WO2021087567A1

WO2021087567A1 - Wearable device for a marine user

Info

Publication number: WO2021087567A1
Application number: PCT/AU2020/051208
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sebastiaan Van Nuissenburg
Original assignee: Aegis 1 holdings pty ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-08
Filing date: 2020-11-06
Publication date: 2021-05-14
Also published as: AU2020379392A1

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a wearable device for a user. The wearable device includes an inflatable buoy that defines a chamber therein. The wearable device further includes an inflation system that is disposed in selective communication with the chamber of the buoy via an actuating system for selectively providing gas to the chamber and inflating the buoy. The wearable device also includes a notification system that is disposed in communication with at least one of the chamber of the buoy and the inflation system. The notification system is configured to output at least one type of distress signal based on a change of pressure in at least one of the chamber of the buoy and the inflation system.

Description

WEARABLE DEVICE FOR A MARINE USER

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The presently disclosed subject matter generally relates to the field of wearable devices. Particularly, the present subject matter relates to wearable devices that are configured to help a person e.g., a swimmer from drowning.

BACKGROUND

[0002] It is well known that a person may choose to travel in, or on, water for various reasons including, but not limited to, recreation, entertainment, sports, or business. Some examples of such activities may include passengers aboard ships or boats that are used to ferry these passengers for recreational cruises or those that are employed for business purposes as in the cases of tugging or use of other types of commercial liners. Other examples may include individuals endeavoring to enter one or more types of water bodies for participating in sports and/or recreational activities such as, but not limited to, swimming, surfing, rafting and the like. A scope of such water bodies may extend to include pools, ponds, rivers, seas, or even oceanic water bodies.

[0003] Whenever an individual is on, or in, water, there may be potential risk of the individual drowning. In the past, even experienced swimmers have relied mostly on their expertise and skill to at least float in water for minimizing the risk of drowning during a swim. However, in the event that if the skill level of some of these swimmers is limited with regards to the required nuances of swimming or at least floating, or when these swimmers, although adequately experienced in swimming, are susceptible to run out of breath during their swim, they may become exposed to potential health adversities including, but not limited to, pulmonary edema. [0004] Although many floatation devices have been previously developed for use in preventing drowning of an individual, such devices lack capabilities of effectively facilitating search and rescue operations for a potential victim of drowning. Such inadequacies in the design and use of previously known floatation devices could cause, for example, delay in rescuing the individual from water leading to other types of health adversities including, but not limited to, exhaustion from prolonged exposure to water or even result in the death of the individual, if left unattended. [0005] For the aforementioned reasons, it would, therefore, be prudent to implement a device that helps a person prevent himself, or herself, from drowning when in, or on, water. Accordingly, there exists need for a device that not only helps a person prevent himself/herself from drowning, but also endeavors to promptly initiate a full-fledged search and rescue routine by search personnel, when required.

SUMMARY

[0006] To overcome the above-mentioned limitations and problems, the present disclosure provides a wearable device for a user that when worn and used by the user helps prevent the user from drowning.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a wearable device for a user that is configured to output at least one type of distress signal in addition to preventing the user from drowning.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a wearable device for a user that is configured to output a shark repellant acoustic signal in addition to preventing the user from drowning.

[0009] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a wearable device for a user. The wearable device includes an inflatable buoy that defines a chamber therein. The wearable device further includes an inflation system that is disposed in selective communication with the chamber of the buoy via an actuating system for selectively providing gas to the chamber and inflating the buoy. The wearable device also includes a notification system that is disposed in communication with at least one of the chamber of the buoy and the inflation system. The notification system is configured to output at least one type of distress signal based on a change of pressure in at least one of the chamber of the buoy and the inflation system.

[0010] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the inflation system is a gas canister comprising carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas therein.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the wearable device includes a vest that is configured to be worn upon a torso of the user. The vest is also configured to accommodate the inflatable buoy, the inflation system, and the notification system therein.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the actuating system includes a capsule. The capsule includes a water soluble tablet, a tension spring having one end coupled to the water soluble tablet, and a pin coupled to another end of the tension spring. The pin is disposed proximal to the gas canister such that upon dissolution of the water soluble tablet in water, the tension spring biases the pin to pierce the gas canister and provide the CO₂ gas for inflating the chamber of buoy.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the wearable device includes a wrist band adapted for fitment over a hand of the user, a housing that is attached to the wrist band. The housing is configured to accommodate the inflatable buoy and a whistle therein. [0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the actuating system includes a user operable lever having a pin that is disposed proximal to the gas canister such that when the user operates the lever, the pin is biased to pierce the gas canister and provide the CO₂ gas for inflating the chamber of buoy.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the notification system includes at least one pressure sensor that is coupled to at least one of the chamber of the buoy and the inflation system.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the notification system includes a controller that is coupled to the at least one pressure sensor, an electric battery that is coupled to the controller, and a visual notification device that is coupled to the controller and the electric battery. The controller is configured to operably trigger a visual distress signal through the visual notification device based on the change of pressure in at least one of the chamber of the buoy and the inflation system.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the electric battery is rechargeable via a charging port located on a printed circuit board (PCB) having the controller thereon. The electric battery is selected from one of: a Ni-MH battery and a Li-Ion battery. [0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the visual notification device includes light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are configured to output the visual distress signal in a Morse code format indicative of an SOS signal. The LEDs are configured to use a pair of colors including a set from: white and orange, and white and green colors.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the notification system includes a network based communication device coupled to the controller, and a mobile device disposed in wireless communication with the network based communication device. The controller is configured to operably initiate communication between the communication device and the mobile device based on the change of pressure in at least one of the chamber of the buoy and the inflation system. [0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the network based communication device includes a microphone, a speaker and at least one of: a Micro-SIM and a Nano-SIM therein.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the communication device and the mobile device are configured to communicate via at least one of: SMS and a two-way voice call.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mobile device is configured with an application interface thereon and a set of pre-coded instructions that when executed causes the application interface to receive at least one of SOS prompts from the communication device, and GPS coordinates from the communication device.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the notification system is configured to provide GPS coordinates to an application portal of an emergency service provider upon request by the emergency service provider via the application portal for commencing a search and rescue operation on the user.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inflation system and the notification system are encased in a water-resistant casing.

[0025] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a wearable device for a user includes an inflatable buoy defining a chamber therein. The wearable device further includes an inflation and pressure monitoring system in communication with the chamber of the buoy via an actuating system for selectively providing gas to the chamber and inflating the buoy. The wearable device also includes a shark deterrent system in communication with at least one of the chamber of the buoy and the inflation and pressure monitoring system. The shark deterrent system is configured to output a shark repelling acoustic signal based on a change of pressure in at least one of the chamber of the buoy and the inflation system.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inflation and pressure monitoring system is a gas canister comprising carbon dioxide (CO2) gas therein.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the actuating system includes an electric battery that is coupled to the inflation and pressure monitoring system, a controller that is coupled to the electric battery and a first user-operable push button that is coupled to the electric battery and the controller. The first push button is operable by the user for actuating the inflation and pressure monitoring system to inflate the buoy. [0028] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the electric battery is rechargeable via a charging port located on a printed circuit board (PCB) having the controller and the first user-operable push button thereon. The electric battery is selected from one of: a Ni-MH battery and a Li-Ion battery.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the wearable device includes a second user-operable push button coupled to the electric battery and the controller. The second push button is operable by the user for determining a health of the electric battery with the help of a visual indicator.

[0030] Other and further aspects and features of the disclosure will be evident from reading the following detailed description of the embodiments, which are intended to illustrate, not limit, the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0031] The illustrated embodiments of the disclosed subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the disclosed subject matter as claimed herein.

[0032] FIGs. 1A-1C are front, side and rear views of an exemplary wearable device embodied in the form of a vest, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIGs. 2A-2B are front and rear perspective views of the exemplary wearable device for an adult, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIGs. 3A-3B are front and rear perspective views of the exemplary wearable device for a child, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIGs. 4A and 4B are schematic and diagrammatic illustrations of various connections and components that are used on an exemplary printed circuit board (PCB) for use as a controller in the exemplary wearable device of FIGs. 1-3B;

[0036] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an exemplary wearable device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 6 is a front view of an exemplary wearable device, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; [0038] FIG. 7 is a rear view of a portion of the exemplary wearable device from FIG. 6 showing an inflation and pressure monitoring system with an actuating system in a disassembled state;

[0039] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of the inflation and pressure monitoring system with the actuating system from FIG. 7 in an assembled state; and

[0040] FIGs. 9-10 are schematic illustrations of the actuating system from FIG. 8 depicted in a non-magnetized and magnetized state respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The following detailed description is made with reference to the figures. Exemplary embodiments are described to illustrate the disclosure, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of equivalent variations in the description that follows.

[0042] Some of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as devices and systems. These devices and systems may be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as processors, digital signal processors, central processing units, field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, cloud processing systems, or the like. The devices may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified device or system may include executable code and may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, function, or other construct. Nevertheless, the executable of an identified device or system need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the device or the system and achieve the stated purpose of the respective device or system.

[0043] Indeed, an executable code of a device or system could be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different applications, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within the device or the system, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, as electronic signals on a distributed system or network architecture.

[0044] Reference throughout this specification to “a select embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, appearances of the phrases “a select embodiment,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.

[0045] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the disclosed subject matter can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other structures, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosed subject matter.

[0046] In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, the disclosed computer programs or modules can be executed in many exemplary ways, such as an application that is resident in the memory of a device or as a hosted application that is being executed on a server and communicating with the device application, portal or browser via a number of standard protocols, such as TCP/IP, HTTP, XML, SOAP, REST, JSON and other sufficient protocols. The disclosed computer programs can be written in exemplary programming languages that execute from memory on the device or from a hosted server, such as BASIC, COBOL, C, C++, Java, Pascal, or scripting languages such as JavaScript, Python, Ruby, PHP, Perl or other sufficient programming languages.

[0047] Some of the disclosed embodiments include or otherwise involve data transfer over a network, such as communicating various coded messages, text messages, or files over the network. The network may include, for example, one or more of the Internet, Wide Area Networks (WANs), Local Area Networks (LANs), analog or digital wired and wireless telephone networks (e.g., a PSTN, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), a cellular network, and Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL)), radio, television, cable, satellite, and/or any other delivery or tunneling mechanism for carrying data. The network may include multiple networks or sub networks, each of which may include, for example, a wired or wireless data pathway. The network may include a circuit-switched voice network, a packet-switched data network, or any other network able to carry electronic communications. For example, the network may include networks based on the Internet protocol (IP) or asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), and may support voice using, for example, VoIP, Voice-over- ATM, or other comparable protocols used for voice data communications. In one implementation, the network includes a cellular telephone network configured to enable exchange of text or SMS messages.

[0048] Examples of the network include, but are not limited to, a personal area network (PAN), a storage area network (SAN), a home area network (HAN), a campus area network (CAN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a virtual private network (VPN), an enterprise private network (EPN), Internet, a global area network (GAN), and so forth.

[0049] FIGs. 1A-1C are front, side and rear views of an exemplary wearable device 100 that is embodied in the form of a vest 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the vest 102 of the wearable device 100 is configured to be worn upon a torso of a user (not shown). The vest 102 may be sized and/or shaped to suit various requirements pertaining to a shape and size of a user. In one example, the user could be an adult male. In another example, the user could be an adult female. In yet another example, the user could be a male child. In yet another example, the user could be a female child. In addition to meeting requirements pertaining to the size and shape of the user, the vest 102 is also sized and/or shaped to house various components of the wearable device 100 therein, explanation to which will be made hereinafter in conjunction with FIGs. 1 through 4.

[0050] The wearable device 100 includes an inflatable buoy 104 that defines a chamber 108 therein. In the exemplary vest 102 of FIGs. 1A-1C, the wearable device 100 includes three inflatable buoys 104 - two buoys 104 on the front side of the vest 102 as shown best in the view of FIG. 1A and one buoy 104 on the rear side of the vest 102 as best shown in the view of FIG. 1C. It will be appreciated that a number of buoys is merely illustrative in nature and hence, non limiting of this disclosure. Any number of buoys may be implemented for use depending on specific requirements of an application, for instance, depending on a size and/or weight of the user, the number of buoys may vary. For example, if the vest 102 is manufactured for a child, then two buoys may be implemented for use on the front and rear sides of the vest 102. However, in another example, if the wearable device 100 is intended for use by an adult, then three or more buoys may be implemented on various pre-determined locations on the vest 102. Further, it should be noted that a shape, size, volume when inflated, and location of each of these buoys is merely illustrative in nature and hence, non-limiting of this disclosure. Persons having ordinary skill in the art will acknowledge that any shape, size, volume and location may be selected for each of these buoys depending on specific requirements of an application.

[0051] FIGs. 2A-2B depict front and rear perspective views of the exemplary wearable device 200 for an adult user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a vest 202 of the wearable device 200 may include a zipper 204 for use in accessing i.e., ingress and egress of the user’s torso when the adult user desires to wear the wearable device 200, for example, before entering a water body including, but not limited to, a pool, a pond, a river, or an oceanic water body.

[0052] FIGs. 3A-3B depict front and rear perspective views of the exemplary wearable device 300 for a child user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a vest 302 of the wearable device 300 may include a zipper 304, or alternatively - a pair of re- attachable seams with rivets, for use in accessing i.e., ingress and egress of the child’s torso. In addition, a bottom portion 306 of the vest 302 may be additionally defined with a pair of cut-outs 308 spaced apart equidistantly from the zipper 304 so that when the child user desires to wear the wearable device 300 and when the child’s torso is positioned in the vest 302, the child user can maintain his/her legs outside of the vest 302 through the pair of cut-outs 308, for instance, to facilitate the child user in waddling using his/her legs when in water.

[0053] The wearable device 100 further includes an inflation system 114 that is disposed in selective communication with the chamber 108 of the buoy 104 via an actuating system 116. The actuating system 116 is configured to selectively provide gas to the chamber 108 and for inflating the buoy 104. In an embodiment, the inflation system 114 may be implemented by way of a gas canister 118 that is configured to store carbon dioxide (CO2) gas therein. It will be appreciated that in embodiments herein, a form and size of the gas canister 118 is beneficially kept small and compact to fit within the a specifically designed pocket (not shown) within the vest 102. Access to this and other pockets of the vest 102 may be made possible with the use of water-resisting and securing means such as zippers, Velcro, or other types of securement methods known to persons skilled in the art.

[0054] Further, in embodiments herein, the size and weight of the gas canister 118 is also selected to hold a pre-determined amount of gas therein that corresponds to the requirements of size or volume of all the buoys 104 present in the vest 102. It is hereby estimated that the number, size and volume of the buoys 104 for buoyantly holding approximately about 100 kilograms of the user’s weight above water level would require the gas canister 118 to have about 12 grams of CO2 therein. However, an amount of gas and the size and weight of the gas canister 118 may be varied to suit specific requirements of an application.

[0055] In an embodiment, the actuating system 116 may include a capsule 120. The capsule 120 may include a water soluble tablet (not shown), a tension spring (not shown) having one end coupled to the water soluble tablet, and a pin (not shown) coupled to another end of the tension spring. The pin is disposed proximal to the gas canister 118 such that upon dissolution of the water soluble tablet in water, the tension spring biases the pin to pierce the gas canister 118 and provide the CO2 gas for inflating the chamber 108 of buoy 104.

[0056] The wearable device 100 also includes a notification system 106 that is disposed in communication with at least one of the chamber of the buoy 104 and the inflation system 114. It will be appreciated that in embodiments throughout this disclosure, the vest 102 of the wearable device 100 is configured to accommodate the inflatable buoy 104, the inflation system 114, and the notification system 106 therein.

[0057] Also, in a further embodiment, at least the inflation system 114 and the notification system 106 may be beneficially encased within respective water-resistant casings (not shown). These water-resistant casings may be made using a specific grade, type, or combinations of suitable thermoplastics, silicone or rubber, for example, Thermoplastic Vulcanisate (TPV). Moreover, these water-resistant casings may be additionally provided with an outer sheathing of strong and resilient synthetic fibers that make up the fabric of the sheathing while also serving to minimize any possibility of chaffing the skin of the user when the wearable device 100 is in use. Some examples of materials for manufacturing the outer sheathing for the water-resistant casings may include, nylon or rayon, but is not limited thereto.

[0058] The notification system 106 is configured to output at least one type of distress signal based on a change of pressure in at least one of the chamber 108 of the buoy 104 and the inflation system 114. In an embodiment, the notification system 106 includes at least one pressure sensor 122 that is coupled to at least one of the chamber 108 of the buoy 104 and the inflation system 114. A number of pressure sensors used is non-limiting of this disclosure. In one example, the notification system 106 may include one pressure sensor 122 that is in communication with the chamber 108 of one of the buoys 104. In another example, one pressure sensor 122 may be disposed in communication with the inflation system 114, for instance, a micro-auto inflation device (MAID) 124 of the inflation system 114 that is disposed between the gas canister 118 and the actuating system 116 as shown best in the view of FIG. 1C. In yet another example, at least two pressure sensors may be provided - one pressure sensor designated for use at the MAID 124 and the other pressure sensor designated for use at one of the multiple buoys 104. The use of multiple pressure sensors may help to create redundancy, for example, by reducing a number of false positives in signal processing by a circuitry of the notification system 106.

[0059] As shown in the view of FIG. 1C, the MAID 124 is in communication with the buoy 104 via an air tube 126 for inflating the buoy 104. It may be noted that when more than one buoy is being implemented for use in the wearable device 100, multiple air tubes 126 may be used. In one example, one air tube 126 may be used to deliver the CO2 gas from the gas canister 118 to a corresponding buoy i.e., multiple air tubes 126 may be disposed, in parallel, from the MAID 124 to correspondingly connect to respective ones of the buoys. Alternatively, in another example, while one air tube 126 may be used to serve as the main air tube i.e., between the MAID 124 and a first buoy, a remainder of the multiple air tubes 126 may be used to interconnect a remainder of the multiple buoys present on the vest 102 in a serial manner with the first buoy.

[0060] In an embodiment as shown best in FIG. 1C, the notification system 106 includes a controller 128 that is coupled to the at least one pressure sensor. The controller 128 may be embodied in the form of a Special Emergency Alert Locator (SEAL) that may be located on a portion of the vest 102 that is likely to stay above the water level when the buoys 104 of the wearable device 100 are deployed by the CO2 gas from the gas canister 118. In the examples shown in FIGs. 1-4, the SEAL 128 may be located at the portion of the vest 102 corresponding to an upper portion of the chest of the user. [0061] With continued reference to the previous embodiment, the notification system 106 may also include an electric battery (not shown) coupled to the controller 128. In embodiments herein, the electric battery may preferably be of a rechargeable type i.e., configured for multiple uses through alternating charge and discharge cycles. In embodiments herein, the electric battery may be selected from one of: a Nickel Metal hydrate (Ni-MH) battery and a Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery. The electric battery may be recharged via a charging port 424 located on a printed circuit board (PCB) 400, of the SEAL 128, that has the controller 128 thereon as shown best in the view of FIG. 4B.

[0062] In an embodiment, the notification system 106 also includes a visual notification device 110 that is coupled to the controller 128 and the electric battery. The controller 128 i.e., the SEAL 128 is configured to operably trigger a visual distress signal through the visual notification device 110 based on the change of pressure in at least one of the chamber 108 of the buoy 104 and the inflation system 114. In an embodiment, the visual notification device 110 includes light emitting diodes (LEDs) 112. These LEDs 112 may be secured at locations on the vest 102 of the wearable device 100 that are likely to remain above water level when the buoys 104 of the wearable device 100 are deployed for use with CO2 gas from the gas canister 118. In an example, some of these LEDs 112 are secured in position on a portion of the vest 102 that corresponds to just below the clavicle i.e., a collar bone of the user. Additionally, or optionally, other LEDs 112 may be positioned, for example, at or near the cervical portion of the spine i.e., corresponding to the upper posterior side of the user’s body as shown on the rear side of the vest 102 in the view of FIG. 1C. In an embodiment, the LEDs 112 may be configured to output the visual distress signal in a Morse code format indicative of an SOS signal. In alternative embodiments, these LEDs 112 may be configured to provide the visual distress signal in a strobe light emitting manner or in another fashion that is well known in the art and that which can be readily implemented for use by persons skilled in the art. Additionally, or optionally, the LEDs 112 may be configured to use a pair of colors. In an embodiment, the pair of colors may include a set of white and orange color. In another embodiment, the pair of colors may include a set of white and green color. However, it is to be noted that the foregoing embodiments pertaining to the pair of colors is non-limiting in nature. Other sets of colors may be used in pairs by persons skilled in the art depending on specific requirements of an application. [0063] FIGs. 4A and 4B are schematic and diagrammatic illustrations of various connections and components that are used on the exemplary printed circuit board (PCB) 400 for use as the controller 128 (part of the notification system 106) in the exemplary wearable device 100 of FIGs. 1-3. In an embodiment as shown by way of FIGs. 1A, 4A and 4B, the notification system 106 also includes a network based communication device 402 coupled to the controller 128 and a mobile device 404 that is disposed in wireless communication with the network based communication device 402. In a further embodiment, the network based communication device 402 includes a microphone 406, a speaker 408 and at least one of a Micro-SIM/Nano-SIM 410 therein.

[0064] The controller (SEAL) 128 is configured to operably initiate communication between the communication device 402 and the mobile device 404, via various components of the PCB 400, based on the change of pressure in at least one of the chamber 108 of the buoy 104 and the inflation system 114. As shown in the view of FIG. 4A, the PCB 400 has various connection modules including, among other modules, a MIC+ module, a MIC- module, an INT module, a PWR module, an EN module, a H_TXD module, a H_RXD module, and a GND module. Each of these connection modules is designated with suitable hardware to enable a realization of functions that are consistent with the present disclosure. For example, the PWR module enables the system to be powered up when the pressure sensor detects the change in pressure of the buoy, the MIC+ and MIC- modules facilitate two-way radio communications with the mobile device 404, the GND module enables connection of a ground wire, and the H_TXD module enables suitable hardware thereon to transmit data from the mobile device 404 to the communication device 402 i.e., to the user while the R_TXD module enables suitable hardware thereon to receive instructions from the user of the communication device 402.

[0065] Further, as shown in the view of FIG. 4B, the PCB 400 on which the controller/SEAL 128 of the notification system 106 resides may be embodied in the form of a motherboard 412 that, in turn, includes thereon - a CPU chip 416, a Nano-Sim Slot 418, an Antennae 420, the Micro-USB charging port 424 for charging the electric battery, one or more connection ports 422 for connecting the LEDs 112, the microphone 406 and the speaker 408 that are each encased in silicone/rubber/plastic water resistant casings for enabling two-way radio communications with the mobile device 404. [0066] In an embodiment, the network based communication device 402 and the mobile device 404 are configured to communicate via at least one of SMS and a two-way voice call. In a further embodiment, the mobile device 404 is configured with an application interface thereon and a set of pre-coded instructions that when executed causes the application interface to receive at least one of SOS prompts and GPS coordinates from the communication device 402. In regards to embodiments herein, details pertaining to the Nano-SIM 410 of the communication device 402, for example, international mobile subscriber identity (ISMI number) are linked to the mobile device 404 via registration of the same using the application interface installed or residing on the mobile device 404. The application interface is also usable for registering one or more mobile devices, by entering, for example, the IMEI of the mobile device 404 on the application interface for initializing, configuring and/or setting up networking credentials between the communications device and the mobile device 404.

[0067] As an example, during use of the wearable device 100, if the pressure of the gas canister 118 drops below a threshold or the pressure of the chamber 108 of the buoy 104 increases above another threshold, and the wearable device 100 is deployed by way of inflation of the buoys 104 therein, then such pressure change/s is/are detected by the pressure sensor(s) 122 and this change is communicated to the notification system 106 i.e., the controller (or the SEAL) 128 of the notification system 106.

[0068] The triggered SEAL 128 activates the communication device 402 located on the wearable device 100 to send out SOS prompts, for example, via Short Messaging Service (SMS), or another messaging protocol specific to the application interface residing on the mobile device 404. As it is evident from the present disclosure to one skilled in the art, the mobile device 404 is remotely located and wirelessly connected to the communication device 402 on the vest 102, or stated differently, to the communication device 402 of the notification system 106 of the wearable device 100, and this mobile device 404 may be in possession by another user, for example, preferably with a person related to the user of the wearable device 100 (the wearer). Also, in certain implementations, the communication device 402 of the notification system 106 may be configured to initiate multiple SOS prompts to the mobile device 404.

[0069] Additionally, the communication device 402 may trigger GPS prompts to the mobile device 404. With execution of pre-coded instructions on the application interface, the GPS/location coordinates can be obtained from the communication device 402 by the application interface of the mobile device 404. The application interface may be configured as a stand-alone application that is developed to facilitate location tracking and 2-way communication with the communication device 402, or alternatively, have thereunder one or more integrated application layers, for example, Google Maps™ mapping service, or another third party application layer. The GPS prompts can be initiated by the application interface of the mobile device 404 for tracking the communications device, and therefore - the vest 102 and the user of the vest 102. The application interface may prompt a tracking of the current location of the user of the vest 102 intermittently e.g. in 30, 60, or 90 second intervals or even continuously if needed. The tracked location coordinates can be displayed via a Graphical User Interface (GUI) 426 of the mobile device 404.

[0070] In another embodiment, the notification system 106 may be configured to provide GPS coordinates to an application portal 428 of an emergency service provider upon request by the emergency service provider via the application portal 428 for commencing a search and rescue operation on the user. With use and implementation of this embodiment, it may be possible for emergency service providers such as, but not limited to, police, medical and firefighting personnel to intervene and provide help in a timely manner to the user of the wearable device 100.

[0071] Additionally, in an embodiment as shown in the view of FIG. 1C, the notification system 106 also includes another type of sensor 125 that, in addition to the pressure sensor 122, is also coupled to the electric battery (not shown) and disposed in communication with the controller 128 (refer to FIG. 1A). The sensor 125 is configured to output an actuation signal to the controller 122 upon coming into contact with a liquid, for instance, water. In this embodiment, the other type of sensor 125 may be implemented by way of, for example, an optical sensor including, but not limited to, an infrared (IR) sensor, or another type of wetness sensor that is made from elements commonly known to persons skilled in the art such as, but not limited to, one or more capacitance and/or resistance elements. Numerous components are known to persons skilled in the art and such components may be readily implemented for use in realizing functions that are consistent with that of the sensor 125 disclosed herein. Also, as disclosed earlier herein, the use of multiple pressure sensors 122 may help to create redundancy, for example, by reducing a number of false positives in signal processing by the circuitry of the notification system 106. Similarly, when the sensor 125 is used in conjunction with the disclosed pressure sensor/s 122, an additional level of system redundancy may be achieved for reducing, for example, a number of false positives in signal processing by the circuitry of the notification system 106. With implementation of the sensor 125, it is envisioned that the sensor 125, upon detecting wetness, can provide the actuation signal to the controller (SEAL) 128. In response to the actuation signal, the controller 128 is actuated for triggering the communication device 402 into initiating communications with the mobile device 404 (refer to FIG. 4B). Further, it is hereby also envisioned that with use of the sensor 125, the controller (SEAL) 128 can be more readily and quickly actuated into triggering the communication device 402 when the sensor 125 merely comes into contact with water as opposed to a system latency, for example, in the range of about 3-4 seconds of delay that may be required for allowing the inflation system 114 to inflate the buoy/s 104 before the pressure sensor/s 122 subsequently detect a change in pressure of the chamber/s 108 of the buoy/s 104 i.e., if the pressure sensor/s 122 alone were to be relied upon for actuating the controller 128 into triggering the communication device 402 into initiating communications with the mobile device 404. Therefore, use of the sensor 125 may beneficially reduce any system operation delay and render the wearable device 100 with an enhanced speed of operation for assisting the user i.e., the wearer of the wearable device 100 in establishing communications with the mobile device 404 quickly.

[0072] FIG. 5 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary wearable device 500, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. For sake of brevity and simplicity of the present disclosure, features present in the wearable device 500 of FIG. 5, if explained earlier in conjunction with the wearable device 100/200/300 of FIGs. 1-3 have not been recapitulated. However, it may be noted that such features of the wearable device 100/200/300 may be present, without limitation to the present disclosure in any way, in the wearable device 500 of FIG. 5.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 5, the wearable device 500 includes a wrist band 502 that is adapted for fitment over a hand (not shown) of the user. The wrist band 502 may also be provided with, for example, a wrist watch 504 and/or a compass 532 - each of which may form part of the wearable device 500. The wearable device 500 also includes a housing 506 that is attached to the wrist band 502. The housing 506 is configured to accommodate an inflatable buoy 503 and a whistle 508 therein. The inflatable buoy 503 may be secured within the housing 506 using, for example, one or more brass clamps 510 of high strength (>100 kilograms) in anchoring the buoy 503 to an interior 512 of the housing 506 when the buoy 503 is deployed and a lid 514 of the housing 506 is forced open. The whistle 508 may be anchored to a non-inflatable portion 516 of the buoy 503 using a chain link 518. The whistle 508 and the chain link 518 may be preferably made of a rust-resistant material, for example, stainless steel and can be used by the user to provide an acoustic signal for alerting persons in the vicinity of the user when in water.

[0074] An inflation system 520 in the form of a gas canister 522 is secured to the wrist band 502 and/or an outer surface 524 of the housing 506. The gas canister 522 is configured to store a pre-determined amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas therein and may selectively and manually be actuated by an actuating system 526 operable by the user of the wearable device 500, as will be explained hereinafter.

[0075] In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the actuating system 526 includes a user operable lever 528. The lever 528 has a pin (not shown) that is disposed proximal to the gas canister 522 such that when the user operates the lever 528, the pin is biased to pierce the gas canister 522 and provide the CO2 gas for inflating a chamber 501 of the buoy 503.

[0076] The wearable device 500 of FIG. 5 is also similar to the wearable device 100/200/300 of FIGs. 1-3 in that the wearable device 500 of FIG. 5 can a) provide visual distress signals through one or more LEDs 530 secured to the buoy 503 itself, b) monitor pressure of the chamber 501 of the buoy 503 when deployed for triggering other functions of the wearable device 500 (as mentioned in subsequent point c) hereinafter), and c) establish communication via SMS prompts and GPS prompts with the mobile device 404 (shown in FIGs. 4A and 4B).

[0077] FIG. 6 depicts a front view of an exemplary wearable device 600, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure and FIG. 7 depicts rear view of a portion of the exemplary wearable device 600 from FIG. 6. Referring to FIGs. 6 and 7, the wearable device 600 includes an inflatable buoy 602 defining a chamber 604 therein. The wearable device 600 further includes an inflation and pressure monitoring system 606 in communication with the chamber 604 of the buoy 602 via an actuating system 608 for selectively providing gas to the chamber 604 and inflating the buoy 602. An inflation device of the inflation and pressure monitoring system 606 may include the gas canister 610, similar to that disclosed for the wearable devices 100/200/300/500 of FIGs. 1-3 and FIG. 5 respectively. A pressure monitoring device (not shown) of the inflation and pressure monitoring system 606 may include pressure sensors (not shown), similar to that disclosed in conjunction with the wearable devices 100/200/300/500 of FIGs. 1-3 and FIG. 5 respectively.

[0078] The wearable device 600 also includes a shark deterrent system 612 in communication with at least one of the chamber 604 of the buoy 602 and the inflation and pressure monitoring system 606. In an embodiment, the shark deterrent system 612 may include an audio player, for example, an MP3 player. The shark deterrent system 612 is configured to output a shark repelling acoustic signal based on a change of pressure in at least one of the chamber 604 of the buoy 602 and the inflation (or pressure monitoring) system 606. The shark deterrent system 612 may be pre-loaded or pre-recorded with one or more shark repellant signals, for example, sounds typically produced by, or mimicking that of, an Orca i.e., a killer whale that serve to act as a deterrent to any preying sharks, thereby minimizing a risk to the safety of the user in situations where the user is in, for example, an oceanic body. It will be appreciated that in embodiments herein, the shark deterrent system 612 is encased in a water resistant casing so as to allow use of the shark deterrent system 612 underwater for extended periods of time.

[0079] In a further embodiment, the actuating system 608 also includes an electric battery (not shown) that is coupled to the inflation and pressure monitoring system 606. FIG. 8 depicts, diagrammatically, the inflation and pressure monitoring system 606 with the actuating system 608 from FIG. 7 in an assembled state while FIGs. 9 and 10 schematically illustrate the inflation and pressure monitoring system 606 and the actuating system 608 from FIG. 8 in a non- magnetized and magnetized state respectively.

[0080] The actuating system 608 also includes a controller (not shown) that is coupled to the electric battery. Referring to FIGs. 6 and as best shown in FIGs. 8-10 respectively, the actuating system 608 also includes a first user-operable push button 614. The first push button 614 is coupled to the electric battery and the controller. The first push button 614 is operable by the user for actuating the inflation and pressure monitoring system 606 to inflate the buoy 602, explanation to which is provided hereinafter in conjunction with FIGs. 9-10.

[0081] In an embodiment as shown in FIGs. 9-10, the actuating system 608 may also include a magnetic induction coil 616 that is selectively activated with direct current from the electric battery by operating the first push button 614. Further, a pin 618 is disposed between the magnetic induction coil 616 and a gas canister 610. As shown in FIG. 9, when the first push button 614 is in not in use i.e., left in the un-depressed state, for example, before power ON or after power OFF, the magnetic induction coil 616 biases the pin 618 towards itself. On the contrary, when the first push button 614 is depressed by the user, the pin 618 is biased towards the gas canister 610 for piercing the gas canister 610 and allowing the CO2 gas from the gas canister 610 to flow into the chamber 604 of the buoy 602 and therefore, inflate the buoy 602. [0082] Referring again to FIG. 6, the wearable device 600 may additionally, or optionally, include a second user-operable push button 620 coupled to the electric battery and the controller. The second push button is operable by the user for determining a health of the electric battery with the help of a visual indicator 622.

[0083] It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

[0084] The above description does not provide specific details of manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details.

[0085] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems, methods, or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A wearable device for a user, the wearable device comprising: an inflatable buoy defining a chamber therein; an inflation system in selective communication with the chamber of the buoy via an actuating system for selectively providing gas to the chamber and inflating the buoy; and a notification system in communication with at least one of the chamber of the buoy and the inflation system, the notification system configured to output at least one type of distress signal based on a change of pressure in at least one of the chamber of the buoy and the inflation system.

2. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the inflation system is a gas canister comprising carbon dioxide (CO2) gas therein.

3. The wearable device of claim 2 further comprising a vest configured to be worn upon a torso of the user, the vest configured to accommodate the inflatable buoy, the inflation system, and the notification system therein, and wherein the actuating system comprises a capsule including: a water soluble tablet; and a tension spring having one end coupled to the water soluble tablet, a pin coupled to another end of the tension spring and disposed proximal to the gas canister such that upon dissolution of the water soluble tablet in water, the tension spring biases the pin to pierce the gas canister and provide the CO2 gas for inflating the chamber of buoy.

4. The wearable device of claim 2 further comprising: a wrist band adapted for fitment over a hand of the user; a housing attached to the wrist band, the housing configured to accommodate the inflatable buoy and a whistle therein.

5. The wearable device of claim 4, wherein the actuating system comprises a user operable lever having a pin disposed proximal to the gas canister such that when the user operates the lever, the pin is biased to pierce the gas canister and provide the CO2 gas for inflating the chamber of buoy.

6. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the notification system comprises at least one pressure sensor, the at least one pressure sensor coupled to at least one of the chamber of the buoy and the inflation system.

7. The wearable device of claim 6, wherein the notification system comprises: a controller coupled to the at least one pressure sensor; an electric battery coupled to the controller; a visual notification device coupled to the controller and the electric battery; wherein the controller is configured to operably trigger a visual distress signal through the visual notification device based on the change of pressure in at least one of the chamber of the buoy and the inflation system.

8. The wearable device of claim 7, wherein the electric battery is rechargeable via a charging port located on a printed circuit board (PCB) having the controller thereon, and wherein the electric battery is selected from one of: a Ni-MH battery and a Li-Ion battery.

9. The wearable device of claim 7, wherein the visual notification device includes light emitting diodes (LEDs), and wherein the LEDs are configured to output the visual distress signal in a Morse code format indicative of an SOS signal using a pair of colors including a set from: white and orange, and white and green colors.

10. The wearable device of claim 7, wherein the notification system comprises: a network based communication device coupled to the controller; and a mobile device disposed in wireless communication with the network based communication device, wherein the controller is configured to operably initiate communication between the communication device and the mobile device based on the change of pressure in at least one of the chamber of the buoy and the inflation system.

11. The wearable device of claim 10, wherein the network based communication device includes a microphone, a speaker and at least one of: a Micro-SIM and a Nano-SIM therein.

12. The wearable device of claim 10, wherein the communication device and the mobile device are configured to communicate via at least one of: SMS and a two-way voice call.

13. The wearable device of claim 12, wherein the mobile device is configured with an application interface thereon and a set of pre-coded instructions that when executed causes the application interface to receive at least one of:

SOS prompts from the communication device; and

GPS coordinates from the communication device.

14. The wearable device of claim 13, wherein the notification system is configured to provide GPS coordinates to an application portal of an emergency service provider upon request by the emergency service provider via the application portal for commencing a search and rescue operation on the user.

15. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the inflation system and the notification system are encased in a water-resistant casing.

16. A wearable device for a user, the wearable device comprising: an inflatable buoy defining a chamber therein; an inflation and pressure monitoring system in communication with the chamber of the buoy via an actuating system for selectively providing gas to the chamber and inflating the buoy; and a shark deterrent system in communication with at least one of the chamber of the buoy and the inflation and pressure monitoring system, the shark deterrent system configured to output a shark repelling acoustic signal based on a change of pressure in at least one of the chamber of the buoy and the inflation system.

17. The wearable device of claim 16, wherein the inflation and pressure monitoring system is a gas canister comprising carbon dioxide (CO2) gas therein.

18. The wearable device of claim 17, wherein the actuating system comprises: an electric battery coupled to the inflation and pressure monitoring system; a controller coupled to the electric battery; and a first user-operable push button coupled to the electric battery and the controller, the first push button operable by the user for actuating the inflation and pressure monitoring system to inflate the buoy.

19. The wearable device of claim 18, wherein the electric battery is rechargeable via a charging port located on a printed circuit board (PCB) having the controller and the first user-operable push button thereon, and wherein the electric battery is selected from one of: a Ni-MH battery and a Li-Ion battery.

20. The wearable device of claim 18 further comprising a second user-operable push button coupled to the electric battery and the controller, wherein the second push button is operable by the user for determining a health of the electric battery with the help of a visual indicator.