GB2452943A

GB2452943A - Alarm device for personal security comprising a patch adherable to the body of a person

Info

Publication number: GB2452943A
Application number: GB0718314A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Pawel Kisielewski
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-09-19
Filing date: 2007-09-19
Publication date: 2009-03-25
Anticipated expiration: 2027-09-19
Also published as: GB0718314D0; GB2452943B

Abstract

An alarm device 10 for personal security, which emits a perceivable alarm 12 when activated in an emergency situation, comprises a patch 16 adherable to the body of a person upon which the alarm 12 is mounted, e.g. adherable to the skin of a user by means of an adhesive. The alarm 12 may emit an audible and/or visible signal, e.g. a pulsating light and may be actuated by pressure sensitive switch. The alarm device 10 may include a heat sensor, which generates an output to change a visual signal of a display, and a GPS unit to transmit location data to a receiver. To permit flexion in a direction perpendicular to the major plane of the alarm device 10, the battery may be manufactured from paper cell technology. The alarm device 10 may also communicate activation of the alarm to an external communication device.

Description

ALARM DEVICE FOR PERSONAL SECURITY

The present invention relates to an alarm device for personal security; particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a personal security alarm device arranged to emit an audible signal when activated.

Crimes such as muggings, abductions, rapes and other personal attacks are becoming increasingly prevalent in today's society.

Personal security alarms which can be activated in emergency situations to emit an audible sound are well known. These include gas powered canisters and battery powered boxes and key rings. Such alarm devices are normally carried in a handbag.

A drawback of such devices is that they can be difficult to find in an emergency situation in which every second is vital for escape from an attacker. Moreover, in case of muggings the handbag is often the first thing that is taken from the victim thereby removing access to the alarm device. Some devices have attempted to address these problems. GB2265236 for example describes an alarm device for personal protection which can be worn on the wrist of a person and activated by removal of a pin from the device or removal of the device from the wrist of a person. US200403233 describes a personal security device in the form of a wrist band which can be worn on a limb of the user. Unfortunately, a drawback of these latter devices is that there is a restriction on where they can be worn and therefore accessibility to the device can be limited in an emergency situation.

The present invention has been devised with the foregoing in mind.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an alarm device for personal security. The alarm device includes alarm means for emitting a perceivable alarm when activated; actuating means for activating the alarm means in an emergency situation; and support means on which the alarm means is mounted; wherein the support means is in the form of a patch adherable to the body of a person.

Such an arrangement has the advantage that the alarm device may be mounted anywhere on the body of a user where it can be easily accessed in an emergency situation.

The alarm means may be arranged to emit an audible and/or visible signal. For example, the alarm means may be arranged to emit a pulsating light signal. The alarm means may for example, comprise a piezoelectric sounder Preferably, the alarm device comprises an alarm disabler for preventing the alarm means from being inadvertently actuated thereby reducing the occurrence of false alarms.

The alarm means may be arranged to emit sound greater than 130dB. In this range the sound is loud enough to disorientate an attacker and to attract attention. Preferably the alarm means is arranged to emit sound in a range of from 135dB to 200dB. Preferably the alarm means is arranged to emit sound having a frequency in a range of from 2kHz to 7kHz. In this range the sound is shrill enough to disorientate the attacker.

The alarm device may further comprise a heat sensor operable to generate an output according to a detected heat and display means operable to display a visual signal which changes according to the output of the heat sensor.

Preferably the alarm means is powered by a power cell arranged to permit flexion in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the alarm device. This allows the alarm device to have a flatter form so that it can be discreetly worn under clothing. Further this provides enhanced flexibility for adhering the alarm device to the contoured body of a user. The power cell may for example comprise a battery manufactured from paper cell technology.

The actuating means may comprise a pressure sensitive switch. Preferably, the pressure sensitive switch is disposed in a recess of housing of the alarm means such that the switch does not extend beyond a major surface of the housing in which the recess is located. This helps to prevent inadvertent actuation of the device which may occur when someone presses against the user or the user presses against an object.

In some embodiments the actuating means may be arranged, in use, to face outwardly from the body of the user. In other embodiments the actuating means may be arranged, in use, to face inwardly towards the body of the user such that application of pressure to the support activates the alarm means.

The alarm device may further comprise locating means for locating the alarm device.

The locating means may comprise a global position system (GPS) unit operable to transmit location data to a receiver. In the case of an abduction, for example, this arrangement allows the alarm device and thus the person wearing the alarm device to be located.

The alarm device may be sealed against the ingress of moisture. This helps to prevent the occurrence of electrical short circuits and deterioration of electrical components due to moisture such as sweat or rain.

The alarm device may be provided with deactivation prevention means for preventing deactivation of the alarm after the alarm has been activated. In this way, an attacker may not disable the alarm once it has been activated.

Preferably the support means is adherable to the skin of a user so that it may be positioned directly on the skin of a user. The support means may be adherable to the skin of a user by means of an adhesive arranged to leave a mark on the skin of the user for a predetermined time. Such a mark may be fluorescent.

The alarm device may further comprise a communication means for communication with an external communications device, the communication means being arranged to instruct the external communications device that the alarm has been activated. As a result, the communication means could instruct the external communications device so that the external communications could inform an appropriate service or individual that the user is in peril.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an alarm device according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure lB is an enlarged view of the alarm device of Figure 1A; Figure 2 is a planar view of the alarm device of Figure 1A; Figure 3A illustrates the alarm device of Figures 1 and 2 mounted on different areas of the body of a user; Figure 3B illustrates the effective zones for accessibility of an alarm device on the body of a user according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of an alarm device according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 4B is an enlarged view of the alarm device of Figure 4A; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an alarm device according to a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an alarm device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of an alarm device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; and Figure 7B is an exploded perspective view of the alarm device of Figure 7A in two opposing orientations.

Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of an alarm device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention in two opposing orientations.

Referring to Figures lA-B and Figure 2, an alarm device 10 for personal security according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises an alarm portion 12 for emitting a perceivable alarm when actuated, an actuator 14 for actuating the alarm portion in the event of an attack and a patch 16, which defines a support portion for mounting the alarm device on the body of a person. Patch 16 has a first surface 161 on which alarm portion 12 is mounted and a second surface 162, opposing the first surface 161,which is provided with a layer of adhesive 17 for adhering the patch 16 to the skin of a person. Actuator 14 takes the form of a pressure sensitive switch. Alarm portion 12 comprises a piezoelectric sounder 121 and a power cell 122, for supplying the piezoelectric sounder with power, housed within casing 123. In this embodiment the power cell 122 takes the form of a battery arranged to be operable to generate a voltage of approximately 6V. In this embodiment, the battery arrangement comprises four stacked paper battery cells, each operable to generate a voltage of approximately I.5V.

Patch 16 comprises a hypo allergenic and waterproof layer of material. The adhesive layer 17 is protected with a protective covering (not shown) which is removed before use to allow the patch 16 to be adhered to the body of a user. Alarm portion 12 is sealed against the ingress of moisture.

In operation, the alarm device 10 is mounted on the body of the user as illustrated in Figure 3A by adhering the patch 16 to the skin of the user by means of the adhesive layer 17. It will be appreciated that while the layer of adhesive is suitable for adhering the patch to the skin of a person, it may also be used to adhere the alarm device to a layer of clothing between the skin and the alarm device.

This arrangement has the advantage that the alarm device may be mounted anywhere on a person's body for maximum accessibility; thereby providing ease of activation in the event of an attack. Figure 3B illustrates the zones through which an average user's hand can most easily move in the event of an attack. The most effective locations for the alarm device therefore fall where these zones overlap the body 102.

Since the alarm device is in the form of a patch it may be positioned discreetly under clothing so that it is not visible, in a similar way to the wearing of a nicotine patch for example. In this way it is not obvious that the patch is being worn and so does not discourage the user from wearing it.

Should the wearer wish to activate the alarm in the event of an emergency such as an attack he or she presses the actuator 14 activating power cell 122 to energise the piezoelectric sounder 121. The piezoelectric sounder 121 in this embodiment emits an audible sound of at least 138dB and at a frequency of around 3 kHz in response to the activation. In this range, the sound emitted can be effective as a deterrent to an attacker to continue the attack since it is loud enough and shrill enough to shock and disorientate the attacker giving the user vital seconds to escape. Moreover, since the sound is shrill and pulsating and thereby different to sounds that are commonly heard, the alarm activation, can attract the attention of people in the surroundings who may be able to come to the aid of the person being attacked. The audible sound is emitted by the sounder 121 for a period ofover2 minutes.

Other embodiments may be arranged to emit sound greater than 130dB, for example from 135dB to 200dB. In some embodiments, the alarm is arranged to emit sound having a frequency in a range of from 2kHz to 7kHz.

After use, the patch may be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, an alarm device 20 according to a second embodiment of the invention comprises an alarm portion 22 for emitting a perceivable alarm when actuated, a pressure sensitive switch 24 for actuating the alarm portion in the event of an attack and a patch 26, which defines a support portion for mounting the alarm device on the body of a person. Patch 26 is provided with a layer of adhesive 27 for adhering the alarm device 20 to the body of a user. In this embodiment, alarm portion 22 comprises piezoelectric sounder 221 and a light element 25 powered by power cell 222 and disposed in casing 223. Light element 25 is operable to enit a pulsating light signal when alarm device 20 is activated by power sensitive switch 24.

Pressure sensitive switch 24 is provided in a recess of the outwardly facing surface of the casing 223 such that the switch 24 does not extend beyond the major outer surface of the casing. In this way the pressure switch 24 is protected from being inadvertently depressed and a false alarm being activated.

Alarm device 20 according to the second embodiment functions in a similar manner to alarm device 10 of the first embodiment with the additional function of a pulsating light when the alarm is activated. The pulsating light signal emitted by light element 25 in addition to the audible signal generated by sounder 221 can be effective in attracting attention to an attack on the user and in deterring the attacker from further attack.

It is of course the case that the recessed switch 24 and the light element 25 can be provided independently of each other.

Referring to Figure 5 an alarm device 30 according to a third embodiment of the invention comprises an alarm portion 32 for emitting a perceivable alarm when actuated, an actuator 34 for actuating the alarm portion in the event of an attack and a patch 36, which defines a support portion for mounting the alarm device on the body of a person.

Alarm device 30 according to the third embodiment functions in a similar manner to alarm device 10 of the first embodiment. In addition to the features of the first embodiment alarm device 30 further comprises a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit 38 powered by power cell 322 and provided with a transmission unit 381 for transmitting global positioning data acquired by the GPS unit 38 to a suitable receiver station.

GPS unit 38 can be thus used to locate the position of the alarm device 30 using convention global positioning techniques known to the skilled person in the art. The GPS unit 38 is continually powered so that the device can be continually located and the location data can be transmitted via transmission unit 38 periodically to a receiver station. In this way in the case of an abduction for example, the wearer of the alarm device can be located from the positioning data received at the receiving station even without the user activating the alarm. Additionally or alternatively, the GPS unit can be activated to transmit a distress signal upon operation of the actuator 34.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the alarm device may include the GPS unit and data transmission unit without the presence of a sounder or a light emitting element. In this embodiment the alarm device may be activated by the user to send GPS data to a receiver station without alerting an abductor by an audible alarm or visible alarm signal. In this case the sending of GPS data to a receiver station constitutes emitting a perceivable alarm. In some embodiments of the invention the GPS unit may be powered periodically to emit location data periodically to a receiver station.

It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the invention the GPS unit may be replaced or supplemented by different suitable locating or tracking devices.

Referring to Figure 6 an alarm device 40 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention comprises an alarm portion 42 for emitting a perceivable alarm when actuated, an actuator 44 for actuating the alarm portion in the event of an attack and a patch 46, which defines a support portion for mounting the alarm device 40 on the body of a person.

Alarm device 40 according to the fourth embodiment functions in a similar manner to alarm device 10 of the first embodiment. Alarm device 40 differs to the alarm device 10 of the first embodiment in that it further comprises a heat sensor 49 powered by power cell 422.

Heat sensor 49 is disposed on patch 46 such that, in use it is in contact with the skin of the user. The heat sensor 49 is provided with a display element forming part of patch 46 which changes colour in accordance with the output of the heat sensor 49. In this way the display element changes colour as the body temperature of the wearer changes thereby providing an aesthetic effect and/or indicating that the body temperature of the user has become unsafe.

Power cell 422 is made from paper battery technology, employiiig four individual I.5V cells. An example of such individual 1.5V cells are those fabricated by Power Paper TM. Each individual 1.5V cell is composed of zinc anode and manganese dioxide-based cathode layers. Each such cell is made of inks that can be printed or pasted onto a substrate to create a battery that is thin and flexible. The individual 1. 5V cells are stacked and therefore the power cell 422 can thereby provide flexion in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the alarm device providing enhanced flexibility for fitting the alarm device on the body of a user. The power cell 422 is operable to provide a voltage of 6V to the sounder 421.

In some embodiments of the invention the top surface 161 of patch 16, which is arranged, in use, to face outwardly from the body of the wearer, can serve as a display panel displaying images, advertisements, brand names and the like. Additionally or alternatively it have a shape or other physical configuration adapted for similar purposes Since the alarm device can be designed to be aesthetically attractive according to the personal tastes of the user it may be worn as a fashion accessory thereby encouraging it to be worn by a potential user Referring to Figures 7A and 7B, an alarm device 50 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention comprises an alarm unit 52 having a first alarm portion 501 and a second alarm portion 502 and a patch 56 defining a support portion for mounting the alarm device 50 on the body of a person. Patch 56 has a first surface 561 and a second opposing surface 562. First alarm portion 501 is mounted on the first surface 561 and second alarm portion 502 is mounted on the second surface 562. Adhesive portions 57 are provided on the second surface 562 for adhering patch 56 to the skin of a user.

Alarm unit 52 comprises a piezoelectric sounder 521 similar to the piezoelectric sounder 121 of the first embodiment and a power cell 522 to energise sounder 521 disposed in first alarm portion 501.

Second alarm unit portion 502 can be used to house a GPS unit, a heat sensor or any other suitable feature which may be incorporated into the alarm device.

In further embodiments of the invention the alarm device may provided with a disabler mechanism which disables the alarm device so that it is not inadvertently activated.

Such a disabler mechanism may take the form of a switch or lock for example. For example, some embodiments employ a thin film of plastic located between the battery and the contact points for the battery, with one end of the plastic film arranged to protrude from the casing. Such a plastic film acts as a disabler mechanism by preventing a connection between the battery and the alarm. The plastic film could then by pulled away, connecting the battery to the contact points so as to prime the device. For example, this could be done as the wearer entered an environment perceived to be threatening.

In yet further embodiments of the invention, the alarm device may include a mechanism for preventing deactivating the alarm once it has been activated. Such a feature prevents an attacker from turning off the alarm.

Although in the previous embodiments a piezoelectric sounder is used to provide an audible signal, in alternative embodiments of the invention any suitable acoustic transducer or sound generator may be used to provide an audible alarm signal.

In other embodiments, the alarm device may include a communication means for communication with an external communications device, the communication means being arranged to instruct the external communications device that the alarm has been activated. The communication means could, on activation of the alarm, contact the external communications device, which in turn contacts a predetermined number or service.

Referring to Figure 8, an alarm device 60 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention is shown as an exploded perspective view in two opposing orientations. The alarm device 60 according to a sixth embodiment would appear similar to that of the fifth embodiment when considered in cross-section.

The alarm device 60 comprises an alarm unit having a first alarm portion 601 and a second alarm portion 602 and a patch 66 defining a support portion for mounting the alarm device 60 on the body of a person. Patch 66 has a first surface 661 and a second opposing surface 662. The first alarm portion 601 is mounted on the first surface 661 and the second alarm portion 602 is mounted on the second surface 662. Adhesive portions (not shown) are provided on the second surface 662 for adhering the patch 66 to the skin of a user. The alarm unit of this embodiment comprises a piezoelectric sounder 621 similar to the piezoelectric sounder 121, 521 of the first and fifth embodiments and a power cell 622 to the energise sounder 621 disposed in first alarm portion 601.

A Bluetooth (RTM) module 680 is provided that is mounted in the alarm unit between the first and second alarm unit portions 610 and 602. The Bluetooth (RTM) module 680 of this embodiment is powered by the power cell 622.

The Bluetooth (RTM) module 680 is a communication means capable of connecting with an external communications device, such a user's mobile telephone or PDA. On activation of the alarm, the Bluetooth (RTM) module 680 sends an appropriate message to the external communications device to instruct the external communications device that the alarm has been activated. For example, the Bluetooth (RTM) module 680 could contact the user's mobile telephone, instructing the user's mobile telephone to dial or send a text (or equivalent) message to a predetermined emergency services number. In some embodiments, the predetermined number could be configurable and a user defined ICE (in case of emergency) number could be used.

It will be appreciated that although the sixth embodiment has been described in relation to a Bluetooth (RTM) module, other suitable communication means could be used. For example, embodiments of the invention could any suitable wireless communications means.

In other embodiments, the adhesive used to adhere the patch to the body of the user is arranged to leave a mark on the user's skin. For example, the adhesive could leave a mark for a number of hours after removal. This could be used, for example, for identification purposes. Such a mark could also be used to display images, advertisements, brand names and the like.

Many further modifications and variations will suggest themselves to those versed in the art upon making reference to the foregoing illustrative embodiments, which are given by way of example only and which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, that being determined solely by the appended claims.

In particular, the different features from different embodiments may be interchanged, where appropriate and the alarm device may include further suitable features. Almost any conventional type of patch or layer of flexible material adherable to the skin could be substituted for those shown herein.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An alarm device for personal security, the alarm device comprising: alarm means for emitting a perceivable alarm when activated; actuating means for activating the alarm means in an emergency situation; and support means on which the alarm means is mounted wherein the support means is in the form of a patch adherable to the body of a person.
2. An alarm device according to claim 1 wherein the alarm means is arranged to emit an audible and/or visible signal.
3. An alarm device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an alarm disabler for preventing the alarm means from being inadvertently actuated.
4. An alarm device according to any preceding claim wherein the alarm means is arranged to emit a pulsating light signal.
5. An alarm device according to any preceding claim wherein the alarm means is arranged to emit sound greater than 130dB.
6. An alarm device according to claim 5 wherein the alarm means is arranged to emit sound in a range of from 135dB to 200dB.
7. An alarm device according to any preceding claim wherein the alarm means is arranged to emit sound having a frequency in a range of from 2kHz to 7kHz.
8. An alarm device according to any preceding claim wherein the alarm means comprises a piezoelectric sounder.
9. An alarm device according to any preceding claim further comprising a heat sensor operable to generate an output according to a detected heat and display means operable to display a visual signal which changes according to the output of the heat sensor.
10. An alarm device according to any preceding claim wherein the actuating means comprises a pressure sensitive switch.
11. An alarm device according to claim 10 wherein the pressure sensitive switch is disposed in a recess of housing of the alarm means such that the switch does not extend beyond a major surface of the housing in which the recess is located.
12. An alarm device according to any preceding claim wherein the actuating means is arranged, in use, to face outwardly from the body of the user.
13. An alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the actuating means is arranged, in use, to face inwardly towards the body of the user such that application of pressure to the support activates the alarm means.
14. An alarm device according to any preceding claim further comprising locating means for locating the alarm device.
15. An alarm device according to claim 14 wherein the locating means comprises a global position system (GPS) unit operable to transmit location data to a receiver.
16. An alarm device according to any preceding claim wherein the alarm means is powered by a power cell arranged to permit flexion in a direction perpendicular to the major plane of the alarm device.
17. An alarm device according to claim 15 wherein the power cell comprises a battery manufactured from a paper cell technology.
18. An alarm device according to any preceding claim wherein the alarm device is sealed against the ingress of moisture.
19. An alarm device according to any preceding claim further comprising deactivation prevention means for preventing deactivation of the alarm after the alarm has been activated.
20. An alarni device according to any preceding claim, wherein the support means is adherable to the skin of a user.
21. An alarm device according to claim 21, wherein the support means is adherable to the skin of a user by means of an adhesive arranged to leave a mark on the skin of the user for a predetermined time.
22. An alarm device according to any preceding claim further comprising a communication means for communication with an external communications device, the communication means being arranged to instruct the external communications device that the alarm has been activated.
23. A personal security alarm, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures IA, lB. 2 and 3A; or Figures 4A and 4B; or Figure 5; or Figure 6; or Figures 7A and 7B; or Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings.