IE20200001A2 - Water rescue equipment for the blind and deaf - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to water rescue equipment for the blind and deaf. In particular, the invention provides a lifebuoy comprising of a vibration system, in which vibrations are created by a geared DC motor and a brass cylinder offset CAM, a sound system, in which sound is emitted by a speaker and a light system, where light is emitted by four LEDs. The advantage of the invention is that it provides adequate water rescue equipment to a rescuer when a blind or deaf individual is in the process of drowning in a body of water. It has a dual function of acting as a lifebuoy which can be more easily located by individuals who are not blind or deaf who are in the process of drowning in a body of water. This makes rescues faster and safer. The innovative lifebuoy design creates benefits for both rescuer and the individual in the process of drowning in a body of water.

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to outdoor and indoor water safety equipment. In particular the invention relates to a new type of lifebuoy. 02/01/2020 Background to the Invention A lifebuoy (also known as ring buoy/ life ring/ lifesaver/ life doughnut/ life preserver/ lifebelt) is a lifesaving buoy designed to be thrown to a person in the water, to provide buoyancy and prevent drowning. They are carried by ships and are also located beside bodies of water that have the depth or potential to drown someone.

Lifebuoys usually consist of a polyurethane foam filling surrounded by an outer shell of cross - linked polyethylene, usually to form a ring or horseshoe shape.

This design does not provide any additional aid to a blind or deaf individual who are in the process of drowning.

The blind cannot see where the lifebuoy currently is when thrown to them.

The deaf, if facing away from where the lifebuoy lands cannot hear any potential instructions given to them to turn towards the lifebuoy so as to then see it.

If an individual who is both blind and deaf happens to come into difficulty in the water the lifebuoy currently available to a rescuer would serve little use.

It is clear that the current lifebuoy available is not adequate for use as effective water safety equipment for the blind and/or deaf individual.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a new lifebuoy design that offers substantial aid to a blind and/or deaf individual in the process of drowning, as well as continuing to serve as a lifesaving buoy with a practical use in all water rescues.

Statement of Invention According to the invention there is provided, as set out in the appended claims, a lifebuoy comprising: A Foam Filling: Polyurethane foam A Plastic Outer Shell: Cross - linked polyethylene Two waterproof Junction Boxes 02/01/2020 Two separate incisions through outer shell and foam filling for both junction boxes In one embodiment a Vibration System; Which consists of a Geared DC Motor with attached brass cylinder, with an Offset CAM. Said Geared DC Motor is secured using bolts to base of one of said waterproof junction boxes. A 9 Volt Battery both placed in said waterproof junction box. A Push To Make Switch outside said waterproof junction box connected by wiring to said Geared DC Motor and 9 Volt Battery. An Aluminium Paddle attached to end of said Push To Make Switch.

Said aluminium paddle is exposed to the water through an incision created to house said Push To Make Switch. This incision is made on the side section of the lifebuoy. Adhesive secures any wire connections to ensure each said component is waterproof.

In one embodiment a Sound System; Which consists of a speaker / Water Detector. Said device is comprised of a speaker and a water detector, the said water detector connected to said alarm by wiring. Said water detector is secured to the side surface of the lifebuoy.

A small incision is made along said surface so that the end of said wiring is not exposed leading to said Water Detector. Adhesive secures said wiring into said incision and adhesive is also used at any wiring connections to ensure that each said component is waterproof.

In one embodiment a Light System; Which consists of four LED'S secured in incisions created in the top and base of the lifebuoys surface. Two of said LED's secured on each said section. Reflective tape on said sections.

Adhesive is used for securing said LED's to the lifebuoys surface.

The advantage of this invention is water safety equipment can now be provided to the blind and the deaf. The innovative design improvement made to said lifebuoy have many benefits for said individuals in the process of drowning Some visually impaired individuals can see some light, meaning all said systems above, which are included in the design, have the potential to benefit every individual in the process of drowning. An individual with sight and hearing abilities could also benefit as locating the lifebuoy would be made easier when this individual is distressed in the body of water in which they are in the process of drowning.

Brief description of the drawings The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 02/01/2020 Figure la is a top isometric view of vibration system and accompanying junction box according to the invention; Figure lb is a top view of aluminium paddle secured with a bolt according to the invention; Figure lc is a side isometric view of aluminium paddle secured with bolt according to the invention; Figure 2a is an isometric view of speaker / water detector according to the invention; Figure 2b is a top view of water detector according to the invention; Figure 3 is a top view of LED according to the invention; Figure 4a is a top view of new lifebuoy design according to the invention; Figure 4b is a bottom view of new lifebuoy design according to the invention; Figure 4c is a side isometric view of new lifebuoy design according to the invention; Figure 4d is a side isometric view of new lifebuoy design according to the invention.

Detailed description The present invention relates to water rescue equipment for the blind and deaf. In particular, the invention provides a lifebuoy comprising of a vibration system, in which vibrations are created by a Geared DC Motor and a Brass Cylinder Offset CAM, a sound system, in which sound is emitted by a speaker and a light system, where light is emitted by four LEDs. The advantage of the invention is that it provides adequate water rescue equipment to a rescuer when a blind or deaf individual is in the process of drowning in a body of water. It has a dual function of acting as a lifebuoy which can be more easily located by individuals who are not blind or deaf who are in the process of drowning in a body of water. This makes rescues faster and safer. The innovative lifebuoy design creates benefits for both rescuer and the individual in the process of drowning in a body of water.

Figures 4a, 4b, 4c & 4d Referring now to the drawings and initially Figure la, there is illustrated a vibration system according to the present invention comprising of a waterproof junction box (1), a brass cylinder offset CAM (2), a Geared DC Motor (3), incisions to allow wiring to pass from interior to exterior of junction box (4), a 9 Volt Battery (5), wiring (6), a Push To Make Switch (7). The vibration system comprises of a brass cylinder offset CAM (2) attached to a Geared DC Motor (3) and a 9 Volt Battery (5) placed inside a waterproof junction box (1). Incisions to allow wiring to pass from interior to exterior of junction box (4) allow wiring (6) to make connection from Geared DC Motor (3) and 9 Volt Battery (5) to Push to Make Switch (7). 02/01/2020 Referring to Figure lb and lc, there is illustrated an aluminium paddle (8) and a bolt (9). Said aluminium paddle (8) is secured by said bolt (9). Said bolt (9) is attached to said Push to Make Switch (7) illustrated in Figure la.

Referring to Figures 2a and 2b, there is illustrated a sound system according to the present invention comprising of an Alarm (10) / Water Detector (12), a Water Detector Body (11) and wiring (6). The sound system comprises of a Water Detector (12) held in a Water Detector Body (11) which is connected by wiring (6) to a speaker (10).

Referring to Figure 3, there is illustrated a light system according to the present invention comprising of a LED (13), a Water Sensor (14) and an OFF Button (15). The light system comprises of a LED (13), which is connected to a Water Sensor (14), said LED (14) is connected to an OFF Button (15), all of said components are connected to an internal battery.

Referring to Figure 4a, there is illustrated the top surface of the new lifebuoy design according to the present invention comprising of two waterproof junction boxes (1), two LEDs (13), two Water Sensors (14), two OFF Buttons (15) and two reflective tape strips (16).

Referring to Figure 4b, there is illustrated the bottom surface of the new lifebuoy design according to the present invention comprising of an aluminium paddle (8), a bolt (9), a Water Detector Body (11), a Water Detector (12), two LEDs (13), two Water Sensors (14), two OFF Buttons (15) and four reflective tape strips (16).

Referring to Figure 4c, there is illustrated a side surface of the new lifebuoy design according to the present invention comprising of two waterproof junction boxes (1), an aluminium paddle (8), a bolt (9), two LEDs (13), two Water Sensors (14), two OFF Buttons (15) and two reflective tape strips (16).

Referring to Figure 4d, there is illustrated a side surface of the new lifebuoy design according to the present invention comprising of wiring (6), a Water Detector Body (11), a Water Detector (12), two LEDs (13), two Water Sensors (14), two OFF Buttons (15) and four reflective tape strips (16).

Vibration System The vibration system in the new lifebuoy design comprises of a Geared DC Motor with an attached brass cylinder Offset Cam. Said Geared DC Motor is connected to a battery. Both said components are secured in a waterproof junction box. Incisions in said waterproof junction box allow wires to pass from the interior to the exterior of said waterproof junction box. Said components are connected by said wiring to a Push To Make Switch outside of said waterproof junction box. All components are illustrated in Figure la. An aluminium paddle and bolt shown in Figure lb and lc are attached to said Push To Make Switch. Incisions through the lifebuoys foam filling and plastic outer shell. Said waterproof junction box and Push To Make Switch is placed in said incision. A separate incision is created for said aluminium paddle and bolt. Said aluminium paddle and bolt exit the interior of the lifebuoy as shown in Figures 4b and 4c. On contact with a body of water said aluminium paddle is forced to move position in such a way that the bolt causes said Push To Make Switch to move into its ON position. This causes the Geared DC Motor with attached brass cylinder Offset CAM to move, with the power from the said battery. Said brass cylinder due to Offset CAM strikes the junction box interior, causing vibrations throughout said lifebuoy to occur. In this embodiment, The Push To Make Switch can only be moved into its on position when said lifebuoy enters a body of water on one particular side. In a preferred embodiment the Switch would be moved into its on position when said lifebuoy enters the water on any particular side. In a preferred embodiment a differently sized waterproof junction box, Geared DC Motor and Brass Cylinder would allow for a differently sized lifebuoy to be used. In a preferred embodiment a lighter material could be used in the place of aluminium for said paddle. In an alternative embodiment a Water Detector could be used to activate said Geared DC Motor. In an alternative embodiment, a different material could be used to replace the brass cylinder. In an alternative embodiment, a pulsating motor could replace said Geared DC Motor and attached brass cylinder Offset CAM for the purpose of creating vibrations. 02/01/2020 Sound System The sound system in the new lifebuoy design comprises of a speaker as shown in Figure 2a, secured in a waterproof junction box. Incisions in said waterproof junction box allow wires to pass from the interior to the exterior of said waterproof junction box. Said speaker is connected to a water detector as shown in Figure 2a and 2b, 4b and 4d held in a water detector body. Said wires are secured in incisions created in the plastic outer shell of the lifebuoy by use of adhesive. On contact with a body of water the water detector causes said speaker to activate and emit sound. In this embodiment said sensor is present on one side of said lifebuoy. Therefore speaker activation can only occur when said lifebuoy enters said body of water on one particular side, said In a preferred embodiment, said sensor would be present on both sides of said lifebuoy, allowing for speaker activation when the said lifebuoy enters said body of water on any particular side.

Light System The light system in the new lifebuoy design comprises of four LEDs, as show in Figure 3, two on each side of said lifebuoy as shown in Figures 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d. Each of said LEDs is secured with adhesive in incisions in said lifebuoys surface Each of said LEDs is connected to an internal battery. A Water Sensor is connected to said battery and LED. On contact with moisture said water sensor causes said LED to activate. A OFF button is connected to said internal battery and LED for manual deactivation of said LED.

Claims 02/01/2020 1. A lifebuoy, for aiding the blind and deaf in a body of water, comprising: a vibration system; The vibration system in the new lifebuoy design comprises of a geared DC motor with an attached brass cylinder offset CAM. Said geared DC motor is connected to a battery. Both said components are secured in a waterproof junction box. Incisions in said waterproof junction box allow wires to pass from the interior to the exterior of said waterproof junction box. Said components are connected by said wiring to a Push To Make Switch outside of said waterproof junction box. An aluminium paddle and bolt are attached to said Push To Make Switch. Incisions through the lifebuoys foam filling and plastic outer shell. Said waterproof junction box and Push To Make Switch is placed in said incision. A separate incision is created for said aluminium paddle and bolt. Said aluminium paddle and bolt exit the interior of the lifebuoy. On contact with a body of water said aluminium paddle is forced to move position in such a way that the bolt causes said Push To Make Switch to move into its ON position. This causes the geared DC motor with attached brass cylinder offset CAM to move, with the power from the said battery. Said brass cylinder due to offset CAM strikes the junction box interior, causing vibrations throughout said lifebuoy to occur. a sound system; The sound system in the new lifebuoy design comprises of a speaker secured in a waterproof junction box. Incisions in said waterproof junction box allow wires to pass from the interior to the exterior of said waterproof junction box. Said speaker is connected to a water detector held in a water detector body. Said wires are secured in incisions created in the plastic outer shell of the lifebuoy by use of adhesive. On contact with a body of water the water detector causes said speaker to activate and emit sound. and a light system The light system in the new lifebuoy design comprises of four LEDs, two on each side of said lifebuoy. Each of said LEDs is secured with adhesive in incisions in said lifebuoys surface Each of said LEDs is connected to an internal battery. A water sensor is connected to said battery and LED. On contact with moisture said water sensor causes said LED to activate. A OFF button is connected to said internal battery and LED for manual deactivation of said LED. 02/01/2020 2. A lifebuoy as claimed in claim 1 wherein an additional water detector and aluminium paddle connected to said components in each said system, placed on the other side of said lifebuoy. 3. A lifebuoy as claimed in any preceding claim wherein both aluminium paddles and said Push To Make Switch are replaced with water detectors. 4. A lifebuoy as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said lifebuoy takes a different shape.

. A lifebuoy as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said lifebuoy takes a different size. 6. A lifebuoy as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said geared DC motor with attached brass cylinder Offset CAM is aided in creating vibrations by a pulsating motor. 7. A lifebuoy as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said cylinder's material is altered. 8. A lifebuoy as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a rope is attached to said lifebuoy.

Claims (8)

1. 1/08/2020 Claims

1. A lifebuoy having a plastic outer shell and a foam filling for aiding the blind and deaf in a body of water comprising a vibration system, a sound system, and a light system. 5

2. A lifebuoy as claimed in claim 1 wherein the vibration system comprises a geared DC motor and a brass cylinder offset cam, wherein the DC motor is connected to a battery; wherein said components are secured in a waterproof junction box, wherein incisions in said waterproof junction box allow wires to pass from the interior to the exterior of said waterproof junction box wherein said components are connected by said wiring to a Push To Make Switch outside of said waterproof 10 junction box, wherein an aluminium paddle and bolt are attached to said Push To Make Switch, wherein incisions through the lifebuoys foam filling and plastic outer shell allow said waterproof junction box and Push To Make Switch to be placed in said incision, wherein a separate incision is created for said aluminium paddle and bolt, wherein said aluminium paddle and bolt exit the interior of the lifebuoy, wherein on contact with a body of water said aluminium paddle is forced to move 15 position in such a way that the bolt causes said Push To Make Switch to move into its ON position, wherein this then causes the geared DC motor with attached brass cylinder offset CAM to move, with the power from the said battery, wherein said brass cylinder due to offset CAM strikes the junction box interior, causing vibrations throughout said lifebuoy to occur. 20

3. A lifebuoy as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sound system comprises a speaker secured in a waterproof junction box; wherein incisions in said junction box allow wires to pass from the interior to the exterior of the box and wherein said speaker is connected to a water detector held in a water detector body; wherein said wires are secured in incisions created in the plastic outer shell of the lifebuoy using adhesive, and wherein on contact with a body of water, the water 25 detector causes said speaker to activate and emit sound.

4. A lifebuoy as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the light system comprises 4 LEDS, wherein there are two on each side of said lifebuoy, wherein each of said LEDs is secured with adhesive in incisions in said lifebuoys surface, wherein each of said LEDs is connected to an internal battery, 30 wherein water sensor are connected to said battery and LED, wherein on contact with moisture said water sensor causes said LED to activate, wherein an OFF button is connected to said internal battery and LED for manual deactivation of said LED.

5. A lifebuoy as claimed in any preceding claim wherein an additional water detector and aluminium 35 paddle connected to all said components in said vibration system and in said sound system, placed on the any side of said lifebuoy where said water detector and said aluminium paddle are not currently present.

6. A lifebuoy as claimed in any preceding claim wherein both aluminium paddles and said Push To 40 Make Switch are replaced with water detectors.

7. A lifebuoy as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said geared DC motor with attached brass cylinder Offset CAM is replaced by a pulsating motor.

8. A lifebuoy as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said cylinder's material is altered to a 5 different type of metal.