Safety device

Abstract

Described herein is an alert system (1000) comprising at least one wearable device (204) adapted to be worn by a user (1002). The wearable device (204) comprises a first body (602) and a second body (604), wherein the first body (602) is releasably attachable to the second body (604). The at least one wearable device (204) comprises an activating switch (206) being activatable by the user (1002) and a wireless transmitter (208). The activating switch (206) is activatable when the first body (602) is releasably detached from the second body (604). The wireless transmitter (208) is adapted to transmit a wireless alert signal upon activation of the switch (206) by the user (1002). A remote wireless receiver (202) is adapted to receive the wireless alert signal and, in response, provide an indicator signal to an indicator device (402) associated with the remote wireless receiver (202) to provide an alert to a machine operator.

Description

Safety DeviceFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present application relates to safety devices for providing alerts in situations of potential danger and in particular to safety devices used in the context of alerting operators of heavy machinery.

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention are particularly adapted for use on a construction site. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is applicable in broader contexts and other applications.BACKGROUND

[0003] Construction sites can be noisy environments, where communications between personnel are critical. Often two-way radio is used to provide a means of communicating between the operator of heavy machinery such as cranes and an observer such as a designated “dogman”. The role of the dogman is to alert the operator of a crane of potential dangers or safety issues that may arise.

[0004] However, occasionally the two-way radio communications fail in which case a reliable back-up is required. In many situations the back-up involves the use of a whistle, which would typically be used to halt crane operation, as an example. However, one drawback of the whistle is that its sound is often drowned out by the noise of the construction site making it ineffective. Furthermore, even in the absence of noise, the whistle may still be unheard by the crane operator due to the distance of the crane operator and the dogman.

[0005] As such, the inventor has identified a need for a reliable means of communication with machinery operators on potentially hazardous sites such as construction sites.

[0006] Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an alert system comprising: at least one wearable device adapted to be worn by a user, each of the at least one wearable device comprising:an activating switch being activatable by the user; and a wireless transmitter adapted to transmit a wireless alert signal upon activation of the switch by the user; and a remote wireless receiver adapted to receive the wireless alert signal and, in response, provide an indicator signal to an indicator device associated with the remote wireless receiver to provide an alert to a machine operator.

[0008] In some embodiments, the wearable device is comprised of a first body and a second body, wherein the first body is releasably attachable to the second body.

[0009] In some embodiments, the activating switch is activated when the first body is releasably detached from the second body.

[0010] In some embodiments, the activating switch includes a reed switch.

[0011] In some embodiments, the activating switch includes a microswitch.

[0012] In some embodiments, the activating switch includes a jack switch.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first body is releasably attachable to the second body via a clip.

[0014] In some embodiments, the clip forms part of the activating switch such that, when the clip is released, the activating switch is activated.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first body is releasably detached from the second body via a push or pulling motion of the user on a portion of the wearable device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first body is releasably attachable to the second body upon pressing of a release mechanism.

[0017] In some embodiments, the activating switch includes a push button switch.

[0018] In some embodiments, the indication includes an audible signal generated by the indicator device.

[0019] In some embodiments, the indication includes a visual indicator generated by the indicator device.

[0020] In some embodiments, the indication includes a haptic feedback indicator generated by the indicator device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the machine operator is an operator of a crane and the indicator device is located on or in a crane operator cabin.

[0022] In some embodiments, the wireless receiver and indicator device are a single device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first and second body form a housing and wherein the activating switch and wireless transmitter are contained within the housing.

[0024] In some embodiments, the wearable device is worn on the body of the user. In some embodiments, the wearable device is worn around the neck of the user. In other embodiments, the wearable device is adapted to be attached to or integrated into an article of clothing that is worn by the user.

[0025] In some embodiments, the wireless communication includes the encryption of data.

[0026] In some embodiments, the receiver includes a memory adapted to facilitate event logging to record a reception of signals received from the wearable device.

[0027] In some embodiments, the wireless transmitter and wireless receiver are adapted to communicate via the long range (LoRa) wireless protocol.

[0028] In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises an internal charging circuit to recharge a rechargeable battery included therein.

[0029] In some embodiments, the at least one wearable device is adapted to communicate with the wireless receiver at predetermined time intervals.

[0030] In some embodiments, the at least one wearable device is adapted to only communicate with the wireless receiver.

[0031] In some embodiments, the at least one wearable device includes a test button to test communication with the wireless receiver.

[0032] In some embodiments, the wireless receiver includes a port to supply power to the wireless receiver.

[0033] In some embodiments, the at least one wearable device further includes a communications interface configured to transfer data to an internal processor.

[0034] In some embodiments, the at least one wearable device and / or the wireless receiver are adapted to receive over the air (OTA) software updates.

[0035] In some embodiments, the alert system includes a plurality of wearable devices adapted to communicate wirelessly with a common wireless receiver.

[0036] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an alert system comprising: at least one wearable device adapted to be worn by a user, the wearable device comprising a first body and a second body, wherein the first body is releasably attachable to the second body, the at least one wearable device comprising: an activating switch being activatable by the user, the activating switch being activatable when the first body is releasably detached from the second body; and a wireless transmitter adapted to transmit a wireless alert signal upon activation of the switch by the user; and a wireless receiver adapted to receive the wireless alert signal and, in response, provide an indicator signal to an indicator device to provide an alert to a machine operator.

[0037] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a safety device comprising: a strap or band adapted to be worn by a user; an activating switch disposed on the strap or band and being activatable by the user; and a wireless transmitter adapted to transmit a wireless alert signal upon activation of the activating switch by the user; wherein the wireless alert signal is transmitted to a wireless receiver that is adapted to, in response to the wireless alert signal, provide an indicator signal to an indicator device to provide an alert to a machine operator.

[0038] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a safety device comprising: a strap or band adapted to be worn by a user; at least one wearable device attachable to the strap or band at either end, the wearable device comprising a first body and a second body, wherein the first body is releasably attachable to the second body, each of the at least one wearable device comprising:an activating switch being activatable by the user, the activating switch being activatable when the first body is releasably detached from the second body; a wireless transmitter adapted to transmit a wireless alert signal upon activation of the activating switch by the user; wherein the wireless alert signal is transmitted to a remote wireless receiver that is adapted to, in response to the wireless alert signal, provide an indicator signal to an indicator device associated with the remote wireless receiver to provide an alert to a machine operator.

[0039] In some embodiments, the strap or band is adapted to be worn on the body of the user. In some embodiments, the strap or band is adapted to be worn around the neck of the user. In other embodiments, the strap or band is adapted to be attached to or integrated into an article of clothing that is worn by the user.

[0040] In some embodiments, the wireless receiver is located on or in a cabin of a crane and the operator is an operator of the crane.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0041] Example embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:Figure 1 shows a schematic view exemplifying the use of the safety device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the transmitter and receiver configuration for the safety device;Figure 3 shows a schematic of a wearable device including a transmitter arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;Figure 4 shows a schematic of a wireless receiver arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;Figure 5 shows a diagram of the wearable device in accordance with the present invention;Figure 6 shows a further diagram of the wearable device in accordance with the present invention;Figure 7 shows a further diagram of the wearable device in its activated position; andFigure 8 shows an embodiment utilising a push button activating switch;Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the wearable device in its quiescent and activated state;Figure 10 shows a further embodiment of the wearable device;Figure 11 shows an embodiment of the wearable device utilising a jack activating switch; andFigure 12 exemplifies an encryption method as used in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been developed to provide alerts to operators of heavy machinery such as cranes and other heavy equipment as is used on a construction site. The present invention will be provided in the context of crane operation and communication between crane operators and their assistants often referred to colloquially as “dogmen”. However, it will be appreciated that the invention may be used in other contexts outside of the crane operation scenario. The purpose of a dogman is to communicate with the crane operator, typically via two-way radio to ensure that a given load is safely transported around a construction site.

[0043] Referring initially to Figures 1 and 2, an alert system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is exemplified as 1000. Figure 1 shows the alert system 1000 in the context of the operation of a crane 200. However, it will be appreciated that the alert system 1000 may be used in other contexts outside of the control of a crane, such as the control of heavy machinery such as a truck on a construction site as an example. The alert system 1000 includes at least one wearable device 204 (three are illustrated in Figures 1 and 2), which may take the form of a lanyard, and is adapted to be worn by a user 1002. However, a larger number (e.g. 10) of wearable devices 204 may be configured to communicate within a single system 100.

[0044] It will be appreciated that wearable device 204 may represent any form of device that can be worn by user 1002. In preferred embodiments illustrated herein, the wearable device 204 is in the form of a lanyard. The term “lanyard” as used in the description encompasses the useof a wearable device which may be worn around an individual’s neck or any other part of a body. By way of example, a device worn around a user’s shoulder, neck, arm, wrist, waist or ankle may be considered a lanyard.

[0045] The wearable device 204 may also be adapted to be attached to or integrated into an article of clothing that is worn by the user 1002. In some embodiments, the article of clothing may be a shirt, vest, protective jacket, belt or pants of the user 1002.

[0046] As best shown in Figure 3, each of the at least one wearable device 204 comprises an activating switch 206, and a wireless transmitter 208. The wireless transmitter 208 is adapted to transmit a wireless alert signal upon activation of the switch 206 by the user, which will be discussed in more detail below. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, the alert system 1000 also includes a remote wireless receiver 202 adapted to receive a wireless alert signal and in response, provide an indicator signal to an indicator device 402 to provide an alert to a machine operator (not shown). The remote wireless receiver 202 is located at a distance from the wearable device 204 and user 1002 and preferably on or in the machine being operated.

[0047] The machine operator will henceforth be referred to as the crane operator in the embodiments described herein. In the context of a crane, the remote wireless receiver 202 may be located in or on a crane cabin and may be mounted to the interior or exterior of the crane cabin using any of the following: a magnetic attachment, a resilient cradle, a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro ®, a pole grip or carabiner as some examples.

[0048] As is exemplified in Figure 2, the general configuration is a one-to-many configuration, where a plurality of wearable devices 204, each including wireless transmitters 208, are adapted to communicate with a common remote wireless receiver 202 and / or with each other in the case of a mesh network.

[0049] In some embodiments, the wireless transmitter 208 and remote wireless receiver 202 may be wirelessly paired to each other through a dedicated pairing process or protocol such as LoRa or Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15). Using LoRa as an example, the LoRa pairing sequence may be performed by pairing a request message initiated from the wearable device 204 (such as a lanyard device) to the remote wireless receiver 202 (which may be located in a crane as an example) and a pairing acknowledgement message replied from the remote wireless receiver 202 to the wearable device 204.

[0050] The pairing request message may contain a wearable device 204 network ID, and the pairing acknowledgement message may contain a remote wireless receiver 202 network ID. The ID’s may be stored in RAM on both devices and be removed by an unpairing sequence or power on / off as some examples. The activation sequence may be performed by an alarm message initiated from the wearable device 204 to a paired remote wireless receiver 202 once the alarm trigger is activated by an operator. Any alarm message from unpaired devices (unknown network ID) may be dropped. In general, any LoRa message that fails to match the protocol version and CRC will be dropped, any LoRa message that has an unknown destination / source network ID will be dropped except for a pairing request in pairing mode.

[0051] The pairing sequence begins with pressing an indicated pair button (not shown) to enter the pairing mode on both the wearable device 204 and the remote wireless receiver 202. The pairing request typically won’t be sent / accepted outside the pairing mode. In some embodiments, each remote wireless receiver 202 can be paired with up to 10 wearable devices 204. Typically, each wearable device 204 can only be paired with one remote wireless receiver 202 at a time.

[0052] Once entering the pairing mode, the remote wireless receiver 202 may send a pairing request message with its network ID as source network ID in the message every second until it receives a valid pairing acknowledgement message or 10 seconds timeout has reached. If a valid pairing acknowledgement message (matching protocol version, command ID, destination network ID, CRC) is received (pairing succeed), the corresponding remote wireless receiver 202 network ID may be stored in RAM and the status LED will flash green and short buzz to indicate pairing success. If 10 seconds timeout has reached (pairing fail), the status LED will flash red to indicate pairing failure.

[0053] Once entering the pairing mode, the remote wireless receiver 202 may enable receiving pairing request internally in the firmware. If a valid pairing request message (matching protocol version, command ID, CRC) is received within for example 10 seconds, the remote wireless receiver 202 may store the lanyard’s network ID (contained in the pairing message as source network ID) in RAM if the number of paired wearable devices 204 has not reached the limit (otherwise message may be dropped), and send a pairing acknowledgement message to the paired wearable device 204. The stored network ID may display on an indicator such as a screen (not shown).

[0054] Once the switch 206 is activated by the operator, the wearable device 204 will enter the alarm mode, and send an alarm message to the paired remote wireless receiver 202 with stored network ID as destination network ID and its own network ID as source network ID every second until the alarm trigger has been reconnected or 2 minutes timeout has been reached. Once the remote wireless receiver 202 has received a valid alarm message (matching protocol version, command, destination and source network ID, CRC) the remote wireless receiver 202 will enter the alarm mode (for example buzzing and screen warning).

[0055] Although not illustrated, in some embodiments, wearable devices 204 include receivers adapted to receive the wireless alert signals from other wearable devices 204 and act as relay devices to further wearable devices 204 and / or receiver 202. In this manner, a plurality of wearable devices 204 can act as a network for communicating wireless alert signals across a larger region, even where some of the wearable devices are beyond transmission range of receiver 202.

[0056] In some embodiments, wearable devices 204 include a local alarm, which may be audible and / or visual. The local alarm may be triggered in conjunction with activating the switch 206 and / or by receiver 202 if the crane / machine enters an alarm or emergency state. The alarm may also be triggered if another wearable device 204 has had its switch 206 activated. This alarm helps to communicate an emergency situation among the different users / wearers on a worksite. If a user moves out of range or has lost connection with the receiver 202, which they are currently paired with, that user’s wearable device 204 will alert the user via the local alarm.

[0057] Referring again to Figure 3, the at least one wearable device 204 includes an activating switch 206, which is activatable by the user 1002, and may be worn around the user’s neck. The wearable device 204 includes a wireless transmitter 208, which is adapted to transmit a wireless alert signal upon activation of the switch 206 by the user 1002. The activating switch 206 may take the form of a reed switch, a tactile switch, a microswitch, or a jack switch as some examples. For example, referring to Figure 5, the circuit is activated when a magnet 207 is moved away from the activating switch which, in the embodiment shown, comprises a reed switch 208, causing the reed switch to close the electrical circuit. The use of the reed switch 208 provides the benefit of reducing the need for mechanical activation of the activating switch 206 using physical activation. Rather, the switch is activated using the magnetic field, thus reducing wear on the switch mechanism.

[0058] Referring again to Figure 3, the wearable device 204 further includes an antenna 302 which is operably connected to the wireless transmitter 208 and is tuned to the operational frequency of the transmitter. For example, for operation on the LoRa range of frequencies, a 915 MHz patch or whip antenna may be used providing desirable voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) characteristics and general performance. In some embodiments, the wireless transmitter 208 and antenna 302 are co-located within the same chip, housing or substrate to form a single device.

[0059] Additionally, the wearable device 204 may include a communications interface via a programmer port 304 which is configured to transfer data to an internal processor. The communications interface may facilitate, among other things, updating of firmware to the wireless transmitter 208. Alternatively, the wireless transmitter 208 may be adapted to receive over the air (OTA) software updates obviating the need for a physical programmer port. The wearable device 204 may also include a user interface 306 in the form of an LED or LCD display as some examples to provide information to the user.

[0060] The information provided by the user interface 306 may include battery status, transmission frequency and other useful information to the user. In order to provide power to the wearable device 204, the wearable device 204 is powered by a power source such as a rechargeable battery 308. It will be appreciated that a variety of different batteries may be used in wearable device 204. In this regard, an internal charging circuit 310 is included to recharge the rechargeable battery 308. Power may be supplied via a pogo pin connection, USB-C connector or similar 31 1 , providing power to the charging circuit 310. The wireless transmitter 204 preferably operates using a wireless protocol that provides long range communications with low power consumption.

[0061] For instance, the LoRa protocol provides long range communications of around 2 km, good power consumption and simple set up. Other protocols such as Bluetooth (BLE), WiFi, mesh networks such as Zigbee may also be used and would be understood by the person skilled in the art.

[0062] It has been found by the inventor that the LoRa protocol provides a good transmission distance of around 2 km, relatively low power consumption and simple set up and management. In other embodiments, the at least one wearable device 204, and associated wireless transmitter 208, is adapted to communicate with the remote wireless receiver 202 at predetermined time intervals. In this scenario, the wireless transmitter 208 may periodically pingthe remote wireless receiver 202 at predetermined time intervals to provide periodic communications between the wireless transmitter 208 and the wireless receiver 202. It will be appreciated that this ping time may be any time interval such as every 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes or 5 minutes.

[0063] Additionally, the wearable device 204 may include a test button (not shown) to test communication with the remote wireless receiver 202. Examples of a suitable wireless transmitter modules include the presently available LoRa Wio-E5 development board manufactured by Seeed Studio. Other examples of presently available development boards include the STMicroelectronics ® B-L072Z-LRWAN1 and the Multi-tech Systems Inc. MTDOT- 915-M1 -UFL.

[0064] Now referring to Figure 4, the remote wireless receiver 202 is illustrated schematically. The remote wireless receiver 202 is adapted to receive the wireless alert signal from the wireless transmitter 208 and, in response, provide an indicator signal to an indicator device 402 to provide an alert to the crane operator (not shown). The indicator device 402 preferably includes an audible indicator such as a buzzer 402A. The buzzer 402A may include a piezo electric transducer or a conventional speaker coil as some examples. In other embodiments, the audible indicator may be tuned to an audible frequency to which the human ear is most sensitive such as between 2 KHz and 5 KHz. In addition to or instead of the audible indicator, may include a visual indicator 402B such as a LED display, and / or an LCD read out display as some examples. It has been found by the inventor that an audible indicator providing a sound level output in the range of 80 dB to 100 dB provides an adequate volume to overcome the typical noise one would expect on a construction site. In other embodiments, the indication includes a haptic feedback indicator generated by the indicator device 402. In some embodiments, the remote wireless receiver 202 and indicator device 402 are a single device.

[0065] The indicator device 402 is associated with the remote wireless receiver 202 in that it is co-located or located nearby to the remote wireless receiver 202. In general, both the indicator device 402 and remote wireless receiver 202 are located on or in the machine being operated such as a crane. In some embodiments, the remote wireless receiver 202 is integrated into a single device or housing with the indicator device 402. In other embodiments, the remote wireless receiver 202 is located separate to but close to the indicator device 402 and the indicator signal is communicated between the devices wirelessly or by wired connection.

[0066] The remote wireless receiver 202 includes a receiver module 400, which is operably connected to an antenna 404 that is tuned for the frequency range of use. The receiver module can be chosen from a variety of available modules such as the presently available Wio-E5 mini development board as an example.

[0067] For the LoRa wireless protocol, the typical frequency range of operation is 915 MHz to 930 MHz in Australia with different frequencies being used in other countries. Additionally, the wireless receiver 400 may be programable via a programming port 408 which is adapted to allow for software / firmware updates to the wireless receiver 400. In alternative embodiments, the wireless receiver 400 may receive software updates via over the air (OTA). The wireless receiver 400 may receive power from an external power source via a power connector 414 such as a USB-C connector and associated charging circuit 416, or via an internal battery 410 which may be rechargeable via the connector 414. The battery may take the form of a lithium-ion battery, lithium polymer or other appropriate rechargeable battery configuration. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the battery 410 is charged via the charging circuit 416 and provides a source of power if the power supplied via the USB-C port is unavailable.

[0068] The power to the wireless receiver module 400 may be controlled using via an on / off switch 412 allowing the device to be powered down when not in use. Additionally, a button 417 may be provided to disable the audible indicator 402 once a machine operator has received an alarm signal transmitted from the wearable device 204. In other embodiments, the alarm may be operated based on a timer, where the alarm sounds only for a predetermined amount of time after the alarm signal has been received.

[0069] As is best exemplified in Figure 2, the alert system 1000 comprises one receiver 202 and one or more wearable devices 204, with each of the wearable devices 204 including a transmitter 208 that is tuned to the frequency of the receiver 202. In the embodiments shown, the transmitter / receiver arrangement is adapted for use under the LoRa wireless protocol, however it will be appreciated that other wireless protocols providing sufficient range and reliability on a construction site environment may also be suitable. In some embodiments, the wearable devices 204 are configured to form a mesh network such that each wearable device 204 is able to connect with each other when within range. This provides for a broader and more stable and continued connection to the receiver 202. Further, the wearable devices 204 may be able to communicate information to each other such as status reports or relay alerts.

[0070] In the context of LoRa wireless communications, the alert system is set up for a one-to- many relationship between the receivers and transmitters. LoRa operates on a variety of different frequencies depending on the country in which it is operated. For instance, in Australia, LoRa operates between 915 MHz and 930 MHz and 433 MHz or 868 MHz in other countries.

[0071] The range provided by LoRa depends on a number of factors including the environment and the antenna used. Under ideal conditions, LoRa has the capacity to transmit up to 15 to 20 kilometres reliably provided an antenna of a suitable size is used. The transmission range for LoRa is substantially reduced when obstacles are introduced, however, the range still approaches 1 km under these circumstances.

[0072] Now referring to Figure 12, the wireless communication may include encryption of data providing a level of security not typically available on wireless protocols such as LoRa. For instance, each wearable device 204 may include IDs allowing only those devices to communicate with the remote wireless receiver 202. Additionally, the wireless receiver 400 may further include a memory adapted to facilitate event logging to record a reception of signals received from the wearable device.

[0073] In one embodiment, and as is best exemplified in Figures 6 and 7, the wearable device 204 is comprised of a first body or portion 602 and a second body or portion 604, wherein the first body 602 is releasably attachable to the second body 604. The first body 602 may be releasably attachable to the second body 604. This may be achieved using a friction or interference fit or a clip, such as a resilient clip to keep the first body 602 and the second body 604 together. The first and second bodies 602 ad 604 may also be releasably attached via other means and structures such as with a magnetic fastener, a snap fit or other releasable fastening means.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first and second bodies 602 and 604 may encompass an elongate member such as a lanyard strap or segments of a strap. It will be understood by a skilled person that the term body is not intended to be limited to a rigid body or a solid body. The releasable nature of the first body 602 in relation to the second body 604 is selected such that the first and second body 602, 604 may be pulled apart by the strength of an average person yet provide sufficient resistance to prevent the first and second bodies 602, 604 from being inadvertently pulled apart. Given the nature of the wearable device 204, it will be understood that inadvertent activation is undesirable. As such, the selection of the friction fit is an important factor when designing the friction fit or clip comprising the wearable device 204.

[0075] The first body 602 and the second body 604 may include a rubberised surface to provide a grippable surface for a user. Alternatively, the surface of both the first body 602 and the second body 604 can include a texturized surface to provide a suitable surface for a user to pull the first and second bodies 602, 604 apart from each other. In some embodiments, the first body 602 and the second body 604 form a housing which houses the activating switch 206 and the wireless transmitter 208.

[0076] As discussed previously, the wearable device 204 includes an activating switch 206, which is activated when the first body 602 is releasably attached from the second body 604. As is shown in Figure 6, the activating switch 206 may comprise a tactile switch which is activated by the separation of the first body 602 from the second body 604. This may be achieved by applying force between the first body 602 and the second body 604 which consequentially results in the activating switch 206 being activated.

[0077] In some embodiments, the switch 206 comprises electrical contacts (not shown) which are in electrical contact when first and second bodies 602 and 604 of device 204 are engaged. Upon release or disconnection of body 602 from body 604, electrical connection contact between the contacts is broken and this triggers the wireless transmitter 208 to energise the antenna 302 to transmit the wireless alert signal. In other embodiments, switch 206 comprises electrical contacts (now shown) which are not in electrical contact when first and second bodies 602 and 604 of device 204 are engaged. Upon release or disconnection of body 602 from body 604, electrical connection contact between the contacts is established and this triggers the wireless transmitter 208 to energise the antenna 302 to transmit the wireless alert signal.

[0078] As is shown in Figure 6, the wearable device 204 may further include a clip 606 to facilitate keeping the first body 602 and the second body 604 together when in its deactivated state. The clip 606 may comprise of a resilient member which deforms upon the application of a force between the first and second bodies 602, 604. The resilient member that forms part of the clip may be manufactured from a resilient plastic or a metallic material with spring like properties. In this embodiment, the activating switch 206 may take the form of a tactile switch which is activated (closed) when the first and second bodies 602, 604 are separated from each other. The clip 606 may form part of the activating switch 206 such that when the clip 606 is released the activating switch 206 is activated.

[0079] Moving to Figure 8, in some embodiments, the activating switch 206 is a push button switch, whereby the switch is activated by a user by pressing the push button switch 206. The push button switch 206 aims to provide a simple means of activating the switch. In some embodiments, the push button switch 206 may be enclosed within a protective housing or cover. The protective housing or cover may be selectively openable to reveal the push button switch 206.

[0080] In other embodiments as shown in Figure 7, the first and second bodies 602, 604 may be releasably detached from each other by applying a pushing motion. In further embodiments, the first body is releasably attached from the second body upon the pressing of a release mechanism.

[0081] Referring to Figure 8, a further embodiment of the invention includes a safety device 8000 for use in system 1000. Like features described previously are given the same reference numerals as above.

[0082] In some embodiments the safety device includes a strap or band 802 adapted to be worn by a user. As illustrated, the strap or band 802 may be a separate article worn by the user such as a lanyard. Alternatively, the strap or band 802 may be attached to or incorporated into an article of clothing worn by the user. The activating switch 206 is included in a wearable device which is attachable to the strap or band 802 at either end. The wearable device comprises a first body 901 and a second body 903, where the first body 901 is releasably attachable to the second body 903 as is exemplified in Figure 9. The activating switch 206 is activatable by the user when the first body 901 is releasably detached from the second body 903. In response to the activation, the wireless transmitter 208 is adapted to transmit a wireless alert signal upon activation of the activating switch 206 by the user. The wireless alert signal is transmitted to the remote wireless receiver 202 that is adapted to, in response to the wireless alert signal, provide an indicator signal to the indicator device 402 to provide an alert to a machine operator. The remote wireless receiver 202 and indicator device 402 are located remote from safety device 8000.

[0083] With reference to Figures 9 and 10, a further embodiment of the invention is shown utilising a clip switch. In this embodiment, the activating switch 206, which may take the form of a reed switch or tactile switch, is activated by disengaging a clip 250 thus activating the activating switch 206.

[0084] Referring to Figure 1 1 , an embodiment utilising an activating switch 206 which comprises a jack 260 is shown. In this embodiment, the jack 260 may be a 3.5 mm jack connector where the switch is activated by pulling each side of the jack 260 apart from each other, thus creating an open circuit.

[0085] It will be understood that the safety device 8000 / wearable device 204 may include waterproof abilities such as IP66 or IP67 capabilities including being intrinsically safe. This is of particular relevance if the device is to be used on mine sites or other conditions in which hazardous materials are present as will be apparent by a person skilled in the art.

[0086] The releasable nature of the wearable device provides a number of functional advantages, not limited to being easily activatable, which is an important feature of the wearable device as it is to be used in emergency situations. On the other hand, the wearable device needs to be designed so that it is not likely to be accidentally activated and thus presenting a false alarm. The pullable nature of the device, where an operator needs to intentionally pull a first body from a second body in order to activate the device, provides advantages over alternative devices which may include a push button switch which is more likely to be accidentally activated. The pullable activation of the device requires a higher level of intent, whereas a pushbutton activation is prone to accidental activation.INTERPRETATION

[0087] It will be appreciated that system-level diagrams such as Figures 2, 3 and 4 are schematic in nature and intended to illustrate different elements of the invention from a functional point of view. As such, they do not necessarily illustrate the relative positioning of particular elements with respect to each other. Further, although illustrated separately, some elements may be combined to form single elements having multiple functions.

[0088] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," “determining”, analyzing” or the like, refer to the action and / or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and / or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities into other data similarly represented as physical quantities.

[0089] In a similar manner, the term “controller” or "processor" may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from registers and / or memory totransform that electronic data into other electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and / or memory. A “computer” or a “computing machine” or a "computing platform" may include one or more processors.

[0090] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “some embodiments” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in some embodiments” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0091] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

[0092] In the claims below and the description herein, any one of the terms comprising, comprised of or which comprises is an open term that means including at least the elements / features that follow, but not excluding others. Thus, the term comprising, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or steps listed thereafter. For example, the scope of the expression a device comprising A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only of elements A and B. Any one of the terms including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements / features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

[0093] It should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, various features of the disclosure are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, Fig., or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into thisDetailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this disclosure.

[0094] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the disclosure, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0095] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0096] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term coupled, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limited to direct connections only. The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A coupled to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical, electrical or optical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

[0097] Embodiments described herein are intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described and explained in terms of particular exemplary embodiments, one skilled in the art will realize that additional embodiments can be readily envisioned that are within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:1 . An alert system comprising: at least one wearable device adapted to be worn by a user, the wearable device comprising a first body and a second body, wherein the first body is releasably attachable to the second body, the at least one wearable device comprising: an activating switch being activatable by the user, the activating switch being activatable when the first body is releasably detached from the second body; and a wireless transmitter adapted to transmit a wireless alert signal upon activation of the switch by the user; and a remote wireless receiver adapted to receive the wireless alert signal and, in response, provide an indicator signal to an indicator device associated with the remote wireless receiver to provide an alert to a machine operator.

2. The alert system of claim 1 , wherein the activating switch includes a reed switch.

3. The alert system of claim 1 , wherein the activating switch includes a microswitch.

4. The alert system of claim 1 , wherein the activating switch includes a jack switch.

5. The alert system of claim 1 , wherein the first body is releasably attachable to the second body via a clip.

6. The alert system of claim 5, wherein the clip forms part of the activating switch such that, when the clip is released, the activating switch is activated.

7. The alert system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first body is releasably detached from the second body via a push or pulling motion of the user on a portion of the wearable device.

8. The alert system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first body is releasably attachable to the second body upon pressing of a release mechanism.

9. The alert system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indication includes an audible signal generated by the indicator device.

10. The alert system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indication includes a visual indicator generated by the indicator device.11 . The alert system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indication includes a haptic feedback indicator generated by the indicator device.

12. The alert system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the machine operator is an operator of a crane and the indicator device is located on or in a crane operator cabin.

13. The alert system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless receiver and indicator device are a single device.

14. The alert system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second body form a housing and wherein the activating switch and wireless transmitter are contained within the housing.

15. The alert system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wearable device is worn on a body of the user.

16. The alert system of claim 15 wherein the wearable device is worn around a neck of the user.

17. The alert system of any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the wearable device is adapted to be attached to or integrated into an article of clothing that is worn by the user.

18. The alert system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless communication includes the encryption of data.

19. The alert system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiver includes a memory adapted to facilitate event logging to record a reception of signals received from the wearable device.

20. The alert system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless transmitter and wireless receiver are adapted to communicate via the long range (LoRa) wireless protocol.

21. The alert system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wearable device further comprises an internal charging circuit to recharge a rechargeable battery included therein.

22. The alert system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wearable device is adapted to communicate with the wireless receiver at predetermined time intervals.

23. The alert system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wearable device is adapted to only communicate with the wireless receiver.

24. The alert system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wearable device includes a test button to test communication with the wireless receiver.

25. The alert system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless receiver includes a port to supply power to the wireless receiver.

26. The alert system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wearable device further includes a communications interface configured to transfer data to an internal processor to receive software updates.

27. The alert system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wearable device and / or the wireless receiver are adapted to receive over the air (OTA) software updates.

28. The alert system of any one of the preceding claims, including a plurality of wearable devices adapted to communicate wirelessly with a common wireless receiver.

29. A safety device comprising: a strap or band adapted to be worn by a user; at least one wearable device attachable to the strap or band at either end, the wearable device comprising a first body and a second body, wherein the first body is releasably attachable to the second body, the at least one wearable device comprising: an activating switch being activatable by the user, the activating switch being activatable when the first body is releasably detached from the second body; and a wireless transmitter adapted to transmit a wireless alert signal upon activation of the activating switch by the user; and wherein the wireless alert signal is transmitted to a remote wireless receiver that is adapted to, in response to the wireless alert signal, provide an indicator signal to an indicator device associated with the remote wireless receiver to provide an alert to a machine operator.

30. The safety device of claim 29, wherein the strap or band is adapted to be worn around a neck of the user.31 . The safety device of claim 29, wherein the strap or band is adapted to be attached to or integrated into an article of clothing that is worn by the user.

32. The safety device of any one of claims 29 to 31 , wherein the wireless receiver is located on or in a cabin of a crane and the operator is an operator of the crane.

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