U.S. patent application number 10/179720 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-25 for protective swimsuit incorporating an electrical wiring system.
Invention is credited to Wescombe-Down, Michael.
Application Number | 20030233694 10/179720 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29734970 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030233694 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wescombe-Down, Michael |
December 25, 2003 |
Protective swimsuit incorporating an electrical wiring system
Abstract
A protective swim suit to be worn by swimmers and surfers. The
suit includes two electrodes, each connected to an electromagnetic
field generating unit. In use, the suit generates an
electromagnetic field in a volume of water about the wearer, which
acts to repel targeted aquatic creatures such as sharks.
Inventors: |
Wescombe-Down, Michael;
(Glenelg North, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KLAUBER & JACKSON
411 HACKENSACK AVENUE
HACKENSACK
NJ
07601
|
Family ID: |
29734970 |
Appl. No.: |
10/179720 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/2.15 ; 405/185;
405/186 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63C 2009/0088 20130101;
B63C 11/04 20130101; A41D 13/012 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/2.15 ; 405/186;
405/185 |
International
Class: |
B63C 011/02; B63C
011/00 |
Claims
1. A suit able to be worn by a person in water, the suit
comprising: a first electrode located on a portion of the suit
which in use, is exposed to the water; a second electrode spaced
apart from said first electrode, also located on a portion of the
suit which in use, is exposed to the water; and two electrically
conductive wires incorporated into or on the suit wherein each wire
is connected to a respective electrode, as well as to an
electromagnetic field generator unit, so that in operation, an
electromagnetic field is radiated through the water from and
between the first and second electrodes.
2. A suit according to claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic field
generator unit is releasably attachable to the suit.
3. A suit according to any one of claims 1 or 2 wherein the wires
are releasably connectable to the electromagnetic field generator
unit.
4. A suit according to claim 1 wherein the wires are incorporated
into a flexible flat ribbon material adapted for adhesion to said
suit between said electrodes and said electromagnetic field
generator unit.
5. A suit according to claim 1 wherein said wires are inserted into
channels formed within the suit.
6. A suit according to claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic field
generator unit is located on the suit at the waist region of the
suit wearer.
7. A suit according to claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic field
generator unit has an externally located visible status indicator
which is located so as to be visible to the wearer when wearing the
suit.
8. A suit according to claim 1 wherein said first electrode is
located at a lower leg portion of the suit and a second electrode
is located on the suit substantially in the buttock region
thereof.
9. A suit according to claim 1 wherein said first electrode is
located at a lower portion of a first leg of the suit and said
second electrode is located at a lower portion of a second leg of
the suit.
10. A suit able to be worn by a person in water, the suit
comprising one or more channels formed with the material of the
suit to accommodate a first electrically conductive wire which is
able to be connected at one end, to a first electrode and at
another end to an electromagnetic field generator unit, and a
second wire which in use is able to be connected at one end to a
second electrode and at another end to said electromagnetic field
generator unit.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to personal protection devices and in
particular to facilitating the propagation of an electromagnetic
field through a conductive medium, such as sea water, to deter the
close proximity of aquatic creatures, in particular sharks.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Numerous devices are known for the purpose of repelling
aquatic creatures. The majority of these devices are designed to
generate an electromagnetic field in close proximity of a diver or
to form a barrier or boundary in the nearby water.
[0003] Details of the exact nature of the generated electromagnetic
field, vary depending on the search results obtained from various
studies on the effects of different electromagnetic fields on a
range of aquatic creatures.
[0004] Most studies are conducted on the aquatic creature sub-group
of Elasmobranchii, ie sharks. It appears that most shark repellant
apparatus use electromagnetic pulses, delivered into the water by
submerged antennae or electrodes, to create an appropriate
electromagnetic field in the vicinity of the diver.
[0005] Various types of pulse generators are used, the
characteristics of which include a specification of its duration;
repetition rate; amplitude and the pulse rise time. The value or
ranges of each characteristic are carefully selected so as to
create the electromagnetic field deemed most effective by the
preferred research.
[0006] Although great care in the design of the generator
characteristics has been displayed, it is apparent to the inventor
of this invention that equal care and consideration has not been
evident in regards to the nature of the radiation element of the
repellant apparatus.
[0007] The type and positioning of the radiation elements,
typically electrodes, has not been ideal. In one prior art example,
the pulse generator circuitry and self contained power source, is
located in a water tight container upon which is located one of the
at least two electrodes. The container itself is mounted to the
diver's Self-Contained Underwater-Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA)
typically because it is large and bulky (approximately the size of
a 10 kg watermelon) and can be readily strapped to the SCUBA
tanks.
[0008] A second electrode is located/strapped to the diver's fin so
as to be spaced from the SCUBA mounted electrode. Such spacing
increases the dimensions of the field of the electromagnetic energy
created by the pulse generator. However, to link the second
electrode to the pulse generator a long (approximately 2 metre)
coiled wire is fitted between the fin mounted electrode and the
pulse generator circuitry. The coiled wire is kept close to the
body of the diver by adjustable leg straps, belts and other add on
devices.
[0009] A clear disadvantage of this arrangement is the bulk of the
pulse generator circuit and power source. Furthermore, there is an
ever present potential for snagging and entanglement of the coiled
wire with objects while the diver is under water.
[0010] As the latter problem can be a critical safety issue in
certain environments the shark repelling equipment is sometimes
forgone in spite of its potential to safeguard its wearer. Also,
the inner electrode distance may be varied greatly by the user,
either as a factor caused by body length variation, or by careless
placement, with the end result being a compromised electrical
field.
[0011] Since the pulse generating circuitry is inaccessible to the
wearer/user of the equipment, the diver requires a remote switch to
control whether it is "on" or "off". However, the wire from the
control unit to the remote switch can also be similarly snagged and
become entangled and this adds to the possibility of difficulties
with this arrangement.
[0012] In another example of a shark repelling apparatus, an
antenna is mounted to the SCUBA tank to increase the effectiveness
of the emitted electromagnetic field. However, this is also prone
to snag and entangle with objects to the distress and discomfort of
the wearer.
[0013] A yet further example of a shark repelling arrangement is
the use of a first electrode located on the circuit enclosure
mounted to the SCUBA tank and a second electrode connected via a
wire to a fin or nose of a surfing or swimming aid such as a
tethered surfboard.
[0014] Clearly, such an arrangement is prone to the second
electrode becoming disconnected from the circuit as the large
forces generated by the sea act differently on the user and the
craft to which the second electrode is fitted. Even if the second
electrode remains connected, the connection itself deteriorates
over time and the quality and strength of the electromagnetic
fields and/or its reliability reduces.
[0015] None of the shark repelling examples described herein are
necessarily part of the common general knowledge of those skilled
in the art. These examples are merely known to the inventor and
have been used to illustrate some of the perceived problems of the
art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a suit able to be worn by a person in water, the suit
comprising:
[0017] a first electrode located on a portion of the suit which in
use, is exposed to the water;
[0018] a second electrode spaced apart from said first electrode,
also located on a portion of the suit which in use, is exposed to
the water; and
[0019] two electrically conductive wires incorporated into or on
the suit wherein each wire is connected to a respective electrode,
as well as to an electromagnetic field generator unit, so that in
operation, an electromagnetic field is radiated through the water
from and between the first and second electrodes.
[0020] Preferably, the electromagnetic field generator unit is
releasably attachable to the suit.
[0021] In a preferred arrangement the wires are releasably
connectable to the electromagnetic field generator unit.
[0022] In a yet further embodiment, the wires are incorporated into
a flexible flat ribbon material adapted for adhesion to the suit
between said electrodes and said electromagnetic field generator
unit.
[0023] In another embodiment of the invention the wires are
electrically insulated and inserted into channels as original
equipment in the suit material, e.g. by the wetsuit
manufacturer.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the electromagnetic field
generator unit is located on the suit at the waist region of the
suit wearer.
[0025] In a yet further preferred embodiment, the electromagnetic
field generator unit has an externally located visible status
indicator and the status indicator is located so as to be visible
to the wearer of the suit.
[0026] Advantageously, the invention has a first electrode located
at a lower leg portion of the suit and a second electrode located
on the suit substantially in the buttock region thereof, or in the
case of a surfer, at a lower portion of the other leg.
[0027] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a suit able to be worn by a person in water, the suit
including one or more channels formed with the material of the suit
to accommodate a first electrically conductive wire which is able
to be connected at one end, to a first electrode and at another end
to an electromagnetic field generator unit, and a second wire which
in use is able to be connected at one end to a second electrode and
at another end to said electromagnetic field generator unit.
[0028] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described
in some further detail with reference to and as illustrated in the
accompanying figures. These embodiments are illustrative, and not
meant to be restrictive of the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a swimsuit incorporating the
invention showing only one electrode, its connecting wire and an
attached control unit;
[0030] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of a swimsuit having an attached
control unit; and
[0031] FIG. 3 depicts a rear view of a swimsuit incorporating two
electrodes, connection wires and an attached control unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0032] FIG. 1 depicts a swimmer wearing a suit 10. In this
embodiment the suit is depicted in the style of a wetsuit made of
flexible neoprene material that is contoured to the shape of the
wearer. This is however merely an example, and the suit
(hereinafter referred for convenience as a swim suit) could be of
other types and made of other materials. Furthermore the apparatus
of the invention could be incorporated into other clothing such as
survival suits worn typically by sailors and aviators in the event
that they fall into the water.
[0033] In this embodiment, the first electrode 12 is located on a
lower portion of one of the legs of the swimsuit, in particular in
the region of the lower calf of the right leg of the wearer. The
electrode is made of conductive threads inserted in or woven into a
non-conductive material. Alternatively the conductive threads may
be combined with a suitable thread and woven into a combination
material. A suitable connector region is formed but not shown
explicitly at 14 and the connector (not shown) connects to a
reciprocal connector to achieve electrical conductivity with the
wire 16.
[0034] The electrode 12 can be incorporated into the swim suit by
stitching, i.e. in the same manner other panels of the swim suit
are jointed together. This is a preferred arrangement, but, the
electrode panel could be stitched over the material of the swim
suit and this option would be suitable for retro fitting an
electrode to an existing swimsuit or other types of suits. The use
of stitching is of course also an option as there exists suitable
adhesives which can permanently adhere the electrode panel to a
suit. It is also possible to apply permanent fixings to the suit
upon which an electrode can be temporarily fitted in a manner
similar to hook and eye material such as VELCRO.TM..
[0035] The wire 16 is, in this embodiment, incorporated into the
material of the wetsuit. The wire itself is preferably made of
non-corrosive metal which is also preferably multi-stranded but may
be ribbon-like in shape and configuration. The wire in another
arrangement may be supplied pre-fitted or incorporated into a
ribbon-like carrier which is suitable for stitching or adhering to
a suit.
[0036] During manufacture, the suit can be constructed having
hollow channels or tunnels within the material, which may receive
electrically conductive wires for connecting the various elements
of the apparatus.
[0037] Connectors at each end of the wire 16 are provided for
connecting, at one end to the electrode 12 and at the other end to
the control unit 18.
[0038] The control unit 18 is preferably detachable from the
swimsuit 10 so that its power source can be replenished and the
circuitry maintained and/or repaired. The control unit does not
form a permanent part of the swimsuit.
[0039] The control unit can be removably attached to the swimsuit
in a number of ways. The preferred means for doing so is in a
neoprene pocket having a releasable containment strap or straps by
which the control unit can be secured into the pocket during use.
Such an arrangement is specifically arranged to allow the user easy
access to the control panel (typically having an on/off switch
which is preferably of the double action type so as to prevent
accidental turn off) and an electromagnetic field booster
control.
[0040] Status indicators (on/off status, power low) are also
arranged to be readily viewable by the swimsuit wearer.
[0041] Connectors at the end of each wire 16 are preferably of the
type that are easy to connect to the control unit 18, even with
gloved and cold hands.
[0042] The connectors are also preferably of the type which
positively lock into place and are not easily displaced or released
unless intended by the user.
[0043] Desirably, the connectors, once placed, do not protrude so
as to cause discomfort to the swimsuit wearer.
[0044] FIG. 2 shows a location for the control unit 18 about the
hip/waist region of the wearer. This position is likely to be
convenient for the reasons described above but also for the reason
that it will not interfere with the wearing of a weight belt or
other accoutrements of diving such as knives and SCUBA tanks.
[0045] FIG. 3 displays the second electrode 20 which in this
embodiment is spaced both vertically and laterally from the first
electrode on the swimsuit.
[0046] The nature of the second electrode 20 is the same as
electrode 12 which has been previously described.
[0047] In the position displayed in FIG. 3 the electrodes will be
under the water once the wearer of the suit submerges themselves to
waist level which is the likely minimum depth of concern when
considering the threat of sharks.
[0048] If the swimsuit is primarily used by a surfboard rider it
may be preferable to position the second electrode somewhere along
the leg opposite to the first electrode. Such a position would
ensure that a surfboard rider sitting on their surfboard with both
legs dangling into the water has both electrodes simultaneously
submerged and capable of emitting a suitable electromagnetic field
22.
[0049] Clearly, both electrodes need to be in the conductive medium
of sea water to effect via the control unit, an electromagnetic
field 22 of the type suitable for repelling a shark or other
targeted aquatic creature.
[0050] It is therefore clearly apparent that the prior entanglement
problems are eliminated or much reduced in the preferred embodiment
of the invention described herein and the protection effect remains
with the swimsuit wearer regardless of their location and/or the
position of the electrodes of the apparatus.
[0051] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that the
invention is not restricted in its use to the particular
application described. Neither is the present invention restricted
in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular element
and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be
appreciated that various modifications can be made without
departing from the principles of the invention. Therefore, the
invention should be understood to include all such modifications
within its scope.
* * * * *