U.S. patent application number 11/368262 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-28 for personal protection device.
Invention is credited to Matthew Perry Warden.
Application Number | 20060288464 11/368262 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37565520 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060288464 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Warden; Matthew Perry |
December 28, 2006 |
Personal protection device
Abstract
A personal protection device can be used to protect individuals
from falls. The device can be linked to a mechanical or electrical
device, which triggers deployment of the device when the individual
accelerates vertically. In this manner, a falling individual's
injuries such as hip fractures, upper extremity injuries, and head
injuries are minimized by the mediated gradual deceleration of the
wearer of the device. The device allows mobility of the individual,
because it is worn in a non-deployed compact form within a wearable
article of clothing or belt. The device may also be used to protect
non-ambulatory individuals who sustain falls from a bed or
chair.
Inventors: |
Warden; Matthew Perry;
(Boston, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GOODWIN PROCTER LLP;PATENT ADMINISTRATOR
EXCHANGE PLACE
BOSTON
MA
02109-2881
US
|
Family ID: |
37565520 |
Appl. No.: |
11/368262 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60694020 |
Jun 24, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/018 20130101;
A41D 13/0506 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/069 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00 |
Claims
1. A personal protection device comprising: an article adapted for
wearing by an individual; an inflatable airbag at least partially
disposed within the article; a deployment mechanism disposed on at
least one of the article and the airbag for deploying the airbag in
response to a signal generated based on a status of the individual;
an inflation mechanism disposed on at least one of the article and
the airbag for inflating the airbag, wherein the airbag protects
the individual from injury; and a mechanism for automatically
deflating the airbag after at least one of an impact, a
predetermined time period, and a changed status of the
individual.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the article is selected from the
group consisting of a belt, a vest, a jacket, a back pack, a
harness, a jumpsuit, and a pair of pants.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the article is disposed about a
midsection of the individual.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the signal is generated by an
electro-mechanical sensor.
5. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a sensor; a
microprocessor in electrical communication with the sensor; and a
set of instructions stored within the microprocessor, wherein the
sensor sends the signal to the processor in response to an event
and the set of instructions determines a response based on the
signal.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the sensor is selected from the
group consisting of an accelerometer, a heart monitor, a radio
receiver, a radio transceiver, an attached activation switch, an
inclinometer, and a laser measuring device.
7. The device of claim 5, wherein the response comprises triggering
the deployment mechanism.
8. The device of claim 5, wherein the sensor monitors at least one
vital sign of the individual.
9. The device of claim 1, further comprising a mechanism for
transmitting status data for at least one of the individual and the
airbag.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the mechanism transmits the data
to at least one of a 911 operator, a preselected recipient, a
medical facility, a paramedic, an ambulance, and a data storage
module.
11. The device of claim 9, wherein the data comprises at least one
of heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rhythm,
blood sugar, pulse oximetry, medical history, time of event, and
airbag condition.
12. The device of claim 9, wherein the data is transmitted
wirelessly.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is capable of
receiving data and being operated remotely.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein the deployment mechanism is
adapted to deploy the airbag in a predetermined configuration based
on the signal, the airbag deployable in multiple
configurations.
15. The device of claim 4, wherein the accelerometer determines the
direction the user is falling and signals to differently placed
fasteners on the article to deploy the airbag in the direction of
the user's fall by first releasing fasteners in the direction of
the fall.
16. The device of claim 1, wherein the airbag is deployed in a
configuration to protect at least one of the individual's hips,
back, face, upper extremities, lower extremities, abdomen, neck,
and head.
17. The device of claim 1, further comprising a release mechanism
for manually actuating at least one of the deployment mechanism and
the inflation mechanism.
18. The device of claim 1, wherein the inflation mechanism
comprises a gas release system capable of rapidly inflating the
airbag; and a mechanism for initiating the gas release system.
19. The device of claim 1, further comprising a user interface.
20. The device of claim 19, wherein the user interface includes at
least one of a readout, an alarm, and an input device for adjusting
an operating parameter of the device.
21. A method of protecting an individual from injury, the method
comprising the steps of: fitting the individual with an article
adapted for wearing by the individual; the article comprising: an
inflatable airbag at least partially disposed within the article; a
deployment mechanism disposed on at least one of the article and
the airbag for deploying the airbag; an inflation mechanism
disposed on at least one of the article and the airbag for
inflating the airbag; a mechanism for automatically deflating the
airbag; and triggering the deployment and inflation mechanisms in
response to a signal generated based on a status of the individual,
wherein the airbag protects the individual from injury.
22. The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of
triggering the mechanism for deflating the airbag after at least
one of an impact, a predetermined time period, and a changed status
of the individual.
23. A personal protection device comprising: an article adapted for
wearing by an individual; an inflatable airbag at least partially
disposed within the article; a deployment mechanism disposed on at
least one of the article and the airbag for deploying the airbag in
response to a signal generated based on a status of the individual;
an inflation mechanism disposed on at least one of the article and
the airbag for inflating the airbag, wherein the airbag protects
the individual from injury; and electronic circuitry comprising: a
sensor; a microprocessor in electrical communication with the
sensor; and a set of instructions stored within the microprocessor,
wherein the sensor sends the signal to the processor in response to
an event and the set of instructions determines a response based on
the signal.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of,
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/694,020, filed on
Jun. 24, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of personal
protection devices and, in particular, to devices for protecting a
user from injury due to falls.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The elderly have long sustained serious injuries from falls
from a standing position. The elderly are at a particularly high
risk for falling, because of deterioration in the quality of sight,
balance, coordination, and proprioception or the sense of their
body's position in 3-dimensional space. Additionally, high rates of
osteoporosis in this population make falls particularly injurious
with high fracture rates. Probably most surprising is the statistic
that 50% of people over the age of 80 die within one year of
sustaining a hip fracture. Other individuals, such as those with
movement disorders, are also prone to injury due to frequent
falls.
[0004] Patients who sustain falls may injure one or more body
areas, including lower extremities, pelvis, upper extremities,
back/neck, abdomen, chest, and or head. Lower extremity injury is
one of the most serious in terms of limiting independent living
functionality because of its obvious effect on walking.
Furthermore, inability to walk in the elderly is associated with
rapid physical reconditioning, increased incidence of venous
thromboembolism (VTE)(blood clots in the deep leg veins (deep vein
thrombosis -DVT) and in the lung (pulmonary embolism-PE)), and
highly correlated with necessitating skilled nursing facilities.
Skilled nursing facilities, in turn, have high rates of resistant
bacteria leading to a predilection for transmission of infections
that are resistant to antibiotics. Contrary to their name, skilled
nursing facilities are not as effective at maintaining the physical
and emotional health of their patients, as is achieved by
individuals who live independently. Additionally, DVTs, which are
highly prevalent in the inactive, tend to progress up the legs,
eventually breaking-off and leading to a blood clot lodging in the
lung, known as a pulmonary embolism. A recent study suggests
approximately 600,000 patients annually in the United States
develop VTE and about half (296,000) of them die.
[0005] Medical costs to society are secondary to quality of life
issues, but remain a significant consideration. A recent study of
people aged 72 and older found that the average health care cost of
a fall injury was approximately $19,440 (including hospital,
nursing home, emergency room, and home health care, but not
physician services). Hip fractures are the second most common cause
of nursing home admission. Approximately 25% of patients with hip
fractures will remain institutionalized for approximately one year.
In 1999, there were approximately 338,000 hip fractures in the
United States. In 2000, direct medical costs from fatal hip
fractures were about $179 million and nonfatal hip fractures were
about $19 billion. More troubling are the demographic projections
that indicate the population over 80 will double in the next 20
years, which will undoubtedly result in an increased incidence of
hip fractures.
[0006] The socio-medical trends associated with lower extremity
injuries make the avoidance of serious lower extremity injuries of
paramount importance to maintaining an independent, physically
active lifestyle in the elderly population. Furthermore, the
potential societal cost savings would likely equal any other
preventative medicine effort in the United States.
[0007] Airbags are known in the art of vehicle occupant injury
prevention, but have not been used to protect individuals from
falls from stationary or near stationary positions. Airbag
inflation life preservers have been designed to be automatically
inflated with exposure to water. The inflation of these devices is
driven, like car airbags, by the expansion of a compressed gas.
Airbags that surround the head have even been described for
avalanche victims to buoy the head, provide head protection from
falling debris by surrounding the head, and provide an oxygen
source. Finally airbags have been used by fighter pilots to rapidly
inflate during high G-force turns, maintaining pressure on the
extremities and, thereby, keep adequate brain flow blood pressure
to prevent loss of consciousness.
[0008] It has been found, however, that there is a considerable
need for the protection of individuals from falls from a stationary
or near stationary position. There is, therefore, a need for a
light, compact, easily worn personal protection device that
automatically inflates when a sensor determines the wearer is
falling toward the ground. In this way, an individual wearer may
retain mobility and simultaneously be protected from serious injury
from a fall from a standing position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention relates to injury prevention, for
example hip fractures, in people prone to falls, because, for
example, of advanced age or movement disorders. In one embodiment,
the present invention is an inflatable airbag that is activated
when a sensor detects that the wearer of the device is falling, but
that is sufficiently light weight and easily worn to allow the
wearer to have a normal degree of mobility and thereby not impede
the wearer's normal activities. Additionally, the device can
protect a wearer in a sitting or prone position, as encountered in
a wheelchair or bed. One object of the invention is to deploy the
airbag in the direction the user is falling by linking the
direction of deployment to, for example, an accelerometer's
measured direction of fall.
[0010] Generally, the present invention includes a belt, harness,
or other article of clothing, an airbag enclosed within the article
of clothing, a sensor, a manual release device, and a cartridge of
a compressed substance that when released rapidly fills the airbag
with a gas and causes deployment of the airbag, such that the
wearer falls on the airbag instead of the ground. The airbag is
packed within the belt or harness and fastened in place. The
fastener is disengaged by activation of the device and airbag
inflation, which allows airbag deployment. The device can also be
designed to rapidly deflate once the wearer has been gradually
decelerated during the fall.
[0011] The device may be activated manually or by the sensor's
detection of a fall. Further, airbag deployment may be linked to a
transmitter to notify an ambulance or the wearer's relatives of the
fall. Additionally, a heart monitor may be attached to the device
such that an abnormal heart rhythm may signal airbag deployment and
or result in transmission of the heart rhythm to medical staff.
[0012] In one aspect, the invention relates to a personal
protection device including an article adapted for wearing by an
individual, an inflatable airbag at least partially disposed within
the article, a deployment mechanism disposed on at least one of the
article and the airbag, an inflation mechanism disposed on at least
one of the article and the airbag for inflating the airbag, and a
mechanism for automatically deflating the airbag. The deployment
mechanism deploys the airbag in response to one or more signals
generated based on a status of the individual and the airbag
protects the individual from injury. The airbag can be
automatically deflated after at least one of an impact, a
predetermined time period, and/or a changed status of the
individual, for example, when the individual becomes substantially
motionless. The device can be manually activated by a wearer if
they are about to fall and can include an on/off switch to
arm/disarm the device as necessary.
[0013] In another aspect, the invention relates to a personal
protection device including an article adapted for wearing by an
individual, an inflatable airbag at least partially disposed within
the article, a deployment mechanism disposed on at least one of the
article and the airbag, and an inflation mechanism disposed on at
least one of the article and the airbag for inflating the airbag.
The deployment mechanism deploys the airbag in response to one or
more signals generated based on a status of the individual and the
airbag protects the individual from injury. In one embodiment, the
signal(s) is generated by a three-axis accelerometer when the
individual falls. Additionally or alternatively, the signal(s) can
be generated by an inclinometer, an electro-mechanical sensor, an
electromagnetic switch, or an infrared/laser measurement
device.
[0014] In one example, the device may deploy the airbag in the
direction the wearer is falling by linking the direction of
deployment of the airbag to the accelerometer's measured direction
of acceleration. In this example, a 3-axis accelerometer is
utilized to measure the wearer's direction of acceleration. A
microprocessor analyzes the accelerometer output and signals
preferential release of the airbag in the direction of the wearer's
fall.
[0015] In another aspect, the invention relates to a personal
protection device including an article adapted for wearing by an
individual, an inflatable airbag at least partially disposed within
the article, a deployment mechanism disposed on at least one of the
article and the airbag, an inflation mechanism disposed on at least
one of the article and the airbag for inflating the airbag, and
electronic circuitry. The deployment mechanism deploys the airbag
in response to a signal generated based on a status of the
individual and the airbag protects the individual from injury. The
electronic circuitry includes a sensor, a microprocessor in
electrical communication with the sensor, and a set of instructions
(e.g., a software program) stored within the microprocessor. The
sensor sends the signal to the processor in response to an event
and the set of instructions determines a response based on the
signal. In one embodiment, more than one sensor can be used to send
signals to the microprocessor, and the instructions stored within
the microprocessor can determine a response based on multiple
signals. The set of instructions can determine when and in which
direction to deploy the airbag.
[0016] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of
protecting an individual from injury. The method includes the step
of fitting the individual with an article adapted for wearing by
the individual. The article includes an inflatable airbag at least
partially disposed within the article, a deployment mechanism
disposed on at least one of the article and the airbag for
deploying the airbag, an inflation mechanism disposed on at least
one of the article and the airbag for inflating the airbag, and a
mechanism for automatically deflating the airbag. The method also
includes the step of triggering the deployment and inflation
mechanisms in response to one or more signals generated based on a
status of the individual, wherein the airbag protects the
individual from injury. In one embodiment, the method also includes
the step of triggering the mechanism for deflating the airbag after
at least one of an impact, a predetermined time period, and a
changed status of the individual.
[0017] In various embodiments of the foregoing aspects of the
invention, the article is selected from the group consisting of a
belt, a vest, a jacket, a back pack, a harness, a jumpsuit, and a
pair of pants. The article can be disposed about a midsection of
the individual and/or can substantially encompass at least a
portion of the individual when in a deployed state. The signal can
be generated by an electro-mechanical sensor, for example, by an
accelerometer when the individual begins falling or falls. In one
embodiment, the electro-mechanical sensor can be a three-axis
accelerometer, an inclinometer, and/or an infrared/laser
measurement device. The sensor can also be a heart monitor, a radio
receiver, a radio transceiver, an attached activation switch, and
combinations thereof. The sensor can monitor at least one vital
sign of the individual. In some embodiments, the device includes a
sensor, a microprocessor in electrical communication with the
sensor, and a set of instructions stored within the microprocessor.
The sensor can send the signal to the microprocessor in response to
an event and the set of instructions can determine a response(s)
based on the signal. The response can include triggering the
deployment mechanism and/or the inflation mechanism. The response
can also include monitoring the vital signs of the individual.
[0018] Furthermore, the device can include a mechanism for
transmitting status data for at least one of the individual and the
airbag to, for example, a 911 operator, a preselected recipient, a
medical facility, a paramedic, an ambulance, a data storage module,
and combinations thereof. The data can include, for example, heart
rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rhythm, blood sugar,
pulse oximetry, medical history, time of event, airbag condition,
and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the data can be
transmitted wirelessly. The device is capable of receiving data and
being operated remotely to, for example, arm or disarm the
airbag.
[0019] In one embodiment, the deployment mechanism is adapted to
deploy the airbag in a predetermined configuration based on the
signal. The airbag can be deployed in multiple configurations, such
as, for example, the area and direction of deployment and the shape
of the airbag. In one embodiment, the airbag can have multiple
chambers that can be inflated differentially and/or multiple
airbags can be deployed sequentially. For example, the device could
first trigger an airbag disposed about the wearer's midsection and
subsequently trigger a second airbag disposed about the wearer's
neck and shoulders. In one example, where the sensor is an
accelerometer, the accelerometer determines the direction the user
is falling and signals to differently placed fasteners on the
article to deploy the airbag in the direction of the user's fall by
first releasing fasteners in the direction of the fall. In various
embodiments, the airbag is deployed outward toward the ground to
break the fall of the individual. The airbag can be deployed in
such a manner that it remains adjacent to the individual during a
fall and serves to break the fall of the individual. Additionally
or alternatively, the airbag breaks away from the article when
deployed to receive the individual. The airbag can be deployed in a
configuration to protect at least one of the individual's hips,
back, face, abdomen, neck, upper extremities, lower extremities,
head, and combinations thereof.
[0020] In further embodiments, the device includes a release
mechanism for manually actuating the deployment mechanism and/or
the inflation mechanism. The inflation mechanism can include a gas
release system capable of rapidly inflating the airbag and a
mechanism for initiating the gas release system. The gas release
system can include a pressurized liquid and/or a solid within a
cartridge that when released becomes a pressurized gas and serves
to inflate the airbag. For example, release system causes a
chemical reaction resulting in the release of a gas. The gas
release system can use a non-accelerant and/or a non-flammable gas
for inflating the airbag. In another embodiment, the gas release
system can include a pressurized gas cartridge and/or expanding
explosive chemical for inflating the airbag. The device can be
reused after deployment and can include a user interface. The user
interface can include a readout, an alarm, an input device for
adjusting an operating parameter of the device, and combinations
thereof.
[0021] These and other objects, along with advantages and features
of the present invention herein disclosed, will become apparent
through reference to the following description, the accompanying
drawings, and the claims. Furthermore, it is to be understood that
the features of the various embodiments described herein are not
mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and
permutations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer
to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the
drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally
being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In
the following description, various embodiments of the present
invention are described with reference to the following drawings,
in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a flow chart representing the operation of a
personal protection device in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention;
[0024] FIGS. 2A-2H are pictorial representations of alternative
embodiments of a personal protection device in different states of
operation in accordance with the invention;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a personal
protection device in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a personal
protection device in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the personal
protection device of FIG. 4 in a deployed state;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the personal
protection device of FIG. 4, as worn by a user in a deployed
state;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a personal
protection device in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the personal
protection device of FIG. 7, as worn by a user in a deployed
state;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a personal
protection device, as worn by a user, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a personal
protection device in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention;
[0033] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a personal
protection device, as worn by a user, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a personal
protection device, as worn by a user in a deployed state, in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and
[0035] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a personal
protection device, as worn by a user in a deployed state, in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] In the following, embodiments of the personal protection
device in accordance with the invention are typically described
with reference to a belt; however, it is to be understood that the
present invention can also be used in other types of articles of
clothing or equipment as necessary, in particular clothing or
equipment typically associated with individuals at risk of falling.
For example, the device may be embodied in a vest, jacket, short
sleeve shirt, hood, neck strap, pants, shorts, or harness and may
be used to protect any combination of the hips, back, chest, head,
neck, upper extremities, and lower extremities. In addition, any
suitable size, shape, or type of element or material could be used
to suit a particular application. For example, the size and shape
of the device will vary based on the area to be protected and the
wearer's relative size. Suitable materials include textiles, either
woven or non-woven, having natural or synthetic fibers, extruded
polymers, or combinations thereof.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, a flow chart depicts some of the
possible components of the personal protection device 100. The
device 100 includes an airbag 121 disposed within an article of
clothing or equipment 102 worn by a user. The activation to deploy
the airbag is mediated by an airbag deployment device 103, which
may use one of several mechanisms, such as the release of
compressed gas to transmit a deployment force 104, to cause
inflation of the airbag 121. One or more sensors 105, for example
an accelerometer and/or a heart monitor, collects and transmits
data to a microprocessor 106 that serves to rapidly recognize when
the wearer is falling. The microprocessor 106 may utilize one or
more algorithms 108 to process the input data from the sensor 105
to make this determination. Once the microprocessor 106 determines
a fall is in progress, it automatically activates the airbag
deployment device 103, which results in inflation of the airbag 121
from within article of clothing 102 using the transmitted
deployment force 104. A transmitting antenna 107 attached to the
microprocessor 106 may be utilized to transmit information, such as
airbag deployment and/or heart rhythm disturbance to one or more
individuals, including relatives and/or emergency services.
[0038] The personal protection devices of the present invention may
be designed to be worn on and protect various parts of the wearer's
body. The various designs may deploy circumferentially around an
appropriate part of the body or longitudinally or laterally
adjacent the appropriate part of the body. FIGS. 2A, 2C, 2E, and 2G
depict some examples of personal protection devices 100 and the
areas the devices protect in their deployed form (FIG. 2B, 2D, 2F,
and 2H). FIGS. 2A and 2B depict the device 100 in the form of a
harness 110 disposed around the midsection of the wearer. In its
deployed state (FIG. 2B), the airbag 109 would protect the hip,
lower back, and upper thigh of the wearer. A similar version of the
device could be embodied in a pair of shorts or pants or a belt.
FIGS. 2C and 2D depict the device 100 in the form of a vest 111
disposed around the torso of the wearer. In its deployed state
(FIG. 2D), the airbag 109 would protect the chest/back, shoulder,
hip, and lower back of the wearer. FIGS. 2E and 2F depict the
device 100 in the form of a harness, vest, or shirt 112 disposed
around the upper torso of the wearer. In its deployed state (FIG.
2F), the airbag 109 would protect the face, head, neck, shoulder,
and upper back of the wearer. The harness/vest embodiments could
include individual arm and/or leg sleeves that are deployed for
additional protection. FIGS. 2G and 2H depict the device in the
form of a jumpsuit 113 covering a substantial portion of the
wearer. In its deployed state (FIG. 2H), the airbag 109 would
protect substantially the wearer's entire body.
[0039] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of the device 100 embodied in a
belt 10, with an attached sensor, accelerometer 20. The belt 10 of
FIG. 3 is attached to the accelerometer 20 at attachment point 30,
which may include stitching, bonding, or other known mechanical
fastening means. Although the present invention will be described
with reference to the accelerometer 20 shown in the drawings, it
should be understood that the present invention can include other
types of sensors, for example, an inclinometer, an
electro-mechanical sensor, an electromagnetic switch, and/or an
infrared/laser measurement device. FIG. 3 also depicts a deflated
expandable airbag 8 removably disposed in a compartment within the
belt 10. Alternatively or additionally, the device 100 could
include multiple airbags disposed in a single or multiple
compartments. The multiple airbags could be deployed
preferentially, for example serially or in parallel. An insulated
electrical wire 21 runs from the accelerometer 20 across the belt
10 and attaches to a deployment mechanism, canister 40, at point
45. The canister 40 is attached to the belt 10 at two attachment
points 41, 42, which can include any of the attachment/fastening
means disclosed herein. One end of the canister 40 has a release
valve 46 that releases a compressed gas/liquid/solid into gaseous
form or channel expanding gas from a controlled explosion within
the canister 40 into the deflated airbag 8 via a connecting tube 9.
In a particular embodiment, a non-flammable gas would be used. A
manual release valve could also be included.
[0040] The embodiment depicted in FIG. 3 can also include an
optional user interface 11 that can include an on/off switch for
arming/disarming the device, indicators for displaying the status
of the device and/or the wearer, and/or input devices for altering
an operating parameter of the device. The device 100 can include a
power source, for example a battery, for supplying power to the
various components of the device 100, as needed. The battery 177
can be located within the interface 11 or disposed elsewhere on the
device 100. Alternatively, the device could be hard wired or
connected to a conventional AC outlet, where the wearer is
bed-ridden or otherwise has a limited range of travel. Furthermore,
in various embodiments, the belt 10 can be adjustable to
accommodate a plurality of different wearers. The exact location of
the sensor and the deployment mechanism will vary depending on the
size and type of article of clothing the device 100 is embodied in.
In a further embodiment, the device 100 includes means 77 for
rapidly deflating the airbag after the wearer has landed safely.
The means 77 can include opening a valve in fluid communication
with the airbag and the deployment mechanism, such that any fluid
within the airbag is allowed to escape. In one embodiment, the
fluid within the airbag 8 is forced out gradually by the weight of
the wearer on the airbag 8.
[0041] FIG. 4 depicts an alternative embodiment of the belt 10 with
a central opening 5 that runs circuitously around belt 10 and has a
plurality of fastening points 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 disposed there
about. The fastening points 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 can be spaced
equidistantly apart from each other and hold the belt 10 in a
closed position. The exact number and location of the fastening
points will also depend on the size and type of article of clothing
the device is embodied in. In one embodiment, the airbag 8 can be
reused by reinserting into the belt, fastening the bag closed, and
rearming the device.
[0042] FIG. 5 depicts the open position of the belt 10 after
deployment of the airbag (airbag not shown for clarity), such that
opening 5 separates, as defined by flaps 5a, 5b, when the
accelerometer 20 determines the wearer of the device is falling.
The belt 10 can be opened by the force of the airbag 8 being
deployed or selectively opened in response to a signal, as
described in greater detail hereinbelow.
[0043] FIG. 6 depicts the device of FIG. 5 as worn by a user and in
the deployed state. The airbag 8 is deployed into an inflated form
80 (volume V1) from belt 10 on the user 1 in a fashion such that
the airbag 80 protects the falling user's hips 2 from impact with a
hard surface 3.
[0044] FIG. 7 depicts an alternative embodiment of the device,
where electrical wires 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 run from the
accelerometer 20 (or microprocessor) to the belt 10 and are
directed respectively to spaced attachment points 13, 14, 15, 16,
17, 18 disposed about the belt 10. When the accelerometer 20
determines the wearer is falling, it will send a signal across one
or more of the electrical wires 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 to one or
more of the attachment points 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. The
attachment points 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 are affixed to the
fasteners 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, which are released by a signal(s)
received via the wires 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28. The release
mechanism could be a mechanical actuator including a plunger or
sliding fastener, for example.
[0045] In one embodiment, the accelerometer 20 determines the
direction of the wearer's fall and signals preferentially the
relevant attachment points 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 to release the
relevant fasteners 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 via the signal(s) from
the relevant electrical wires 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28. The signal(s)
may be conditioned by the microprocessor prior to sending to the
fasteners 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38. For example, in an embodiment of
the device having multiple sensors, the sensor signals are sent to
the microprocessor for evaluation thereby. The microprocessor,
which could be part of a larger control unit, determines the status
of the wearer and the appropriate response to the signals, such as,
for example, the wearer is falling backwards so release the
fasteners on the back section of the belt 10.
[0046] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the accelerometer 20
has determined that the wearer 1 is falling in the direction (arrow
a) of attachment points 17 and 18 (from FIG. 7) and preferentially
signals release of attachment points 17 and 18 to release
attachment points 17a, 17b and 18a, 18b, respectively. This action
is accomplished via a signal through electrical wires 27 and 28 to
attachment points 17 and 18, thereby causing the release of
fasteners 37 and 38. At substantially the same time, the device,
either via the sensor or microprocessor, activates the deployment
mechanism (e.g., canister 40) to inflate the deflated airbag 8.
[0047] FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of the device 100 including a
user interface in the form of a manual activation device 70
attached to a wearer's wrist 79 by a strap 71. Although the present
invention will be described with reference to the manual activation
device 70 shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the
present invention can be embodied in other forms of a user
interfaces 11, 124, as described hereinabove. In FIG. 9, an
insulated electrical wire 73 transmits a signal from the manual
activation device 70 to the canister 40, thereby causing airbag
deployment. Any of the insulated wires described herein can be
discretely disposed within the device itself for, for example,
aesthetic purposes. Additionally, the various signals can be
transmitted wirelessly.
[0048] FIG. 10 depicts an alternative embodiment of the device as
embodied in a vest 10. The vest 10 includes a microprocessor 90 and
a transmitting antenna 94, which can be attached directly to the
vest 10 or via another component, for example the accelerometer 20.
The microprocessor 90 and the transmitting antennae 94 are in
electrical communication with the accelerometer 20 and/or any other
control components of the device. In the embodiment shown, the
microprocessor 90 is attached to the accelerometer 20 by
conventional mechanical means 98. An electrical wire 91 allows
communication between the microprocessor 90 and the accelerometer
20. As previously mentioned, the microprocessor 90 can be used to
determine when and how to deploy the airbag, along with any other
action, as necessary, such as monitoring the condition of the
wearer and/or sending information to a remote location. For
example, the transmitting antennae 94 can signal a remote station,
hospital, paramedic station, and/or relative when the airbag has
been deployed.
[0049] FIG. 11 depicts an alternative embodiment of the device
where the accelerometer 20 is linked by an electrical wire 51 to a
heart monitoring device 50. The heart monitor 50 has between two
and ten additional electrical wire leads 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57
that are attached by heart monitor plastic strips 62, 63, 64, 65,
66, 67 to the patient wearing the device. The heart monitor leads
52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 are attached by a medical professional in
pre-selected anatomic locations. When the heart monitor 50 detects
a heart rhythm that may result in the patient falling, it sends a
signal to the device via the electrical wire 51. The device (e.g.,
the microprocessor) processes the information and deploys the
airbag when necessary. Additionally, the heart monitor 50 records
the heart rhythm of concern on a recording device 88 that is
attached to heart monitor 50. A transmitter 59 may be attached to
the heart monitor by an electrical wire 99 that allows transmission
of concerning heart rhythm to a remote monitoring site.
Alternatively or additionally, a transmitter 21 may be attached to
the device for transmitting to a remote monitoring site a signal to
notify personnel that the airbag has been deployed. The device may
signal the heart monitor 50 and the recording device 58 via the
electrical wire 51 to begin recording the heart rhythm when the
patient begins to approach a threshold acceleration, as in one
characteristic of a fall.
[0050] In addition to the heart monitor 50 shown in the drawings,
other types of equipment 125 can be included as part of the device,
such as, for example, a device which measures the wearer's pulse,
respiratory rate, oxygen level in the blood, blood sugar, time of
event, and/or airbag condition. In one embodiment, any combination
of the afore-mentioned equipment can be activated remotely, for
example, where medical personnel are monitoring the wearer's vital
signs and based on that information determine that a fall is likely
and activate the device (e.g., deploy the airbag) and/or monitor
the status of the wearer.
[0051] FIG. 12 depicts an alternative embodiment of the personal
protection device 97 having a larger form in order to hold a larger
airbag 98, such that when deployment is signaled by the
accelerometer 20, the deployed airbag 98 may protect a greater
portion of the wearer's body 101. This is accomplished, in part,
because of a greater deployed airbag volume (V2) compared to V1
(see FIG. 8).
[0052] In the embodiments described hereinabove, the airbag has
remained attached to the device; however, as shown in FIG. 13, the
inflated airbag 80 can be deployed away from the wearer's body
toward the ground 3 where the wearer will land. This arrangement
can be used with any of the devices described hereinabove,
including multiple airbags, where one airbag remains attached and
one airbag is deployed away from the wearer.
[0053] Having described certain embodiments of the invention, it
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other
embodiments incorporating the concepts disclosed herein may be used
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as
there is a wide variety of further combinations of a heel cup, side
walls, tension elements, reinforcing elements and ground surfaces
that are possible to suit a particular application and may be
included in any particular embodiment of a heel part and shoe sole
in accordance with the invention. The described embodiments are to
be considered in all respects as only illustrative and not
restrictive.
* * * * *