WO2020210838A1

WO2020210838A1 - Smart and biotech jewelry and accessories for self defense

Info

Publication number: WO2020210838A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/028012
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gold Darr HOOD; Rachael Lynn ANDERSON
Original assignee: Board Of Regents Of The University Of Texas System
Priority date: 2019-04-11
Filing date: 2020-04-13
Publication date: 2020-10-15
Also published as: US20220120537A1

Abstract

The disclosed self defense devices include devices configured to look like everyday clothing or accessories, but which allow a user to respond to potential danger or attack.

Description

SMART AND BIOTECH JEWELRY AND ACCESSORIES FOR SELF DEFENSE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62/832,858 filed April 11, 2019, entitled Smart and Biotech Jewelry and Accessories for Self Defense, the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[002] The disclosed invention relates to the field of self-defense devices.

[003] Violence of women is a worldwide problem. There are lots of traditional devices on the market for women’s self defense (tasers in bulky handheld devices, pepper spray in open canisters, etc.). There are many issues with these products. They can be difficult to take through security, women must carry purses or constantly hold devices in order to have them available. Usually women carry them in purses, meaning they are not immediately accessible in the event of surprising aggression. These devices also tend to assume that the user immediately responds with aggression, which is not typically the case. There is a need for products that are intended to prevent and limit the damage incurred in assaults. The disclosed invention allow for self defense devices to be worn which can naturally facilitate low key escalation (key in product adoption and success) and encourage women and allies to protect each other as well. There are also many future applications for use with parents to minors, the elderly, etc. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[004] According to one embodiment, a wearable device is provided which contains electronics which when worn creates a constantly "on" circuit. The electronics may be comprised of a closed circuit resistance wire, battery and recharging circuit/port, speaker, lights, and an optional communication and control interface via radio, cellular, or bluetooth. When the closed circuit is disconnected by leaving the body of the wearer without deactivating, the device emits a signal, either electromagnetic or sound, which transmits data.

[005] In some embodiments the data signal interacts with a corresponding software application when near one or more mobile electronic devices. In one embodiment the signal is configured to be unique to each bracelet and may trigger the activation of an alert linked directly to the owner’s profile. In some embodiments the software may be configured to allow the user to designate other users to be notified. In some configurations, those individuals will receive push notifications of the alarm. In some embodiments, if the users’ phone is on, in communication range, and with a GPS signal, the location of the phone may be included in the alert message. In some embodiments a user’s information may be stored in the application and may include standard information such as a photo(s), age, name or other identifying information. In some embodiments the software may be configured by the user to include details about their next few hours, such as a description of someone the bracelet owner was meeting, where they intended to go, photos showing current clothing, or other specifics.

[006] In some embodiments the software may be configured to allow nearby users, designated contacts, authorities, or a third-party security service of the users choosing to show other users they are attempting to find the user who triggered the alert. Multiple application/software users may seek the bracelet owner simultaneously. When found, those users may take a photo and confirm via the software that the bracelet owner has been located and declared ΌK’. In some embodiments, if the user desires, they may configure the software to allow location info to be shared if used in conjunction with the users own phone application. [007] In some embodiments the wearable device may use sim enabled GPS to connect with web/phone app hosted software to allow for the trigger of an alert, transmission of location, and coordinated search activities.

[008] In some embodiments the wearable device may be triggered by separation of a magnetic clasp. In some aspects the wearable device is a construct intended to be worn around a narrow portion of the body, namely the wrist, but may also be worn on the arm, neck, ankle or fmger/toe of the subject. In some embodiments the device may also utilize bluetooth communication to connect with phone application and associated hosted software to allow for the trigger of an alert, transmission of location from phone, and coordinated search activities, instead of natively transmitting. In addition to gps, sim, or bluetooth technologies, the device may also integrate ancillary components, such as an altitude sensor, accelerometer, speaker/microphone, and other sensors in order to improve identification of a subjects location in dense/vertical urban environments or complex isolated terrain.

[009] In some embodiments the wearable device includes indicator lights. The purpose of the indicator lights is to show that the bracelet is charged and/or that it is ready to be activated. In some embodiments no lights would indicate that the bracelet needs to be recharged before use. In some embodiments one light would indicate that the bracelet is charged and on and is currently sending the alert signal. In some embodiments two lights may indicate that the bracelet is charged, on, and awaiting activation. In some aspects the bracelet is closed around the wrist before activation. In some embodiments the user may deactivate an accidental alert via a passcode on their own phone application or via the application and their unique passcode on another user’s phone. The bracelet may then need to be reset on the users wrist to return to the two light‘ready’ condition. Some embodiments of the invention may incorporate a concealed button which when depressed, will trigger the software to auto-contact authorities.

[010] In some embodiments the wearable device may be comprised of three distinct components. One component would be an electronics component housing the sensors, power supply, communications equipment, memory, and processors. A second component may be comprised of a water-proof covering that surrounds the electronics and is configured to protect them from moisture and dirt and sand. A third component would be a decorative component that would cover-up and conceal the electronics and water-proof components. In some embodiments the electronic component will be configured to a standard that will allow it to attach to multiple different designs of decorative covers.

[Oi l] In some embodiments the wearable self defense device may be a necklace with a built in taser/stun gun. In some aspects this design may comprise a distributed series of batteries around the cord of the necklace, and configured so that it falls naturally and comfortably on the chest and back of the wearer. In some embodiments the necklace may incorporate a center drop pendant containing the electrical leads for delivering shock stimulation. In some aspects, the connecting wires may be housed in high strength/abrasion resistant cord, with one clasp section configured for easy (<151bf) failure, so that the device may not be used to strangle the owner, or to allow the device to be easily disconnected for better aiming of the device against an assailant.

[012] In some embodiments the device is configured so that the device is not activated until the wearer deactivates a safety mechanism in the drop pendant. This may be done with or without removal from the body, In one embodiments the wearer may remove the necklace by firmly tugging, and then may press a button in the pendant to activate the electrical discharge towards the target. In some aspects the device may be specifically designed and configured to have only one or two charges, so that it may not be taken and used against the owner by an assailant.

[013] In some embodiments the pendant housing is designed to blend aesthetically with the necklace, employing metallic finishes to disguise electrical leads and necklace functionality. In some aspects the device is configured to maximize accessibility/deploy ability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. In some embodiments the device may be comprised of an interchangeable housing and/or multiple decorative designs to encourage frequent wear, without compromising safety. In some embodiments the device may incorporate one handed safety release mechanisms and/or secondary activation button(s) for increased safety.

[014] In some embodiments the device may be worn as a pendant or as a distributed collection of electrical components within aesthetic cases connected by wires wrapped in wire tubing and then further protected by braided sheaths around the neck. In some embodiments the device is configured to use miniaturized high voltage, low amperage electric discharge(s) to stun assailants.

[015] In some embodiments the self defense device may be a travel bag with built in taser/stun gun. In some embodiments the bag may be made of slash resistant material, and be water resistant and lockable with a built in taser/stun gun apparatus allowing user configured preference of discharge allotment. In some aspects a taser/stun gun apparatus may be comprised of a battery component, a charging component, a voltage amplifying circuit, a detachable trigger, electrode housing, and electrodes configured to deliver an electric shock to an assailant. In some embodiments the device may function as a bag, having any size or method of carry (back straps, cross body, two handles, clutch, or any variation thereof).

[016] In some embodiments the bottom of the bag may contain a structural layer with removable compartments. These compartments may contain batteries, control board(s), interface points, sensors, and a stun/taser gun. The stun/taser gun compartment may be separated entirely from the bag and its compartment may be substituted by the user with a charging port interface for USB devices. While connected to batteries, the lead trigger section of the stun/taser gun may be freed from the base of the bag via a one handed motion by sliding a hand between fabric layers at the connection point and pulling a release handle. The lead trigger may be connected by a spring return spooling cable, allowing the operator to aim 365 degrees holding the leads a short distance from the body. The primary batteries may be stored in two compartment sections with the control board and sensors located in a compartment between them, to better distribute weight. Additional sensors, such as cameras, may be added on externally facing portions of the bag and connected via wire in the lining to the control board. The control board may allow for bluetooth or gps functionality to enable for lost and found searches. In some embodiments the external fabric is IPX6 and includes watertight zipper access to items. Some embodiments may include removable and interchangeable aesthetic components, which may be metal and subject to harmless oxidation degradation.

[017] In some embodiments, with or without the stun/taser gun, the device may be used to charge USB devices by plugging them into a USB outlet on the interior of the bag. The outlet may be sewn and glued into place in the lining and the connecting wire may run through the lining to the battery components. The user may disconnect all detachable compartments simultaneously for use a non technical storage tool. To do so, they may unzip the entire bottom section and use the fabric flap to secure the power connection points from exposure.

[018] In some embodiments the invention may be comprised of high heel shoes with concealed embedded features. These features may include a knife, secondary communication mechanism, or other tools useful for self defense and survival situations. As an example, The heel of the high heel shoe may comprise a sheath section that covers a sharp spike or blade, such sheath section configured to be released from the body of the shoe when a trigger mechanism is depressed, freeing the spike or blade for use.

[019] In some embodiments one or more trigger mechanisms may be placed on either the front or back of the shoe. It is important that the device is functional as a heeled shoe wherein the heel contains one or more sharpened metal edges. Several configurations of the invention are possible, including one with three bladed edges arranged with dull straight edges facing out and sharpened edges facing in towards a center structural pole. In some embodiments a removable five sided casing may protect the environment from the sharpened components until overwise desired by the wearer.

[020] In some embodiments, to remove the casing, the wearer may depress both a button located on the toe of the shoe and one on the back of the heel. Each button, when pressed, may disconnect a locking clasp on the front and back side of the casing where it connects to the bottom plate of the shoe. All metal components of the heel may be welded to a metal plate bottom sole of the shoe. The shoe may be any heeled shoe, including boot, wedge, sandal, or any other categorization. The casing may be reattached by pressing it firmly into the latch points. This ensures that accidental depression of one of the two buttons operating the latch removal can be remedied by pressing the heel of the shoe into the ground or floor. Further, after pressing both buttons to remove the casing, the wearer may then raise their foot to step out of the casing. The buttons for removal may be designed in any shape and may have a surface in any color and texture, allowing them to blend into the aesthetic design of the shoe. The fabric of the shoe and the sole padding may be bolted into the plate bottom with IPX8 sealant for environmental protection. [021] In some embodiments the invention may be comprised of a dress pin or brooch that is configured to spray an assailant with pepper spray or any other type of self defense spray. In some aspects, the invention utilizes a spraying mechanism and trigger mechanism facing away from the user with these mechanisms coupled to a pepper spray reservoir housed in a corresponding bra/bralette pocket. The pocket may be clip secured to any bra/bralette and holds the primary canister of pepper spray. A flexible high strength plastic hose may connect the cannister to the brooch outlet. In one embodiment an activation button is placed on the bottom side of the brooch which when depressed sends a signal to the pepper spray canister, releasing the contents through the hose and through the outlet on the brooch. The placement of the button may facilitate an upward direction of release of the spray, which is more likely to impact the assailant in the desired zones such as the eyes. The brooch housing may surround the outlet and may be capable of being interchanged with other differently decorated models to encourage frequent wear. In one embodiment, to exchange brooch pendants, the user need only detach the outlet nozzle and activation button from the chosen brooch and fit them into the newly selected model. The device may be comprised of a pressurized container, an aesthetically designed section with securement pins/delivery spout/activation trigger with protective buffer, an interlocking mechanism designed to interface with a layer of cloth in between, and an aerosol delivery section (tubing/pressure lock joints).

[022] In some embodiments the wearable self defense device may be a ring with a shielded needle or spike(s) than can be embedded with various chemical substances that can incapacitate an assailant. The shielding may be operated by a thumb manipulated rolling switch on the palm side of the ring, and would cover the payload embedded spikes/needles. Spikes may have a hole in the tip and along the sides which may be comprised of an elastomeric polymer which compresses on impact, In one embodiment such compression would allow for a pressurized release through the side holes in the spikes when the front tip is impacted into a target. In some embodiments the spikes may be impregnated with chemical payloads, such as stingray venom, or other incapacitating substances which trigger a debilitating effect on the assailant. In some aspects the ring may be operated by removing the shield via same-handed trigger mechanism and forcibly contacting the spiked surface with open skin on an assailant. In one embodiment, a ring, as worn on the finger, has a surface populated with hollow polymer conical spikes. These spikes may be embedded during or post manufacture with a chemical agent possessing properties such as a florescence/biomarker for tracking or paralytic agents. When the ring is impacted into a surface, the pressure at the tip of the cones will cause the embedded agents to push out of holes along the cone exteriors. In order to prevent accidental discharge, the cones may be sheathed by a plate surface whose alignment is controlled by rolling the thumb of the wearer along a cylinder, ratcheting a gear to move, unsheathe, or re-sheath the cones. In some embodiments the entire structure or part thereof may be coated with a thin polymer layer for the purpose of protecting the embedded chemicals from exposure to water and other elements.

[023] Other embodiments of the invention are discussed throughout this application. Any embodiment discussed with respect to one aspect applies to other aspects as well and vice versa. Each embodiment described herein is understood to be embodiments that are applicable to all aspects of the invention. It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed herein can be implemented with respect to any device, method, or composition, and vice versa. Furthermore, systems, compositions, and kits of the invention can be used to achieve methods of the invention.

[024] The use of the word "a" or "an" when used in conjunction with the term "comprising" in the claims and/or the specification may mean "one," but it is also consistent with the meaning of "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one."

[025] Throughout this application, the term "about" is used to indicate that a value includes the standard deviation of error for the device or method being employed to determine the value.

[026] The use of the term "or" in the claims is used to mean "and/or" unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and "and/or."

[027] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words "comprising" (and any form of comprising, such as "comprise" and "comprises"), "having" (and any form of having, such as "have" and "has"), "including" (and any form of including, such as "includes" and "include") or "containing" (and any form of containing, such as "contains" and "contain") are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[028] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[029] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specification embodiments presented herein.

[030] Figure 1 is an alert bracelet

[031] Figure 2 is a view of the electrical components of an alert bracelet

[032] Figure 3 is a view of a inner electronics component of an alert bracelet

[033] Figure 4 is a decorative external cover for an alert bracelet

[034] Figure 5 is a necklace with an integrated stun gun

[035] Figure 6 is a bag with integrated stun gun

[036] Figure 7 illustrates the wiring and electrodes of a bag with integrated stun gun

[037] Figure 8 is an pin/brooch capable of discharging pepper spray

[038] Figure 9 illustrates the plumbing pin/brooch capable of discharging pepper spray

[039] Figure 10 is high heel shoe with a sheathed spike in the heel

[040] Figure 11 illustrates a boot with a 3 spikes in the heel

[041] Figure 12 illustrates a wearable self defense device ring with shielded spikes

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[042] Figure 1 illustrates a wearable device is provided which contains electronics which when the clasp is secured creates a constantly "on" circuit [101] The electronics may be comprised of a closed circuit resistance wire which is integrated with the clasp [102], recharging circuit/port [104], speaker [106], indicator lights [105], screen [103], a plurality of battery packs [107], and an optional communication and control interface via radio, cellular, or bluetooth. When the closed circuit is disconnected by leaving the body of the wearer without deactivating, the device emits a signal, either electromagnetic or sound, which transmits data.

[043] In some embodiments the wearable device may be comprised of three distinct components. Figure 2 illustrates an electronics component housing the sensors, power supply, communications equipment, memory, and processors. As seen in Figure 3, a second component may be comprised of a water-proof covering that surrounds the electronics and is configured to protect them from moisture and dirt and sand. Figure 4 illustrates a third decorative component that would cover-up and conceal the electronics and water-proof components. In some embodiments the electronic component will be configured to a standard that will allow it to attach to multiple different designs of decorative covers.

[044] Figure 5 illustrates a wearable self defense device configured as a necklace with a built in taser/stun gun. In some aspects this design may comprise a voltage amplifier circuit [501], a trigger to activate the stun function [502], In some embodiments the necklace may incorporate a center drop pendant containing the electrical leads [503] for delivering shock stimulation. In some aspects, the connecting wires may be housed in high strength/abrasion resistant cord, with one clasp section configured for easy (<15 lbf) failure, so that the device may not be used to strangle the owner, or to allow the device to be easily disconnected for better aiming of the device against an assailant a distributed series of batteries [504], [505] around the cord of the necklace, and configured so that it falls naturally and comfortably on the chest and back of the wearer.

[045] Figure 6 illustrates a travel bag with modular built in taser/stun gun mechanism [601] In some aspects a taser/stun gun mechanism may be comprised of a plurality of battery cells [602], a charging component [603], a voltage amplifying circuit [606], a detachable trigger and electrode housing [604], and electrodes configured to deliver an electric shock to an assailant [605] In some embodiments the device may function as a bag, having any size or method of carry (back straps, cross body, two handles, clutch, or any variation thereof) and including a grip release mechanism to free the trigger/electrode housing [607] [046] Figure 7 illustrates one embodiment of a travel bag with modular built in taser/stun gun mechanism wherein there a four distinct batter packs [701] wired together by channels that run through the carrying straps [702]

[047] Figure 8 illustrates a dress pin or brooch [801] that is configured to spray an assailant with pepper spray or any other type of self-defense spray. In some aspects, the invention utilizes a spraying mechanism [804] and trigger mechanism [805] facing away from the user with these mechanisms coupled via hose to a pepper spray reservoir [803] housed in a corresponding bra/bralette pocket. The pocket [807] may be clip secured to any bra/bralette [808] and holds the primary canister [806] of pepper spray. The separate trigger mechanism allows for indirect cannister activation. An activation button [805] is placed on the bottom side of the brooch which when depressed sends a signal to the pepper spray canister, releasing the contents through the hose and through the outlet on the brooch. The placement of the button may facilitate an upward direction of release of the spray, which is more likely to impact the assailant in the desired zones such as the eyes. A flexible high strength plastic hose [802] may connect the cannister to the brooch outlet using a noodle channel as shown in Figure 9. In one embodiment an activation button [805] is placed on the bottom side of the brooch which when depressed sends a signal to the pepper spray canister, releasing the contents through the hose and through the outlet on the brooch. The placement of the button may facilitate an upward direction of release of the spray, which is more likely to impact the assailant in the desired zones such as the eyes. The brooch housing [901] may surround the outlet [902] and may be capable of being interchanged with other differently decorated models to encourage frequent wear. The projection nozzle may be embedded in the physical aesthetic brooch faces. In embodiments where the pepper spray canister is detached, the interlocking threaded screw connection is interlaced on the back of the brooch, connecting the electrical release trigger and aerosol disbursement pathways. In embodiments where the pepper spray canister is miniaturized, the canister may be physically mounted to brooch by an interlocking turn fit with safety catch, like a puzzle piece with rotation and mechanical bracket for a safety catch as may be found on a puzzle frame. In this case, the nozzle is inserted through the matching hole in the aesthetic brooch face.

[048] Figure 10 illustrates one example of a high heel shoe wherein the heel of the high heel shoe may comprise a sheath section [1003] that covers a sharp spike or blade, such sheath section configured to be released from the body of the shoe when a trigger mechanism [1001], [1002] is depressed, freeing the spike or blade for use. As a safety feature, multiple triggers may need to be depressed to release the sheath. Figure 11 illustrates a boot with three exposed spikes or blades after the sheath has been released.

[049] Figure 12 illustrates a wearable self defense device ring with shielded spikes [1103] The shielding [1102] may be operated by a thumb manipulated rolling switch [1101] on the palm side of the ring, and would cover the payload embedded spikes/needles.

Claims

1. What is claimed is a self defense device comprising:

a necklace having a body portion configured with embedded electrodes capable of applying a stunning shock to an assailant; wherein said body is further comprised of a distributed series of batteries along its length to allow for natural draping over the neck and back.

2. What is claimed is an electrically powered bracelet with accompanying software application that facilitates discreet signaling for assistance from nearby application users, designated contacts, and/or authorities or participating designated organizations and the coordinated search for the bracelet owner by those entities.

3. What is claimed is a bag that enables a user less than two seconds to access a concealed, electrically powered stun device.

4. What is claimed is a high heeled shoe having a collection of blades embedded in the heel; wherein said collection of blades is configured in a geometric pattern.

5. What is claimed is a brooch which acts as a release point for a system to release gas in the direction of an assailant.

6. What is claimed is a ring which utilizes hollow spikes and embedded reactive agents to transfer chemical agents to a target upon physical contact above 51bf.