WO2014110632A1

WO2014110632A1 - Safety device

Info

Publication number: WO2014110632A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/000034
Authority: WO
Inventors: David John Ashard; Ashley Morris
Original assignee: Zactill Intellectual Property Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-01-21
Filing date: 2014-01-21
Publication date: 2014-07-24
Also published as: AU2014207253A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a safety device (9). The safety device comprises a container (12) to hold material to be employed in a chemical reaction in which an in inflating product is produced. The container is operatively associated with an inflatable bladder to be worn by a user, wherein in use inflating product produced by the chemical reaction inflates the inflatable bladder. The safety device further includes an actuator (18) adapted to trigger the chemical reaction and a controller (12) operatively associated with the actuator. The controller includes a sensor assembly (35) wherein in use the controller is adapted to generate an activation signal responsive to measurements taken by the sensor assembly and the actuator is adapted to trigger the chemical reaction responsive to the activation signal generated by the controller.

Description

SAFETY DEVICE

FIELD

[0001] The invention concerns a safety device, particularly but not exclusively, a safety device for keeping a user afloat in a body of water during an emergency situation.

BACKGROUND

[0002] More than a million people die annually as a result of drowning. In the great majority of drowning incidents the victim had no intention of going into the water, but came to be in the water due to an accident, for example being swept from a pier by a large wave.

[0003] As far as water recreational activities are concerned, cruising in small motorised boats rank high in the list of activities drowning victims were engaged in at the time of drowning. Such drowning incidents frequently occur as a result of boats capsizing or victims falling overboard after a collision with other boats or floating objects. Often victims succumb when they are unable to reach their lifejackets or become exhausted from treading water before help arriving.

[0004] Another factor contributing to the number of drownings at sea is the occurrence of what is referred to as a "rip current" or a "riptide". A rip current is a strong channel of water which flows seaward from the shore, typically through the surf line. It can occur at any time, causing a swimmer to be taken deep into the ocean. Typically swimmers caught in a rip current will find that they are unable to fight the current, with the result that they have no alternative but to stay afloat for a prolonged period of time while awaiting the arrival of help. Victims of such currents, however, succumb when they become exhausted from treading water before any help can arrive.

[0005] A major danger associated with the sport of rock fishing is that of being swept by an unusually large wave while fishing from a rock platform. The main problem confronting a fisherman swept to sea in such a situation is to stay afloat while searching for a suitable place from which to climb from the water. Many fishermen, however, drown after becoming exhausted from having to tread water for an extended period of time without being able to reach a spot to climb from the water. [0006] In light of the threat of drowning to persons engaging in water recreational activities, various personal flotation devices ("PFDs") have been developed. Such devices include, for example, lifejackets having bladders filled with a buoyant material such as foam. Those lifejackets are, however, cumbersome to wear and are not appropriate for recreational bathers swimming in the surf, or for persons engaging in a range of other types of water recreational activities.

[0007] An alternative type of PFD employs carbon dioxide to inflate a bladder during an emergency situation. The carbon dioxide is stored in a pressure cylinder which is connected to the bladder. In an emergency situation carbon dioxide is released from the cylinder when a sealed end of the cylinder is pierced by an actuator. The actuator, in turn, is caused to pierce the sealed end when a dissolvable tablet dissolves when it comes into contact with water.

[0008] The drawback of employing a dissolvable tablet is that the bladder can accidentally be inflated when there is no emergency situation. For example, a fisherman may be safely fishing from a rock formation when spray from waves breaking against the rock formation comes into contact with the dissolvable tablet. The tablet will as a result dissolve causing the bladder to be inflated. The fisherman will thus have the inconvenience and cost of replacing the spent cylinder. Those types of PFDs also are not suitable for persons who engage in water sports as they will be activated as soon as the dissolvable tablet comes into contact with water.

OBJECT

[0009] It is the object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is disclosed herein a safety device, comprising:

a container to hold material to be employed in a chemical reaction in which an inflating product is produced, the container being operatively associated with an inflatable bladder to be worn by a user, wherein in use inflating product produced by the chemical reaction inflates the inflatable bladder;

an actuator adapted to trigger the chemical reaction; and a controller operatively associated with the actuator, the controller including a sensor assembly, wherein in use the controller is adapted to generate an activation signal responsive to measurements taken by the sensor assembly and the actuator is adapted to trigger the chemical reaction responsive to the activation signal generated by the controller.

[0011] In an embodiment the material is sodium azide (Na ) and the actuator comprises a heating element adapted to heat the sodium azide so as to react and produce inflating product in the form of nitrogen gas (N₂).

[0012] In another embodiment the container has a first compartment and a second

compartment for respectively housing a first and a second substance to be employed in the chemical reaction, the compartments being separated by a barrier.

[0013] Preferably the first substance is a reactant and the second substance is a catalyst.

[0014] Preferably the reactant is hydrogen peroxide (2H₂0₂).

[0015] Preferably the catalyst is potassium permanganate (KMn⁽D ) or manganese dioxide (Mn0₂).

[0016] In yet a further embodiment the first and second substances respectively are a first and second reactant that react during the chemical reaction to produce the inflating product.

[0017] Preferably the first reactant is sodium bicarbonate (NaHCCb) and the second reactant is hydrogen chloride (HO).

[0018] Preferably the actuator is adapted to rupture the barrier between the first and the second compartment so as to allow the first and second substance to react to produce the inflating product.

[001 ] Preferably the actuator includes a pyrotechnic composition and an igniter adapted to ignite the pyrotechnic composition, wherein ignition of the pyrotechnic composition ruptures the barrier.

[0020] Preferably the pyrotechnic composition comprises flash powder. [0021] Preferably the safety device includes a manual actuator having a piezoelectric igniter adapted to ignite the pyrotechnic composition.

[0022] Preferably the piezoelectric igniter is attached to a pull cord, the piezoelectric igniter being adapted to ignite the pyrotechnic composition responsive to a force applied to the pull cord by a user.

[0023] Preferably the sensor assembly includes a liquid or water sensor to detect the presence of water, a pressure sensor to sense water pressure when the sensor assembly is immersed in a body of water, or both a water sensor and a pressure sensor.

[0024] Preferably the sensor assembly includes a heart monitor sensor in use adapted to detect the heartbeat of a user.

[0025] Preferably the sensor assembly includes a breathing sensor in use adapted to detect breathing of a user.

[0026] Preferably the sensor assembly includes a proximity device.

[0027] Preferably the controller includes signalling means for in use signalling the location of a user during an emergency situation.

[0028] Preferably the signalling means includes an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).

[0029] Preferably the signalling means includes a GPS unit.

[0030] Preferably the container includes an electronic socket adapted to hold a plug that is in electronic communication with the controller.

[0031 ] Preferably the container is eatable within the inflatable bladder.

[0032] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is disclosed herein a safety apparatus, comprising:

a safety device according to the first aspect; and an inflatable bladder defining an inner volume,

wherein the safety device is located within the inner volume of the inflatable bladder.

[0033] Preferably the bladder includes a sealable closure.

[0034] Preferably the sealable closure comprises a pressure zip fastener.

[0035] Preferably the sealable closure comprises a press-seal closure.

[0036] Preferably the safety apparatus includes a liquid or water sensor located exterior of the inner volume to detect when the bladder is immersed in water or a pressure sensor also located exterior of the bladder to sense water pressure when the bladder is immersed in a body of water, or such a water sensor and a pressure sensor.

[0037] Preferably the safety device includes a cooling agent to dissipate heat generated during the chemical reaction.

[0038] Preferably the cooling agent is admixed with the material that is to be employed in the chemical reaction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompany drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a container for use in a first embodiment safety device;

[0041] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a controller for use with the container of Figure 1;

[0042] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a safety device of a second embodiment safety device; [0043] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a container for use in the safety device of Figure 3;

[0044] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an embodiment safety apparatus;

[0045] Figure 6 is a further schematic representation of the safety apparatus of Figure 5; and

[0046] Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a portion of an alternative bladder for use in a second embodiment safety apparatus; and

[0047] Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a third embodiment safety apparatus. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] In the specification like reference numerals will be used to indicate like components.

[0049] Figure 1 and Figure 2 respectively illustrate a container 10 and a controller 12 of an embodiment safety device 9. In use the safety device 9 will be coupled to a non-illustrated inflatable bladder. During an emergency situation during which a user is immersed in a body of water, for example in the case of the user having fallen overboard from a sea vessel, the safety device 9 will cause the bladder to be inflated so as to keep the user afloat until the user is rescued or manages to swim to safety. The safety device 9 will in use typically be attached to an article worn by a user, for example a rash guard.

[0050] The container 10 is adapted to house a chemical reaction during which an inflating product is produced. In a first embodiment the container 10 holds sodium azide (NaN3). When the sodium azide is caused to react, nitrogen gas (N₂) will be produced. The nitrogen gas is then employed as an inflating product as is discussed below.

[0051 ] The container 10 includes a compartment 14 having an electronic socket 16. The electronic socket 16 is in electronic communication with an actuator having an igniter 18.

[0052] The container 10 further includes an expansion compartment 20. The container 10 further includes a nozzle 22 which is in fluid communication with the expansion compartment 20 via a filter 24. [0053] The container 10 is generally tubular in shape. It will, however, be appreciated that the container 10 can have different shapes such as square tubular, rectangular tubular or hexagonal. The container 10 is produced from aluminium. It will of course be understood that the container 10 could be produced from other materials such as steel, plastic, brass or ceramic.

[0054] The nozzle 22 has a mouth 26 adapted to be coupled to a non-illustrated conduit which in turn is in use coupled to the non-illustrated inflatable bladder. In an emergency situation the conduit will direct inflating product from the container 10 in the direction of arrow 28 towards the inflatable bladder.

[0055] The controller 12 is connectable to the container 10 through a commumcation assembly 30. In this embodiment the communication assembly 30 comprises an electric cable 32. The cable 32 at one end includes a plug 33 which is adapted to couple with the electronic socket 16 of the container 10. It will be understood that the communication assembly 30 could be provided by alternative means, for example by wireless, Bluetooth™ or infrared connectivity. The container 10 and the controller 12 could also be physically coupled to obviate the need for such a communication assembly.

[0056] The controller 12 includes a sensor assembly 35. In use the controller 12 is adapted to generate an activation signal responsive to measurements taken by the sensor assembly 35 when indicating that the user is in distress.

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[0057] The sensor assembly 35 includes a proximity sensor 34, signalling means comprising an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) and a Global Position System (GPS) module 36, an electronic water sensor 38, a mechanical water pressure sensor 40 in

communication with a countdown timer 42, a low battery alarm 44, a remote activation module 46, a service alert module 48 to provide indication that the safety device is due for a routine service (typically in 12 month intervals), a sensor activation module function 50, a heart monitor sensor 51 to monitor the heart rate of a user as well as a breathing sensor 53 to monitor the breathing of the user. The controller 12 is powered by a rechargeable main battery 52. A second rechargeable battery 54 is provided to serve as a back-up for the main battery 52 should the latter be rundown or for some reason fail. [0058] The container 10 includes an actuator 13 that is in use adapted to trigger a chemical reaction that will produce inflating product. The actuator 13 comprises the compartment 14, electronic socket 16 and igniter 18. Upon the controller 12 generating an activation signal the igniter 18 will ignite the sodium azide in the compartment 14. Hereafter the reaction will spread to the expansion compartment 20. The reaction of the sodium azide will produce nitrogen gas. The nitrogen gas is fed through the filter 24, here a mesh filter, to the nozzle 22 from where the nitrogen gas is fed to the non-illustrated inflatable bladder. The filter 24 will serve to absorb heat generated by the expansion of the sodium azide and will also prevent particles being fed to the bladder.

[0059] The controller 12 is pre-set to provide a number of modes of operation, those being: (i) a safe mode, (ii) an off-mode, (iii) a remote mode, (iv) a manual mode and (v) a proximity mode.

[0060] In the safe mode the controller 12 will generate an activation signal upon the water sensor 38 detecting the presence of water. In the off-mode a user is able to swim and the water sensor 38 will not trigger an activation signal.

[0061] In the remote mode a user is able to swim without the controller 12 generating an activation signal. The remote activation module 46 is adapted to receive signals from a remote signalling means 47. The remote activation module 46 thus allows, for example, a child to swim and a parent to cause the chemical reaction to be triggered when the child is in distress. An activation signal is achieved by the parent activating the remote signalling means 47 to communicate with the controller 12 via the remote activation module 46. In this embodiment the remote activation module 46 comprises mobile telephony circuitry, such as a subscriber identification module (SIM) card that is adapted to communicate with a mobile telephone providing the remote signalling means 47. In use a parent can generate an activation signal by remotely communicating with the remote activation module 46.

[0062] The mobile telephone 47 will typically include application software to operate in conjunction with the safety device 9. The software may be adapted to provide information on the location of the safety device 9 and to generate an alarm signal to indicate that an emergency situation has arisen indicated by the fact that an activation signal has been generated. [0063] The proximity mode operates via the proximity sensor 34 and serves as signalling means to alert an operator that the user of the safety device 9 has moved beyond a set distance from a remote device, here a mobile telephone, held by the operator. That mode can, for example, be employed to alert a parent inside a house that a child playing outside has moved outside a set range. The parent can then take appropriate action to ensure the safety of the child.

[0064] The controller 12 includes an information display module 56, in this embodiment provided in the form of a number of non-illustrated light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs in use serve to indicate (i) the selected mode of the safety device, (ii) a low battery charge, (iii) potential low levels of inflating product within the inflating product compartment and (iv) service due alerting the user that the safety device must undergo a scheduled service. The remote activation module 46 may also include indicating means to alert an operator that an activation signal has been generated and that the user of the safety device 9 may be in distress. Similarly, the information display module 56 may include an alarm to alert third parties that the user of the safety device 9 is in distress. The alarm can be provided in the form a speaker to generate a siren and/or a light emitting device to generate a flashing light to signify distress.

[0065] A pull cord 58 is provided and is attached to a pin 60 as shown. The pin 60 is adapted to co-operate with non-illustrated circuitry of the controller 12 in such a manner that removal of the pin 60 from the controller 12 by a user pulling on the pull cord 58 will short-circuit the circuitry to cause an activation signal to be generated so that the chemical reaction will be caused to take place. In an alternative arrangement pulling on the pull cord 58 will close a switch to cause an activation signal to be generated.

[0066] To recharge the batteries 52 and 54, the controller 12 includes a recharge socket, not illustrated, which is adapted to be coupled to a charging unit connectable to an electricity supply.

[0067] A second embodiment safety device 100 is shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4. The safety device 100 includes two containers 10 adapted to house a chemical reaction during which an inflating product is to be produced for inflating an inflatable bladder 101. Each container 10 of the safety device 100 further comprises an actuator 18 adapted to trigger the chemical reaction within the containers 10. A controller 12 is in communication with each actuator 18. The controller 12 includes a non-illustrated sensor assembly. In use the controller 12 is adapted to generate an activation signal responsive to measurements taken by the sensor assembly as discussed above. The actuators 18 are adapted to trigger the chemical reaction responsive to the activation signal generated by the controller 12 as is discussed below.

[0068] Each container 10 comprises a first compartment 102 and a second compartment 104 respectively for housing a first and a second substance that is to take part in the chemical reaction. The first and second compartments are separated by a barrier 106.

[0069] In this embodiment the first substance is a reactant, specifically hydrogen peroxide (2H2O2) and the second substance is a catalyst, specifically potassium permanganate (KMnO- or manganese dioxide (Mn0₂).

[0070] Each actuator 18 includes a pyrotechnic composition 108, here flash powder, and an igniter 110 for igniting the pyrotechnic composition. In an emergency situation ignition of the pyrotechnic composition will rupture the barrier 106 to allow the first and second substances to react to produce the inflating product.

[0071 ] With the reactant being hydrogen peroxide (2H₂0₂), water and inflating product in the form of oxygen (0₂) will be produced. By employing 68 grams hydrogen peroxide and about 2 grams of potassium permanganate (KMn0₄) or manganese dioxide (Mn0₂) as catalyst, approximately 22 litres of oxygen will be generated according to the formula:

2H₂0₂ = 2H₂0 + 0₂

[0072] The safety device 100 includes a manual actuator 112 having a piezoelectric igniter 114 adapted to ignite the pyrotechnic composition. The piezoelectric igniter 114 is attached to a pull cord 116. The piezoelectric igniter 114 is adapted to ignite the pyrotechnic composition responsive to a force applied to the pull cord 116 by a user.

[0073] In a further embodiment the first and second substances respectively are first and second reactants that react to produce the inflating product. Specifically the first reactant is sodium bicarbonate (NaHC0₃) and the second reactant hydrogen chloride (HC1). Those reactants will react to produce sodium chloride, water and carbon dioxide (the inflating product) according to the following formula: NaHC0₃ + HC1 = NaCl + H₂0 + C0₂

[0074] By using about 84 grams sodium bicarbonate (NaHC0₃) and 36 grams reactant hydrogen chloride (HC1) approximately 22 litres of carbon dioxide (C0₂) will be produced.

[0075] The controller 12 of this embodiment includes an external battery pack 118. The controller 12 is further connected to the two containers 10 via cables 120 which pass through non-illustrated sealable zip fasteners in the inflatable bladder 101.

[0076] Figure 5 shows an embodiment safety apparatus, generally indicated with the reference numeral 150. The safety apparatus 150 includes an inflatable bladder 152 of an inflatable vest. The bladder 152 defines an inner volume 154. Located within the inner volume 154 is a safety device 9. To provide access to the inner volume 154, for example to replace the safety device 9, the bladder 152 includes a sealable closure 156. In this embodiment the sealable closure comprises a pressure zip fastener.

[0077] The safety device 9 further includes a water sensor 158 exterior of the inner volume 154 to detect when the bladder 152 is immersed in water as well as a pressure sensor 160, also exterior of the inner volume 154, to sense water pressure when the bladder is immersed in a body of water. The safety device 9 operates in a manner as described above and will cause the bladder 152 to become inflated with inflating product responsive to measurements taken by the water sensor 158 and the pressure sensors 160.

[0078] The safety apparatus 150 further includes an oral inflator 162 whereby a user can supplement inflating product in the bladder 152 with breath as well as an on/off switch 164 for activating and deactivating the safety device 9. To charge a battery of the safety device 9 an external charge port 166 is provided.

[0079] By enclosing the safety device 9 and its electronic circuitry within the bladder 152 as discussed above, they are protected against the corrosive effects of water, particularly salt water.

[0080] Figure 7 shows a portion of an alternative inflatable bladder 180 for use in an embodiment safety apparatus. The bladder 180 includes a sealable closure 182 whereby access can be gained to the interior of the bladder 180. The sealable closure 182 will typically be welded in position to the bladder 180. The sealable closure 182 comprises a press-seal (clip- lock), rather than a pressure zip fastener as employed in the above described embodiment. The press-seal closure 182 comprises male and female engagement portions 184 and 186 which sealingly engage when pressed together. To locate the sealable closure 182 in an open condition a pull-tab 188 is provided whereby the male and female engagement portions 184 and 186 are peeled apart. In order to re-seal the press-seal closure 182 the male and female portions 184 and 186 are simply pressed together so as to be sealingly engaged. The press-seal sealable closure 182 is produced from nylon. It will, however, be understood that the press-seal could be produced from other materials.

[0081 ] In a non-illustrated embodiment the pull-tab 188 is replaced with an oral inflator tube. When access to the interior of the bladder is required a user can simply apply a pulling force to the oral inflator tube.

[0082] In a non-illustrated embodiment the safety device includes a cooling agent to dissipate heat generated during the chemical reaction which produces inflating product. In a preferred embodiment the cooling agent is a cooling gel sold under the trade name COOL GEL™ by LA- CO Industries, Inc., Illinois USA. In one non-illustrated embodiment the cooling agent is admixed with material acting during the chemical reaction producing inflating product.

[0083] Figure 8 shows a third embodiment safety apparatus 200 comprising a container 202 located inside an inflatable bladderT56. The container 202 holds a first substance 204 to be employed in producing inflating product. The container 202 further holds an amount of a pyrotechnic composition 206 which is in use ignited by an igniter 18. The igniter 18 and pyrotechnic composition 206 constitute the actuator of the safety apparatus 200.

[0084] The inflatable bladder 206 holds a second substance 208. In use the controller 12 will cause the igniter 18 to ignite the pyrotechnic composition 206 responsive to measurements taken by the sensor assembly 35. Ignition of the pyrotechnic composition will cause rapid combustion which will rupture the container 202 and allow the first and second substances to come into contact to allow a chemical reaction to take place during which inflating product is produced. [0085] In one example the first substance is hydrogen peroxide (2H₂0₂) and the second substance is potassium permanganate (KMn0 )

[0086] In a non-illustrated embodiment the safety device includes a shark repelling device adapted to generate a sound signal to repel sharks when the safety device is used at sea.

[0087] In a further non-illustrated embodiment the safety device includes a satellite SIM unit.

[0088] In another non-illustrated embodiment of the safety device the information display module comprises a waterproof touchscreen.

[0089] In a non-illustrated embodiment the container includes a fill valve so that the container can be filled with reactants conveyed under pressure into the container.

[0090] In the specification rupture includes within its meaning to pierce, break, break open, cleave, destroy completely, break open, burst, crack, fracture, open, puncture, shatter, split or tear.

[0091] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. A safety device comprising:

an actuator adapted to trigger the chemical reaction; and

a controller operatively associated with the actuator, the controller including a sensor assembly, wherein in use the controller is adapted to generate an activation signal responsive to measurements taken by the sensor assembly and the actuator is adapted to trigger the chemical reaction responsive to the activation signal generated by the controller.

2. A safety device according to claim 1, wherein the container holds a first substance and a second substance to be employed in the chemical reaction producing the inflating product.

3. A safety device according to claim 2, wherein the first substance is a reactant and the second substance is a catalyst.

4. A safety device according to claim 3, wherein the reactant is hydrogen peroxide (2H₂0₂).

5. A safety device according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the catalyst is potassium permanganate ( Mn0₄) or manganese dioxide (Mn0₂).

6. A safety device according to claim 2, wherein the first and second substances respectively are a first and second reactant that react during the chemical reaction to produce the inflating product.

7. A safety device according to claim 6, wherein the first reactant is sodium bicarbonate (NaHC0₃) and the second reactant is hydrogen chloride (HC1).

8. A safety device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the actuator includes an igniter.

9. A safety device according to claim 8 wherein the actuator also includes a pyrotechnic composition.

10. A safety device according to claim 9, wherein the pyrotechnic composition comprises flash powder.

11. A safety device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor assembly includes a water sensor to detect the presence of water, a pressure sensor to sense water pressure when the pressure sensor is immersed in a body of water, or both a water sensor and a pressure sensor.

12. A safety device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inflatable bladder is adapted to hold the container.

13. A safety device according to claim 12, wherein the inflatable bladder includes a sealable closure.

14. A safety device according to claim 13, wherein the sealable closure comprises a pressure zip fastener or a press-seal closure.

15. A safety device according to any one of the preceding claims, including a cooling agent to dissipate heat generated during the chemical reaction.