AU2020376974A1 - Water safety belt - Google Patents

Abstract

A belt for use in or near a body of water is provided. The belt comprises a housing with a coupler at each end such that the housing can extend about a waist of a user and be secured in place by securing the couplers to one another, the housing having a bladder inside in a deflated state, wherein the housing is configured to release the bladder upon activation by a user, allowing the bladder to be inflated outside the housing.

Description

WATER SAFETY BELT

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to water safety devices, and in particular to inflatable devices suitable for use in emergency situations.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0003] In Australia alone, over 200 people drown every year through experiencing swimming related, life-threatening difficulties at beaches, rivers, waterways and open sea/ocean swimming activities. Thousands more will have experienced a distressing water safety incident where rescue was achieved before things became critical. A number of these incidents, particularly in boating activities, take place where lifejackets are available but not worn.

[0004] Generally, there is currently no water safety device readily available for general public swimming at beaches or waterways. Many beaches around Australia are not patrolled by lifesavers or lifeguards, and those that are patrolled are only staffed at certain times.

[0005] While various forms of life jackets or life vests are known, there are a wide variety of reasons why these are not used in many situations. For example, they may be too large and impractical for use while swimming, or there may be social stigma associated with wearing such an obvious device. As such, there is a need for a device that is unobtrusive and comfortable to wear that can be deployed in the event that a person finds themselves in distress. SUMMARY

[0006] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a belt for use in or near a body of water, the belt comprising a housing with a coupler at each end such that the housing can extend about a waist of a user and be secured in place by securing the couplers to one another, the housing having a bladder inside in a deflated state, wherein the housing is configured to release the bladder upon activation by a user, allowing the bladder to be inflated outside the housing.

[0007] In an embodiment, the bladder remains connected to the housing after being released.

[0008] In an embodiment, the bladder is connected to the housing by a tether.

[0009] In an embodiment, the housing remains sufficiently intact after the bladder is released for the housing to still extend between the couplers.

[0010] In an embodiment, the length of the housing is adjustable.

[0011] In an embodiment, the bladder is in the form of a tube that is curved in the shape of a major arc.

[0012] In an embodiment, each end of the bladder has a first end of a tether connected, with a second end of each tether connecting proximal to one of the couplers.

[0013] In an embodiment, the user activates the release of the bladder by pulling on a tab.

[0014] In an embodiment, the act of pulling on the tab by the user causes part of the housing to tear.

[0015] In an embodiment, the act of pulling on the tab triggers an inflating device.

[0016] In an embodiment, the inflating device comprises a compressed gas that is released to an internal compartment of the bladder when triggered.

[0017] In an embodiment, there are two of the inflating devices and two of the tabs, each of the inflating devices being associated with a respective one of the tabs for activating the inflating device. [0018] In an embodiment, the housing prior to being activated completely encloses the bladder therein.

[0019] In an embodiment, the housing encloses the bladder in a watertight cavity.

[0020] In an embodiment, the housing prior to being activated is a substantially unobtrusive and/or streamlined shape.

[0021] In an embodiment, the bladder comprises a valve for manually inflating the bladder.

[0022] In an embodiment, the belt comprises a light that is automatically activated when coming into contact with water.

[0023] In an embodiment, the belt comprises a whistle.

[0024] It will be appreciated that the broad forms of the invention and their respective features can be used in conjunction and/or independently, and reference to separate broad forms is not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that features of the method can be performed using the system or apparatus and that features of the system or apparatus can be implemented using the method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0025] Example embodiments should become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of at least one preferred but non-limiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a belt according to an embodiment of the invention, where couplers are secured to one another and the belt is in an initial configuration prior to a bladder being released; and

[0027] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the belt from Figure 1, where the bladder has been released and inflated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

[0029] In the Figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the Figures.

[0030] An example embodiment of a belt for use in or near a body of water will now be described. The belt has a housing with a coupler at each end so that the housing can extend about a waist of a user. The belt can then be secured in place by securing the couplers to one another.

[0031] The housing has a bladder inside in a deflated state, where the housing can release the bladder upon activation by a user. Once the bladder is released, it can then be inflated outside the housing.

[0032] The bladder can be any suitable sac, tube, ring, bag, or similar vessel that is made from a flexible material or membrane and has an internal cavity, so that the bladder can be inflated by filling the internal cavity with a suitable gas. The bladder should be substantially impervious to whatever gas is used for the inflation, so that once it is inflated it remains that way for some time.

[0033] The bladder may be made from any suitable material such as, but not limited to, synthetic fabric, nylon, a polymer or synthetic rubber. In some embodiments the material may be stretchable, but generally this will not be the case. In some embodiments a gas such as carbon dioxide may be used for inflating the bladder, so the material used for the bladder is preferably impervious to carbon dioxide, or another gas if an alternative is to be used.

[0034] The belt is advantageous because it can provide an autonomous life preserving function to swimmers where wearing a lifejacket is not a viable or desirable option. That is, the belt can be worn as a relatively comfortable and inconspicuous device during swimming at a beach, river, sea/ocean, or any other waterway or pool. Release and inflation of the bladder is only necessary in the event that the swimmer finds themselves struggling to stay afloat or in some other danger.

[0035] The belt may be much easier to wear than any other form of safety device currently available, and is considered much less cumbersome and more discrete and convenient than a lifejacket. It is designed to provide autonomous lifesaving support for swimmers who get into life threatening difficulties and is designed to aid in life preservation, recovery, avoidance of panic, and rescue, by providing sufficient buoyancy so that the swimmer’s head and shoulders can ideally stay above water. The level of buoyancy provided by the device may also aide in improving visibility of the swimmer in the water.

[0036] It is anticipated that wearing the device in its un-inflated form in the water may provide a level of confidence for swimmers, knowing they will be safe from drowning if they get into difficulties. It will ideally conform to Australian standards for life vests, or relevant similar standards in other jurisdictions. Yet the confidence provided by wearing such a device can be provided all while not having this device present in any particularly obvious way.

[0037] As such, the belt may be attractive for: a. tourists, particularly those that have little or no experience at surf beaches and rips b. parents wanting to ensure their children (typically around 12+ years of age) are safe in the water c. swimmers that lack confidence or are poor swimmers d. people on boats that find larger life vests annoying or undesirable to wear over long periods while not actually in or expecting to be in water

[0038] Various other example embodiments of a belt for use in or near a body of water will now be described.

[0039] In one such embodiment, the bladder remains connected to the housing after being released. For example, the bladder may remain directly connected or the housing may in fact form part of the bladder. Preferably, however, the bladder separates from the housing apart from a tether that retains a link between the housing and the bladder. [0040] The housing ideally remains sufficiently intact after the bladder is released for the housing to still extend between the couplers. If the bladder is also still connected to the housing, then this allows the bladder to remain secured to the user once released and inflated. This is advantageous because it removes any risk that the user could be become separated from the inflated bladder for any reason. For example, the swimmer may be in rough water or they may try to remove the bladder to help them swim before then finding themselves in trouble again.

[0041] Advantageously, the length of the housing is adjustable. This allows the un-inflated product to be worn low and snug on the body about the waste or hips and adjusted to fit accordingly. While a number of different sized belts may be made available, the ability to make small adjustments in length allows the belt to comfortably and securely fit virtually any person.

[0042] This adjustment may be made via straps attached to the couplers on the front of the belt, or alternatively the housing may incorporate an adjustable portion so that the housing connects directly to the couplers. Of course, other suitable connection methods may also be known to those skilled in the art. The straps and/or housing may also include keepers for retaining any loose ends of the adjustable portion. These keepers may be towards the inner side of the belt, or in another location if more appropriate depending on the working of the adjustable portion.

[0043] Typically, in addition to being adjustable, the belt may be available in several sizes to fit individuals of varying sizes and ages, such as small, medium and large belt size variations. The belt can also be individualised by being produced in many colours and can have printing added.

[0044] In one example embodiment, the bladder is in the form of a tube that is curved in the shape of a major arc. This allows the inflated bladder to extend around the body of the user, such as under their arms, with a small gap that allows the user to remove the bladder if necessary or desired. By allowing the user to remove the device, this can help them to swim more efficiently once they have recovered, for example. The user can always place the inflated bladder back around their chest again at any time. [0045] Having the inflated bladder sit at the upper chest area and under the arms ideally results in the swimmer floating higher in the water, which can assist with recovery and visibility. The inflated bladder may also be pushed down to the waist area to allow the user to float prone and face up in the water which aids in recovery and/or visibility.

[0046] Each end of the bladder may have a first end of a tether connected, with a second end of each tether connecting proximal to one of the couplers. This is a convenient and secure method of attaching the bladder to the housing, while still allowing the user to remove the inflated bladder as discussed previously.

[0047] In some embodiments of the belt, the user may activate the release of the bladder by pulling on a tab. Such a tab may advantageously be brightly coloured to ensure that it is easily found, even if the user is panicked.

[0048] The act of pulling on the tab by the user can be designed to cause part of the housing to tear. The housing may have a seam designed to easily tear and to ensure that the desired part of the housing is torn, so that the bladder is reliably released. For example, the seam may be located longitudinally along the full length of the housing and commencing at the two activation tabs located at the front of the belt.

[0049] The seam or similar weakened section of the housing being used to release the bladder allows the housing to completely surround and protect the bladder prior to being activated, but still effectively release the bladder when required. The housing preferably encloses the bladder in a watertight cavity prior to being released.

[0050] In such an embodiment where the housing is torn in order to release the bladder, the device will be a single use device that must be replaced after the bladder is released and inflated. It will be appreciated, however, that in alternative embodiments the belt may use an alternative method of releasing the bladder that allows reuse, or it may be possible for the belt to be refurbished after use by replacing only some components.

[0051] The act of pulling on the tab may also trigger an inflating device. For example, the inflating device may be in the form of compressed gas that is released to an internal compartment of the bladder when triggered. Other embodiments may use different inflating devices, however, such as chemical reactions, electrical pumps with batteries, or any other suitable means for causing the bladder to automatically inflate.

[0052] In one particularly advantageous form, there may be two of the inflating devices and two of the tabs, each of the inflating devices being associated with a respective one of the tabs for activating the inflating device. This not only allows for increased capacity of the bladder, but also provides a redundancy in the event that one of the inflating devices fails.

[0053] By having two inflating devices, this can allow the belt to provide more buoyancy than a standard life jacket. For example, each of the inflating devices may have a CO2 gas cylinder, such as a 25g cylinder or even a 33g cylinder for larger versions, or any other suitable size, which together can inflate a larger buoyancy bladder than standard life jackets.

[0054] Advantageously, the bladder may also have a valve for manually inflating the bladder. This ensures that even if the inflating devices completely fail, or the bladder has a leak, maintaining a functioning flotation device can still be possible. The valve(s) may be attached to or associated in some way with the tabs used for activating the device, to ensure that they are easily located. The valve(s) may be in the same or different location to the inflating devices.

[0055] Preferably, the inflation devices are all located inside the housing with the bladder, which is ideally waterproof to ensure these devices are protected over time if the belt is worn but not activated. The housing may have a rating such as IPX8, another similar rating or possibly even a higher rating.

[0056] Advantageously, the housing prior to being activated is a substantially unobtrusive and/or streamlined shape. In this way, it provides little resistance in the water and thus does not interfere with or impede a swimmer’s activities.

[0057] This minimal profile of the belt is a distinguishing feature over other forms of inflatable device and can greatly add to the effectiveness of the device. This is because more obtrusive devices, such as traditional life jackets for example, may be too annoying or obstructive for the user to wear for long periods, resulting in them choosing not to wear the device at all or removing the device after a period of time. Instead, the present belt can be worn comfortably for long periods without causing problems or even being noticed by a swimmer or other user.

[0058] Some embodiments of the belt, such as a version designed for boating for example, may also include a whistle and/or a light for open water activities where location support for a user in the water may also be required. In such a case, the light may also be automatically activated when coming into contact with water. It may also be desired to incorporate more sophisticated locating devices, such as a satellite navigation based location and communication device.

[0059] An example embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0060] Referring to Figure 1, a belt 10 is shown that has a housing 12 with a coupler 13 at each end. The housing 12 can extend about a waist of a user and be secured in place by securing the couplers 13 to one another. The length of the housing 12 is adjustable where it connects to the couplers 13 to ensure the fit to the user is secure.

[0061] Referring now to Figure 2, the belt 10 is shown in an activated configuration where a bladder 20 has been released from the housing 12 and inflated. In Figure 1 the bladder 20 had been contained inside the housing 12 in a deflated state.

[0062] As shown in Figure 2, the bladder 20 remains connected to the housing 12 after being released. A tether 22 extends from towards one end of the bladder 22 to a location on the housing 12 close to the coupler 13, or alternatively to the coupler 13 itself.

[0063] The bladder 20 is in the form of an elongate tube that is curved into an arcuate shape, or major arc. That is, the tube is curved to almost form a circle, with only a relatively small gap between the ends of the bladder 20. This gap, however, is sufficient for a user 15 to remove the bladder 20 from around their body if they feel safe to do so to assist with swimming and self-rescue. [0064] Once inflated, during use the buoyancy of the bladder 20 causes it to rise up to sit around the chest and under the arms of the user. By supporting the user in this way, it allows the user to sit much higher in the water, aiding in keeping their head above water as well as visibility for anyone that might be searching for them.

[0065] Referring back now to Figure 1, the belt 10 has two tabs 25 extending from the housing 12. These tabs 25 are brightly coloured to ensure they can be easily located when needed, and pulling on one or both of these tabs 25 activates the release of the bladder 20.

[0066] A seam runs along the housing 12 around the full length of the housing 12. Pulling on the tabs 25 causes the seam to tear, allowing the bladder 20 to be released from within the housing 12. Pulling on the tabs 25 also acts to draw the bladder 20 out of the housing 12.

[0067] The tabs 25 also activate inflating devices 28. The inflating devices 28 include cylinders containing compressed carbon dioxide gas (CO2). Each cylinder will typically contain 25g of CO2, however large sized versions of the belt may use larger cylinders with 33g of CO2. When the inflating device 28 is activated by pulling on the tab 25, the gas is released from the storage cylinder into an internal compartment of the bladder 20.

[0068] The inflating devices 28 can be any suitable known device. For example, suitable devices can be provided by Halkey Roberts™ in the United States or UML™ in the United Kingdom, who each produce inflators for the life jacket industry. However, these devices may be modified as necessary to suit the belt 10, including left and right side inflators and alternate activation mechanisms. Suitable CO2 cylinders are readily available from a variety of manufacturers.

[0069] In the embodiment shown, each tab 25 is integrated with one of the tethers 22. It will be appreciated, however, that in alternative embodiments these could be separate components.

[0070] Each of the inflating devices 28 is associated with one of the tabs 25, so that in the event that one of the devices fails the other will ideally still work and allow the bladder 20 to still be inflated enough to function adequately, even if not fully. [0071] Typically, pulling on the tabs 25 will tear the seam at least partially before the inflating devices 28 are activated and begin inflating the bladder 20. However, the seam may not be completely torn open and/or the bladder 20 may not be completely released from the housing 12. In such a case the belt 10 will still function, with the inflation of the bladder 20 forcing the remainder of the seam to be torn open and forcibly releasing the bladder 20. The housing 12 is much smaller than the inflated bladder 20, so there is no possibility of the inflated bladder 20 remaining in the housing 12. Of course, in some cases the bladder 20 may be removed completely from the housing 12 prior to being inflated.

[0072] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 12 remains sufficiently intact after the bladder 20 is released from the housing 12, so that it still extends between the couplers 13. That is, the belt 10 remains securely connected to the user once the bladder 20 is deployed. As such, even if the user removes the inflated bladder 20 from around their chest, it will remain securely connected to them so that they can easily gather it and place it back around their chest if needed.

[0073] Prior to the inflation devices 28 being activated, the housing 12 completely encloses the bladder 20 and the inflation devices 28 in a watertight cavity. This ensures that even if the belt 10 is worn many times, even in water, the bladder 20 and inflation devices 28 are protected and remain able to function appropriately in the event that they are eventually used.

[0074] In one optional embodiment of the belt 10, it could include a light that is activated when coming into contact with water. This light would be part of the bladder 20, or at least contained within the housing 12, so that it is only activated in the event that the bladder 20 is deployed and inflated. Such a belt 10 may also include a whistle for attracting attention of rescuers. The belt 10 that includes these features may be particularly suitable for boats and/or commercial applications.

[0075] Materials used for the belt 10 may include an opaque polymer material that is sufficiently durable while also being flexible to ensure the belt 10 is still comfortable to wear. The couplers 13 will typically be plastic, but may be metal or any other suitable material. Fabric straps may be used as part of the housing to connect to the couplers 13 to allow for the length to be adjusted. The housing 12 may include any suitable colours and/or printed words or logos, for example, for attractiveness and/or marketing purposes.

[0076] The bladder 20 will typically be made from a polymer material as well, however any other suitable known material may alternatively be used. It will typically be a bright yellow colour and have reflective sections, but other colours and/or features may also be used to aid with visibility of the bladder 20 when deployed.

[0077] In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “front” and “rear”, “inner” and “outer”, “above” and “below” and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0078] Whilst the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood that many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations and modifications should be considered to fall within the scope of the invention as broadly described and as claimed below.

[0079] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. As used herein and unless otherwise stated, the term “approximately” means ±20%.

Claims (18)

CLAIMS:

1. A belt for use in or near a body of water, the belt comprising a housing with a coupler at each end such that the housing can extend about a waist of a user and be secured in place by securing the couplers to one another, the housing having a bladder inside in a deflated state, wherein the housing is configured to release the bladder upon activation by a user, allowing the bladder to be inflated outside the housing.

2. The belt according to claim 1, wherein the bladder remains connected to the housing after being released.

3. The belt according to claim 2, wherein the bladder is connected to the housing by a tether.

4. The belt according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing remains sufficiently intact after the bladder is released for the housing to still extend between the couplers.

5. The belt according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the housing is adjustable.

6. The belt according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bladder is in the form of a tube that is curved in the shape of a major arc.

7. The belt according to claim 6, wherein each end of the bladder has a first end of a tether connected, with a second end of each tether connecting proximal to one of the couplers.

8. The belt according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user activates the release of the bladder by pulling on a tab.

9. The belt according to claim 8, wherein the act of pulling on the tab by the user causes part of the housing to tear.

10. The belt according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the act of pulling on the tab triggers an inflating device.

11. The belt according to claim 10, wherein the inflating device comprises a compressed gas that is released to an internal compartment of the bladder when triggered.

12. The belt according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein there are two of the inflating devices and two of the tabs, each of the inflating devices being associated with a respective one of the tabs for activating the inflating device.

13. The belt according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing prior to being activated completely encloses the bladder therein.

14. The belt according to claim 13, wherein the housing encloses the bladder in a watertight cavity.

15. The belt according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing prior to being activated is a substantially unobtrusive and/or streamlined shape.

16. The belt according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bladder comprises a valve for manually inflating the bladder.

17. The belt according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the belt comprises a light that is automatically activated when coming into contact with water.

18. The belt according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the belt comprises a whistle.