A multimodal life safety blanket

Abstract

The present invention provides a multimodal life safety blanket (1) that permits the user to operate the life safety blanket in more than one mode to protect the person and the asset / property from fire. The multimodal life safety blanket comprising a life safety blanket (2), a pair of lifting rods (3) and an attachment fitting (4). The life safety blanket (2) is able to operate as a wearable safety blanket, an extendible blanket and a stretcher with a flexible and firm variant with an optional attachment of wheels.

Description

[0001] “A MULTIMODAL LIFE SAFETY BLANKET”

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention pertains to the field of advanced fire safety solutions. Specifically, it relates to a multimodal Life Safety Blanket (LSB) that offers comprehensive fire protection. This life safety blanket is engineered to be utilized in multiple modes, enabling users to safeguard individuals from the dangers of fire, while ensuring ease of use, versatility, and effectiveness across various emergency scenarios.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Fire safety remains a significant concern worldwide, with fire-related incidents causing numerous casualties and property damage each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 180,000 deaths occur globally each year due to bums, the majority of which are caused by fire incidents. In the United States alone, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported over 1.3 million fires in 2021, resulting in approximately 3,800 civilian deaths and 14,700 injuries. India recorded 1.6 million fires and 27,027 deaths, according to a 195-nation analysis by Global Diseases Burden published in The BMJ Inquiry Prevention Journal recently. The Indian deaths were 2.5 times figures in China, were 10,836 people died in fires in 2017. These figures highlight the urgent need for more effective fire safety solutions to reduce the loss of life and injury.

[0006] Although governments worldwide have enacted fire safety regulations to prevent fire- related accidents, these measures often fail at critical moments. Fire extinguishers, one of the most commonly mandated fire safety tools, are not user-friendly, and many individuals struggle to operate them properly during emergencies. Furthermore, fire extinguishers often go unchecked and may expire or malfunction, rendering them ineffective when they are most needed.

[0007] Fire blankets, another essential fire safety tool, are currently available in the market but have several limitations. Most fire blankets are simple square or rectangular pieces, which only offer partial protection. When attempting to escape a fire using these blankets, parts of the user’s body can remain exposed to the flames, leading to serious injuries or bums. Additionally, current fire blanket designs are not practical for rescuing multiple people or for protecting individuals with limited mobility, such as children, the elderly, or people with disabilities, which further reduces their effectiveness in real-world emergency situations.

[0008] In light of these shortcomings, there is an urgent need for a fire safety solution that not only enhances individual protection but is also user-friendly and effective for a wide range of fire emergencies.

[0009] CN207822317U discloses a foldable fire blanket, it includes umbrella stand, umbrella face fire safety blanket and rectangle fire blanket, umbrella face fire safety blanket covers on the top surface of umbrella stand, umbrella face fire blanket's side respectively with the tip fixed connection of each umbrella face bracing piece of umbrella stand, be located the rectangle fire blankets of umbrella stand below broadside and umbrella face fire blanket's bottom surface fixed connection. However, this invention fails to provide a fire safety solution that can be used to protect both type of individuals i.e. ones who are able to rescue themselves, and ones who have to be rescued as well as the assets and property.

[0010] CN218871113U discloses a fire-fighting fire safety blanket which comprises a fire safety blanket body, triangular reinforcing pads are arranged at four comers of the fire safety blanket body, pull ropes are fixedly connected to the four corners of the fire safety blanket body, and the outer surface of the fire safety blanket body is coated with fireproof glue. The fire safety blanket body is sequentially provided with a first fireproof layer, a second fireproof layer, a heat insulation layer and a smoke filtering layer from bottom to top, and a steel wire layer is fixedly connected between the second fireproof layer and the heat insulation layer. The heat insulation performance and the oxygen insulation effect of the fire safety blanket body can be improved through the heat insulation layer, rapid fire extinguishing is achieved, smoke generated by a fire can be filtered through the smoke filtering layer, smoke diffusion is prevented, the possibility that people inhale smoke is reduced, and the fire safety blanket is simple in structure, reasonable in design, low in manufacturing cost and capable of being used and popularized. However, this invention fails to provide a fire safety solution that can be used to protect both type of individuals i.e. ones who are able to rescue themselves, and ones who have to be rescued as well as the assets and property Therefore, due to above mentioned drawbacks, there is a need for a multimodal life safety blanket that protect individuals in wide range of emergencies.

[0011] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The main object of the present invention is to provide a multimodal Tife Safety Blanket (TSB) that enhances fire safety and emergency response and exhibits adaptability to various emergency situations, ensuring comprehensive protection during fire outbreaks.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a multimodal life safety blanket that operates as a stretcher and incorporates four high-strength corner loops at each comer, allowing the blanket to be used as a stretcher in medical emergencies or when a quick evacuation is required.

[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a multimodal life safety blanket that operates as a wearable safety blanket with an integrated hood and two internal hand loops, enabling an individual to fully wrap themselves in the life safety blanket during evacuation, ensuring complete body coverage from head to toe, including the head, hands, and body, for protection from flames and heat.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a multimodal life safety blanket that operates as an extendible blanket equipped with self-adhesive hook and loop strips on the perimeter, enabling multiple blankets to be joined together to form larger protective covers, ensuring the ability to tackle bigger fires or rescue multiple individuals at once.

[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a multimodal life safety blanket that integrates a telescopic rod along the longer sides of the blanket, allowing the blanket to transform into a firm stretcher when required, providing added structural support for transporting injured or incapacitated individuals during an emergency.

[0017] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a multimodal life safety blanket operating as a stretcher and equipped with wheels on one side of the lifting rod, enabling a single person to transport the stretcher with ease, particularly in challenging situations where additional manpower is unavailable. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a multimodal life safety blanket made from high-temperature resistant fire-retardant material, ensuring durability, effectiveness, and protection from extreme heat during fire emergencies.

[0018] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a multimodal life safety blanket which is cost-effective and reusable that replaces single-use fire safety products, reducing maintenance costs while ensuring readiness in any fire emergency.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention relates to a multimodal Life Safety Blanket (LSB) designed to provide comprehensive protection during fire emergencies. Said multimodal life safety blanket operates in multiple modes, enhancing personal safety, aiding in rescue operations, and preventing fire spread, all while being user-friendly and adaptable to various emergency scenarios.

[0021] In a main embodiment, the present invention provides a multimodal life safety blanket comprising a life safety blanket, a pair of lifting rods and an attachment fitting. The life safety blanket has a pair of internal hand loops, a plurality of comer loops, a hood, a leg pouch, and an adjustment belt. The pair of internal hand loop is provided at the upper portion of said life safety blanket to facilitate a secure wrapping of said life safety blanket around the user body and said hood is provided at center portion of said life safety blanket to protect the user’s head and neck from flames and heat during a fire breakout. The adjustment belt is provided on said life safety blanket to fasten around the chest of the casualty and provide stability during rescuing of the casualty from the fire.

[0022] The attachment fitting is a self-adhesive hook and loop tape i.e. Velcro tape affixed around the periphery of said life safety blanket to affix a plurality of said life safety blankets together to form a large sheet and operate the life safety blanket as an extendible sheet to obstruct the fire from spreading further spread during a fire breakout.

[0023] The plurality of corner loops provided at the corners of the life safety blanket are used to operate the life safety blanket as a flexible stretcher. Further, the life safety blanket is optionally attached to the pair of lifting rods. The pair of lifting rods are telescopic rods which are extended to full length and inserted in the provisions of life safety blanket to operate the life safety blanket as a firm stretcher. The telescopic rods optionally attach with a wheel provided at one end of said telescopic rod and a hand grip at another end of said telescopic rod to move the stretcher through wheels while lifting the rod at the other end in event only one individual is there to take the casualty out of fire. The life safety blanket has a fold at the end of the each side of the longer portion of said life safety blanket and a leg pouch provided to secure the legs of the casualty when lifting on stretcher from one end. The telescopic rod is inserted inside said fold from each side of said life safety blanket to form the firm stretcher.

[0024] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a multimodal life safety blanket operated as a wearable safety blanket comprises a life safety blanket including a pair of internal hand loops and a hood. The pair of internal hand loops are provided at the one of the longer portion of said life safety blanket to facilitate a secure wrapping of said life safety blanket around the user body. The internal hand loop provides a firm grip to hold the said life safety blanket around the body to protect body from fire and heat. The hood is provided at center of longer portion between said pair of internal hand loops which prevents the user’s head and neck from flames and heat. The life safety blanket, said hood and said internal hand loops are made from high heat resistant material.

[0025] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a multimodal life safety blanket which is operated as extendible blanket with an attachment fitting comprising a life safety blanket and the attachment fitting i.e. Velcro tape affixed around the periphery of said life safety blanket provided to attach a plurality of life safety blankets together to form an extendible blanket which is a large sheet to obstruct the fire from spreading further spread during a fire breakout or which is used to cover a big size asset / property or a group of individuals.

[0026] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a multimodal life safety blanket is operated as a stretcher comprising a life safety blanket and a pair of lifting rods i.e. telescopic rods. Said life safety blanket is provided with a plurality of comer loops to operate it as a flexible stretcher and lift the casualty. Alternatively, the life safety blanket is provided with a fold on the end of the each side of the longer portion of said life safety blanket and a leg pouch provided to put legs of the casualty. The telescopic rod is inserted inside said fold from each side of said life safety blanket to form a firm stretcher and the adjustable belt is provided on said life safety blanket to fasten around the chest of the casualty and to provide stability. The telescopic rods optionally has a wheel attachment provided at one end of said telescopic rod and a hand grip at another end of said telescopic rod to hold said firm stretcher from one end and move the casualty during a fire breakout in event only one individual is available to rescue.

[0027] The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the hereinafter set forth brief description of the drawings, detailed description of the invention, and claims appended herewith.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] An understanding of a multimodal life safety blanket of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following drawing:

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a multimodal life safety blanket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a multimodal life safety blanket with an attachment fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a life safety blanket operated as a stretcher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4(a) is a perspective view of the assembling of lifting rod with wheel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4(b) is another perspective view of the assembling of lifting rod with wheel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention. It is important to note that this invention can take various forms and should not be limited to the specific embodiment described herein. The embodiment is provided to ensure a comprehensive disclosure that fully conveys the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The components shown in the drawings may not be drawn to scale, as emphasis is placed on clearly illustrating the elements of the invention. Moreover, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts across the various views in the drawings.

[0037] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention, it should be understood that the embodiments are not restricted to the specific construction and arrangement of components detailed in this description or shown in the drawings. The invention is capable of being practiced and executed in different ways. Additionally, the language used in this description is for clarification and should not be seen as limiting.

[0038] The present invention pertains to a multimodal Tife Safety Blanket (TSB), designed for multiple functions that enhance fire safety and facilitate rescue operations during fire- related emergencies. This multimodal life safety blanket is constructed from high- temperature-resistant material to withstand extreme heat. The life safety blanket provides protection during fire incidents, allowing the user to safeguard themselves or aid in the rescue of others.

[0039] In a main embodiment, the present invention provides a multimodal life safety blanket comprising a life safety blanket, a pair of lifting rods and an attachment fitting. Said multimodal life safety blanket is made from a high-temperature resistant material to withstand high temperatures. The life safety blanket has a pair of internal hand loop, a plurality of corner loops, a hood, a leg pouch, and an adjustment belt. The pair of internal hand loop is provided at the upper portion of said life safety blanket to facilitate a secure wrapping of said life safety blanket around the user body and said hood is centrally positioned on the upper portion of the longer side of said life safety blanket to protect the user’s head and neck from flames and heat during a fire breakout. The adjustment belt is provided on said life safety blanket to fasten around the chest of the casualty and provide stability during rescuing of the casualty from the fire.

[0040] The attachment fitting is a self adhesive hook and loop tape i.e. Velcro® tape affixed around the periphery of said life safety blanket to affix a plurality of said life safety blankets together to form a large sheet and operate the life safety blanket as an extendible blanket to obstruct the fire from spreading further spread during a fire breakout.

[0041] The plurality of corner loops provided at the corners of the life safety blanket are used to operate the life safety blanket as a flexible stretcher. In emergency situations, these loops allow rescuers to carry a casualty efficiently. Further, the life safety blanket is optionally attached to the pair of lifting rods. The pair of lifting rods are telescopic rods which are extended to full length and inserted in the provisions i.e. fold at the end of each side of the longer portion of life safety blanket to operate the life safety blanket as a firm stretcher. The telescopic rods optionally attach with a wheel provided at one end of said telescopic rod and a hand grip at another end of said telescopic rod to move the stretcher through wheels while lifting the rod at the other end in event only one individual is there to take the casualty out of fire. The life safety blanket has a fold at the end of each side of the longer portion of said life safety blanket and a leg pouch provided to secure the legs of the casualty when lifting on stretcher from one end. The telescopic rod is inserted inside said fold from each side of said life safety blanket to form the firm stretcher.

[0042] Referring to Figure 1, is a perspective view of a multimodal life safety blanket according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The multimodal life safety blanket

[0043] (1) operated as a wearable safety blanket comprises a life safety blanket (2) having a pair internal hand loops (5) and a hood (7). The life safety blanket (2) is made of a high- temperature resistant material to withstand high temperatures. The internal hand loops (5) are provided at one of the longer portion of said life safety blanket (2) to facilitate a secure wrapping of said life safety blanket (2) around the user body during evacuation from fire breakout. The internal hand loop (5) provides a firm grip to hold the said life safety blanket

[0044] (2) through both the hand and to wrap said life safety blanket (2) around the body to protect body from fire and heat. The life safety blanket (2) has said hood (7) provided at center between the internal hand loops (5) of said life safety blanket (2) to protect the user’s head and neck from flames and heat during a fire breakout. The life safety blanket (2), said internal hand loop (5), and said hood (7) is made from high heat resistant material.

[0045] Referring to Figure 2, is a perspective view of a multimodal life safety blanket with an attachment fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The multimodal life safety blanket (1) operated as an extendible blanket comprises a life safety blanket (2) and an attachment fitting (4). The attachment fitting (4) is affixed around the periphery of said life safety blanket (2) to attach a plurality of said life safety blanket (2) together to form a large sheet of said life safety blanket (2) and obstruct the fire from spreading further spread during a fire breakout by covering the fire with the extendible blanket or alternatively the extendible blanket is able to rescue more than one individual or big size assets. The attachment fitting (4) is Velcro® tape or alike.

[0046] Referring to Figure 3, is a perspective view of a life safety blanket operated as a stretcher according to an embodiment of the present invention according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The multimodal life safety blanket (1) when operated as a flexible stretcher comprises a life safety blanket (2) with a plurality of corner loops (6). The plurality of corner loops (6) are provided at the comers of the life safety blanket (2) to operate the life safety blanket as a flexible stretcher and lift the casualty using the corner loops (6). Alternatively, the multimodal life safety blanket (1) when operated as a firm stretcher comprises a life safety blanket (2) with a plurality of lifting rods (3). The life safety blanket (2) to operate as a firm stretcher is provided with a fold (12) on the end of the each side of the longer portion of said life safety blanket (2) and a leg pouch (13) is provided to put legs of the casualty. The lifting rod (3) is a telescopic rod which is extended or retracted using sliding mechanism. The lifting rod (3) is inserted inside said fold (12) from each side of said life safety blanket (2) to form a firm stretcher and an adjustable belt (9) is provided on said life safety blanket (2) to fasten around the casualty and to provide stability. The casualty is put on said firm stretcher and rescued from the fire. The lifting rod (3) is optionally attached to a wheel (10) at one end of said lifting rod (3) and a hand grip (11) at another end of said lifting rod (3) to lift said stretcher from the hand grip (11) and move the stretcher through wheels (10) to rescue the casualty during a fire breakout in case of single rescuer.

[0047] Referring to Figure 4(a), a perspective view of the assembling of lifting rod (3) with wheel (10) is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The wheel (10) is fixedly connected to an angled metallic part (14) having a through hole (15) which matches with hole in the lifting rod (3). For making a quick connection, while assembling the wheel (10) to the lifting rod (3), an L shaped screw (16) is inserted in the through hole (15) which is quickly fastened though a square shaped fastening nut (17) having protrusions for providing grip as shown in Figure 4(b).

[0048] Therefore, the present invention provides a multimodal life safety blanket that operates as a wearable safety blanket, an extendible blanket and a stretcher with both flexible and firm variant with optional wheel attachment to permits the user to use the life safety blanket in a desired mode to protect the person and the asset / property from fire. This multimodal Life Safety Blanket offers a comprehensive, user-friendly solution for fire safety, providing individuals and rescuers with a reliable tool that serves in different modes during fire emergencies. The innovation behind the blanket lies in its ability to offer both protection and functional utility in rescue situations, making it a valuable asset for fire safety.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A multimodal life safety blanket ( 1), comprising: a life safety blanket (2); a pair of lifting rods (3); and an attachment fitting (4); wherein, said multimodal life safety blanket (1) is operated in multiple modes including a wearable safety blanket, an extendible blanket and a stretcher; said life safety blanket (2) has a pair of internal hand loop (5), a plurality of corner loops (6), a hood (7), a leg pouch (13), and an adjustment belt (9); said life safety blanket (2) is fitted with said pair of internal hand loops (5) and the hood (7) to operate as a wearable safety blanket and protect user’s head and neck from fire; said life safety blanket (2) is affixed with said attachment fitting (4) at the periphery of said life safety blanket (2) to attach a plurality of said life safety blanket (2) together to operate as said extendible blanket; said life safety blanket (2) is provided with said plurality of corner loops (6) to operate as a flexible stretcher; and said life safety blanket (2) has a fold at the end of each side of the longer portion of said life safety blanket (2) to attach said pair of lifting rods (3) to operate as a firm stretcher.

2. The multimodal life safety blanket (1) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said life safety blanket (2), said pair internal of hand loop (5), and said hood (7) is made from high heat resistant material to withstand high temperatures.

3. The multimodal life safety blanket (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pair of internal hand loop (5) are provided at upper portion of said life safety blanket (2) to facilitate a secure wrapping of said life safety blanket (2) around a user body.

4. The multimodal life safety blanket (1) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said hood (7) is centrally positioned on the upper portion of the longer side of said life safety blanket (2) to protect the user’s head and neck from flames and heat during a fire breakout.

5. The multimodal life safety blanket (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pair of lifting rods (3) is a telescopic rod which is extended or retracted using sliding mechanism.

6. The multimodal life safety blanket ( 1 ) as claimed in claim 5 , wherein said telescopic rod is extended to full length and inserted in the fold at the end of each side of the longer portion of said life safety blanket (2).

7. The multimodal life safety blanket (1) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said lifting rod (3) is optionally attached to a wheel (10) at one end of said lifting rod (3) and a hand grip (11) at another end of said lifting rod (3) to lift said stretcher from the hand grip (11) and move the stretcher through said wheels (10) to rescue the casualty during a fire breakout in case of single rescuer.

8. The multimodal life safety blanket (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said lifting rod (3) is attached to the wheel (10) through an T shape screw (16) and a fastening nut (17).

9. The multimodal life safety blanket (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said attachment fitting (4) is a self-adhesive hook and loop tape.

10. The multimodal life safety blanket (1) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said leg pouch (13) is provided to secure the legs of the casualty when lifting on stretcher from one end.

11. The multimodal life safety blanket (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said adjustable belt (9) is used to fasten around the casualty when said multimodal life safety blanket (1) operates as firm stretcher.

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