WO2012136582A1

WO2012136582A1 - Individual device for safety on a large body of water having an integrated buoyancy element provided with a tracking system

Info

Publication number: WO2012136582A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/055777
Authority: WO
Inventors: François LE GUILLOU
Original assignee: Seagull Security
Priority date: 2011-04-05
Filing date: 2012-03-30
Publication date: 2012-10-11
Also published as: FR2973772A1; FR2973772B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an individual device for safety on a large body of water having an integrated buoyancy element provided with a tracking system. This device (1) is characterized in that it comprises means (5, 6, 12) for subordinating the activation of the transmitting means of the tracking system (3) to the activation of the automatic deployment means, the activation of the automatic deployment means of said element (2) causing the activation of the transmitting means of the tracking system (3). The invention also relates to a tracking network comprising at least one such individual device for safety on a large body of water and at least one receiver module that receives the distress signal transmitted by said device (1). Application to the field of safety on a large body of water, in particular for yachting.

Description

"Individual safety device on large body of water with integrated buoyancy element with tracking system"

The present invention relates to an individual safety device on large body of water with integrated buoyancy element provided with a tracking system.

Various individual safety devices on large body of water are already known, this for a person who may be, for example aboard a boat or an aircraft, this person being likely to fall into the water, for example in the sea or in a lake. Such an individual safety device consists essentially of an integrated buoyancy element carried by the person, for example can be similar to a lifejacket but also to a floating belt. This device deploys, advantageously automatically, when said person tom to the water. This integrated buoyancy element thus deployed keeps the wrecked person afloat on the surface of the water. Such an individual security device is also advantageously provided with a tracking system for locating the person fallen into the water. This tracking system may consist of a system for sending an alert message. Classically, the alert message is sent to a rescue center or the boat from which the person fell. Such a system may in particular be equipped with geolocation means of the GPS or other type and sends the geographical coordinates of the sinking person simultaneously with the transmission of the alert message. Thus, the position of the shipwrecked remains updated even if the searches take a long time to arrive on the site of the sinking, the currents that can derive the shipwrecked person and change its geographical position. As an alternative or in addition, the Iridium satellite system, which is a global satellite communication system, can also be used.

In the state of the art, the deployment of the individual security device, frequently in the form of a lifejacket, can be done automatically. This deployment is for example initiated by a pellet, in particular a salt pellet, which dissolves in contact with water and allows the actuation of mechanical elements such as a spring driving a needle which causes the percussion of a reservoir of gas and inflation of the device. Alternatively, the deployment of the individual security device can be performed using a pressure sensor present in said device.

When the individual security device is equipped with a system for sending an alert message, it can be activated manually by the shipwrecked person himself or automatically.

In the first case, it is the shipwrecked person who pulls an activation element from the system for sending an alert message.

In the second case, it can be provided a pressure sensor or a distance sensor detecting the exceeding of a threshold distance from the boat from which the shipwrecked person fell. Alternatively, this automatic activation can be caused by a pellet which dissolves in contact with water as was indicated for the deployment of the individual security device. Such an individual security device according to the state of the art has many disadvantages, particularly as regards the activation of the system for issuing an alert message, otherwise called tracking system.

When the activation of the tracking system is done manually, this activation implies that the shipwrecked is in a state of consciousness or in a physical state allowing him to trigger this activation, being moreover implied that the castaway is familiar with the activation mode of the system for sending an alert message. This is unfortunately not the case when the castaway is unconscious, when he panics or has lost some of his physical means. In addition, for a non-professional person of an activity on the water, this person may not be familiar with the activation of a tracking system or may not even know that such a system is present on his device. individual security.

When the activation of the tracking system is done automatically, such a system is relatively complex and expensive and is not systematically used. In addition, it turned out that many malfunctions were due to such automatic activation of said system.

Therefore, the problem underlying the invention is to design an individual large-area safety device with integrated buoyancy element provided with a tracking system having a complexity and / or reduced cost while improving its reliability, the activation of the tracking system of the device being automatically performed safely without requiring the action of the person wearing the device.

To achieve this objective, it is provided, according to the invention, an individual device for safety on a large body of water comprising an integrated buoyancy element and a tracking system, the integrated buoyancy element comprising means for detecting a sinking situation and deployment means of said element in response to the detection of the sinking situation, the tracking system comprising means for transmitting a signal configured to transmit a distress signal when they are activated, characterized in that it is configured so that the activation of the means of automatic deployment of said element causes the activation of the transmission means of the tracking system.

The technical effect obtained is mainly to subordinate the activation of the transmission means of the tracking system to the activation of the automatic deployment means of said element. This represents a simplification for the issuance of a distress signal emitted by the device carried by a shipwrecked and significantly reduces the number of false alerts issued. This also reduces the number of alerts that could not be sent because of a malfunction of the device or an omission of activation of the distress signal when it is done manually by the person carrying the individual device.

Such false alarms could occur, for example, when the safety device on a large body of water carried by a person received a blade of water without the person falling into the water, or when the person wearing the safety device moved away from the boat voluntarily forgetting to disable a distance detection system. Such false warnings implied a significant cost for the back-up structures, an unnecessary immobilization of emergency resources for false alarms and thus a loss of back-up means for real distress alerts occurring simultaneously with the false alert (s).

As for the non-emission of a signal for a true alert, in the context of the development of the present invention, it has been found that many cases of malfunction originated from activation sensors either failing or failing over time. or inoperative from the beginning. The coupled activation of the tracking system with the activation of the integrated buoyancy element reduces the number of sensors required for these two previously unsubstantiated activations, which simplifies the large-area safety device and reduces the risks of failure of the emission of a distress signal due to said sensors.

This makes it possible to reduce the cost of activation equipment for the individual safety device on a large body of water. Conversely, it is possible to increase the number of sensors simultaneously triggering the deployment of the integrated buoyancy element and the transmission of the signal of distress by combining said sensors to have optimal activation security. Since the activation is always justified and the risk of malfunctions is reduced, this results in greater user confidence in the device and therefore in a more systematic use of such an individual device, hence an improvement in security on large body of water for users.

The device according to the invention may further optionally have any of the following characteristics:

it comprises means for subordinating the activation of the transmission means of the tracking system to the activation of the automatic deployment means, the subordination means being configured so that the activation of the automatic deployment means of said element causes activating the transmission means of the tracking system.

the subordination means consist of a first and a second part that can be removably secured to each other, the first part carrying the transmission means, the device being configured so that when the first and second parts are secured they keep the transmitting means deactivated and when they are disengaged they cause the activation of the transmitting means. Advantageously, the device is shaped so that the deployment of the integrated buoyancy element disengages the second part of the first part.

the first part forms a housing receiving internally the transmission means provided with a switch enabling the activation of said transmission means in its closed position, the second part being automatically driven during the deployment of the integrated buoyancy element; a position integral with the housing in which said switch is kept open to a position disengaged from the housing in which said switch is closed. The use of a housing is a safe and effective way to group together various electronic components of the tracking system, including the transmission means and their switch, in order to protect and isolate them from the outside. - The switch is magnetically controlled blade ILS type, the second portion having a magnetized portion holding the blade in the open position of the switch when said first and second parts are joined together. Thus, the switch can be placed in the open or closed position simply by moving the second part relative to the housing. A magnetically controlled blade switch is known to be of particularly reliable operation and the magnetic interaction between switch and second portion is not particularly sensitive to splashing water that may occur. In addition, a magnetic interaction between the two parts allows a more reliable separation of the two parts without risk of damage to one of the two parts, which would be the case if the connection between the parts was mechanical.

- The switch has a magnetized blade, the second portion having a metal portion holding the blade in the open position of the switch when said first and second parts are joined together. While retaining the advantages mentioned above, this embodiment represents an advantageous variant of the switch described above by not requiring a magnet carried by the second part but only a metal portion.

the first and second parts are connected with the integrated buoyancy element at different respective connection locations, so that the distance between the connection location of the second part and the connection location of the first part varies. when the integrated buoyancy element is placed in the deployed position. These features involve a reliable and efficient separation of the first and second parts when the integrated buoyancy element is deployed. This, in particular combined with a magnetic connection between the first part and second part, allows reuse for a new joining of these parts, the first and second parts have not been destroyed or partially damaged during the separation.

the second part is mainly in the form of a tongue or a flexible ribbon of fabric or plastic. Such a tongue makes the second part of a low weight and easy construction while presenting a sufficient pull-out resistance for its function of uncoupling with the first part. Another advantage is that such a second part is reusable having been removed from the integrated buoyancy element neither destroyed or damaged and can therefore resume a securing position.

the tracking system comprises an antenna having means for holding in the retracted position when the integrated buoyant element is in the undeployed position, these holding means in the retracted position being associated with means for automatically deploying the antenna when the integrated buoyancy element is deployed. Maintaining the antenna in retracted position in non-use reduces the space requirement of the safety device at rest and protects the antenna from contacts with external elements in this position, contacts that could damage the antenna, for example by deforming it or wringing it.

- When the tracking system comprises a housing, the antenna of the tracking system is articulated around said housing. Thus, the antenna is secured to a tight and resistant structure which protects by containing the electronic elements necessary for the operation of the antenna and the assembly thus formed has a small footprint.

- The integrated buoyancy element is shaped so that when said element is deployed, the housing extends substantially horizontally and the antenna substantially vertically. The substantially vertical position of the antenna is the most favorable position for external communication, the horizontal reach of said antenna being maximized, while the horizontal position of the housing gives the assembly improved stability as well as a geolocation reception maximized, the antenna specifically dedicated to this reception being advantageously positioned horizontally in the housing, which corresponds to its maximized reception position.

- The integrated buoyancy element is shaped so that, when said element is deployed, the antenna is disposed at least partially above the surface of the water. It is indeed necessary that the antenna exceeds the level of water so that it can communicate with structures of geolocation, these structures being advantageously in the form of at least three satellites in the case of geolocation by GPS triangulation.

- The tracking system comprises a support for the housing of said system, the support being connected by having a freedom of movement with respect to said integrated buoyancy element so as to be positioned substantially in a horizontal plane when said element is deployed. The use of such a support to the housing gives the assembly improved stability.

at least one of the housing and the support is configured so that the majority of the assembly formed by said housing and support floats. This is advantageous for exceeding the antenna above the water level and for protecting the electronic elements contained in the housing even if it is waterproof.

the means for detecting a sinking situation detect one or more parameters having a value representative of a fall of said device in the water, this or these parameters being chosen individually or in combination from the acceleration applied to said device, a prolonged contact of said device with the water and / or an increase in the pressure exerted on said device

- The means for detecting a sinking situation comprise means configured to detect the exceeding of a threshold distance between the device and a separate point of the device.

Typically, the distinct point is a fixed point on the ship on which the person whose security is to be ensured is standing. This distinct point of the device may be a ship-related receiver configured to communicate with a transmitter located on the integrated buoyancy element. In case of a fall, the distance between the person and the ship increases. When this distance exceeds a predetermined threshold, the means for detecting a sinking situation conclude that the person has fallen into the sea. This threshold is predetermined. It can depend on the size of the ship. Thus, for a racing boat, it is typically less than 15 meters, the fixed point can be arranged substantially in the center of the boat. For a building of several hundred meters, the threshold can also be greater than several hundred meters. In general, this threshold is defined so as not to be exceeded while the passenger is traveling on the ship.

Preferably, the means for detecting a sinking situation combine the detection of a distance with the detection of a fall to reduce the risk of false alarms.

a predetermined duration of detection by the detection means of a value of a parameter indicating a fall of the device in the water is required for the detection of a sinking situation.

the tracking system comprises a geolocation transceiver making it possible to determine the geolocation parameters of said device at a given instant, the distress signal transmitted by the transmission means of said system containing said parameters. Thus, the location of the person wearing the safety device on a large body of water can be transmitted at any time to a rescue center or the boat from which the person fell, this location being corrected according to the parameters of geolocation updated at this time. Thus, the position of the person wearing the device remains precisely determined even if the search for its recovery take a long time to arrive at the sinking site and despite possible strong currents causing drifting of the person.

The invention also relates to a tracking network comprising at least one such individual security device over a large body of water and at least one receiving module receiving the distress signal transmitted by said device. Such a network has the ability to process several distress signals simultaneously and there may be several receiver modules thus forming several emergency stations. Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings given by way of non-limiting examples and in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a front view of an individual large-area safety device according to the present invention, said device comprising a tracking system on an integrated buoyant element in the undeployed position. ,

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a front view of an individual large-area safety device according to the present invention, said device comprising a tracking system on an integrated buoyant element in the deployed position,

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a side view of an individual large-area safety device according to the present invention, said device floating on the water with its marking system in the emission position and its integrated buoyancy element in the deployed position,

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a longitudinal section of a system for locating an individual large-area safety device in accordance with the present invention, said tracking system being in the non-emission position and being shown enlarged with respect to its representation in Figures 1 to 3.

Before describing in detail one embodiment of the invention, it is recalled that it relates to an individual safety device comprising an integrated buoyancy element and a tracking system, the integrated buoyancy element comprising means for detecting the buoyancy. a sinking situation and deployment means of said element in response to the detection of the sinking situation, the tracking system comprising means for transmitting a signal configured to transmit a distress signal when they are activated, the device being configured so that the deployment of the integrated buoyancy element causes the activation of the transmitting means and therefore the sending of a distress signal.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, the individual safety device 1 for a large body of water comprises an integrated buoyancy element 2 and a tracking system 3. This device 1 is worn by one person and serves both by its buoyancy integrated element 2 to maintain the person when it fell into the water while allowing a precise location of the position at any time of the person via the tracking system 3. This tracking system 3 is in radio frequency contact with a receiver module located at a distance and communicates to this receiver module the geographical location at a given moment of the person fallen in the water.

It should be borne in mind that the proportions of the marking system 3 with respect to the integrated buoyancy element 2 illustrated in the figures are purely illustrative and that these proportions can vary without departing from the scope of the invention.

The integrated buoyancy element 2 can be worn around the trunk of the person. The element 2 is then advantageously U-shaped around the neck of the person and performing on the neck a support action to maintain the head of the person in the open air above the water level . In this case, it is advantageously provided a belt 7 connecting the free ends of the two arms of the U of the element 2, this belt 7 being closed by a loop 8, said belt 7 being substantially at the height of the size of the nobody.

This element 2 may also be in the form of a buoy surrounding the waist of the person forming an inflated belt. In all cases, the main feature of the integrated buoyancy element 2 is to include an integrated flotation means ensuring the maintenance of at least a part of the body of the person who has fallen into the water, usually his or her head. above the surface of the water.

In known manner, the integrated buoyancy element 2 comprises means for detecting a situation of falling into the water or sinking and means for automatically deploying said element in response to the detection of a sinking situation.

The automatic deployment means may be in the form of a gas cartridge filling the integrated buoyancy element 2, this cartridge being struck when means for detecting a sinking situation detect one or more parameters reaching values representative of 'such a situation. This or one of these parameters can be a variation of the acceleration supported by the person, this variation being representative of a fall said person. Advantageously, the acceleration is replaced or taken in combination with one or more other parameters, for example a change in the temperature or pressure exerted on element 2 as well as a distance from the fallen person of the vessel on the edge of which it was located, distance which then exceeds a predetermined value. In the context of the present invention, the deployment means are also designated deployment elements of the integrated buoyancy element.

The automatic deployment of the integrated buoyancy element 2 should not be triggered in an unjustified manner, hence the interest of taking several reference parameters for the detection of such a situation of falling into the water or of shipwreck. For example, it is to be avoided that the projection of a blade of water on the individual device, without falling out of the boat of the person wearing it, then unleashed the deployment of the integrated buoyancy element 2.

The marking system 3 of the large-area safety individual device 1 comprises means for transmitting a signal configured to transmit a distress signal when they are activated, this to at least one receiving or emergency module located remote from the individual device. In the context of the present invention, the transmission means are also designated transmitter. This module, individually or in combination with other emergency receiver modules, may for example be on board the boat from which the person has dropped or a module located on land or in a means of transport, for example an airplane, a helicopter or rescue boat sailing on the large body of water, this means of transport to rescue the shipwrecked person.

This distress signal is advantageously a radiofrequency signal and can have a frequency of the order of a hundred megahertz to about ten Gigahertz.

Advantageously, it can therefore be formed a tracking network comprising at least one such individual safety device 1 on a large body of water and at least one receiving module receiving the distress signal transmitted by said device, this receiver module then being the module main backup. In the case of several individual devices communicating with less a receiver module, the radiofrequency distress signal transmitted by a specific individual device 1 comprises an identification code specific to said individual device 1 for its recognition by the receiver module.

Advantageously, the tracking system 3 comprises a geolocation transceiver for determining the parameters of the geographical position of said device 1 at a given instant, the distress signal transmitted by the transmission means of said system 3 containing said parameters. Thus, the position at a given instant of the individual safety device 1 on a large body of water and therefore of the person carrying it is communicated to the emergency receiver module, which facilitates the recovery of the wrecked person knowing exactly his position to every moment.

When at least one receiving module is aboard a rescue boat to the shipwrecked, the boat has a specific geolocation system and means for calculating the heading and the distance separating it from the point of emission of the distress signal in comparing the geolocation parameters of the boat with the geolocation parameters of the sinking person emitted by the identification system 3 of the individual security device 1. This allows faster recovery of the wrecked person.

Advantageously, the tracking system 3 comprises a GPS receiver or any other type of geolocation system in addition to its means for transmitting a distress signal to at least one emergency receiver module. As an alternative or in addition, the Iridium satellite system, which is a global satellite communication system, can also be used. In known manner, the geolocation is advantageously made by triangulation via at least three satellites.

In accordance with the present invention, the individual safety device 1 for a large body of water comprises subordination means 5, 6, 12 for the activation of the emitting means of the registration system 3 to the activation of the means of communication. automatic deployment, the activation of the automatic deployment means of said element 2 causing activation of the transmission means of the tracking system 3. Thus, the device is configured so that the deployment of the integrated buoyancy element causes the activation of the transmitting means and therefore the sending of a distress signal.

This feature of the present invention allows an automatic activation of the tracking system 3 in direct relation with the deployment of the integrated buoyancy element 2, which avoids many untimely activations of the tracking system 3 resulting in emergency actions which have no place to be.

It is obvious that the activation of the transmission means of the tracking system 3 directly caused by the activation of the automatic deployment means of the element 2 must be done both quickly and wisely.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the subordinating means 5, 6, 12 consist of a first part 12, which may be in the form of a case as will be seen later and a second part 5, 6. The first 12 and second parts 5, 6 are secured in a detachable manner between them. The first part 12 carries the emission means and said parts 5, 6, 12 in their secured position keep the transmission means deactivated while in the uncoupled position of said parts 5, 6, 12 the transmission means are activated, the deployment of the integrated buoyancy element 2 disengaging the second portion 5, 6 of the first portion 12.

Thus, before deployment of the integrated buoyancy element 2, this first portion 12 is secured to the second portion 5, 6, shown in Figures 1 to 3 by a portion 5 and a tongue 6 which will be described later. This second part 5, 6 can be moved during the deployment of the element 2 and then disengaged from the first part 12. The role of this second part 5, 6 when it is secured to the first part 12 is to keep disabled the means system 3 transmitted by the first part 12 while these emission means are activated when the second part 5, 6 is disengaged from the first part 12.

Advantageously, as it is particularly clearly visible in FIG. 3, the first part forms a housing 12 receiving internally the transmission means provided with a switch enabling the activation of said means in its closed position. The second part 5, 6 is automatically driven, during the deployment of the integrated buoyancy element 2, a position integral with the housing serving as a first part 12 in which said switch is kept open to a position separated from the housing 12 wherein said switch is closed. In this closed position of the switch, the transmission means of the registration system 3 are activated.

Advantageously, the switch is magnetically controlled metal flexible blade of the ILS type, the second part 5, 6 having, as previously indicated, a magnetized portion 5 holding the metal flexible blade in the open position of the switch when said first 12 and second parts 5, 6 are joined together.

Alternatively, the switch has a magnetized blade, the second portion 5, 6 having a metal portion 5 maintaining the blade in the open position of the switch when said first 12 and second portions 5, 6 are joined together.

To detach the first 12 and second portions 5, 6, said portions 12, 5, 6 are connected with the integrated buoyancy element 2 at different respective connection locations. The connection location of the first portion 12 is referenced 4 in FIGS. 1 to 3 while the connection location of the second portion 5, 6 is referenced 4a in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, the separation of the second portion 5 , 6 with the first part 12 is done automatically during the deployment of the integrated buoyancy element 2 and without damaging said second part 5, 6.

The spacing between the connection location 4bis of the second portion 5, 6 and the connection location 4 of the first portion 12 with the integrated buoyant member 2 varies when the member 2 is placed in the deployed position. In Figure 1, this spacing in the unexpanded position of the integrated buoyancy element 2 is referenced 14 while in Figure 2 this spacing in the deployed position of the integrated buoyancy element 2 is referenced 14a. The spread in deployed position 14bis has a value significantly greater than the value of the spacing in the non-deployed position 14, which causes the first 12 and second parts 5, 6 to disengage, these parts 12, 5, 6 being not or not very extensible.

Advantageously, the second part 5, 6 is in the form of a tongue 6 or a flexible tape of fabric or plastic, this tongue 6 being attached at one end to the connection location 4bis with the integrated buoyancy element 2. This tongue 6 carries at its other end, said free end, the magnetized or metallic portion 5 according to the switch used in the tracking system 3.

Advantageously, the second portion 5, 6 can be returned to the securing position with the first portion 12 when the integrated buoyancy element 2 is returned to the non-deployed position. This has the advantage of being able to reuse the second part 5, 6 for a new activation of the emission means, this second part 5, 6 having not suffered any damage during the separation with the first part 12.

It should be borne in mind that other forms of first and second parts and / or switches can be envisaged. For example, a switch can be used in the emission means of the pressure sensitive identification system 3 in the integrated buoyancy element 2 with the switch positioned in its closed position when the pressure in the element 2 exceeds a predetermined value, this advantageously exceeding a predetermined period of time.

It can also be provided a second part 5, 6 directly interrupting the supply of the transmission means as said second portion 5, 6 is not detached from the first portion 12 containing the transmitting means. In this case, the activation of the transmitting means is always done when the second part 5, 6 is separated from the first part 12 by removing the second part 5, 6 of the first part 12 during the deployment of the element. integrated buoyancy 2.

The various main elements composing the tracking system 3 will now be detailed mainly with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

As is particularly visible in FIG. 3, the tracking system 3 comprises a housing 12 grouping mainly all the electronic elements of the system 3 and an antenna 10. By way of illustration, the electronic elements of the tracking system 3 may comprise a microcontroller, a receiver / transmitter of a geolocation system, means for transmitting a distress signal that may be in the form of a radio transmitter, at least a switch as previously mentioned and batteries for the supply of the various electronic elements.

The integrated buoyancy element 2 is shaped so that, when said element 2 is deployed, the housing 12 is substantially horizontal and the antenna 10 is substantially vertical. The antenna 10 of the tracking system 3 is advantageously articulated around said housing 12 to be deployed in a vertical position, this during the deployment of the integrated buoyancy element 2. Said antenna 10 carries at its free end the emitting portion 17 for the communication with the geolocation system and at least one remote receiver module. In Figure 4, this articulation is done by the hinge member 15 which triggers the deployment of the antenna 10 when the element 2 is deployed.

In another alternative, a support part of the antenna 10 or the whole of the antenna 10 can be inflated during the deployment of the integrated buoyancy element 2 for the setting in substantially vertical working position of the antenna 10 .

The integrated buoyancy element 2 is shaped so that, when said element 2 is deployed, the antenna 10 is arranged in part at least above the surface of the water. This antenna 10 advantageously serves radiofrequency transmission / reception between the individual device 1 and emergency means. The individual device 1 also comprises an antenna communicating with the GPS-type geolocation system, this antenna being able to extend horizontally above the integrated buoyant element 2.

The housing serving as the first part 12 of the marking system 3 is carried by a support 13, this support 13 being connected by a fastening portion 11 to the integrated buoyancy element 2, this at the connection location 4 of the the first part 12 to the element 2. This support 13 is connected to its connection location 4 on said element 2 with a freedom of movement relative to said element 2 so as to be positioned substantially in a horizontal plane when said element 2 is deployed.

Advantageously, at least one of the housing 12 and the support 13 is configured so that the majority of the assembly formed by said housing 12 and the support 13 floats above the water level 9.

As is particularly visible in Figure 4, the antenna 10 of the registration system 3 has retaining means in the retracted position when the integrated buoyancy element 2 is in the non-deployed position. These holding means in the retracted position are associated with automatic deployment means of the antenna 10 when the integrated buoyancy element is deployed. As previously mentioned, the registration system 3 comprises a housing 12 comprising the various electronic elements for the operation of the antenna 10, this housing 12 being sealed by a cover 16.

In FIG. 4, the antenna 10 is shown folded against the registration system 3 and more particularly against a convex portion of the cover 16 of the housing 12 while in FIG. 3, the antenna 10 is shown in a position close to the vertical in the extended position of work.

In FIG. 1, an antenna 10 is shown

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the detection means for activating the deployment of the integrated buoyancy element 2 can be based on the detection of the fall in the water of the person wearing the individual safety device 1. . This can be obtained by detection means in the form of at least one acceleration sensor or a gyroscope detecting parameters representative of a fall of said person. These means of detecting the fall of the person, advantageously by measuring the acceleration that said person undergoes, have proved to be the most reliable. Indeed, false measurements can not occur during splashes of water on the element 2 without the person carrying the element 2 falls, as is the case with other detection means based solely on a prolonged contact of element 2 with water.

It is nevertheless possible that the means of detection according to an acceleration experienced by the person provided with the individual device 1 may be replaced or combined with other detection means, for example means for detecting prolonged contact of the element 2 with the water, taking into account or not a duration of contact to effectively determine whether it is a question of immersion of the person in the body of water or a projection of water on the element 2 carried by the person without falling into the water or a distance from the individual device 1 of his original boat to effectively determine whether the person associated with the device 1 has actually fallen into the water, in which case his distance from the boat exceeds a certain predetermined value or is still on board the vessel, in which case his distance from the boat is limited by the dimensions of the boat. Thus, it may also be possible to confirm or deny an activation by taking into account one or more of these parameters.

With regard to the automatic means of detection by contact with water, these detection means operate by pressure of the water on a membrane or a hydrostatic valve present on the integrated buoyancy element 2. When the person coated with the device Safety 1 individual on large body of water falling into the water, the pressure exerted by the water on the membrane or on the hydrostatic valve of the element 2 increases and the water comes into contact with a hydrosensitive constituent present in Element 2.

This constituent, frequently by its dissolution or its destruction in water, makes it possible to activate the deployment of the element 2. For example, the dissolution or destruction of this constituent can actuate a stainless steel spring which pushes a needle or a needle in the end of a previously mentioned cartridge containing the filling gas of the element 2. The gas instantly fills the element 2 and the complete buoyancy of the element 2 can be reached in 4 to 5 seconds.

In the context of the present invention, the means for detecting a sinking situation are also designated sensor or detector.

Instead of providing, as in the prior art, in addition to the detection means for effecting the activation of the deployment of the integrated buoyancy element 2 detection means for the activation of the tracking system 3, it is used according to the present invention only means of detection for activating the deployment of the element 2. These detection means thus grouped also automatically ensure the deployment of the tracking system via the subordination means 5, 6, 12, also referred subordination elements in the frame of the present invention. This offers the possibility of providing different detection means for activating the deployment of the element, which makes it possible to reduce the number of false distress alarm transmissions by the individual safety device 1 on a large body of water according to the present invention. invention.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described but extends to any embodiment within its spirit.

REFERENCES

. individual device

. integrated buoyancy element

. tracking system

. connection locationbis. connection location. portion

. tongue

. belt

. loop

. water level

0. antenna

1. attachment portion

2. first part

3. support

4. gap at rest

4a. spread in deployed position5. articulation element

6. cover

7. sending part

Claims

1. Large-area safety individual device (1) comprising an integrated buoyancy element (2) and a tracking system (3), the integrated buoyancy element (2) comprising means for detecting a situation of sinking and deployment means of said element in response to the detection of the sinking situation, the tracking system (3) comprising means for transmitting a signal configured to transmit a distress signal when activated, characterized in that it comprises means for subordinating (5, 6, 12) the activation of the transmission means of the tracking system (3) to the activation of the automatic deployment means, the subordination means (5, 6, 12) being configured so that the deployment of said integrated buoyancy element (2) causes activation of the transmission means of the tracking system (3).

2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the subordination means (5, 6, 12) consist of a first (12) and a second parts (5, 6) adapted to be secured in a manner removable between them, the first part (12) carrying the transmitting means, the device being configured so that when the first and second parts (5, 6, 12) are secured they keep the transmitting means deactivated and when they are disengaged they cause the activation of the emission means, the device being shaped so that the deployment of the integrated buoyancy element (2) disengages the first (12) and second (5, 6) parts.

3. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first part forms a housing (12) receiving internally the transmitting means provided with a switch enabling the activation of said transmitting means in its closed position, the second part (5, 6) being automatically driven during deployment of the integrated buoyancy element (2) from a position secured to the housing (12) in which said switch is kept open to a position separated from the housing (12) in which said switch is closed.

4. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the switch is magnetically controlled blade, the second portion (5, 6) having a portion (5) magnetized holding the blade in the open position of the switch when said first (12) and second parts (5, 6) are joined together.

5. Device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the switch has a magnetized blade, the second portion (5, 6) having a portion (5) metal holding the blade in the open position of the switch when said first (5) 12) and second parts (5, 6) are interconnected.

6. Device (1) according to any one of the four preceding claims, wherein the first (12) and second parts (5, 6) are connected to the integrated buoyancy element (2) at connection locations (4). , 4a), so that the gap (14 or 14a) between the connection location (4a) of the second portion (5, 6) and the connection location (4) of the first portion (12) ) varies when the integral buoyancy element (2) is placed in the extended position.

7. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second portion (5, 6) is mainly in the form of a tongue (6) or a flexible tape of fabric or plastic.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tracking system (3) comprises an antenna (10) having means for holding in the retracted position when the integrated buoyancy element (2) is in position. position not deployed, these holding means in the retracted position being associated with automatic deployment means configured to deploy the antenna (10) when the integrated buoyant element (2) is deployed.

9. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the marking system (3) comprises a housing (12) and wherein the antenna (10) of the registration system (3) is articulated in rotation on the housing ( 12).

10. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the integrated buoyancy element (2) is shaped so that, when it is deployed, the housing (12) extends substantially horizontally and the antenna (10) ) substantially vertically.

1 1. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the integrated buoyancy element (2) is shaped so that, when said element (2) is deployed, the antenna (10) is arranged at least partially above the surface of the water.

12. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the marking system (3) comprises a support (13) for the housing (12) of said system (3), the support (13) being connected with a freedom of movement. movement relative to said integrated buoyant element (2) so as to be positioned substantially in a horizontal plane when said element (2) is deployed and partly at least immersed.

13. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the housing (12) and the support (13) is configured so that the majority of the assembly formed by the housing (12) and the support (13) floats.

14. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for detecting a sinking situation detect individually or in combination one or more parameters having a value representative of a fall of said device (1) in the water, this or these parameters being chosen from the acceleration applied to said device (1) and / or a prolonged contact of said device (1) with the water and / or an increase of the pressure exerted on said device (1) .

15. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for detecting a sinking situation comprise means configured to detect the exceeding of a threshold distance between the device (1) and a separate point. of the device (1).

16. Device (1) according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein the means for detecting a sinking situation are configured so that a predetermined duration of detection of a value of a parameter indicating a fall the device in water or exceeding a threshold distance is required for the detection of a sinking situation.

17. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tracking system (3) comprises a geolocation transceiver for determining the geolocation parameters of said device (1) at a given time, the signal distress transmitted by the transmission means of said system (3) containing said parameters.

18. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the integrated buoyancy element (2) is a lifejacket.

19. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the integrated buoyancy element (2) is a lifebuoy.

20. Identification network comprising at least one large-area safety device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one receiving module receiving the distress signal emitted by said device (1).