SAFETY VEST ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A HIGH RELIABILITY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND A THERMOELECTRIC TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A safety vest is provided for use by a wearer. The vest comprises an outer layer, an inner layer, a bullet protection layer, a plurality of communication components disposed within the vest, a rechargeable power supply, and a thermoelectric transducer assembly for converting body thermal energy into electrical energy to power the communications components

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to a protective vest, and more particularly, to a safety vest assembly having a communication system integrated therein for facilitating communication between the safety vest assembly and a remote transceiver.

It is well known that individuals participating in high risk activities may employ the use of protective clothing to mitigate injury. For instance, police officers and soldiers may wear bulletproof vests, firefighters and oil rig operators may wear fireproof vests, and people working in extremely cold environments may wear clothing to protect them from the extreme temperatures. Furthermore, because of the risk of injury associated with such high risk activities, it may be desirable to maintain communication with those individuals in order to know their condition, location or status of completing a project. For example, it may be useful to communicate with a soldier patrolling a hostile environment or a fire fighter located in a burning building.

Communication with individuals located in such extreme conditions has typically been by way of walkie-talkies or telephones. In other words, the individual was generally required to carry a communication device while performing their activity. In many cases, the individual may lose the communication device or damage the communication device in the course of conducting the high risk activity. Furthermore, individuals are oftentimes required to carry other tools or self-defense items, thereby making it very difficult or impossible to carry the communication device.

Some individuals wore a holster to carry the communication device while performing their activity. However, the added bulk of the walkie-talkie or telephone may inhibit the movement of the individual. In addition, the walkie-talkie or telephone may be exposed while the wearer is performing the high risk activity thereby making the walkie-talkie or telephone vulnerable to failure.

Communication devices also require a power source to receive and transmit information. Communication devices are typically powered by a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery allows individuals such as police officers, firefighters, and soldiers to recharge the battery upon returning back to their respective base or station. However, such individuals frequently are in the field for long periods of time thereby making it difficult to recharge the battery. Accordingly, the communication device may loose power at undesirable times.

It is also known in the field to use renewable energy sources to recharge the battery when traditional energy sources are unobtainable. However, renewable energy sources are less efficient than traditional energy sources, often making renewable energy sources insufficient as a primary energy source.

As is apparent from the foregoing, there exists a need in the art for a communication device that may be integrated into a wearer's protective clothing and may have a power supply capable of meeting the demands of the device. The present invention addresses this particular need, as will be described in more detail below.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A safety vest is provided for use by a wearer. The vest comprises an outer layer, an inner layer, a bullet protection layer, and a plurality of communication components disposed within the vest, a rechargeable power supply and a thermoelectric transducer assembly for converting body thermal energy into electrical energy for powering the communications components or other equipment.

A pressure sensor may be disposed in the vest, for detecting pressure applied to the vest and generating a responsive output signal independent of any input by the wearer.

In one embodiment the thermoelectric transducer assembly includes at least one thermoelectric transducer disposed in the vest. The thermoelectric transducer(s) may be interwoven throughout the vest in a layer.

In one embodiment the vest assembly may include a body contact layer worn adjacent the wearer, with at least a portion of the thermoelectric transducer assembly being disposed within the body contact layer. The thermoelectric transducer assembly, or a portion thereof, may be detachably connectable to the power supply, e.g. plug connectable.

The thermoelectric transducer assembly may comprise one or more thermo-responsive pads disposed in thermal transfer relation with a body portion of the wearer. The thermo-responsive pad may be operative to generate a power supply recharging output signal in response to the wearer's body heat, so as to charge the power supply.

The thermoelectric transducer assembly may further include a voltage regulating circuit operative to receive and condition the transducers assembly recharging output signal to power levels suitable to recharge the power supply, thereby extending the life of the power supply.

The communication components may include a receiver operative to receive an input signal from a remote transceiver, a decryption device operative to decrypt the input signal, a speaker operative to broadcast a decrypted audio input signal and/or a display operative to display a decrypted text input signal.

The communication components may further include a physiological sensor operatively linked to the wearer, for generating a physiological sensor output signal independent of wearer input.

A GPS device may also be disposed within the vest, operative to generate a GPS output signal, independent of wearer input. A keypad and microphone may also be provided to output signals generated by the wearer of the safety vest assembly.

In one embodiment the communication components further include an encryption device, operative to receive and encrypt signals from at least one of the physiological sensor, the GPS, the keypad and the microphone.

The safety vest assembly further includes an output circuit disposed within the vest, operative to communicate the encrypted output signal to a remote transceiver. The remote transceiver may be the same as the transceiver inputting signal into the vest assembly, or may be a separate remote transceiver.

The vest assembly may be in wireless communication with a remote transceiver(s) that provides input to the safety vest assembly, and/or receives outputs from the safety vest assembly.

The safety vest assembly may include flex circuitry including a plurality of conductive paths formed on a flexible substrate. The flex circuitry may be used to connect the various communication components, allowing displacement of electrical connection between the communication components in response to movement of the wearer. The flex circuitry thereby mitigates limitations on the motion of the wearer as she/he is performing various tasks.

In various embodiments the vest may be comprised of fire resistant material and the bullet protection layer may be comprised of materials such as metallic and/or Kevlar, carbon boron.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a safety vest assembly having a flex circuit and thermoelectric transducer assembly disposed within a vest;

FIG. 2 is a cutaway plan view showing the inner layers of the safety vest assembly illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cutaway plan view showing a thermoelectric transducer assembly disposed within the vest;

FIG. 4 is a cutaway plan view showing a thermoelectric transducer assembly interwoven in the inner layer of the vest;

FIG. 5 is a cutaway plan view showing a thermoelectric transducer assembly disposed within an external layer of the vest;

FIG. 6 is a cutaway plan view showing thermo-responsive pads in electrical communication with the vest and disposed in heat transfer relation with the wearer;

FIG. 7 is a cutaway plan view showing the thermoelectric transducer assembly interwoven in the inner layer of the vest; and

FIG. 8 is an exploded view showing engagement between the flex circuit and a data port.

FIG. 9 is an electrical schematic showing the interconnectivity between a thermoelectric transducer, a voltage regulator circuit, and an internal power supply.

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a thermoelectric transducer in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, there is shown a safety vest assembly 10 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The safety vest assembly 10 includes a communication system integrated into an article of clothing, such as a vest 12, to allow the wearer to communicate with a remote transceiver 36. In this manner, various aspects of the invention simplify communication between a wearer and the remote transceiver 36.

Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the safety vest assembly 10 includes a vest 12 disposed on a wearer (shown in phantom). Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a vest 12, it is understood that the safety vest assembly 10 may be incorporated into any article of clothing, including, but not limited to, jackets, shirts, pants, shorts, etc. The clothing may also include conventional suits and jackets which may be worn by security personnel to enable communication between the security teams.

The vest 12 shown in FIG. 1 includes a vest outer layer 14. The vest outer layer 14 may be comprised of a woven fabric material, a fluid-impermeable material, a fire-resistant material, or other materials that may be desirable. Furthermore, the vest outer layer 14 may include a color scheme, such as camouflage, as desired by a wearer.

The vest 12 further includes an inner body contact layer 20 worn over user. In one embodiment of the invention, the inner layer 20 may be worn adjacent the body portion of an undershirt or a separate garment worn by the wearer. However it is contemplated that in another embodiment of the invention the inner layer 20 may be adjacent an undershirt or any other garment worn underneath the vest 12. It is further contemplated that the inner layer may be comprised of a woven fabric material, a fire resistant material, or other materials that may be desirable.

The vest 12 further includes a bullet protection layer 68. In one embodiment, the bullet protection layer 68 is disposed between the outer layer 14 and the inner layer 20. The bullet protection layer 68 is configured to mitigate bullet penetration through the vest 12. The bullet protection layer 68 may be constructed out of Kevlar®, carbonite boron, thermal composite material or other bullet resistant materials known by those skilled in the art. It is contemplated that an individual who is located in a hostile environment may wear the vest 12 with the bullet protection layer 68. This may include a police officer, soldier, medical personnel, or media members, for example. It is contemplated that in another embodiment of the invention, the bullet protection layer 68 may be disposed adjacent the inner layer 20 and the wearer. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that the bullet protection layer may be detachably connectable to the vest and may be disconnected in environments where bullet protection is unnecessary.

As shown at FIGS. 3-6, the vest 12 further includes a rechargeable internal power supply 90 disposed within the vest 12. It is contemplated that the rechargeable internal power supply 90 be sized and configured to meet the energy demands of equipment incorporated into, or otherwise used with the vest. It is contemplated that the internal power supply be configured such that it is capable of accepting a charge current, and upon depletion of the charge, the internal power supply 90 may be recharged. It is further contemplated that the internal power supply 90 may be charged from more than one energy source. It is understood that the internal power supply be one unit or may be comprised of several units. It is also understood that the internal power supply 90 may be disposed outside the vest.

The vest 12 further includes a thermoelectric transducer assembly 100. The thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 includes at least one thermoelectric transducer and is operable to convert the heat generated by the wearer or the heat generated from another source into electrical energy. It is contemplated that the electric energy generated comprises a recharging current or recharging output signal in response to the wearer's body heat, being operative to charge the internal power supply. Generally, thermoelectric transducers consist of p-type and n-type semiconductors. These p-type and n-type semiconductors form thermocouples when joined by conductors. Several thermocouples or other thermoelectric devices, may be connected in series or in parallel to form the thermoelectric transducer. The thermoelectric material used to form the transducers may be bismuth telluride, polarized graphite or any other material that generates electricity, e.g. from exposure to a temperature differential, utilizing the Seebeck effect.

In one embodiment, it is contemplated that the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 may be disposed within the vest 12, intermediate the bullet protection layer 68 and the inner layer 20, shown at FIG. 2. In this configuration the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 is positioned to generate an electric current from the heat flux generated by the wearer through the inner layer 20.

In another embodiment it is alternatively contemplated that the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 be positioned closer to the wearer's body to optimize electric current generation. One method of positioning the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 closer to the wearer's body is by interweaving a plurality of thermoelectric transducers throughout the inner layer 20 as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0025774, by Plissonnier et al. and entitled Thermoelectric Means and Fabric-Type Structure Incorporating Such a Means. Configured in this manner, the plurality of thermoelectric assembly 100 may be constructed of a flexible material including a plurality of thermoelectric transducers 101 and may be integrated into the woven structure of the fabric, as seen in FIG. 4.

It is alternatively contemplated that at least a portion of the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 may be incorporated into a body contact layer 16 intended to be worn adjacent the wearer's body, as shown in FIG. 5. It is understood that the body contact layer may be a vest or any article of clothing, including, but not limited to, a jacket, a shirt, pants or shorts. In this embodiment it is contemplated that the body contact layer 16 be worn beneath the vest 12 such that the body contact layer 16 is adjacent the inner layer 20 of the vest 12. However, it is understood that an undershirt or any other article of clothing may be worn intermediate the body contact layer 16 and the vest 12. In one embodiment, the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 may be interwoven into the fabric of the body contact layer 16 as described above. It is also contemplated that the thermoelectric transducer assembly may be attached to or independent of the body contact layer 16. It is understood that the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100, whether or not integrated into body contact layer 16 may be detachably connectable to the power supply 90 disposed within the vest 12. In one embodiment the detachable connection may be plug connectable.

As shown at FIG. 6, the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 may be implemented as one or more thermo-responsive grids or pad 18 having at least one thermoelectric transducer disposed within. It is contemplated that the thermo-responsive pad 18 may be adjacent the body of the wearer and may be in heat transfer relation with a body portion of the wearer. In one embodiment, the thermo-responsive pad 18 may be attached to the wearer with an adhesive. It an alternative embodiment the thermo-responsive pad 18 may be attached to wearer by other means such as suction or any other means in which the thermo-responsive pad 18 may be readily attached to and removed from the body portion of the wearer. It is understood that the thermo-responsive pad may be detachably connectable to the power supply 90 and/or other components disposed within the vest 12. It is further contemplated that the thermo-responsive pad 18 is operable to generate a power supply recharging current or output signal in response to the wearer's body heat. It is further understood that the recharging current or output signal may be used to charge the internal power supply 90 or otherwise power the communications components or other devices disposed in or associated with the vest. It also is understood that in other embodiments, some combination of the thermoelectric transducer assembly, configurations described above, may be used.

As shown at FIG. 2, the vest 12 further includes a plurality of communication components incorporated into the vest 12. It is contemplated that the plurality of communication components includes a receiver 74, disposed within the vest 12, operative to communicate with a remote transceiver 36. Additionally, it is contemplated that the plurality of communication components further includes an output circuit 34, disposed within the vest, operative for transmission of an output signal to a remote transceiver 36. It is contemplated that an input signal may be sent from a remote transceiver 36 and received by a receiver 74. It is further contemplated that an output signal may be generated by an output circuit 34 and communicated to a remote transceiver 36. It is understood that receiver 74 and output circuit 34 may be in communication with a common remote transceiver 36 or alternatively, the receiver 74 and output circuit 34 may be in communication with different remote transceivers. In this regard, two-way communication between the wearer and the remote transceiver 36 may be achieved. Furthermore, communication between two different wearers may also be attained.

It is contemplated the plurality of communication components may further include a decryption device 80 for decrypting the data received by the safety vest assembly 10 from the remote transceiver 36. It is further contemplated that the decryption device 80 may be disposed within the vest 12. It is contemplated that the decryption device 80 may be in electrical communication with the receiver 74 such that the input signal received by the receiver 74 may be electrically communicated to the decryption device 80. It is further contemplated that upon receipt of the input signal, the encryption device 80 may generate a decrypted input signal.

In one embodiment of the invention it is contemplated that the plurality of communication components further include a speaker 76 and a display 78. It is contemplated that the decryption device 80 be in electrical communication with the speaker 76 and display 78. It is further contemplated that the speaker 76 is operative to receive and broadcast an audio signal representative of a decrypted audio input signal. Similarly it is contemplated that the display 78 is operative to receive and display a visual signal representative of a decrypted text input signal. In one embodiment, the speaker 76 and display 78 may be surface mounted to the exterior of the vest 12, substantially flush with the outer layer 14. Alternatively, the receiver 34 or decryption device 80 may be connectable to an external output component, such as an earpiece, for communicating the input signal received to the wearer. For instance, a soldier may include earphones integrated into his helmet. As such, the earphones may be connected to the receiver 34 or decryption device 80 to transmit the input signal to the wearer. Such a connection may employ a wire, or wireless technology.

The above-described safety vest assembly 10 includes a communication system for enabling communication between the remote transceiver 36 and the wearer. However, other implementations of the invention are directed toward facilitating communication from the wearer to the remote transceiver 36 via the output circuit 34. To this end, the plurality communication components may further include a microphone 32, a keypad 30, a GPS 62, a pressure sensor 64 and a physiological sensor 66.

It is contemplated that one of the easier ways to enter data into the communication system is by verbally communicating the data. This may be particularly true when the wearer is performing an activity that would make manual data entry very difficult. For instance, if the safety vest assembly 10 is being worn by a fire fighter holding a fire hose, the wearer may not be able to manually enter data. However, the fire fighter may want to communicate with a central dispatch to provide information as to the status of the fire, or whether additional help is needed. Therefore, according to one aspect of the invention the vest 12 may include a microphone 32 operative to generate an audio output signal. The microphone 32 may be may be voice-activated to automatically turn on in response to the wearer entering verbal data. It is contemplated that the microphone 32 be disposed substantially flush with the vest outer layer 14 and may be mounted near the top of the vest 12, near the wearer's mouth.

Although verbally entered data may be preferred in some circumstances, manually entered data may be preferred under alternate conditions. For instance, the wearer may be a soldier quietly conducting a search of enemy territory. Any noise may alert the enemy of the soldier's position. Therefore, one embodiment of the invention includes a communication component configured to allow the wearer to manually enter data into the communication system, such as a keypad 30, touch-screen, or other manual interface means. In one embodiment, the keypad 30 may be operative to generate a keypad output signal upon in response to wearer interaction. Additionally, the keypad 30 may be conveniently positioned on the vest 12, substantially flush with the vest outer layer 14, to enable a wearer to manually enter data therein. The keypad 30 may simply include basic input options, such as a button that may be pressed to indicate the wearer needs help, or that a mission has been accomplished. In other embodiments, the keypad 30 may be more sophisticated to enable more detailed communication.

Although verbally and manually entered data are discussed separately above, it is understood that a single safety vest assembly 10 may be configured to receive both verbally and manually entered data. As such, the vest may include a combination of keypad 30, microphone 32, and/or other data entry devices that are known by those skilled in the art.

Although several embodiments of communication components may be configured to receive manual and verbal input from a wearer, other embodiments are configured to receive input independent of entry by the wearer. For instance, a communication component in which a signal is entered independent entry by the wearer may include a GPS device 62. The GPS device 62 may be disposed within the vest 12 and may be configured to generate a GPS output signal including the wearer's location. It is intended that the GPS output signal may be generated at set intervals or may be generated by request from a remote transceiver. It is intended that personnel monitoring the wearer may track the position of the wearer in real-time by receiving the GPS output signal.

In addition, another communication component by which a signal may be generated independent entry by the wearer is a pressure sensor 64, operative to monitor pressure applied to the safety vest assembly 10. The pressure sensors 64 may be disposed within the vest 12 and may be operable to detect the impact of a bullet or shrapnel against the safety vest assembly 10. In response to detection of a bullet or shrapnel against the safety vest assembly, it is contemplated that a pressure sensor output signal will be generated. That output signal may be communicated to a monitoring station, independent of wearer input, to alert the monitors of the wearer's condition. It is contemplated that signals from all communication components capable of gathering data independent of entry by wearer may be communicated to a monitoring station at the time an impact from a bullet or shrapnel is detected by the pressure sensor 64. The pressure sensors 64 may be disposed within the vest 12, in the front, back, and/or side of the safety vest assembly in order to sufficiently detect impact with a foreign object, such as a bullet.

Additionally, another communication component in which a signal may be generated independent entry by the wearer is a physiological sensor 66 for monitoring the physiological condition of the wearer. The physiological sensor 66 may monitor the wearer's body temperature, heart rate and other physiological signs and may generate a physiological sensor output signal in response. In this manner, the physiological sensors 66 may be operatively linked to the wearer such that the physiological sensor is disposable adjacent the wearer or connectable to the wearer. It is contemplated the physiological sensor output signal may be generated at set intervals or may be generated at the request of a monitoring station.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is contemplated that the vest 12 further includes an encryption device 48. It may be desirable to encrypt the signals generated by the vest 12 before it is communicated to the remote transceiver 36. For instance, various military applications may require encryption to mitigate reception of the communication by enemy forces. To this end, the encryption device 48 may be configured such that it is in electrical communication with the microphone 32, the keypad 30, the GPS 62, the pressure sensor 64 and the physiological sensor 66. It is further contemplated that the encryption device 48 be operable to generate an encryption device output signal in response to receipt of at least one of the microphone audio output signal, the keypad output signal, the GPS output signal, the pressure sensor output signal and the physiological sensor output signal.

It is contemplated that the encryption device may be in electrical communication with output circuit 34. It is understood that the output circuit 34 may be disposed within the vest 12. It is contemplated that the output circuit 34 be operative to communicate a safety vest output signal to a second remote transceiver in response to receipt of the encryption device 48 output signal. In this manner it is contemplated that communication components such as the microphone 32, the keypad 30, the GPS 62, the pressure sensor 64 and the physiological sensor 66 may be encrypted, and communicated to a remote transceiver 36 at a monitoring station. It is alternatively understood that the communication components may be in direct communication with the output circuit 34, the output signal being sent directly to the remote transceiver 36 without being encrypted. Similarly, it is understood that the receiver 74 may communicate input signals received from the remote transceiver 36 directly to communication components without first communicating the signal to the decryption device 80. It is also understood that communication components not now known or not enumerated herein may be integrated into the vest 12 in a similar manner as described above.

It is contemplated that the output circuit 34 may employ various wireless signal communication technologies known by those skilled in the art, including but not limited to, RF signals, Bluetooth®, infrared signals, and the like. Further, the output circuit 34 may include various components readily employed for signal transmission, such as amplifiers, signal converters. In one particular embodiment, the output circuit 34 is a radio system capable of transmitting the information via radio frequency signals. The radio system may be configured to transmit the signals over a broad range of radio frequencies. In another embodiment, the output circuit 34 utilizes cell phone networks to transmit data to the remote transceiver 36. In this manner, the output circuit 34 may transmit the outgoing signal directly to the cell phone network, or the output circuit 34 may link-up with a conventional cell phone for signal transmission.

According to one particular implementation, the receiver 74 and the output circuit 34 are connectable to various external communication components to facilitate communication between the wearer and the remote location. For example, the vest 12 may be connectable to communication component, such as full-sized keyboard to enable easier or more detailed data to be communicated to the remote transceiver 36. Alternatively, the external communication component may include an audio or video recorder that may be connected to the output circuit 34 to enable communication of audio and video data. Likewise, the output circuit 34 may include an output port connectable to a output circuit element such as a radio, amplifier, cell phone, or other communication element configured to transmit the signal to the remote transceiver 36. It is also contemplated that the communication component may be in electrical communication with the encryption device 48 prior to communication to the output circuit 34.

It is understood that the connection between the output circuit 34 and the external components may be by way of a wireless connection. For instance, the external components may communicate via Bluetooth® technology, or other short-range communication technology known by those skilled in the art.

It is contemplated that the remote transceiver 36 may relay the communication to a monitoring station, such as a central command station or other similar venue that monitors the activity of the wearer. Although FIG. 2 only shows one safety vest assembly 10 communicating with a remote transceiver 36, it is understood that the safety vest assembly 10 may be in communication with a plurality of other safety vests and/or other communication devices. For instance, a team of police officers, fire fighters, and/or soldiers may be in communication with a single remote transceiver 36. This may be particularly beneficial in coordinating large-scale emergency response efforts among several emergency response teams.

The safety vest assembly 10 may include a signal alarm for alerting the wearer when communication between the output circuit 34 and the remote transceiver 36 is lost. For instance, it is contemplated that communication between the output circuit 34 and the remote transceiver 36 will be short-range communication. Therefore, the signal alarm alerts the wearer when the wearer has traversed beyond the communication range between the output circuit 34 and the remote transceiver 36. The signal alarm may transmit an audio signal or a visual signal (e.g., a light) for alerting the wearer of the loss of communication.

According to one embodiment, communication between the communication components and the receiver 74 and output circuit 34 is achieved by way of flex circuitry 40, which may be implemented as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The flex circuitry 40 may be disposed within the vest 12 and provides a flexible, yet durable communication pathway and facilitates displacement between the communication components in response to movement of the wearer. More specifically, in one embodiment the pressure sensor 64, the keypad 30, the microphone 32, the GPS device 63 and the physiological sensor 66 are connected to the encryption device 48 by flex circuitry 40, and similarly the encryption device 48 may be connected to the output circuit 34 by flex circuitry 40. Additionally, the speaker 76 and the display 30 may be connected to the decryption device 80 by flex circuitry and the decryption device 80 may be connected to the receiver 74 by flex circuitry 40.

According to one embodiment, the flex circuitry 40 includes a plurality of conductive strips 52 arranged in fixed, parallel, spaced apart relationship with each other. Each of the respective conductive strips 52 terminates in a flex contact pad 53 located at a circuit connection portion 42. Each flex contact pad 53 may include an outwardly projecting circuit connection protrusion for facilitating engagement with an external communication component. The flex circuitry 40 may also include an insulative covering layer 54 to electrically insulate the plurality of conductive strips 52. The covering layer 54 may include a plurality of apertures through which the circuit connection protrusions extend through. In one embodiment, the insulative covering layer 54 is constructed out of a suitable insulating material, such as plastic or plastic-like material, and is transparent or translucent so as to expose the plurality of conductive strips 52 for visual observation and view.

According to various aspects of the present invention, and referring now to FIG. 8, the communication components are connected to a respective flexible contact substrate 28. The flexible contact substrate 28 may include a printed circuit board, or other planar surface. Each flexible contact substrate 28 includes an input connection element 26 for engagement with the flex circuitry 40. As shown, the input connection element 26 includes a plurality of substrate contact pads 57 aligned in a parallel array. The plurality of substrate contact pads 57 are in electrical communication with the communication components connected to the flexible contact substrate 28. In the specific embodiment shown in FIG. 3, each substrate contact pad 57 is connected to a substrate lead 22. It is contemplated that the flex contact pads 53 mate with, and are in alignment with, the plurality of substrate contact pads 57 to facilitate communication between the communication components and the flex circuitry 40. In this manner, the spacing between adjacent ones of the substrate contact pads 57 may correspond to the spacing between adjacent ones of the flex contact pads 53.

The engagement between the substrate contact pads 57 and the flex contact pads 53 may be achieve solely by pressure. In this manner, solder may not be required to engage the flex circuitry 40 with the flexible contact substrate 28. Rather, the flex circuitry 40 may simply be pressed against the flexible contact substrate 28 for engagement therewith. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a pressure distribution element 56 is disposed between a biasing element 50 and the flex circuitry 40. The biasing element 50 is configured to apply pressure to the pressure distribution element 56 which distributes the pressure to the flex circuitry 40. In this manner, the flex circuitry 40 engages with the flexible contact substrate 28.

The flexible contact substrate 28 may include a substrate alignment element 38 to assist alignment between the substrate contact pads 57 and the flex contact pads 53. Likewise, the flex circuitry 40 may include a flex alignment element 44 being engageable with the substrate alignment element 38 for properly aligning the flex circuitry 40 with the flexible contact substrate 28. In the particular embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the substrate alignment element 38 includes a pair of threaded posts, while the flex alignment element 44 includes a pair of holes. The posts may be received within the holes to align the substrate contact pads 57 with the flex contact pads 53. A securement element 60 may be engaged with the substrate alignment element 38 to secure the flex circuitry 40 to the flexible contact substrate 28. In addition, the pressure distribution element 56 and biasing element 50 includes a pressure distribution alignment element 58 and a biasing alignment element 51, respectively, for alignment with the flex circuitry 40.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the substrate contact pads 57 are not flat as previously described and illustrated. Rather, the substrate contact pads 57 are raised and include a shaped receptacle or recess for insertably receiving the flex contact pad 53. The raised substrate contact pads 57 may be frusto-conical in configuration and the recess shape may also be conical so as to be conformal therewith. Conformance in the shape aids in alignment and insertion during assembly and also insures a tight fit without gaps or spaces which might otherwise permit looseness and unwanted disconnection or separation.

As previously mentioned, several embodiments include engagement between the flex circuitry 40 and the communication components independent of a soldered joint. Soldering typically increases the assembly cost and is very labor intensive. In addition, a soldered connection is liable to disconnect or separate when subject to multiple temperature changes, or shock and vibration. Furthermore, the interconnection of the present invention may allow for easier disassembly which may be desirable for purposes of replacement. For a more detailed description of the connection between the flex circuitry 40 and the flexible contact substrate 28, refer to U.S. Pat. No. 6,739,878 entitled Pressure Point Contact for Flexible Cable, issued to Balzano, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

According to one embodiment, the flex circuitry 40 is folded or contoured into the inner layers of the bullet resistant vest so as to preserve signal integrity and to secure high reliability. It may be desirable to dispose the flex circuitry 40 behind the bullet protection layer 68 in order to protect the flex circuitry 40. The flex circuitry 40 is disposed between the bullet protection layer 68 and the vest inner layer 20. Therefore, the bullet protection layer 68 also protects the flex circuitry 40 from being damaged by oncoming bullets. However, it is understood that the flex circuitry 40 may be disposed on the outside of the bullet protection layer 68 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the transducer assembly 100 and the rechargeable internal power supply 90 are in electrical communication with the communication components 104. More specifically, the transducer assembly 101 and/or the internal power supply may be in electrical communication with one or more of the receiver 74, the decryption device 80, the speaker 76, the display 78, the GPS 62, the pressure sensor 64, the physiological sensor 66, the microphone 32, the keypad 30, the encryption device 48 and the circuit output 34. It is understood that the communication components not enumerated herein but known to one of ordinary skill in the art may also be in electrical communication with the internal power supply. As shown at FIG. 9, it is contemplated that the thermoelectric transducers comprising the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 may be in electrical communication with the internal power supply 90 and the electricity generated by the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 may be used to recharge the internal power supply 90, which in turn powers the communications components 104.

As stated above it is contemplated that the internal power supply 90 may be charged by several different energy sources. For example, it is contemplated that the safety vest assembly 12 may be connectable to an external power supply. In this manner it is contemplated that the external power supply may charge the internal power supply 90. In one embodiment, the external power supply may be an AC current from a wall outlet. The external power supply may provide the internal power supply 90 with a full charge, and as the charge depletes from the internal power supply 90, the thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 may recharge the internal power supply 90 to prolong the charge. It is contemplated that the internal power supply 90 may be a battery such as a lithium ion battery. However, it is understood that the internal power supply may take any form in which electrical energy may be stored and recharged.

In a preferred embodiment, thermoelectric transducer assembly 100 may further include a voltage regulator circuit 102, as seen in FIG. 9. It is contemplated that the voltage regulator circuit 102 may be in electrical communication with the at least one thermoelectric transducer and the internal power supply 90. It is further contemplated that the voltage regulator circuit 102 may include a voltage regulator and a converter. It is understood that the voltage regulator is operable to maintain a constant voltage level. It is contemplated that the voltage regulator may provide low resistance in one direction and high resistance in the other, allowing electrical current to flow in only one direction. It is further understood that the converter may be used to step up or step down voltage. In this manner the voltage regulator circuit may be operative to condition the transducer assembly recharging output signal to facilitate recharging of the internal power supply 90.

The safety vest assembly 10 may additionally include a vest 12 comprised of fire resistant material. In this manner, those who are exposed to the threat of fire may employ the use of the safety vest assembly 10 to enable integrated communication into a piece of protective clothing.

It is contemplated that the communication components 104 are meant to also include one or more of the receiver 74, the decryption device 80, the speaker 76, the display 78, the GPS 62, the pressure sensor 64, the physiological sensor 66, the microphone 32, the keypad 30, the encryption device 48 and the circuit output 34. It is to be understood that the communication components may be integrated and distributed throughout the vest and are connected with flex circuitry 40. It is further contemplated that communication components not enumerated herein, or not now known may also be incorporated in the safety vest assembly 10 in a similar manner.

FIG. 10 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a thermoelectric transducer 101. The exemplary transducer includes a core 103 which may be formed of semiconductor materials, such as polarized graphite composite including a bismuth telluride material. The core 103 is sandwiched between a hot plate or primary side 107 and a cold plate or a secondary side 109. Connectors 111, 113 are connected to the primary side and the secondary side respectively. The connectors 111, 113 may be serially connected to connectors on adjacent transducers to enhance the collective output of the transducer assembly 100.

The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.

Claims

1. A safety vest assembly for use by a wearer, the safety vest assembly comprising:

a) an outer layer;

b) an inner layer;

c) a bullet protection layer disposed within the vest intermediate the outer layer and the inner layer and configured to mitigate bullet penetration through the vest;

d) a plurality of communication components disposed within the vest;

e) a rechargeable internal power supply disposed within the vest; and

f) a thermoelectric transducer assembly constructed of at least one thermoelectric transducer for converting thermal energy generated by the wearer into electrical energy, the thermoelectric transducer assembly being in electrical communication with the internal power supply.

2. The safety vest assembly of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric transducer assembly provides power to operate the communication components.

3. The safety vest assembly of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric transducer assembly further includes a plurality of flexible thermoelectric transducers interwoven throughout the inner layer.

4. The safety vest assembly of claim 1, further comprising a body contact layer worn substantially adjacent a body portion the wearer.

5. The safety vest assembly of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the thermoelectric transducer assembly is disposed within the body contact layer.

6. The safety vest assembly of claim 5, wherein at least one portion of the thermoelectric transducer assembly is plug connectable with the internal power supply.

7. The safety vest assembly of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric transducer assembly includes at least one thermo-responsive pad disposed in heat transfer relation with a body portion of the wearer.

8. The safety vest assembly of claim 7, wherein the thermo-responsive pad generates a power supply recharging output signal in response to the wearer's body heat, the recharging output signal being operative to charge the internal power supply.

9. The safety vest assembly of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric transducer assembly is in electrical communication with at least one of the communications components.

10. The safety vest assembly of claim 1, wherein the transducer assembly further comprises a voltage regulating circuit in electrical communication with the at least one thermoelectric transducer and the internal power supply, the voltage regulator circuit being operative to condition the transducer assembly recharging output signal to facilitate recharging of the power supply.

11. The safety vest assembly of claim 9, wherein the plurality of communication components further includes a receiver disposed within the vest, the receiver being operative to receive an input signal from a first remote transceiver.

12. The safety vest assembly of claim 11, wherein the plurality of communication components further includes a decryption device disposed within the vest, the decryption device being in electrical communication with the receiver and operative to generate a decrypted input signal.

13. The safety vest assembly of claim 12, wherein the plurality of communication components further includes a speaker disposed flush with the outer layer, the speaker being operative to receive and broadcast an audio output signal representative of a decrypted audio input signal.

14. The safety vest assembly of claim 13, wherein the plurality of communication components further includes a display disposed flush with the outer layer, the display being operative to receive and display a visual signal representative of a decrypted text input signal.

15. The safety vest assembly of claim 14, wherein the plurality of communication components further includes a physiological sensor operatively linked to the wearer, the physiological sensor being operative to generate a physiological sensor output, signal independent of wearer input.

16. The safety vest assembly of claim 15, wherein the plurality of communication components further includes a GPS device disposed within the vest, the GPS device being operative to generate a GPS output signal, independent of wearer input.

17. The safety vest assembly of claim 16, wherein the plurality of communication components further includes a keypad disposed substantially flush with the vest outer layer, the keypad being operative to generate a keypad output signal.

18. The safety vest assembly of claim 17, wherein the plurality of communication components further includes a microphone disposed substantially flush with the vest outer layer, the microphone being operative to generate a microphone audio output signal.

19. The safety vest assembly of claim 18, wherein the plurality of communication components further includes an encryption device disposed within the vest and in electrical communication with the pressure sensor, the physiological sensor, the GPS, the keypad and the microphone, the encryption device being operative to generate an encryption device output signal in response to the receipt of at least one of the pressure sensor output signal, the physiological sensor output signal, the GPS output signal, the keypad output signal and the microphone output signal.

20. The safety vest assembly of claim 19, wherein the plurality of communication components further includes an output circuit disposed within the vest and in electrical communication with the encryption device, the output circuit being operative to communicate a safety vest output signal to a second remote transceiver in response to receipt of the encryption device output signal.

21. The safety vest assembly of claim 20, wherein the first and second transceivers are implemented as a common remote transceiver.

22. The safety vest assembly of claim 20, wherein the receiver is wirelessly communicable with the first remote transceiver.

23. The safety vest assembly of claim 20, wherein the output circuit is wirelessly communicable with the second remote transceiver.

24. The safety vest assembly of claim 20, further comprising flex circuitry disposed within the vest assembly, the flex circuitry including a plurality of conductive paths formed on a flexible contact substrate.

25. The safety vest assembly of claim 24, wherein the flex circuitry facilitates displacement of electrical connections between communication components in response to movement of the wearer.

26. The safety vest assembly of claim 25, wherein:

the pressure sensor, the physiological sensor, the GPS, the keypad, and the microphone are each connected to the encryption device by the flex circuitry; and

the encryption device is connected to the output circuit by the flex circuitry.

27. The safety vest assembly of claim 26, wherein:

the receiver is connected to the decryption device by the flex circuitry; and

the decryption device is connected to the display and the speaker by the flex circuitry.

28. The safety vest assembly of claim 20, wherein the pressure sensor, the physiological sensor, the GPS, the keypad, the microphone, the display, the speaker, the encryption device, the decryption device, the output circuit and the receiver are each in electrical communication with the internal power supply.

29. The safety vest assembly of claim 9, the plurality of communications components includes a pressure sensor disposed within the vest for detecting pressure applied to the vest and generating a pressure sensor output signal in response thereto, the pressure sensor output signal being generated independent of wearer input.