Patent Publication Number: US-2007123121-A1

Title: Water safety device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
      The present application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/593,426 filed Jan. 13, 2005. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to safety devices for monitoring individuals engaged in water-related sports activities such as swimming, boating, snorkeling, surfing, diving, and the like.  
      2. Brief Description of the Prior Art  
      Parents are often concerned about their children when the children are in a body of water such as a swimming pool.  
      Contrary to what many people believe, drowning is a quick and silent killer, and often occurred while children are being supervised. According to a recent study by the national SAFE KIDS Campaign, nearly 90% of drowning deaths in children between the ages of 1 and 14 happened under the supervision of another person, usually a family member.  
      The children can be giggling away as they splash each other, practice holding their breath, and bob in and out of the water in a game of Marco Polo. Everything may seem perfectly safe.  
      But the truth is that many things can happened to children, both swimmers and non-swimmers, while they are in a body of water, such as, for example, a muscle spasm, leg cramps, a head trauma, etc.  
      In such situations, there may be little noise to alert parents that the child is in danger. However, even a few seconds can mean the difference between life and death.  
      Loss of consciousness can happen within two minutes after submersion—the time it may take simply to answer the phone. Brain damage may occur within 4 to 6 minutes after submersion.  
      Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury related to death of children ages 14 and under in the United States, and the leading cause in Arizona and other states. Drowning is the single leading cause of injury or death for children under 5 years. Drowning takes more than 1,000 children&#39;s lives each year. For every child who drowns, four or more are hospitalized for near drowning: for every hospital admission, four children are treated in emergency rooms.  
      Swimming pools are the most common place for drowning for young children.  
      The total annual economic losses due to swimming pool drowning and near drowning of young children in the United States are estimated to be between $450 and $650 million.  
      There are many pool safety devices that have been directed to this problem, including personal flotation devices, safety turtle devices, pool fences, pool alarms and many others. Some examples of these include:  
      U.S. Pat. App. No. 2004/0095248 Al describes a drowning alarm. This device comprises of two units (worn by each swimmer on the forehead) and a base station. Potential drowning is detected and alarmed either when a portable unit senses that it is submerged in water longer than a certain number of seconds, or when the swimmer activates a manual alarm push button on the portable unit.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 6, 317,050 B1 describes a water entry alarm system. The device functions to alert parents that the child entered the water or takes off the device, but does not help signal that a child in the water is in danger of drowning.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 6,930,608 B2 describes a multiple sensor device alarm, especially for firefighters.  
      Personal flotation devices are utilized for users or particularly children, to prevent accidental drowning in a body of water such as a swimming pool, and as swimming aids. However, many such flotation devices are bulky and very uncomfortable to wear. Children resist wearing such floatation apparel because of their unsightliness or lack of a ‘cool’ appearance. For children who can swim, such devices can be very uncomfortable and can inhibit skill development. Floatation devices can be inflated by mouth, by pump means, or automatically, such as by chemical reaction.  
      The so-called “fight or flight” response was originally discovered by Harvard physiologist Walter Cannon. This response is “hard wired” into our brains and represents a genetic wisdom designed to protect us from bodily harm. This response corresponds to an area of the brain called the hypothalamus. When the ‘fight or flight’ response is activated, sequences of nerve cell firing occur and chemicals like adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol are released into our bloodstream. The patterns of nerve cell firing and chemical release cause the body to undergo a series of very dramatic changes. For example, respiratory rate increases. Similarly, blood pressure increases, as does pulse rate and oxygen consumption. Blood is shunted away from the digestive tract and directed into muscles and limbs, which require extra energy and fuel for running and fighting. In addition, pupils dilate; wariness intensifies; and the immune system mobilizes with increased activation. We become prepared physically and psychologically for “fight or flight.” 
      There is a continuing need for devices that help reduce the likelihood and incidence of drowning, especially in children.  
     Summary of the Invention  
      In one aspect, the present invention provides a floatation device for the safety of swimming children that will self inflate if the child is in danger of drowning. In this manner, the device will provide immediate rescue to the child to stay afloat in a safe position for an acceptable amount of time. In another aspect, the present invention provides at the same time a local alarm for alerting supervising adults to the danger. In another aspect, the present invention provides a wireless monitor alarm to alert parents of the emergency situation.  
      In one presently preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a detector including a physiological sensor that will detect a physiological change, such as the “fight or flight” response of a person in danger of drowning. In another aspect, the present invention includes a compact floatation device that will automatically inflate to keep a child afloat in a safe position. In one presently preferred aspect, the present invention includes a detector that activates alarm systems to alert parents and others nearby that a life-threatening event is occurring. In another presently preferred aspect, the present invention includes monitors the distance of the child from a receiver unit and/or the direction of the child from the receiver unit.  
      Thus in one aspect the present invention provides a water safety device comprising at least one monitoring device for sensing a physiological parameter of a subject and providing at least one monitoring output signal responsive to the at least one sensed physiological parameter, and comparator means for comparing the at least one output signal with a corresponding predetermined value and providing a comparator output signal. In this aspect the water safety device further includes a floatation device for an individual and inflation means for inflating the floatation device responsive to the comparator output signal. Preferably, the monitoring output signal is a radio frequency signal.  
      Preferably, the physiological parameter sensed in the pulse rate of the subject. It is also preferred that the predetermined condition be a threshold pulse rate. In another aspect, the physiological parameter sensed is the motion of a portion of the subject&#39;s body.  
      Preferably, the water safety device according to the present invention further comprises a remote receiver; and transmission means for transmitting a signal derived from at least one of the at least one monitoring output signal, and the comparator output signal to the remote receiver. Preferably, the water safety device further comprises alarm means for providing a perceivable alarm responsive to a predetermined condition, such as a highly elevated or unexpectedly reduced pulse rate.  
      In another aspect, the water safety device preferably further includes means for monitoring the distance between the at least one monitoring device and the remote receiver. In yet another aspect, present invention provides a water safety device including means for determining the direction from the remote receiver to the at least one monitoring device.  
      In one presently preferred embodiment, the water safety device of the present invention provides as integral unit, the at least one monitoring device, the comparator means, the floatation device, and the inflation means. Similarly, in a presently preferred embodiment, the comparator means and the remote receiver means comprise an integral remote unit.  
      In another aspect, the water safety device preferably further comprises at least one GPS device.  
      In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a water safety device further comprising remote triggering means for inflating the floatation device from a location remote from the floatation device.  
      In another aspect the water safety device further includes recording means for recording the at least one monitoring output signal; and analysis means for selecting at least one predetermined value based on the recording of the at least one monitoring output signal.  
      In another presently preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a water safety device comprising at least one monitoring device for sensing a physiological parameter of a subject and providing at least one monitoring output signal responsive to the at least one sensed physiological parameter, and comparator means for comparing the at least one output signal with a corresponding predetermined value and providing a comparator output signal. In this embodiment, the water safety device also includes alarm means for providing a perceivable alarm responsive to the comparator output signal, but does not include a floatation device.  
      In this embodiment, the water safety device of the present invention also includes a remote receiver; and transmission means for transmitting a signal derived from at least one of the at least one monitoring output signal and the comparator output signal to the remote receiver.  
      Preferably, in this embodiment, the of the water safety device, the physiological parameter sensed in the pulse rate of the subject. Preferably, in this embodiment, the predetermined condition is a threshold pulse rate.  
      In this embodiment, the water safety device further includes means for monitoring the distance between the at least one monitoring device and the remote receiver. In this embodiment, the water safety device further comprises means for determining the direction from the remote receiver to the at least one monitoring device. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram schematically illustrating a water safety device according to the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  is perspective view of a flotation device according to the present invention shown in an uninflated state.  
       FIG. 3  is a schematic front elevational view of a remote-monitoring unit of a water safety device according to the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      The present invention preferably includes a compact automatic inflatable floatation device assembly and a detector unit. The detector unit preferably includes at least one physiological sensor that senses a physiological characteristic of an individual, such as a swimming child, being monitored. The detector unit preferably includes a processing and evaluation means for permitting predetermined parameter value(s) to be stored, and means for comparing the output of the at least one physiological sensor with a respective predetermined parameter value, and providing an output signal responsive to that comparison. Preferably, the predetermined parameter value(s) correspond to risk threshold(s) for the particular individual being monitored. The output signal can be used to trigger an local alarm, such as a siren and/or a bank of flashing lights, and/or a remote alarm, and to inflate the floatation device assembly. For example, when a sensor for pulse rate is employed, when the monitored pulse rate falls below a predetermined risk threshold, the floatation device will automatically inflate, and alarms will be activated.  
      In one presently preferred embodiment, when the monitored individual&#39;s heart rate goes abnormally high or abnormally low from the setting, the detector unit will preferably activate a three-step rescue system. First, a floatation device will automatically inflate. Second, the detector unit will preferably sound an alarm to alert others nearby that a life-threatening event is occurring. Third, the detector unit will signal a remote wireless monitor to activate a remote alarm to alert parents or other responsible persons.  
      Preferably, the self-inflating floatation device is compact, comfortable to wear, and not easily removable. Preferably, the self-inflating floatation device will buoy the individual wearing the device to face up when unconscious, so that his or her airways are not in contact with the water. Preferably, the self-inflating device is configured to be worn around the neck and upper chest. Preferably, the self-inflating floatation device is configured so the its lies relatively flat against the wearer when not inflated. Preferably, the uninflated device is V shaped around the neck to avoid the trachea, so that it does not press tightly against the neck, which could restrict breathing. Preferably, the self-inflating floatation device has netting or straps under the arms to hold the floatation device in place when inflated. Preferably, the self-inflating floatation device responds to an activation signal by inflating within no more than one minute, and preferably in less than 20 seconds. While the self-inflating floatation device preferably inflates fast enough to save someone from drowning, it preferably does not inflate so fast so as to cause neck injury to the individual wearing the floatation device, such as a child. The self-inflating floatation device is preferably adapted for rough water conditions. Preferably, the self-inflating floatation device is provided with highly visible colors as well as reflective material for search and rescue. Preferably, the self-inflating floatation device includes a short strap, that can be easily grasped by rescue personnel.  
      Preferably, the present invention also includes a remote monitor. The remote monitor is preferably adapted to be worn on the wrist of a person monitoring the individual wearing the self-inflating floatation device, such as a mother supervising her child in a swimming pool. Preferably, the remote monitor will function the to alert the wearer when the monitored individual is in danger of drowning, or when there is a malfunction of the device. Preferably, the remote monitor provides special alarm sounds, as well as a highly visible visual alarm. Preferably, the remote monitor also includes an indicator for warning of low battery function, or other malfunction. In another aspect of the present invention, the remote monitor also provides a visible indication of the heart rate of the monitored individual. In yet another aspect, the monitor provides an indication of the distance from the monitor to the individual being monitored, and/or an indication of the direction from the remote monitor to the individual being monitored, and/or other aid for locating the individual being monitored.  
      Preferably, the water safety device is adapted to be worn around the neck, like a collar. Preferably, the water safety device includes a pulse sensor for monitoring the heart rate on the carotid artery of the neck. Preferably, the detector unit will activate inflation of an inflatable vest when the pulse rate is either abnormally high (in the case of a ‘fight or flight’ response) or abnormal low (such as in the case of a child who faints after a head injury). Preferably, any dramatic change in the monitored pulse rate will exceed on the risk threshold, and device will be activated.  
      In another aspect of the present invention, the monitoring unit of the present invention can be used with a pre-inflated floatation device for non-swimmers or weak swimmers to provide similar protection.  
      In yet another aspect of the present invention, the detector unit of the present invention is adapted to be worn by bigger children who are strong swimmers and who will refuse to wear any flotation device, in this case the detector unit is preferably made as small as possible, and to be worn around the neck, to alert parents or other responsible adults that an emergency situation is occurring.  
      Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements in each of the several views, there is shown in  FIG. 1 a  block diagram schematically illustrating a water safety device  10  according to the present invention. The water safety device  10  includes a rapidly inflatable personal floatation device  20  adapted to be worn by an individual engaged in a water-related sport, such as swimming, boating, or the like. The personal floatation device  20  includes an inflatable vest  22  and an associated, attached sensing and control unit  40  for sensing one or more physiological characteristics of an individual wearing the personal floatation device  20 . The water safety device  10  optionally also includes a remote monitoring device  80  responsive to signals generated by the sensing and control unit  40  of the personal floatation device  20 .  
      The sensing and control unit  40  includes one or more sensor units  26 , such as a pulse sensor unit, for monitoring one or more physiological characteristics of the individual wearing the personal floatation device  20 . Pulse sensors are well known in the art, and are available in the form of piezoelectric film elements, such as are available from Measurement Specialties, Inc., 1000 Lucas Way, Hampton Va. 23666. While pulse sensors are presently preferred, other types of sensors of physiological activity can be used instead or in addition to a pulse sensor. For example, one or more pulse sensors can be used to provide a measure of blood pressure. Similarly, one or more one-, two-, or three-dimensional accelerometers can be used to monitor movement of one or more extremities. The sensor unit  26  includes a sensing element and associated signal conditioning, filtering and amplification circuits, such as sample and hold amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters, and the like, and provides an output signal  42  responsive to a comparator unit  44 . The output signal  42  can be either an analog signal or a digital signal, but is preferably a digital signal.  
      One or more predetermined values for the sensed physiological characteristic are stored in associated memory  46 , and are provided as an output signal  48  to the comparator unit  44 . For example, when the sensed physiological characteristic is the individual&#39;s pulse, the stored values memory  46  can include both a predefined minimum value and a predefined maximum value for inputting to the comparator unit  44 .  
      The comparator unit  44  compares the sensor signal  42  with the predefined values output from the stored values memory  46 , and generates a comparator output signal  50  when the sensor output signal  42  exceeds a predefined maximum value or drops below a predefined minimum value.  
      The comparator output signal  50  is input to a signal processing unit  52 , which in response outputs a local alarm signal  54  to a local alarm  56  on the floatation device  20 . The local alarm  56  can include a siren and an associated driver circuit, one or more highly visible lamps and associated circuitry, a radio frequency beacon, and/or other perceptible signaling devices (not shown).  
      At the same time the signal-processing unit  52  provides a broadcast output signal  58  to a transmitter device  60 , preferably having transceiver capabilities, which in turn generates a radiofrequency signal  62  responsive to the comparator output.  
      Also, at the same time the signal processing unit  52  generates an inflation signal  64  which is received by an inflation device  70 , which in response thereto initiates a rapid but safe inflation of the inflatable vest  22 . The inflation device  70  preferably includes a compressed gas inflation unit, such as a carbon dioxide, or other compressed gas, cylinder, for delivering inflation gas to the inflatable device in a controlled, but rapid manner. Alternatively, or in addition, other sources of inflation gas can be employed, such as sources based on rapid chemical reaction, pumps, and the like. For example, the inflation device  70  can include a backup source of inflation gas if a carbon dioxide cylinder is detected to fail to deliver the desired inflation gas.  
      Optionally, the sensor signal  42  can be provided directly to the signal processing unit  52 , which in turn can condition and provide the signal to the transmitter unit  60 , which in turn can transmit a radio-frequency signal based on the sensor signal  42 .  
      Optionally, the sensing and control unit  40  can also include a first GPS module  72  for sensing the location of the floatation device  20  and providing a responsive output signal  74  to the signal processing unit  52 , which in turn provides a responsive signal to the transmitter unit  60 . The transmitter unit  60  then provides a radiofrequency signal based on the GPS output signal  74 .  
      The sensor and control unit  40  is preferably powered by conventional battery sources (not shown), and one or more of the functional units of the sensor and control unit  40  can be implemented by discrete components, or integrally, such as by custom dedicated digital circuits, suitably programmed microprocessors, or the like.  
      The water safety device  10  preferably includes a remote monitoring device  80 , which includes a receiver/signal processing unit  82 , preferably with transceiver capabilities, for receiving the signal(s) transmitted by the transmitter  60  of the floatation device  20 . When a signal characteristic of the comparator output signal  50  is detected by the receiver/signal processing unit  82 , a responsive remote alarm signal  84  is generated. The remote alarm signal  82  is provided to a remote alarm  86 , which can include a siren, flashing lights, or other attention-attracting devices. The receiver/signal processing unit  82  also generates a display signal  88  responsive to the signal received from the floatation device  20 , which in turn is input to a visually perceptible display  90 . The receiver/signal processing unit  82  can include a second GPS module for sensing the location of the remote monitoring device  80 , as well as suitable means for computing the distance and/or direction of the first GPS module  72  from the second GPS module, such as a microprocessor. Signals characteristic of the distance and direction can then be provided by the receiver/signal-processing unit  82  to the display  90 , so that visually perceptible indications of the location of the floatation device  20  can be displayed.  
      In another presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, the remote monitoring device  80  is adapted to simultaneously monitor a plurality of floatation devices  20 , so that multiple individuals (for example, all the children in a family, or a child and his or her friends playing together in a pool) can be simultaneously monitored. In this case, the remote monitor  80  can be adapted to provide a single alarm for each of the monitored flotation devices  20  or a plurality of alarms each characteristic of a specific corresponding floatation device  20 . At the same time, the remote monitoring device  80  can be adapted to provide and display distance and direction information characteristic of each of the monitored flotation devices  20 .  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a floatation device  20  of the water safety device  10  according to the present invention. The floatation device  20  includes an inflatable vest  22  shown in an uninflated configuration. The inflatable vest  22  has a “V”-shaped central aperture  24  for receiving the head of an individual, and a pulse sensor  26  proximate the edge of the central aperture. The central aperture is preferably shaped for comfort and to avoid any possible restriction of the trachea of the person wearing the vest  22 . The corners of inflatable vest  22  are rounded to comfort and to reduce the likelihood of injury from contact. The floatation device  20  also includes at least one strap band  28  for securing the floatation device  20  to the individual being monitored. The strap band  28  preferably includes an alarm  30  which is triggered by opening the strap band  28  to remove the floatation device  20 , as well as a water-proof case  34  in which the sensing and control unit  40  is mounted. Status lights  36  are provided on the exterior of the electronics case  34  to provide a visual indication of the status of the floatation device  20 , and signal an alarm. The floatation device  20  also preferably includes a retractable retrieval cord  32  to aid in the rescue of an individual wearing the floatation device  20 .  
       FIG. 3  is front elevational view of a remote monitoring device  80  of a water safety device  10  according to the present invention. The remote monitoring device  80  includes an external antenna  92  for receiving a radio-frequency signal  62  from the floatation device  20 , as well as a multi-component display  90  including a first display unit  94  for providing a numerical indication of the distance and direction of the floatation device  20  from the remote monitoring unit  80 , and a second display unit  96  for providing a graphical indication of the direction of the floatation device  20  from the remote monitoring unit  80 . The remote monitoring unit  80  also includes status lights  98  indicative of the status of the remote monitoring unit  80  and/or the floatation device  20 .  
      The remote monitoring unit  80  also preferably includes a keypad  100  for manually inputting information into the remote monitoring device  80 .  
      For example, predetermined minimum and maximum values for pulse rate can be entered with the keypad, and subsequently transmitted by the receiver/signal processor  82  of the remote monitoring unit  80  to the transmitter unit  60  of the floatation device  20 , and in turn, be stored in the stored valued memory  46  through a suitable signal  76 .  
      Alternatively, the sensing and control unit  40 , by the provision of suitable hardware and software, can be programmed to “learn” suitable predetermined values by monitoring the output of the sensor during conventional use of the floatation device, storing the results, and analyzing the results to determine minima and maxima, and then setting the predetermined values by use of a suitable algorithm.  
      Various modifications can be made in the details of the various embodiments of the methods and articles of the present invention, all within the scope and spirit of the invention and defined by the appended claims.