Patent Application
20250089875
The disclosure relates generally to the field of personal safety. More particularly, the disclosure relates to safety devices and methods of using a safety device.
Self-defense devices have become a necessity for many individuals. Some examples of self-defense devices include pressurized canisters that are handheld and contain an irritant, which is sprayed from the canister. Unfortunately, handheld pressurized devices suffer various drawbacks. For example, the handheld devices are often stored in an individual's pocket or purse, which requires that the device be located and removed from where it has been stored when the individual is presented with a threat. This process consumes time and can be difficult, especially when an individual is involved in a confrontation.
A need exists, therefore, for improved safety devices and methods of using a safety device.
Various example safety devices are described.
An example safety device comprises a storage member and a retention device. The storage member has a first portion, a second portion, and defines a first chamber. The second portion is moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the second portion is releasably attached to the first portion such that the first portion and the second portion cooperatively define the chamber. In the second configuration the second portion is free of attachment to the first portion. The retention device is disposed within the chamber and has a retaining arm.
An example method of using a safety device comprises a step of obtaining a safety device. The safety device comprises a storage member, a retention device, and a tool. The storage member has a first portion, a second portion, and defines a first chamber. The second portion is moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the second portion is releasably attached to the first portion such that the first portion and the second portion cooperatively define the chamber. In the second configuration the second portion is free of attachment to the first portion. The retention device is disposed within the chamber and has a retaining arm. The tool is releasably attached to the retention device. Another step comprises attaching the safety device to a waist of a user. Another step comprises moving the second portion from the first configuration to the second configuration. Another step comprises removing the tool from the retention device. Another step comprises using the tool.
Additional understanding of the inventive safety devices and method of using a safety device can be obtained by reviewing the detailed description of selected examples, below, and the referenced drawings.
The following detailed description and the appended drawings describe and illustrate various example safety devices and methods of using a safety device. The description and illustration of these examples enable one skilled in the art to make and use a safety device and practice a method of using a safety device. They do not limit the scope of the claims in any manner.
In the illustrated embodiment, the storage member 102 defines a second chamber 116, a third chamber 118, and a fourth chamber 120, each of which can be sealed via a zipper 124 or any other desired means. Each of the second chamber 116, third chamber 118, fourth chamber 120 can be used to store any suitable device and/or component, such as a cell phone, tools, and/or the like. A storage member can define any desired number of chambers similar to those of the second chamber 116, the third chamber 118, and the fourth chamber 120. Alternatively, a storage member can define a single chamber, no chambers, or more than one chamber.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 108 has a first side 126 that has a first attachment mechanism 128 and the second portion 110 has a second side 130 that has a second attachment mechanism 132. When the second portion 110 is in the first configuration, the first attachment mechanism 128 is attached to the second attachment mechanism 132. When the second portion 110 is in the second configuration, the first attachment mechanism 128 is free of attachment to the second attachment mechanism 132. The first attachment mechanism 128 is configured to be releasably attach to the second attachment mechanism 132. The second portion 110 can be releasably attached to the first portion 108 by any desired securing means; however, a hook and loop fastener, commonly referred to as Velcro, is used in the illustrated embodiment. Some acceptable alternative securing means can include, but are not limited to, snap fasteners, buttons, and the like. Hook and loop fasteners provide a fast and efficient means to detach the second portion 110 from the first portion 108.
In the embodiment shown, a tab 134 is attached to the second portion 110 on an end opposite the point of attachment to the first portion 108 that allows an individual to easily separate the second portion 110 from the first portion 108. Alternative embodiments, however, can omit the inclusion of a tab. When the second portion 110 is in the first configuration, as shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, the retention device 104 has a body 136, a retaining arm 138, a first compartment 140, and a second compartment 142. The retention device 104 is disposed within the first chamber 112 and is configured to hold a first tool 144, a second tool 146, and a third tool 148. A retention device can be used to store any suitable tool, such as a container of mace, an alarm, a siren, a flashing light, an alert member, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the safety device has three tools 144, 146, 148. The first tool 144 is a container of mace 150, the second tool 146 is a first alert member 152, and the third tool 148 is a second alert member 154. Although the illustrated embodiment depicts a single container of mace 150 and the two alert members 152, 154, any number of selected tools can be used. For example, a safety device can include two cans of mace and one alert member or one can of mace and a flashing light.
In the illustrated embodiment, the container of mace 150 is releasably attached to the retention device 104 and disposed between the body 136 of the retention device 104 and the retaining arm 138. The container of mace 150 includes a leash 156 that has a first end 158 that is attached to the first portion 108 of the storage member 102 and a second end 160 that is attached the container of mace 150.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first alert member 152 is releasably attached to the retention device 104 and disposed within the first compartment 140. The first alert member 152 has a first body 166 and a first flag 168. The first flag 168 is releasably attached to the first body 166. Although the illustrated embodiment depicts the first alert member 152 as having a first flag 168, in alternative embodiments, a first flag can be substituted for a first button or any other desired means of activating a first alert member. The first alert member 152 is configured to produce a flashing light and an alerting sound when the first flag 168 is detached from the first alert member 152. Although the illustrated first alert member 152 has been described as producing a flashing light and an alerting sound, a first alert member can alternatively produce the alerting sound or the flashing light. Further, any other type of alerting notification can be used in place of the alerting sound or flashing light.
In the illustrated embodiment, the second alert member 154 is releasably attached to the retention device 104 and disposed within the second compartment 142. The second alert member 154 has a second body 170 and a second flag 172. The second flag 172 is releasably attached to the second body 170. Although the illustrated embodiment depicts the second alert member 154 as having the second flag 172, in alternative embodiments, a second flag can be substituted for a second button or any other desired means of activating a second alert member. The second alert member 154 is configured to produce a flashing light and an alerting sound when the second flag 172 is detached from the second alert member 154. Although the illustrated second alert member 154 has been described as producing a flashing light and an alerting sound, a second alert member can alternatively produce the alerting sound or the flashing light. Further, any other type of alerting notification can be used in place of the alerting sound or flashing light.
In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment member 106 extends from a first side 174 of the storage member 102 to the second side 178 of the storage member 102. The attachment member 106 also has a first clip 180 and a second clip 182 that releasably attach a first portion 184 of the attachment member 106 to a second portion 186 of the attachment member 106. The first and second clips 180, 182 can be detached from one another, and reattached to one another, such that the safety device 100 can be releasably attached to an individual. The first clip 180 and second clip 182 are also configured to allow size adjustment to better fit a large variety of different sized individuals. Although the attachment member 106 has a first and second portion 184, 186 in this illustrated embodiment, there need not be two portions.
In operation, an individual obtains the safety device 100. The individual then attaches the safety device 100 to their waist using the attachment member 106. Optionally, the individual then adjusts the length of the attachment member 106. The individual then performs a desired activity, such as jogging. An individual then moves the second portion 110 from the first configuration to the second configuration due to an event, such as a mugging. The individual removes the first tool 144 from the retention device 104, uses the first tool 144, and/or uses or activates the second tool 146 and/or third tool 148.
Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alternatives for the described and illustrated examples can be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure, and that the various elements and features of one example described and illustrated herein can be combined with various elements and features of another example without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the particular examples disclosed herein have been selected by the inventors simply to describe and illustrate examples of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or its protection, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63538526 | Sep 2023 | US |
