WRIST-WORN, INFLATABLE, SMART LIFE PRESERVER

Abstract

The inventive concept discloses an inflatable life preserver device compacted within a wristband, in a convenient, minimally-sized form that operates simply by pulling of at least one rip-cord attached within the wristband. A floating plastic sac internal to the wristband is then deployed, and produces immediate mixing of water and internally contained, powdered acidic and alkaline substances. When the two types of substances are combined with a minute quantity of the water flowing into the plastic sac, a chemical reaction is created within the plastic sac. This condition generates, in the preferred embodiment, carbon dioxide gas. The entirety of the deployed plastic sac remains attached to the wristband. In this manner, the float device is inflated, providing substantial buoyancy, enabling the wearer to stay afloat in an emergency situation.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The field of the present inventive concept relates generally to flotation devices equipment utilized to assist in preventing persons from drowning, whether at beachside, a lake, river, or some type of waterway.

(2) Description of the Related Art, Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

U.S. Published Patent Application #2020/040703A1; Dec. 31, 2020; Azriel, M. An inflatable flotation device having a reaction chamber with reactants that generate gas when mixed, said reactants being separated by a barrier assembly; an activating mechanism adapted to remove or puncture the barrier assembly such that said reactants mix; and an inflatable compartment fluidly connected to the reaction chamber by means of a pressure sensitive passageway, adapted to open only when the pressure of the gas in said reaction chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold. This ensures that most of the reactants are used up to generate gas before the gas enters the inflatable chamber, thus preventing scattering of the reactants. Some implementations have a reaction chamber without a barrier assembly, comprising reactants that generate gas when mixed with water and an activating mechanism adapted to expose the reactants to water. A variety of manual or automatic mechanisms may be employed to activate the reaction and inflate the device.

U.S. Published Patent Application #2006/0012483A1; Jan. 19, 2006; Ethington, B.

A water safety device includes a transmitter device adapted for operation with an alarm and search console. The transmitter device includes an alerting unit and an associated activation sensor. Activation of the alerting unit results in the transmission from the alerting unit to the alarm and search console of a tracking signal. The activation sensor may be any transducer or combination of transducers capable of sensing physical phenomenon generally concomitant a fall into water from a boat or ship. The alerting unit is adapted to immediately begin transmission of a predetermined signal for tracking of the life preserver and transmitter device by the alarm and search console following activation by the activation sensor. The alerting unit may be adapted to cause automated inflation of one or more inflatable bladders upon any indication that the wearer of the water safety device has fallen from the boat or ship.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,599B1; Oct. 19, 2004; Huang, K.

A safety device includes a base and a cap pivotably connected to the base at one end thereof. The cap has a watch on a top thereof and a protrusion extending from an underside thereof. A pressurized air container has its sealed end inserted in an opening of the protrusion and a distal end of the container extends from the cap. A passage is defined in the protrusion and a cylindrical member is movably received. The cylindrical member includes a probe which is located in the chamber of the protrusion and beside the sealed end of the container. An inflatable piece is received in the base and has an inlet member which is engaged with the chamber defined in the protrusion. A link is pivotably connected between the cylindrical member and the cylindrical member such that when pivoting the container, the link moves the cylindrical member to let the probe break through the sealed end of the container such that the inflatable piece is inflated.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed device relates to a combination inflatable life preserver and smart, electronically-activated alerting or unlocking mechanism, both mechanisms compacted into a wristband 1 capable of being worn on the wrist of a user 50. Drowning is a major cause of death worldwide, claiming the lives of more than 300,000 people every year. Many of the drowning events occur in natural waters such as ocean beaches, lakes, or other waterways. Where there is an absence of a monitoring lifeguard(s), many would have been preventable with use of an instantly available personal flotation device.

The primary objective of this inventive concept is to provide an Inflatable Smart Life Preserver which is contained in a wristband/bracelet 1 that can inflate to help a person/wearer stay afloat when there is a danger of drowning in a body of water.

A second objective of this inventive concept is constructing the lifesaving Inflatable Smart Life Preserver in a convenient, minimally-sized form that is simple to operate. A compacted floatation device, internal to the wristband 1, when deployed by a wearer of the wristband 1, produces intentional mixing of water with an internal powdered acidic substance and an internal powdered alkaline substance. When the two types of substances are combined with a minute quantity of the water engulfing the wearer, a chemical reaction is created within the floatation device, generating expansive carbon dioxide gas. In this manner, the compacted flotation device becomes inflated, providing buoyancy to enable the wearer to stay afloat in an emergency situation.

An additional objective is to provide, integral to the wristband 1, a Bluetooth-enabled transmitter and/or an RFID key of the type typically used by hotels and resorts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF DRAWINGS AS EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPT

FIG. 1 illustrates a wearer 50, further showing the inflatable wristband 1 affixed to the wrist 51 of the wearer 50.

FIG. 2 presents a direct view of the outer cover 8 of the wristband 1, along with a stylized rendering of the potential attachment of a Bluetooth-enabled transmitter 58 and/or an RFID key 59 on the wristband 1.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective of a segment of the wristband 1, including the location of a left pull tab 6.

FIG. 4 displays a cross-sectional view of a segment of the wristband 1, as seen from the perspective of section line A-A of FIG. 2 and section line A-A of FIG. 3, further including the folded plastic sac 10(b) included within the inner chamber 8(a) of the wristband 1.

FIG. 4A depicts a cross-sectional view of the wristband 1 as seen from the perspective of section line B-B of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 presents a stand-alone view of the pressurized plastic sac 10, having been deployed by a user 50 and the pressurized plastic sac 10 achieving full inflation, while tethered to the outer cover 8 of the wrist band 1.

FIG. 6 is a view of the layout of a flattened plastic sac 10(a) prior to its connection to the outer cover 8 of a wristband 1. Further shown is the mixture of powdered acidic substances 41 and powdered alkaline substances 42 contained in the area of the neck 17, 17(a) of the flattened plastic sac 10(a).

FIG. 7 presents a view of the flattened plastic sac 10(a) in the first stage of its folding in preparation for insertion of a compacted form of the plastic sac 10(b) into an inner chamber 8(a) of the wristband 1.

FIG. 8 presents a view of the flattened plastic sac 10(a) in the second stage of folding into its compacted plastic sac 10(b) form.

FIG. 9 displays the final stage of a fully folded, compacted plastic sac 10(b). Further shown is the exposed neck adherence surface 17(b) of the compacted plastic sac 10(b) which surface will be permanently bound to the outer cover 8 of the wristband 1.

FIG. 9A depicts a cross-sectional view of the compacted plastic sac 10(b) as seen from the perspective of section line B-B of FIG. 9.

TABLE OF NOMENCLATURE & PART NUMBERS OF INVENTION

1.      Wristband
2.      Right rip cord
3.      Right pull tab
4.      Right attachment point
5.      Left rip cord
6.      Left pull tab
7.      Left attachment point
8.      Outer cover (surface?)
8(a)    Inner chamber
9.      Inner cover
10.     Pressurized plastic sac
10(a)   Flattened plastic sac
10(b)   Compacted plastic sac
11.     Left wing
12.     Left wingtip
13.     Left channel
13(a)   Stowed material
14.     Right wing
15.     Right wingtip
16.     Right channel
16(a)   Stowed material
17.     Neck
17(a)   Interior view of neck
17(b)   Neck adherence surface
18.     Seam (float)
19.-20. n/a
21.     Left channel fold
22.     Right channel fold
23.     First folding line
23(a)   First folding direction
24.     Second folding line
24(a)   Second folding direction
25.-29. n/a
30.     Outer left edge
31.     Outer right edge
32.     Inner left edge
33.     Inner right edge
34.     Junction
35.-40. n/a
41.     Powdered acidic substance
42.     Powdered alkaline substance
43.     Water
44.     Gas (preferred CO2
45.     Body
45(a)   Body first surface
45(b)   Body second surface
46.     n/a
47.     Left arch
48.     Right arch
49.     n/a
50.     User
51.     User's wrist
52.-57. n/a
58.     Bluetooth-enabled transmitter
59.     RFID-functioning device

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPT

The objects, features, and advantages of the inventive concept presented in this application are more readily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings. The drawings, totaling ten figures, show the basic components and functions of possible embodiments and/or methods of use. In the several figures, like reference numbers are used in each figure to correspond to the same component as may be depicted in other figures.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing general embodiments of the inventive concept only, and is not intended to be limiting or restrictive of various modes, components, and manner of use of the inventive concept. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this Specification, describe and/or designate the presence of certain features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The discussion of the present inventive concept will be initiated with FIG. 1. In FIG. 1 there is illustrated an arm-mounted, wristband 1 shown affixed to the wrist 51 of a user 50. The wristband 1 may be constructed of a flexible material, such as silicone, allowing it to be stretched by user 50 during placement of the wristband 1 about the user's wrist 51. Other embodiments also provide for fastening of the wristband 1 about the wrist 51 by means of female and male metal snaps, Velcro© type fasteners, or other suitable means. In the preferred embodiment, the wristband 1 is secured to the wrist 51 of the user 50 by an adjustable link or by virtue of selecting a material having flexible, expandable qualities.

Further shown in FIG. 1 are a left pull tab 6, a right pull tab 3, and a permanently-attached of a Bluetooth-enabled transmitter 58 and/or an RFID-functioning key 59. The outer cover 8 of the wristband 1 is preferably fabricated from a flexible type of silicone material.

FIG. 2 presents an expanded, close-up view of a segment of the wristband 1, particularly showing the outer cover 8 of the wristband 1. Also displayed are the left pull tab 6, right pull tab 3, and the Bluetooth-enabled transmitter 58 and/or an RFID key 59. The RFID key 59 may of the type commonly issued to occupants of resort hotels or cruise ships. As will be detailed later, the left pull tab 6 and right pull tab 3 are connected to a left rip cord 5 and right rip cord 2, respectively, both contained within an inner chamber 8(a) of the wristband 1.

It is to be noted, in viewing FIG. 2, that the inner cover 9 (out of view) is in direct contact with a user's wrist 51 when the wristband 1 is worn. Either the right pull tab 3, or left pull tab 6, which when pulled or tugged, activates the separation of one-half of the outer cover 8 of the wristband 1, thus allowing a flattened plastic sac 10(a) to be deployed from the interior of the wristband 1. The wristband 1 is constructed with the flattened plastic sac 10(a) having been folded multiple times into a compacted form 10(b) of the flattened plastic sac 10(a), which is of a sufficiently small size as to be accommodated within the interior of the wristband 1.

An important element of the fabrication process is the joining of the longitudinal edges 30, 31, of the outer cover 8 and the longitudinal edges 32, 33, inner cover 9, respectively, by a heat-sealing process into a single wristband 1 unit. The compacted plastic sac 10(b) is contained in an inner chamber 8(a) between the outer and inner covers 8, 9.

FIG. 3 presents a dimensional, perspective view of a segment of the wristband 1, depicting the outer cover 8, and further showing the left pull tab 6, with the right pull tab 3 out of view. The outer cover 8 and inner cover 9 are of the same dimensions, and are detachably bound together along at least one of their common longitudinal edges.

The pull tabs 6, 3, are connected to a left rip cord 5, and a right rip cord 2, respectively, as more readily shown in FIG. 4. Each rip cord 5, 2, is anchored proximate the inner chamber 8(a) of the wristband 1 to a left attachment point 7, and right attachment point 4, respectively. The arrangement of attachment of the rip cords 5, 2, is shown more clearly in FIG. 4, herein.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-section view of the wristband 1, as depicted from the orientation shown by section line A-A of FIG. 2 and, also, section line A-A of FIG. 3. Within the inner chamber 8(a) of the wristband 1 is shown the folded pack 10(b). The ultimate use of the wristband 1, if necessary, calls for the compacted plastic sac 10(b) to be released, deployed, and inflated into the form of a pressurized plastic sac 10, as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 4 further shows, on the outer cover 8 of the wristband 1, the left pull tab 6 and the right pull tab 3. The left pull tab 6 is connected to a left rip cord 5, which extends through the interior of the wristband 1 to a fixed left attachment point 7. Similarly, the right pull tab 3 is connected to a right rip cord 2 which extends from a fixed right attachment point 4 within the inside of the wristband 1. The outer cover 8 and inner cover 9 are mutually bonded along at least one co-located longitudinal edges 30, 31, 32, 33.

Should a user 50 firmly tug either of the pull tabs 3, 6 either rip cord 3, 5 will cause a rendering in the outer cover 8, disrupting the outer edge 30 of the outer cover 8 and the outer edge 32 of the inner cover 9. This, in turn, deploys the compacted plastic sac 10(b). Should a user pull both pull tabs 3, 6, then the entirety of the outer cover 8 will be released from the predominance of its edge bonding with the inner cover 9, also causing the deployment of the compacted plastic sac 10(b).

FIG. 4A depicts a cross-sectional view of a segment of the wristband 1 as seen from the perspective of section line B-B of FIG. 4. Displayed in FIG. 4A are the outer cover 8 and inner cover 9 of the wristband 1. Both pull tabs 5, 6, are out of view, however the left attachment point 7 for the left pull tab 6 is shown, along with a portion of the left rip cord 5. It is to be noted that each rip cord 5, 2, is anchored proximate the inner chamber 8(a) of the wristband 1. FIG. 4A also shows a segmented view of the compacted plastic sac 10(b) is shown within the inner chamber 8(a) of the wristband 1.

FIG. 5 displays a stand-alone side view of the pressurized plastic sac 10, having been deployed by a user 50. The pressurized plastic sac 10 is shown having achieved full inflation, while remaining tethered to the outer cover 8 of the wrist band 1. The neck 17 of the pressurized sac 10 is shown attached to the now-separated outer cover 8 and inner cover 9 of the wristband 1.

By the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the wearer 50 has yanked both the right pull tab 3 and the right rip cord 2 and also the left pull tab 6 and left rip cord 5. This results in breaching the connection between the outer left edge 30 and the inner left edge 32. This causes a separation of the outer cover 8 and inner cover 9 of the wristband 1. The previously compacted plastic sac 10(b) has deployed to nearly its full extent, made possible by small quantities of water 43 entering through the right wingtip 15 and right channel 16 and also the left wingtip 12 and left channel 13 (not in view).

As the water 43 enters the exposed compacted plastic sac 10(b), it mixes with both the powdered acidic substance 41 and the alkaline substance 42. A rapid expansion caused by the release of carbon dioxide gas inflates the pressurized plastic sac 10, as shown by the rotund body 45 of the pressurized plastic sac 10, its body first surface 45(a) its body second surface 45(b), and the circumferential seam 18. The increasing internal pressure gradually causes the stowed material 13(a) contained in the left channel fold 21 and stowed material 16(a) contained in the right channel fold 22 to close, preventing both the escape of carbon dioxide gas and the entry of additional quantities of water 43.

This intermixing of water 43 and the contained substances 41, 42 has caused the generation, in the preferred embodiment, of carbon dioxide gas 44, which fully inflates the interior of the pressurized plastic sac 10. In the preferred embodiment, the powdered acidic substance 41 and powdered base substance 42 are citric acid and bicarbonate of soda, respectively. These two specific substances are set out for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to have a limiting effect on the types of substances that may be utilized in operating the inventive concept. Testing of the pressurized plastic sac 10 has shown that 33.0 grams of bicarbonate of soda and 26.0 grams of citric acid, when mixed with water 43 within the plastic sac 10, should provide flotation support, or buoyance, for a 250-pound person, for a period of time from thirty minutes to an hour or more.

FIG. 6 serves to illustrate more detailed information regarding the construction, packaging, and function of the flattened plastic sac 10. FIG. 6 illustrates the initial profile and shape of the flattened plastic sac 10, which is shown at the pre-assembly stage. The general shape of the flattened plastic sac 10 resembles the letter, “V.” The essential components shown are a left wing 11, right wing 14, a neck 17, an upper crest 45(c) of the flattened plastic sac 10, and a continuous seam 18 which connects and seals the wings 11, 14, left arch 47, and right arch 48 of the flattened plastic sac 10.

The interior of the body first surface 45(a) adheres directly to the interior of the body second surface 45(b)(not in view) at this pre-assembly stage, due to the mutual attraction of static electricity between the surfaces. Also shown in FIG. 6 is a circled area 17(a) indicating an internal view of the location of the powdered acidic substance 41 and powdered alkaline substance 42 within the neck 17.

The previously referred-to circumferential seam 18 does not seal the entirety of the flattened plastic sac 10. In a small area proximate the left wingtip 12, there is constructed a small left channel 13, and similarly, the right wingtip 15 is also constructed with a small inlet channel 16. Both channels 13, 16 are small orifices which allow the entry of water 43 into the wing areas 11, 14 when the flattened float pack 10(a) is immersed in water 43. The seam 18 serves to bind the lower edges of the body first surface 45(a) and the body second surface 45(a).

FIG. 6 also serves as a starting point for describing the details involved in the process of installing the flattened float pack 10(a) interiorly to the wristband 1. On the left side of the flattened float pack 10(a), a user, (or automated equipment), pushes the left wingtip 12 and its left channel 13 a short distance inward, so as to form a pocket of stowed material 13(a) in the area shown by dashed lines.

Similarly, the right wingtip 15 and its right channel 16 are pushed inwardly the same short distance, resulting in stowed material 16(a) in the area shown by dashed lines. During actual deployment of the flattened float pack 10(a), pressurized carbon dioxide gradually forces the two areas of stowed material 13(a), 16(a) outward, preventing the entry of additional water.

The next sequential step in the installation of the flattened float pack 10(a) in the wristband 1 is depicted in FIG. 7. The preparer must fold the left wing 11 downward toward the neck 17, in a first folding direction 23(a). This fold is made along a first folding line 23. Immediately following, the right wing 14 is folded downward, in a second folding direction 24(a), along a second folding line 24.

The result of these first two folding lines 23, 24 is the form shown in FIG. 8. Four additional, alternating folds are made to the form of FIG. 8, in the manner of the folds of an accordion, the folds culminating in the final rectangular configuration, termed a “compacted sac 10(b)” shown in FIG. 9. The resulting compacted plastic sac 10(b) is of a length and width dimension and thickness which allows it to be placed within the inner chamber 8(a) of the wristband 1.

FIG. 9 demonstrates that a desired condition achieved after completion of all folding, is that there is becomes accessible a resulting neck adherence surface 17(b) proximate the neck 17 of the body second surface 45(b). This is the surface at which a bonded connection is made between the neck 17 of the body second surface 45(b) of the flattened float pack 10(a) and the inner surface of the outer cover 8 of the wristband 1.

FIG. 9A depicts a cross-sectional view of the fully folded, compacted plastic sac 10(b) as seen from the perspective of section line B-B of FIG. 9. Further shown is the neck adherence surface 17(b) to which the wristband 1 will be permanently attached.

The flattened plastic sac 10(a) is composed of a very thin, lightweight, malleable plastic material that has been arranged in folds to fit within the inflatable wristband 1. The inner cover 9 of the wristband 1 conforms to a typical range of wearer's 20 wrist sizes. The outer cover layer 8 is simply an aesthetic covering, possibly with an elastic piece for sizing, which could optionally house a tiny smart chip/RFID chip 59 or Bluetooth enabled transmitter 58 for location purposes or to also function as an electronic hotel door opener, etc.

While preferred embodiments of the present inventive method have been shown and disclosed herein, it will be obvious to those persons skilled in the art that such embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not as a limitation to the scope of the inventive concept. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur or be suggested to those skilled in the art without departing from the intent, scope, and totality of this inventive concept. Such variations, changes, and substitutions may involve other features which are already known per se and which may be used instead of, in combination with, or in addition to features already disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that this inventive concept be inclusive of such variations, changes, and substitutions, as described by the scope of the claims presented herein.

Claims

1. A flexible wristband containing an internally-stored, deployable floatation device, the flotation device becoming inflatable when the wearer of the wristband manually deploys the flotation device while immersed in a body of water, the floatation device, by reason of its inflation, inherently becoming a device providing buoyancy.

2. The flexible wristband of claim 1, wherein the deployable floatation device comprises a compacted, folded plastic sac stored within a chamber internal to the wristband, the sac further containing both a powdered acidic substance and a powdered alkaline substance, such that when the two substances are mixed with water, carbon dioxide gas is released within the sac, causing the sac to substantially expand in volume.

3. The flexible wristband of claim 1, wherein the means for deploying the flotation device comprises at least one pull tab mounted on the exterior of the wristband, the at least one pull tab connected to a rip cord, which rip cord is connected to an attachment point within the wristband, whereby, manually tugging of the at least one pull tab by a wearer causes the rip cord to breach the exterior of the wristband, causing the release of the floatation device.

4. The flexible wristband of claim 1, further having a Bluetooth-enabled transmitter affixed to the outer cover of the wristband.

5. The flexible wristband of claim 1, further having an RFID-functioning device affixed to the outer cover of the wristband.

6. A method of providing an emergency buoyancy support device for use by a person immersed in a body of water, comprising the steps of: a) constructing a flattened plastic sac shaped in the general form of the letter, “V,” further having (i) a left wing, (ii) a right wing, (iii) a continuous seam along the edges of the plastic sac, except for (iv) a small orifice in a channel intake in the left wing, (v) a small orifice in a channel intake in the right wing, and vi) having a bottommost neck, the neck having stored therein a mixture of a powdered acidic substance and a powdered alkaline substance;b) constructing a flexible wristband having (i) an outer cover, (ii) an inner cover, (iii) an inner chamber, and further, (iv) wherein the outer cover and inner cover are of the same dimensions and are detachably bound together along at least one of their common longitudinal edges;c) constructing at least one pull tab mounted on the exterior of the wristband, the at least one pull tab connected to a first end of rip cord and the second end of the rip cord being connected to an attachment point within the wristband;d) folding the flattened plastic sac multiple times, achieving a compacted form of the plastic sac, and bonding a segment of the exterior surface of the neck of the plastic sac onto the outer cover of the wristband;e) packing the compacted plastic sac entirely within the inner chamber; whereinf) producing a firm tug upon the at least one pull tab and its associated rip cord causes (i) breach of the exterior of the wristband; (ii) the release of the compacted plastic sac, (iii) the entry of water into the small orifices of the wings thereby intermixing water with the powdered acidic substance and the powdered alkaline substance, and (iv) the generation of carbon dioxide gas, which causes rapid expansion of the plastic sac.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the flexible wristband further comprises a Bluetooth-enabled transmitter affixed to the outer cover of the wristband.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the flexible wristband of claim 1, further comprises an RFID-functioning device affixed to the outer cover of the wristband.