Rescue device designed to be coupled to a buoy

Abstract

The invention relates to a rescue device designed to be coupled to a buoy (2), which comprises coupling means (3) for coupling to the buoy (2), grippable means (33) for a bather (1) to grip hold of, and electronic alert means (4), providing a grippable distress call device that can be adapted in a versatile manner to any size and shape of buoy (2) so as to provide a buoyancy aid, as well as a geolocation and distress call device for any bather (1) in an emergency situation.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] AID DEVICE CONFIGURED TO BE ATTACHED TO A BUOY

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This patent application relates to a rescue device designed to be attached to a buoy, with means for attaching it to the buoy and means for a swimmer to grab hold, according to claims 1 to 19, further incorporating significant innovations and advantages. It pertains to an invention that falls within the fields of maritime safety, swimmer and water sports safety, and buoyage equipment.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Currently, it is established that marine buoyage is intended to adequately delimit bathing areas along the coast and other areas that do not require signals regulated by the maritime buoyage system. The technical characteristics of the buoyage are achieved, depending on its location, using buoys, and the party responsible for their installation is obligated to maintain, monitor, and control these buoys. However, this type of buoyage is not intended to assist people who are not on board vessels, such as a swimmer, bather, or water sports enthusiast who might be involved in an accident or become ill near the buoy.Furthermore, the design and size of these delimitation buoys make it very difficult for a person standing next to them to use them for minimal buoyancy assistance or to use them as momentary support until they are seen while they need and request help, either from other bathers or, if available, from the maritime rescue service of the beach or coastal area in question.

[0007] It is also observed that these marker buoys can worsen the emergency situation or indisposition that the person is suffering by posing an added danger due to the high risk of being hit by the inevitable movement caused by the sea at any given time.

[0008] It is also known from the prior art, as described in document KR1020200047993, to be a marine rescue system based on a smart buoy-type point for notifying the transmission of a rescue request signal to persons in distress. Specifically, it refers to a rescue system for determining environmental information in a hazardous location, as well as the location of persons in distress, activity information, and biological information using low-power long-range communication, receiving a GPS-based location signal, and similar technologies.The system comprises a life support device including a distress sensor, a signal transmission confirmation device, and a communication device; a buoy-type smart point capable of floating in the water, which includes a hazard determination device, a location measurement device, a storage device, a first communication device, and a second communication device; and a control server located on land or on a rescue vessel. This means that the person requiring assistance must already be wearing the life jacket containing the communication equipment.

[0009] It is also known from the prior art, as described in document KR1020220102792, that a maritime safety accident prevention system using a location-based buoy is available. It automatically detects a person, determines if they are in a dangerous situation, and receives a satellite signal transmitted from a GPS satellite to a GPS receiver unit. This accurately identifies the person's current location and transmits a rescue request signal, including location information, to a control point and a smart device, thus rescuing the person quickly and accurately. The system includes a sensor unit, a GPS receiver unit, a control unit, a lighting unit, and a smart device.The system has predefined areas of the sea or lake that are safe and those that are not, and it triggers an alarm when it detects that a person has left a safe zone, but it is not a system that can be activated by the person to indicate that they are in danger. The system assumes that the person is in danger based on their location.

[0010] Thus, in light of the above, the need arises to provide a grab and distress call device that can be adapted to any size and shape of buoy in a versatile manner to provide buoyancy assistance, as well as a distress call and geolocation device for anyone in an emergency situation. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Currently, there are no specific safety regulations for existing buoys used by swimmers in the sea. This has prompted an analysis of the safety issues for these users, as well as the potential use of existing buoys in bathing and coastal areas, through a modular system.

[0012] The present invention seeks to solve the problems mentioned in the previous section, and to offer a gripping and alert-help solution, with both mechanical and electronic components, that is universal, expandable and energy autonomous, and can be installed on any buoy marking beaches, bathing areas and coasts.

[0013] It offers adaptability to any type, shape, and size of existing buoys along the coastline. Furthermore, it is modular, depending on the specific needs of each buoyage zone and the desired level of service.

[0014] Thus, it is possible to incorporate additional sensing devices that may be intended, for example, for monitoring sea conditions and water quality in marine scientific studies. These additional sensing systems communicate independently with each of their specific sensors and capture the data they provide for subsequent processing, storage, transmission, download, and visualization via an online application. The same data communication system used for the alert and rescue system for swimmers and athletes is used for the transmission of this specific data.

[0015] In short, the system that is the subject of the invention consists of a buoy coupling system, which includes a gripping and buoyancy aid element, and an electronic communication system, with the necessary technological equipment for calling and assistance.

[0016] More specifically, the rescue device designed to be attached to a buoy comprises means for attaching it to the buoy and a handhold for a swimmer, thus providing a means of support in an emergency, for example, due to an inability to swim to shore, either from lack of energy or from rough seas. Preferably, the attachment means are an adjustable mesh over the buoy, of variable size, allowing it to encircle the entire buoy and adapt to its size and shape.

[0017] Additionally, the mesh includes an opening with an adjustment tensioner, so that it can be narrowed and closed, until it is firmly fitted onto the surface of the buoy.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adjustment tensioner comprises a locking mechanism for fixing the degree of slack in a fixed position. Optionally, the locking mechanism is located on the underside of the buoy, making it difficult for anyone to tamper with the mooring. Additionally, the locking mechanism may include a key as an extra security feature to prevent unauthorized manipulation or removal from the buoy.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the mesh comprises a band with a plurality of gripping means distributed around its perimeter, in order to offer more points of support and buoyancy assistance to the bather in distress, without depending on the direction of approach to the buoy.

[0020] More specifically, the gripping means are in the form of handles, so that the bather can hold on comfortably and safely using their hands, even if the buoy is moving due to the sea or waves.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, the rescue device configured to be attached to a buoy comprises electronic alerting means, so that it is possible to alert the emergency services to come to the rescue of the bather in distress.

[0022] More specifically, the electronic alerting system includes IP68 protection, which enables greater resistance to the marine environment on the buoy.

[0023] On the other hand, the electronic alert system includes geolocation, or geographic positioning, capabilities to provide the exact geographic location, and is also compatible with the Galileo, GPS, and GLONASS GNSS global navigation satellite systems. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electronic alert system includes communication capabilities with an emergency service, enabling the request for assistance and rescue from a professional service equipped for this purpose.

[0024] Optionally, the means of communication include an SOS button to activate the call for help.

[0025] It is worth mentioning that the media transmit an alert signal via mobile phone or satellite, with the current guarantees of these communication systems.

[0026] More specifically, the alert signal includes information on at least one identification data of the electronic means of alerting and / or type of alert and / or municipality and country and geolocation of the buoy, so as to facilitate the location and the specific situation of the bather in distress.

[0027] Additionally, the means of communication include a microphone and / or a loudspeaker, necessary to establish a conversation with the emergency reception service (112 service or equivalent depending on the country).

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, the auxiliary device configured to be attached to a buoy comprises an electrical power supply battery necessary for its proper functioning.

[0029] Preferably, the aid device configured to be attached to a buoy comprises at least one photovoltaic cell, which allows the power supply battery to always be optimally charged and ready for use.

[0030] Additionally, it includes flashing lights to indicate an emergency. These lights offer 360° visibility and are high-intensity, using energy-efficient LEDs with flashing capability, which will activate specifically when an emergency call is made. The flashing SOS signal is emitted through flashes of varying durations, in accordance with international SOS signal emission guidelines. Furthermore, it includes at least one sensor configured to measure a variable from the group of physicochemical and / or biological anomalies, such as turbidity or pH of the water, thus aiding in water quality monitoring for marine scientific studies.

[0031] Furthermore, it comprises at least one sensor configured to measure a variable from the group of atmospheric pressure, wind, temperature, humidity, solar radiation, CO2, nutrients, chlorophyll, plankton, wave speed and direction, detection of marine species such as jellyfish and fish, which allows the monitoring of sea conditions in marine scientific studies.

[0032] The accompanying drawings show, by way of non-limiting example, an auxiliary device configured to be attached to a buoy, constructed according to the invention. Other features and advantages of said auxiliary device configured to be attached to a buoy, the subject of the present invention, will become apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1- View of a buoy for marine environment, according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2- View of an aid device configured to be coupled to a buoy, according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3- View of an aid device coupled to a buoy, according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4- View of the lower half of an aid device coupled to a buoy, according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 - Detailed view of some physical elements of an aid device, according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 - Detailed view of some electronic elements of an aid device, according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 - View of an assistance device attached to a buoy in a marine environment, according to the present invention; DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0041] In view of the aforementioned figures and in accordance with the numbering adopted, an example of a preferred embodiment of the invention can be observed, comprising the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below.

[0042] The operation of the invention can be described as follows:

[0043] 1) The bather (1) who is in need of assistance approaches the buoy (2) and can easily hold on to the gripping means (33), in the form of handles (33a) that are distributed around the entire perimeter of the buoy (2);

[0044] 2) In addition to the buoyancy aid provided by holding onto one of the handles (33a), if the bather (1) considers that further assistance is necessary, he or she can press the SOS button (42a) enabled for this purpose, which is conveniently marked with internationally standardized iconography for easy understanding;

[0045] 3) At that moment, three processes are activated in parallel: a) The status and emergency light illuminates, beginning to flash and emitting the SOS signal with each flash. b) The alarm signal sends information about the type of alert and the geolocation to the 112 Emergency Services. c) A voice call is established with the 112 service through the integrated microphone and speakers.

[0046] Figure 1 shows a view of a buoy (2) for marine environment.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a view of the assistance device configured to be attached to a buoy (2), including coupling means (3), with a mesh (31) and an adjustable mouthpiece (31a) secured by a tensioner (31b) with a closure (31c). It also incorporates a band (32) with gripping means (33), specifically in the form of a handle (33a). The luminous means (45) are visible at the top.

[0048] Figure 3 shows a view of a distress device attached to a buoy (2), with the coupling means (3), the mesh (31), and the mouthpiece (31a) with its tensioner (31b) and closure (31c), as well as the band (32) with the gripping means (33) in the form of a handle (33a). It also integrates electronic alerting means (4), such as geolocation means (41), communication means (42) with an SOS button (42a), and a microphone (42b) and speaker (42c). Furthermore, it includes a battery (43), coupled to a photovoltaic cell (44), to supply electrical power to the lighting means (45). The position of the sensor (46) and the means for storing identification data (61) are also shown, all in a modular fashion.

[0049] It should be noted that the various compartments are manufactured with a protective material (IP68), resistant to wear, water, and temperature changes, to protect the mounting of both the communication media (42) and the data logger sensor (46), for which there is another compartment capable of collecting and storing identification data (61). This data logger sensor (46) is located on the underside of the buoy (2) to ensure direct contact with the water.

[0050] And as mentioned, the photovoltaic cell (44) or solar panels are located in a correlative manner to the band (32) of compartments and gripping means (33), providing green solar energy autonomously for the self-feeding of the system, which includes at the top luminous means (45) which include the situation and emergency light.

[0051] Figure 4 shows a view of the lower half of a rescue device attached to a buoy (2), with the coupling means (3), the mesh (31), and the mouthpiece (31a), which includes the tensioner (31b) and the lock (31c). It also includes a band (32) for the gripping means (33). The mesh (31) fits onto the buoy (2) when it is at rest. The mouthpiece (31a) and the tensioner (31b) optionally include a spring-loaded sliding lanyard with an end stop and a lockable lock (31c), providing additional security to prevent tampering or intentional removal from the buoy (2).

[0052] Figure 5 shows a detailed view of some physical elements of a rescue device, including the band (32) with the gripping means (33) in the form of a handle (33a), which also houses electronic alerting means (4), geolocation means (41), and communication means (42), specifically an SOS button (42a), a microphone (42b), and a speaker (42c), with its corresponding battery (43), and a recording and storage means for identification data (61). This band (32) with the gripping means (33) and the technological compartments is located at the corresponding waterline of the buoy (2) to facilitate gripping by the swimmer (1).

[0053] Figure 6 shows a detailed view of some electronic components of a rescue device, specifically the SOS button (42a) and the mobile phone (51). Figure 7 shows a view of a rescue device attached to a buoy (2) in a marine environment, illustrating the position of the swimmer (1) next to the buoy (2), and the functionality of the electronic alert system (4), including the geolocation system (41) and the satellite communication system (52), which transmits either an alert signal (6) or identification data (61). It should be noted that the satellites (52) can determine the position of the rescue device with high precision, thanks to the GNSS (Galileo, GPS, and GLONASS) global navigation satellite systems it is equipped with.

[0054] More specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, the rescue device configured to be attached to a buoy (2) comprises coupling means (3) to the buoy (2), and gripping means (33) for a bather (1).

[0055] Preferably, as shown in figures 2 and 3, the coupling means (3) are an adjustable mesh (31) on the buoy (2).

[0056] Optionally, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the mesh (31) comprises an opening (31a) with an adjustment tensioner (31b).

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the adjusting tensioner (31 b) comprises a closure (31c).

[0058] According to another aspect of the invention, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, the mesh (31) comprises a band (32) with a plurality of gripping means (33) distributed around its perimeter, said band (32) being horizontal and / or parallel to the mouthpiece (31a).

[0059] It should be noted that, as can be seen in figures 2 and 5, the gripping means (33) are in the form of handles (33a).

[0060] According to another aspect of the invention, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the assistance device configured to be coupled to a buoy (2) comprises electronic alerting means (4).

[0061] More specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the electronic alerting means (4) comprise IP68 protection. Preferably, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, the electronic alerting means (4) comprise geolocation means (41).

[0062] On the other hand, as can be seen in figures 5 and 7, the electronic means of alerting (4) comprises means of communication (42) with an emergency service.

[0063] Additionally, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the means of communication (42) comprise an SOS activation button (42a), which is clearly marked with analogous standardized iconography according to applicable ISO standards such as ISO 7010.

[0064] According to another aspect of the invention, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, the communication means (42) transmit an alert signal (6) via mobile telephony (51) or via satellite (52). Via mobile telephony (51) would be with NB-IoT, or LPWAN such as LoRaWAN.

[0065] Additionally, as shown in figures 5 and 7, the alert signal (6) includes information on at least one identification data (61) of the electronic means of alert (4) and / or type of alert and / or municipality and country and geolocation of the buoy (2).

[0066] It should be mentioned that, as can be seen in figures 3 and 5, the means of communication (42) comprise a microphone (42b) and / or a loudspeaker (42c).

[0067] On the other hand, as can be seen in figures 3 and 5, the auxiliary device configured to be coupled to a buoy (2) comprises an electrical power supply battery (43).

[0068] Additionally, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the auxiliary device comprises at least one photovoltaic cell (44).

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the aid device comprises luminous means (45) with flashing capability.

[0070] Optionally, as shown in Figure 3, the auxiliary device comprises at least one sensor (46) configured to measure one variable from the group of physicochemical and / or biological anomalies, turbidity, and pH of the water. Optionally, as shown in Figure 3, the auxiliary device comprises at least one sensor (46) configured to measure one variable from the group of atmospheric pressure, wind, temperature, humidity, solar radiation, CO2, nutrients, chlorophyll, plankton, wave speed and direction, and marine species detection.

[0071] The details, shapes, dimensions and other accessory elements, as well as the components used in the implementation of the aid device configured to be coupled to a buoy (2) may be conveniently replaced by others that are technically equivalent, and do not depart from the essence of the invention or the scope defined by the claims included below the following list.

[0072] List of numerical references:

[0073] 1 bather

[0074] 2 buoys

[0075] 3 coupling means

[0076] 31 mesh

[0077] 31st mouthpiece

[0078] 31b tensor

[0079] 31c closing

[0080] 32 band

[0081] 33 gripping tools

[0082] 33a asa

[0083] 4 electronic alert systems

[0084] 41 geolocation tools

[0085] 42 media outlets

[0086] 42a SOS button

[0087] 42b microphone

[0088] 42c speaker

[0089] 43 battery

[0090] 44 photovoltaic cells

[0091] 45 luminous media

[0092] 46 sensor

[0093] 51 mobile telephony

[0094] 52 satellite

[0095] 6 warning sign

[0096] 61 identification data

Claims

CLAIMS 1- Auxiliary device configured to be coupled to a buoy (2), comprising coupling means (3) to the buoy (2), characterized in that it comprises gripping means (33) for a bather (1). 2- Auxiliary device configured to be coupled to a buoy (2), according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling means (3) are an adjustable mesh (31) on the buoy (2). 3- Auxiliary device configured to be coupled to a buoy (2), according to claim 2, characterized in that the mesh (31) comprises an opening (31a) with an adjustment tensioner (31b). 4- Auxiliary device configured to be coupled to a buoy (2), according to claim 2, characterized in that the adjustment tensioner (31 b) comprises a closure (31c). 5- Auxiliary device configured to be coupled to a buoy (2), according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the mesh (31) comprises a band (32) with a plurality of gripping means (33) distributed around its perimeter. 6- Auxiliary device configured to be coupled to a buoy (2), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping means (33) are in the form of handles (33a). 7- Auxiliary device configured to be coupled to a buoy (2), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises electronic alerting means (4). 8- Auxiliary device configured to be coupled to a buoy (2), according to claim 7, characterized in that the electronic alerting means (4) comprise IP68 protection. 9- Auxiliary device configured to be coupled to a buoy (2), according to any of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the electronic alerting means (4) comprise geolocation means (41). 10- Aid device configured to be attached to a buoy (2), according to any of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the electronic alerting means (4) comprises communication means (42) with an emergency service. 11- Aid device configured to be coupled to a buoy (2), according to claim 10, characterized in that the means of communication (42) comprise an SOS activation button (42a). 12- Auxiliary device configured to be attached to a buoy (2), according to any of claims 10 to 11, characterized in that the means of communication (42) carry out a transmission of an alert signal (6) via mobile telephony (51) or via satellite (52). 13- Auxiliary device configured to be coupled to a buoy (2), according to claim 12, characterized in that the alert signal (6) comprises information of at least one identification data (61) of the electronic alert means (4) and / or type of alert and / or municipality and country and geolocation of the buoy (2). 14- Auxiliary device configured to be attached to a buoy (2), according to any of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the means of communication (42) comprise a microphone (42b) and / or a loudspeaker (42c). 15- Auxiliary device configured to be coupled to a buoy (2), according to any of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that it comprises an electrical power supply battery (43). 16- Auxiliary device configured to be coupled to a buoy (2), according to any of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that it comprises at least one photovoltaic cell (44). 17- Auxiliary device configured to be coupled to a buoy (2), according to any of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that it comprises luminous means (45) with flashing capability. 18- Auxiliary device configured to be coupled to a buoy (2), according to any of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor (46) configured to measure a variable from the group of physical-chemical and / or biological anomalies, turbidity, pH of the water. 19- Auxiliary device configured to be coupled to a buoy (2), according to any of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor (46) configured to measure a variable from the group of atmospheric pressure, wind, temperature, humidity, solar radiation, CO2, nutrients, chlorophyll, plankton, wave speed and direction, detection of marine species.

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