. Thus, in this way, it is possible for the communication apparatus 401 to identify the actual jacket to which it has been attached, thereby allowing checks to be made to determine that an appropriate pairing has been established.

As shown in Figure 12, the release strip 803 is attached to the connector-support material 802 by means of stiches 1202, thereby establishing a fulcrum when the detachment operation takes place, as described with reference to Figure 11.

Claims

CLAIMSThe invention claimed is: 1. A clothing system for use by an operative, comprising: a high-visibility item of clothing; and a communication apparatus, wherein: said communication apparatus comprises an upper surface that is substantially horizontal when arranged in a self-supported configuration and a front surface that is substantially vertical when arranged in said self-supported configuration; said high-visibility item of clothing includes a fabric enclosure for supporting the communication apparatus in said self-supported configuration; said fabric enclosure includes a window; and said upper surface includes light-emitting indicators visible to an operative through said upper window when the communication apparatus is in said self-supported configuration.
2. The clothing system of claim 1, wherein said item of clothing is worn on the upper torso of an operative and is non-exclusively selected from the set of items including jackets, parkas, vest and shirts.
3. The clothing system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the high-visibility properties of the item of clothing are provided by a fluorescent outer material having strips of light-reflective material applied thereto.
4. The clothing system of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said communication apparatus includes: a wireless-communication device; and a socket for receiving a plug.
5. The clothing system of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said fabric enclosure is formed as a pocket in said item of clothing.
6. The clothing system of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said fabric enclosure is a detachable pouch.
7. The clothing system of claim 6, wherein: the fabric enclosure in the form of a detachable pouch includes a front window; said front surface of the communication apparatus includes a visual display unity; and said visual display unit is visible to an operative after manually moving the communication-apparatus-containing pouch to a manually inclined configuration.
8. The clothing system of claim 7, wherein: said communication apparatus includes an activation button; and said activation button is manually activated by pressure being applied to a region on the front of the pouch adjacent to the visual display unit.
9. The clothing system of any of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein said detachable pouch includes a substantially permanent upper connector and a detachable lower attachment means.
10. The clothing system of claim 9, wherein said detachable lower detachment means is detached when manually moving the communication apparatus to said inclined configuration.
11. The clothing system of claim 10, wherein said lower detachment means becomes reattached when the communication apparatus is released.
12. The clothing system of any of claims 9 to 11, wherein: said upper connector defines an annulus; a substantially cylindrical connecting component is attached to the item of clothing; and said connecting component is secured within said annulus in response to a compressive force.
13. The clothing system of claim 12, wherein: a substantially circular top of said connecting component defines concentric electrical conductors; and said electrical connectors provide electrical connections between said communication apparatus and said item of clothing.
14. The clothing system of claim 13, wherein the communication apparatus is configured to read data from a data storage device via said electrical connections.
15. The clothing system of any of claims 12 to 14, wherein said upper connector is configured to be manually detached.
16. The clothing system of claim 15, including a detachment strip located between the detachable pouch and the item of clothing, wherein said detachment strip comprises: an orifice for receiving said substantially cylindrical connecting component; fulcrum stitching on a first side of said orifice; and a manual tab on a second side of said orifice.
17. The clothing system of claim 16, wherein: said connecting component is attached to an extension strip; a first end of said extension strip is secured to the item of clothing; and a second end of said extension strip receives said fulcrum stitching.
18. A method of attaching a communication apparatus to an item of clothing, comprising the steps of: locating an electrical connector within said communication apparatus, wherein said electrical connector is secured to an internal surface of a pouch; placing the communication apparatus within said pouch, such that light-emitting indicators of said communication apparatus are visible through an upper window of said pouch; and mechanically attaching said pouch to said item of clothing.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein: said pouch is mechanically attached to a substantially cylindrical connector by means of an anulus attached to said pouch; said cylindrical connector includes electrical conductors to provide an electrical connection between said item of clothing and said electrical connector; and data stored on the item of clothing is read by said communication apparatus via said electrical connection.
20. The method of claim 18 or claim 19, further comprising the step of removing said pouch by pulling on a strip stitched to said item of clothing, wherein said strip includes an orifice for receiving said cylindrical connector.