EMERGENCY DEVICES

Abstract

A manual inflation component (13) for a personal flotation device (16) is provided in which the manual inflation device provides the antenna (17) for a warning device, as well as providing for inflation of the personal flotation device by the wearer. The component itself, personal flotation devices including it, warning systems including it and methods of manufacture are also provided. The manual inflation component (13) is well positioned on the personal flotation device to serve the role of transmission location.

Description

This invention is concerned with improvements in and relating to emergency devices, particularly devices such as a personal flotation device (PFD) and the integration of radio transmitters and receivers into such devices.

PFD are widely used to protect people when there is a risk of drowning. This includes during leisure use (such as sailing, canoeing and the like), whilst working at sea or near water (such as on ships or oil rigs) and during transport over water (for instance on airliners and in helicopters).

Devices are known which can be attached to a PFD to provide a radio wave emitter for the PFD. Applicant's own WO99/35625 discloses such a device where the power source is mounted on the PFD and the antenna is provided in a sleeve which is looped around the neck of the wearer. Other attempts have been made to incorporate the radio wave emitter into the PFD. In either approach, this involves the attachment of the radio wave emitter on the PFD in such a manner as to locate the antenna in a suitable position to maintain effective transmission of the distress signal without compromising the wearer or operation of the PFD in any way.

In the normal course of events the addition of a separate antenna on to the survival garment presents practical difficulties to locate satisfactorily with the approval of the garment manufacturer such that it does not cause an additional obstruction and yet maintains an efficient transmission. The position is complicated by the many different designs of PFD from many different manufacturers, the different approaches to retaining those on the user and the resulting different dimensions and positions for the parts thereof.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a manual inflation component for a flotation device, the manual inflation component being provided with a first end and a second end and an extent between the first end and the second end, the manual inflation component including an internal passage extending from a first opening to a second opening, the manual inflation component being provided with at least a part of a transmitter, such as an antenna.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a control unit for a warning device, the control unit being provided with a connector, the connector being adapted for connection, in use, to at least a part of a transmitter, such as an antenna, the at least a part of the transmitter preferably being provided by a manual inflation component for a flotation device, the manual inflation component being provided with a first end and a second end and an extent between the first end and the second end, preferably the manual inflation component including an internal passage extending from a first opening to a second opening.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a warning device, the warning device comprising a control unit, the control unit being provided with a connector, the connector being connected to a transmitter, such as an antenna, at least part of the transmitter preferably being provided by a manual inflation component for a flotation device, the manual inflation component being provided with a first end and a second end and an extent between the first end and the second end, preferably the manual inflation component including an internal passage extending from a first opening to a second opening.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a flotation device, the flotation device including a manual inflation component, the manual inflation component being provided with a first end and a second end and an extent between the first end and the second end, the manual inflation component including an internal passage extending from a first opening to a second opening, the manual inflation component being provided with at least a part of a transmitter, such as an antenna.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a flotation device provided with a warning device, the warning device comprising a control unit, the control unit being provided with a connector, the connector being connected to at least a part of a transmitter, such as an antenna, the at least a part of the transmitter preferably being provided by a manual inflation component for the flotation device, the manual inflation component being provided with a first end and a second end and an extent between the first end and the second end, preferably the manual inflation component including an internal passage extending from a first opening to a second opening, preferably the manual inflation component being provided with at least a part of the transmitter, such as an antenna.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of producing a manual inflation component for a flotation device, the method including providing a manual inflation component, the manual inflation component being formed with a first end and a second end and an extent between the first end and the second end, preferably the manual inflation component being formed with an internal passage extending from a first opening to a second opening, the manual inflation component being provided with at least a part of a transmitter, such as an antenna.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a method of producing a control unit for a warning device, the method including providing a control unit, the control unit being provided with a connector, the connector being adapted for connection, in use, to at least a part of a transmitter, such as an antenna, the at least a part of the transmitter preferably being provided by a manual inflation component for a flotation device, the manual inflation component being provided with a first end and a second end and an extent between the first end and the second end, preferably the manual inflation component including an internal passage extending from a first opening to a second opening.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of producing a warning device, the method comprising providing a control unit, the control unit being provided with a connector, connecting the connector to at least a part of a transmitter, such as an antenna, the at least a part of the transmitter preferably being provided by a manual inflation component for a flotation device, the manual inflation component being provided with a first end and a second end and an extent between the first end and the second end, preferably the manual inflation component including an internal passage extending from a first opening to a second opening.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of producing a flotation device with a component of a warning device, the method including providing a manual inflation component, the manual inflation component being formed with a first end and a second end and an extent between the first end and the second end, preferably the manual inflation component being formed with an internal passage extending from a first opening to a second opening, the manual inflation component being provided with at least a part of a transmitter, such as an antenna, the method further including providing the manual inflation component on the flotation device.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of providing a flotation device with a warning device, the method comprising providing a flotation device and providing a warning device, the warning device comprising a control unit, the control unit being provided with a connector, the method further comprising connecting the connector to at least a part of a transmitter, such as an antenna, the at least a part of the transmitter preferably being provided by a manual inflation component for the flotation device, the manual inflation component being provided with a first end and a second end and an extent between the first end and the second end, preferably the manual inflation component including an internal passage extending from a first opening to a second opening.

Any of the aspects may include any of the features, options or possibilities set out in this application, including the following.

The manual inflation component may be provided with a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be provided at or proximal to the first end of the component. The mouthpiece may include the first opening to the internal passage. The mouthpiece and/or first end and/or first opening may be distal the flotation device, particularly relative to the second end and/or second opening. The manual inflation component may be an oral inflation tube. The manual inflation component is manual in the sense that it is operated by the wearer.

Preferably the manual inflation component extends away from the flotation device. The manual inflation component may have an extent away from the flotation device, considered in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the flotation device where the manual inflation component enters or joins to the flotation device. The manual inflation component may have an extent away from the flotation device, considered in a direction parallel to the surface of the flotation device where the manual inflation component enters or joins the flotation device. The manual inflation component may have an extent in both these directions. For instance, a stem may extend from the flotation device along a first direction and a further stem may extend from the stem along a second, different, direction. For instance, the manual inflation component may extend away from the flotation device and curve to extend across the flotation device. The control unit may be mounted on the stem, or more preferably on the further stem. The control unit may be mounted on a part of the further stem distal to the part of the further stem into which the user blows or provided with the opening in fluid communication with the inside of the flotation device.

The manual inflation component is preferably provided with a valve. The valve may be provided at or proximal to the second end of the component. The valve may be provided at or proximal to the second opening to the internal passage. The valve and/or second end and/or second opening may be proximal the flotation device, particularly relative to the first end and/or first opening. The second opening preferably is in fluid communication with inside of the flotation device, particularly with one or more or all of the expandable chambers within the flotation device.

The extent of the manual inflation component is preferably greater than 5 cm, more preferably greater than 10 cm. The at least a part of the transmitter, for instance antenna, extent along the extent of the manual inflation component may be at least 50% of the extent, more preferably at least 70%. The at least a part of the transmitter, for instance antenna, extent may be greater than 5 cm, more preferably greater than 10 cm.

The manual inflation component may include one or more elements for connecting to the flotation device. The one or more elements may sandwich a part of the flotation device between them. The one or more elements may be adhered to the flotation device.

The transmitter may include a source of signals and/or control electronics and/or an antenna. The transmitter may emit electromagnetic waves. The transmitter may provide for the transmission of radio signals, for instance a signal at 121.50 MHz and/or 161.975 MHz and/or 162.025 MHz and/or 156.525 MHz and/or 156.8 MHz and/or 406 MHz. The transmitter may be or be in communication with a VHF signal transmitting antenna. The transmissions from the transmitter may be detectable at least 5 km from the first location. The transmissions from the VHF signal transmitting antenna may be detectable at least at least 15 km, preferably at least 50 km, more preferably at least 500 km and ideally at least 1000 km there from. The transmitter may transmit its signals and/or provide its transmission using an antenna. The transmitter may include a source of signals and/or control electronics for and/or an antenna for using the Automatic Identification System and/or Digital Selective Calling system and/or Voice VHF signals and/or GPS location information. The transmitter may include a source of signals and/or control electronics for and/or an antenna for more than one type and/or wavelength of emission.

The type and/or wavelength and/or types and/or wavelengths of emission may be selected by the warning device, ideally automatically. The selection made by the warning device may be made according to a setting for the warning device and/or according to the position of the warning device. The selection may be made according to the position determined by the warning device using an integral and/or connected GPS locating system. The selection may be made by comparing the position determined with a stored position or definition of location and the one or more emission forms to use for that stored position or definition of location and/or the one or more emission forms not to use for that stored position or definition of location. The warning device may prioritize which form of emission or forms of emission to use, for instance according to the position determined for the warning device.

The antenna and/or another antenna, preferably also incorporated into or provided on the manual inflation component, may provide the antenna for receiving signals from a GPS locating system.

The at least a part of the transmitter may be attached to the manual inflation component. The at least a part of the transmitter may be embedded in the manual inflation component. The at least a part of the transmitter may be partially embedded in the manual inflation component. The at least a part of the transmitter may be wrapped around the manual inflation component. The at least a part of the transmitter may be coiled around to the manual inflation component. The at least a part of the transmitter may be in the form of a spiral, such as a helix, around the manual inflation component.

The length of the at least part of the transmitter provided on the manual inflation component, end to end, may be at least the extent of the manual inflation component, more preferably at least twice the extent of the manual inflation component, still more preferably at least four times the extent of the manual inflation component.

The at least part of the transmitter may be provided by a flexible material. The at least part of the transmitter may include a conductive film. The at least part of the transmitter may include printed material. The at least part of the transmitter may include a wire. The at least part of the transmitter may be directional in its emissions, for instance away from the PFD and/or wearer. The at least part of the transmitter may include a loop antenna, for instance wrapped around or within the manual inflation component. The at least part of the transmitter may include a fractal and/or fractal element and/or multilevel and/or space filling curve antenna, for instance with the antenna wrapped around or within the manual inflation component. The at least part of the transmitter may include a microstrip antenna and/or printed antenna and/or microstrip patch antenna, for instance with the antenna wrapped around or within the manual inflation component. The at least part of the transmitter may include more than one form of antenna.

The antenna may be attached to the manual inflation component. The antenna may be embedded in the manual inflation component. The antenna may be partially embedded in the manual inflation component. The antenna may be wrapped around the manual inflation component. The antenna may be coiled around to the manual inflation component. The antenna may be in the form of a spiral, such as a helix, around the manual inflation component. The length of the antenna provided on the manual inflation component, end to end, may be at least the extent of the manual inflation component, more preferably at least twice the extent of the manual inflation component, still more preferably at least four times the extent of the manual inflation component.

The antenna may be provided by a flexible material. The antenna may include a conductive film. The antenna may include printed material. The antenna may include a wire. The antenna may be directional in its emissions, for instance away from the PFD and/or wearer.

The antenna may be a radio transmitting antenna. The antenna may emit electromagnetic waves. The antenna may emit a radio signal, for instance a signal at 121.50 MHz and/or 161.975 MHz and/or 162.025 MHz and/or 156.525 MHz and/or 156.8 MHz and/or 406 MHz. The antenna may be or be in communication with a VHF signal transmitting antenna. The transmissions from the antenna may be detectable at least 5 km from the first location. The transmissions from the VHF signal transmitting antenna may be detectable at least 15 km, preferably at least 50 km, more preferably at least 500 km and ideally at least 1000 km there from. The antenna may emit signals according to the Automatic Identification System and/or Digital Selective Calling system and/or Voice VHF signals and/or GPS location information. The antenna may emit signals of more than one type and/or wavelength of emission.

The warning device may include a control unit.

The control unit is preferably detachable from the warning device and/or at least part of the transmitter and/or flotation device. Preferably the control unit is interchangeable with another control unit. The another control unit may be of the same type as the control unit, for instance to allow for replacement of and/or maintenance of the control unit. The another control unit may be of a different type to the control unit, for instance to provide alternative functionality for the warning device. The alternative functionality may be the type or wavelength of emissions used by the warning device.

The control unit is preferably mounted on or attached to the flotation device, preferably on the outside thereof. A releasable mounting for the control unit may be provided, preferably on the flotation device, ideally on the manual inflation component. One component of the releasable mounting may be provided on the control unit. One component, preferably the other component, of the releasable mounting may be provided on the flotation device, for instance within 20 cm of the manual inflation component, ideally as a part of the manual inflation device.

The control unit may provide the signals for transmission to the at least a part of the transmitter, for instance antenna. The control unit may determine the content of the signals for transmission by the at least a part of the transmitter, for instance antenna. The control unit may include positional information in the signals for transmission by the at least a part of the transmitter, for instance antenna. The control unit may include information on the wearer of the flotation device in the signals for transmission by the at least a part of the transmitter, for instance antenna. The control unit may include information on the identity of the warning system and/or control unit in the signals for transmission by the at least a part of the transmitter, for instance antenna.

The control unit may control the operation of a light source. One or more light sources may be provided. The light source may be an electroluminescent light. Preferably the light source is one or more light emitting diodes.

The control unit may be provided with a power source, for instance a battery. The power source may be incorporated into the control unit and/or may be connected to the control unit. The power source may be provided at a separate location on the flotation device. The separate location may be a location which is lower on the flotation device in use in water and/or which is in the water in use and/or which is proximal to the water in use.

The control unit may include an element for determining the position of the control unit and/or the device, for instance a satellite based system, such as GPS.

The control unit may be connected to a link. The link may be provided with a connector, ideally a releasable electrical connector. The connector is preferably at the end of the link distal to the control unit. The connector may be used to connect the link to the at least a part of the transmitter, for instance antenna, for instance through a second electrical connector which is complementary to the releasable electrical connector. The connector, preferably the releasable connector may be provided proximal the manual inflation device, for instance within 10 cm, more preferably 5 cm, of the manual inflation device.

The control unit and/or power source may be mounted on the flotation device only using the manual inflation component. The control unit and/or power supply may be provided with one or more other attachments to the flotation device, for instance a strapping on the device and/or control unit and/or power source and/or a pocket provided on the device for receiving one or more parts of the control unit and/or power source.

The link may include a light source.

The manual inflation component may include a light source. The light source may be incorporated into the manual inflation component. The light source may be mounted on the manual inflation component. The light source may be connected to an end, for instance an end of the further stem, of the manual inflation component. The light source may be mounted around an end, for instance an end of the further stem, of the manual inflation component. The light source may be one or more LED's.

The control unit may include a light source. The light source may be incorporated into the control unit. The light source may be mounted on the control unit. The light source may be provided on an upper surface of the control unit in use in the water. The light source may be one or more LED's.

The control unit may be provided with connections for multiple links and/or with multiple links. One or more links may be provided to connect the control unit to one or more sensors, for instance water sensors and/or temperature sensors and/or body temperature sensors and/or physiological characteristic detectors. One or more water sensors may be provided on a power source for the control unit, particularly when the power source is separate from the control unit. One or more water sensors may be provided on one or more links extending from the control unit, particularly to one or more locations lower on the flotation device in use and/or which are in the water in use and/or which are proximal to the water in use.

The control unit may be connected to the at least a part of the transmitter, for instance antenna, by the manufacturer of the flotation device. The control unit may be connected to the at least a part of the transmitter, for instance antenna, by the manufacturer of the control unit. The control unit may be connected to the at least a part of the transmitter, for instance an antenna, by the user, preferably the wearer of the device. The control unit may be interchangeable with other control units, for connection to the same at least a part of the transmitter, for instance antenna.

The warning device may be manually triggered and/or automatically triggered, for instance by contact and/or immersion in water. The warning device may be automatically triggered due to detection of motion of the device, for instance through a motion detector.

The warning device may be a part of a warning system, for instance a person overboard warning system. The warning device may be in communication with a receiver part to provide a person overboard warning system. The warning system may be in communication with a receiver part to provide a vessel in distress warning system. The receiver part may be provided on the vessel, particularly a water borne vessel, on which the wearer of the warning device was present.

The receiver part may be provided on a vessel, particularly a water borne vessel. The receiver part may provide a visual alarm when it receives a signal from a warning device. The receiver part may provide an audible alarm when it receives a signal from a warning device. The receiver part may indicate the direction of the warning device providing a signal, for instance through a visual display. The receiver part may indicate the position of the warning device in combination with other information. The other information may be navigational information, for instance a chart. The other information may be provided by another unit, for instance a navigational aid.

The flotation device is preferably a personal flotation device. The flotation device may be worn around the neck of the wearer. The flotation device may be provided with one or more elements for retaining the device on the wearer, for instance straps extending around or between parts of the wearer.

The flotation device may be worn over other clothing. The flotation device may be integrated into an article of clothing, for instance a jacket or a suit, for instance incorporating upper and lower body coverings.

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a picture of a PFD incorporating a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the antenna form and location in the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates the role of the device in an emergency situation;

FIG. 4 illustrates the position of a flotation device and the wearer in water;

FIG. 5a illustrates another embodiment of a device according to the present invention;

FIG. 5b shows the device of FIG. 5a in position on a flotation device and wearer;

FIG. 6a illustrates yet another embodiment of a device according to the present invention;

FIG. 6b shows the device of FIG. 6a in position on a flotation device and wearer; and

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of a device according to the present invention.

A very large proportion of PFD are inflatable. This has the advantage that they provide the necessary degree of buoyancy for the wearer in the emergency situation, but have a much reduced volume when worn before the emergency. This prevents the PFD getting in the wearer's way before they are needed.

Every inflatable PFD has a manual inflation facility comprising a tube located on the outside of the PFD in a position that it is easily accessible to the wearer in use. This means the wearer can reach and top up the inflation level of the PFD by mouth. This is necessary in cases where the automatic inflation does not operate and/or where the level needs to be topped up over time. These tubes are of similar design and shape.

PFD's can be standalone units or can be incorporated into clothing, such as coats, emersion suits and the like. The present invention is suitable for use with all of these types and uses of PFD's.

The applicant has identified that the manual inflation facility is subject to much less variation in design than other features of the PFD. Furthermore, the location used on the PFD is more consistent and has been identified by the applicant as being located on all PFD in a position that is ideal for a transmitter, for instance an antenna. The terms transmitter and antenna are interchangeable in the subsequent description of the embodiments. Transmitters providing radio transmissions or other forms of emission, particularly signal or data carrying emission are preferred. The manual inflation facility is mounted fairly high up on the PFD and on the front of the PFD such that it is generally out of the water during use. This also makes it a suitable position for the antenna as it is important the antenna is out of the water as much as possible, in use, to get reliable transmission and/or reception. Furthermore, the applicant has established that the existing physical dimensions of such manual inflation facilities are suited for the incorporation of the electrical circuitry for an antenna. Avoiding changes in the manual inflation facility, as far as practical, helps with acceptability of the device of the invention to manufacturers of PFD.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the wearer 1 is wearing an inflated PFD 3. The PFD 3 is in the form of an inverted U-shaped inflation chamber 5 which wraps around the neck of the wear 1 and is joined together by a connector 6 at the front. A series of strap 7 extend from the PFD 3 around the back of the wearer 1 and are interconnected and/or tightened to ensure the PFD is retained on the wearer 1 in the correct position in use. The PFD 3 is formed from a high visibility material, such as yellow plastics, and may be provided with additional reflective panels 9. A pull trigger 11 is provided near one hand of the wearer 1 so as to trigger inflation of the PFD when needed and/or to trigger inflation should automatic triggering of inflation not occur. The automatic triggering of inflation may be caused by water sensors and/or motion activation and/or by means of transmission control.

On the front of the PFD 3 on the left-hand side of the wearer 1, is the manual inflation component 13. The manual inflation component 13 is shown in more detail in FIG. 2 and is in the form of a hollow stem 15. The stem 15 allows the wearer, or others, to blow air into the inflation chamber 5 so as to increase the degree of inflation and hence buoyancy. The stem 15 incorporates a valve, not shown, which allows air to flow into the inflation chamber 5, but resists air flow out of the inflation chamber 5. The manual inflation component 13 is positioned relatively high on the PFD such that it is on the chest of the wearer 1 and allows the wearer 1 to bend their neck and reach the manual inflation component 13 easily when floating in the water (and potentially without even using a hand or hands). PFD are designed such that the wearer floats on their back and a significant part of the front of the PFD is therefore exposed above the surface of the water in use (see FIG. 4).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the PFD incorporates a device 16 which allows at least transmission by the PFD.

As illustrated, the manual inflation component 13 of the present invention incorporates an antenna 17. The antenna 17 is provided in the illustration by a wire spring which spirals around the stem 15. Such an antenna 17 could also be incorporated by a wire construction around or on or in the stem 15, a conductive film or printed circuitry applied to the outer surface of the stem 15 or in other ways. The antenna 17 may be constructed on the outside of the manual inflation component 13, or on the inside of the manual inflation component 13, without degrading the primary function of the manual inflation component 13; which is to provide a means of maintaining air pressure inside the PFD 3.

As well as the spiral design above, the antenna could be provided as a loop antenna, for instance wrapped around or within the manual inflation component 13. Fractal, fractal element, multilevel or space filling curve antenna can also be used, again for instance with the antenna wrapped around or within the manual inflation component 13. Microstrip antenna, printed antenna and microstrip patch antenna can also be used, again for instance with the antenna wrapped around or within the manual inflation component 13. Combined or multiple forms of antenna can be used.

Because the manual inflation component 13 is provided on the front of the PFD 3, the antenna 17 has an increased likelihood that the antenna 17 will be optimally positioned above the water surface when the PFD is deployed. In a situation where the PFD is floating on the surface of water, the antenna 17 will be deployed and ready for transmission and reception of radio signals without any further action by the wearer 1 or the need for any automated or other complex deployment.

In circumstances where the device 16 is fitted to a PFD, but it is not yet activated, the antenna 17 will not significantly increase size of weight of the deflated PFD. It should take up close to the same volume as previous manual inflation component 13 without the integrated antenna 17.

When the antenna 17 is to be connected to a device 16, then an electrical connector 19, provided with a standard internal connection format, is used to join the antenna 17 to a link 21 and hence to a control unit 23. By providing the antenna 17 incorporated into the breather tube in this way, the device is designed so that it does not impede the use of, or compromise existing PFD approval of, or cause hazard in any way from the PFD.

The control unit 23 is securely mounted on the outside of the PFD 3 and includes a power source and transmitter control electronics. Different control units 23 can be used depending upon the role in which the PFD 3 is used and the desired degree of functionality and/or acceptable cost level. Thus the control unit 23 may be provided in a simple form with an emitter which provides a signal for transmission through the antenna 17.

Increased functionality would come from the incorporation of a light source to assist in locating the PFD in use, preferably a SOLAS compliant light source. The light source could emit visible light and/or non-visible light (particularly infra-red). One or more such light sources may be provided. The light source may be in the form of a tube or sleeve which extends from the control unit 23, or is otherwise provided, around the neck of the wearer 1 as this increases the visibility of the light in use. The light source can be combined with the link 23 to simplify the construction.

Further increased functionality would come from incorporating a GPS unit or other position indicating system within the control unit 23, with the position being included in the transmission from the PFD 3 via the antenna 17.

Further functionality would be provided by providing a receiver within the control unit 23.

Further functionality would be provided by monitoring the health of the wearer and potentially including that in the transmission.

The control unit 23 may include the electronics for these functions and/or may be provided with one or more connecting locations to attach the control unit 23 to other electronics or other components. The other electronics/components could include sensors, for instance provided on the wearer, possibly for measuring the body temperature or other physiological characteristics of the wearer.

The integrated antenna 17 and emitter connected to it would be suitable for transmission of radio frequencies such as VHF, UHF, GPS including satellite distress channel frequencies. Where provided, the receiver would be suitable for receiving radio frequencies such as VHF, UHF, GPS including satellite distress channel frequencies.

As a result, it would be possible to provide a control unit 23 which is bespoke to the location of use (and preferred local system) and yet can be connected to a the PFD easily as the manual inflation component 13 and antenna 17 are already present. The control unit 23 may be provided with the ability to emit at 121.5 MHz, to serve as a radio beacon homing device, and/or with the ability to emit using VHF radio alerting, for instance using the Automatic Identification System (AIS) (VHF band 87B and/or band 88B—161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz respectively) and/or using the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) system (channel 70, 156.525 MHz), and/or emit GPS locating information and/or Voice VHF emissions, such as channel 16 (156.8 MHz). The control unit 23 could be provided with all these emission abilities to provide a single unit suitable for use in a wide variety of locations of use (and offering the preferred local system as a result in all cases). To conserve the power life of the control unit 23, and/or to prioritize the transmission, it is possible to use the GPS location to identify which of the possible emission forms should be used and/or which should not be used. Improved power life, quicker alerting and regulatory compliance can be provided in this manner, wherever the PFD is used.

Even with such capabilities present, the control unit 23 and other parts of the system weigh under 200 g, including the power supply, and so are highly portable and do not detract from the flotation performance of the PFD or alter its balance.

The antenna 17 can also serve as, or another antenna can be incorporated again in the manual inflation component 13, to provide the receive function for the GPS satellite signals. The system has the ability to give a GPS position in under 1 minute, with at least 4 satellites at −130 dBm.

This invention provides the integration of the radio frequency antenna 17 with the manual inflation component 13 of the PFD 3 in a simple and effective manner. Furthermore, a consistent location for the antenna 17 is provided and this makes it easy to connect the antenna 17 with a device 16.

Furthermore, the provision of the control device 23 as a unit, for instance in block form, which can be connected to the manual inflation component 13 which is provided as a permanent feature of the PFD, is beneficial compared with other modes for providing the electronics. Such an approach allows for the easy connection and removal of the control device 23, for instance for repair, maintenance or to substitute another control unit 23. The provision of the control unit 23 within the PFD and/or as a part of or in the fabric on the PFD presents problems of access. The style of control device 23 provided in the present invention is also easier to secure against water ingress than many other designs.

The PFD 3 can be produced and sold with the antenna 17 in place, with minimal extra cost or inconvenience, even if it is never used. Thus the manual inflation component 13, with the antenna 17 in place, is of sufficiently low cost to make and install, that it can become the normal manual inflation component 13 to provide, even where the expectation is that the suitable device 16 (to complete the system and render it operational) will never be provided. The ability to convert the PDF to a more sophisticated form and function is provided. The manufacturer of the PDF 3 can simply incorporate the manual inflation component 13 provided with the antenna 17, rather than the old style, antenna free, manual inflation component 13. In this way the PFD is provided radio beacon ready and can be later connected to a suitable device 16, provided with a control unit 23 which can be connected to the antenna 17 by link 21 and electrical connector 19.

The manufacturer of the PFD 3 may provide the device 16 connected to the antenna 17 and/or that may be implemented by a manufacturer of the device 16 who obtains the PFD 3 and mounts their device 16 on it and/or by a user of such PFD 3 who selects and then connects a device 16 of their choice to the PFD 3. This increases the flexibility for the approach and encourages greater provision of such devices 16 in combination with PFD 3.

The invention thus utilizes a feature that is incorporated into all inflatable PFD 3, without the addition of another separate antenna and the attendant locating fixing problems it would bring.

The connection between the control unit 23 and the antenna 17 in the manual inflation component 13 is preferably provided by a standard pairing of elements on the two parts. For instance, a male component on one and female on the other may be deployed. Clips, screw threads, releasable fasteners and push fit engagements all offer possible connection mechanisms, particularly at the base of the manual inflation component 13 where it reaches the PFD.

In operation, as shown in FIG. 3, when a wearer falls overboard from a craft 100, then the PFD 3 will inflate to help prevent them drowning. The inflation will be triggered by contact with the water and occur automatically, but the wearer could trigger the automatic inflation or even manually inflate the PFD 3. Upon contact with the water, the other functions of the device 16 are activated. Again manual triggers can be provided. Thus the radio transmission 102 begins from the device 16 using antenna 17. The light emitter is also activated.

The radio transmission 102 can be detected by a satellite 104, the craft 100 the person fell from, other water borne craft (not shown) or aircraft such as a helicopter (also not shown). The radio transmission 102 can then be acted upon and/or relayed to others. A preferred action is that a craft in the area uses the radio transmission as a direction indicating signal and moves towards the wearer to recover them. The direction indication signal can come from a direction finding device on the craft and/or the use of positional information in the signal (such as GPS information). Once the craft is in proximity with the wearer then the light source and the light reflective strips assist with identifying the position of the wearer. The person can then be recovered.

The greater likelihood of a device 16 being present due to the ease with which the system is incorporated into a PFD, the automated activation of the device 16 and the useful information provided by the device 16 to other craft all increase the chance of rescue for the wearer and all increase the speed with which the rescue can occur.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 5a of the manual inflation component 13 which has a stem 100 extending substantially perpendicular to the surface 102 of the flotation device 16. The stem 100 connects to a further stem 104 which extends substantially perpendicular to the stem 100. The stem 100 is hollow, as is the upper part 106 of the further stem 104 so as to provide the route for the wearer or others to breathe into the manual inflation component 13 and so increase inflation of the flotation device 16.

The further stem 104, in particular, and especially the upper part 106 provide a good position at which to incorporate the antenna (not shown).

The upper part 106 of the further stem 104 also provides a good mounting location for a SOLAS compliant light. In the illustrated case, this is in the form of a ring 107 carrying a series of LED's 109. The ring can be slotted onto or screwed onto the further stem 104, for instance.

The further stem 104 also extends below the stem 100 along the same axis. This base part 108 of the further stem is generally solid. The base part 108 provides a convenient location for mounting the control unit 23 on. Various types of attachment can be used. In this embodiment, the control unit 23 attached to the manual inflation component 13 includes the control electronics for the transmitter. A side stem 110 on the control unit 23 provides the receiving antenna for a GPS locating system. The control unit 23 is connected by a link 21 to a separate battery pack 112 mounted lower down on the inflation device 16.

The relative positions for the components on the flotation device 16 and the wearer 114 can be seen in the side view of FIG. 5b. The head of the wearer 114 is out of the water 116, as is the front of the flotation device 16, the manual inflation component 13, the LED's 109 and the antenna 17 that the manual inflation component 13 provides. The control unit 23 and its GPS antenna in the side stem 110 are also out of the water. The link 21 connects the control unit 23 to the battery pack 112 mounted lower down and in the water 116. The battery pack 112 also provides a mounting location for the water detecting sensors 118 so as to ensure they contact the water quickly and trigger the automatic inflation of the flotation device 16.

A similar arrangement is shown in the FIGS. 6a and 6b embodiment. In this case, however, the battery pack 112 is provided within the control unit 23 connected to the manual inflation component 13. The water sensors 118 are provided on links 21 so that they are at a lower position to contact the water.

The FIG. 7 embodiment features an alternative position for the SOLAS compliant light, again from LED's 109, but this time mounted on the side of the control unit 23. This involves less modification to the manual inflation device 13.

In the above described embodiments, the antenna 17 is provided as a part of the manual inflation component 13 and the device 16 is separately provided, but connected to the antenna 17. It is also possible for the manual inflation component 13 and device 16 to be provided as an integrated unit. In such a case, the control unit 23 could be mounted on the PFD 3, with the antenna 17 mounted on the casing of the control unit 23, but with the manual inflation component 13 still leading from a position which can readily be reached by the mouth of the wearer 1 into the inflation chamber 5 of the PFD 3. In such a case, the device 16 and antenna 17 might not be detachable from one another.

Claims

1. A manual inflation component for a flotation device, the manual inflation component being provided with a first end and a second end and an extent between the first end and the second end, the manual inflation component including an internal passage extending from a first opening to a second opening, the manual inflation component being provided with at least a part of a transmitter.

2. A manual inflation component according to claim 1 in which the manual inflation component is provided with a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece including a first opening to an internal passage, the manual inflation component further including a second opening in fluid communication, in use, with the inside of the flotation device.

3. A manual inflation component according to claim 1 in which the at least a part of the transmitter has an extent along the extent of the manual inflation device which is at least 50% of the extent of the manual inflation device.

4. A manual inflation component according to claim 1 in which the at least part of the transmitter is at least a part of an antenna, preferably a radio transmitting antenna.

5. A manual inflation component according to claim 1 in which the at least a part of the transmitter is attached to the manual inflation component and/or the at least a part of the transmitter is embedded in the manual inflation component.

6. A manual inflation component according to claim 1 in which the at least a part of the transmitter is wrapped around the manual inflation component and/or the at least a part of the transmitter is coiled around to the manual inflation component and/or the at least a part of the transmitter is in the form of a spiral around the manual inflation component.

7. A manual inflation component according to claim 1 in which the at least part of the transmitter is provided by a flexible material and/or the at least part of the transmitter includes a conductive film and/or the at least part of the transmitter includes printed material and/or the at least part of the transmitter includes a wire.

8. A control unit for a warning device, the control unit being provided with a connector, the connector being adapted for connection, in use, to at least a part of a transmitter, the at least a part of a transmitter being provided by a manual inflation component for a flotation device, the manual inflation component being provided with a first end and a second end and an extent between the first end and the second end.

9. A control unit according to claim 8 which is adapted for connection, in use, to a manual inflation component.

10. A control unit according to claim 8 in which the control unit provides the signals for transmission to the transmitter and/or the control unit determines the content of the signals for transmission by the transmitter and/or the control unit provides positional information in the signals for transmission by the transmitter and/or the control unit includes information on the wearer of the flotation device in the signals for transmission by the transmitter and/or the control unit includes information on the identity of the warning system and/or the control unit in the signals for transmission by the transmitter.

11. A control unit according to claim 8 in which the control unit controls the operation of a light source and/or the control unit is provided with a power source and/or the control unit includes an element for determining the position of the control unit and/or the device.

12. A control unit according to claim 8 in which the control unit is connected to a link, the link is provided with a connector and the connector is used to connect the link to the at least a part of the transmitter, the connector being a releasable connector.

13. A warning device, the warning device comprising a control unit, the control unit being provided with a connector, the connector being connected to a transmitter, at least a part of the transmitter being provided by a manual inflation component for a flotation device, the manual inflation component being provided with a first end and a second end and an extent between the first end and the second end.

14. A warning device according to claim 13 in which the warning device is provided with a manual inflation component and/or is provided with a control unit.

15. A warning device according to claim 13 in which the warning device can be manually triggered and/or is automatically triggered by contact and/or immersion in water.

16. A warning device according to claim 13 in which the warning device is a part of a person overboard warning system and the warning device is in communication with a receiver part to provide the person overboard warning system, the receiver part being provided on a vessel.

17. A warning device according to claim 16 in which the receiver part provides a visual alarm when it receives a signal from a warning device and/or the receiver part provides an audible alarm when it receives a signal from a warning device.

18. A flotation device, the flotation device comprising a manual inflation component, the manual inflation component being provided with a first end and a second end and an extent between the first end and the second end, the manual inflation component including an internal passage extending from a first opening to a second opening, the manual inflation component being provided with at least a part of a transmitter.

19. A flotation device according to claim 18 in which the flotation device is provided with a manual inflation component and/or is provided with a control unit and/or is provided with a warning device.

20. A flotation device provided with a warning device, the warning device comprising a control unit, the control unit being provided with a connector, the connector being connected to at least a part of a transmitter, at least a part of the transmitter being provided by a manual inflation component for the flotation device, the manual inflation component being provided with a first end and a second end and an extent between the first end and the second end.

21. A flotation device provided with a warning device according to claim 18 in which the flotation device is provided with a manual inflation component and/or is provided with a control unit and/or is provided with a warning device.

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)