US20160194127A1

US20160194127A1 - Safety apparatuses, systems and kits

Info

Publication number: US20160194127A1
Application number: US14/757,673
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Lahey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-12-23
Filing date: 2015-12-23
Publication date: 2016-07-07

Abstract

The present invention relates to safety apparatuses, systems and kits. Specifically, the present invention relates to safety apparatus comprising a compartment having a break away closure and a light-penetrating window for charging a portable communication device such as a cellular phone or the like. In addition, the present invention relates to systems and kits comprising alarms, weapons and other safety gear useful for protection in an emergency.

Description

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 62/096,116 titled, “Safety Apparatuses, Systems and Kits,” filed Dec. 23, 2014, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to safety apparatuses, systems and kits. Specifically, the present invention relates to safety apparatus comprising a compartment having an easy-opening lid and a light-penetrating window for charging a portable communication device such as a cellular phone or the like. In addition, the present invention relates to systems and kits comprising alarms, weapons and other safety gear useful for protection in an emergency.

BACKGROUND

Stories involving workplace or school violence are, unfortunately, commonplace as more and more individuals, such as disgruntled workers or students, take out their anger and frustrations on others. Specifically, it is relatively commonplace to hear of disgruntled workers entering a workplace environment and attacking individuals with weapons, such as firearms, bombs or the like. Likewise, there are many stories of school violence, where an individual or individuals enter a school with firearms and explosives to inflict violence on others.
It is often the case that victims of such attacks do not typically have the means to protect themselves or to even communicate with others during such an emergency. While many people do carry portable communication devices, it is often the case that these devices may be restricted in certain environments, such as schools or the like. In other cases, even if an individual has a portable communication device such as a cellular telephone, it may be ineffective if it is not charged or if the individual misplaces it during the chaos of an attack. Therefore, it can be difficult for a victim of a workplace or school assault to have effective communication with others on the outside who may desire to help. A need, therefore, exists for safety apparatuses, systems and kits for providing effective and immediate communication mechanisms for allowing individuals to communicate with others during an emergency situation.
Moreover, it is often difficult, even if communication lines are established to provide detailed information to others on the outside, such as location information that may aid search and rescue efforts. For example, during the chaos of an attack at a workplace or school, ensuing panic may make it difficult for an individual to think clearly to provide the information necessary for effective rescue, or to communication the possible location of those conducting the attack. A need, therefore, exists for safety apparatus, systems and kits that provide instantaneous and effective location-specific information to others that can use the information for search and rescue operations.
Oftentimes, victims of an attack in a work-related or school environment may have no effective means for protecting themselves. For example, weapons that may be used for protection are often restricted in the workplace and, especially, in school environments. Therefore, should an attack occur, a victim may be powerless to prevent the attack or protect herself, himself or others during the attack. A need, therefore, exists for safety apparatuses, systems and kits that provide individuals with protection. More specifically, a need exists for safety apparatuses, systems and kits that provide protective weapons that may be used to protect the individual or others.
In addition, it can be difficult for a victim of an attack to get effective treatment of wounds. While first aid boxes and kits may be placed in strategic locations in a workplace or school environment, it may be difficult to find the first aid boxes during an emergency. A need exists for safety apparatuses, systems and kits that provide first aid treatment to individuals.
In addition, oftentimes, attacks cause building damage, smoke and haze that may make it difficult to see. Attacks are often loud and disorienting, and an individual who may benefit from items placed in a safety apparatus, system and kit may find it difficult to locate the same during an emergency. A need, therefore, exists for safety apparatuses, systems and kits that may be easily located, either by a visual or aural beacon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to safety apparatuses, systems and kits. Specifically, the present invention relates to safety apparatus comprising a compartment having an easy-opening lid and a light-penetrating window for charging a portable communication device such as a cellular phone or the like. In addition, the present invention relates to systems and kits comprising alarms, weapons and other safety gear useful for protection in an emergency.
To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a container having a top disposed on a bottom, wherein an enclosed space is formed between the top and the bottom, a lock member disposed adjacent a first end of the top and a first end of the bottom, and a latch securing together the first end of the top and the first end of the bottom, the latch further having a lock, wherein the lock is attached to a tab having a first orientation and a second orientation, the tab being insertable into the lock member in the first orientation, the tab being resistant to entry in and removal from the lock member in the second orientation, further wherein the tab breaks upon a reasonable amount of force thereby releasing the top of the container from the bottom of the container.
In an embodiment the tab is scored to ease breaking.
In an embodiment a second end of the top of the container is hingedly attached to a second end of the bottom of the container.
In an embodiment the apparatus further comprises a handle disposed on the first end of the bottom of the container.
In an embodiment the apparatus further comprises a window disposed within the top of the container that allows light to traverse therethrough.
In an embodiment the window is translucent.
In an embodiment the apparatus further comprises a receptacle disposed on an interior surface of the top of the container, wherein the receptacle is adjacent the window.
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a safety system for interaction during an emergency is provided. The safety system comprises a container having a top disposed on a bottom, wherein an enclosed space is formed between the top and the bottom, a window disposed within the top of the container that allows light to traverse therethrough, a lock member disposed adjacent a first end of the top and a first end of the bottom, and a latch securing together the first end of the top and the first end of the bottom, the latch further having a lock, wherein the lock is attached to a tab having a first orientation and a second orientation, the tab being insertable into the lock member in the first orientation, the tab being resistant to entry in and removal from the lock member in the second orientation, further wherein the tab breaks upon a reasonable amount of force thereby releasing the top of the container from the bottom of the container; and an alarm disposed within the enclosed space that activates upon opening the container, wherein the alarm sends information to interested parties.
In an embodiment the information sent to interested parties is selected from the group consisting of global positioning coordinates, date and time the container was opened, length of time the container has been open, items that have been removed from the container, items that remain in the container, and any combination thereof.
In an embodiment the interested parties are selected from the group consisting of 911 operators, emergency dispatchers, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the state police, the local police, the fire department, hospitals, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and any combination thereof.
In an embodiment the alarm sends information to interested parties wirelessly.
In an embodiment the alarm comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is disposed on an interior surface of the top and the second portion is disposed on an interior surface of the bottom, and further wherein the first portion and the second portion are disposed adjacent one another when the top of the container is disposed on the bottom of the container.
In an embodiment the first portion has a first magnetic field and the second portion has a second magnetic field, wherein the alarm is activated when the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field cease to overlap.
In an embodiment the first portion has a button that is engaged by the second portion when the second portion is adjacent the first portion, wherein the alarm is activated when the button is disengaged.
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a safety kit for use in emergencies is provided. The safety kit comprises a container having a top disposed on a bottom, wherein an enclosed space is formed between the top and the bottom, a window disposed within the top of the container that allows light to traverse therethrough, a lock member disposed adjacent a first end of the top and a first end of the bottom, and a latch securing together the first end of the top and the first end of the bottom, the latch further having a lock, wherein the lock is attached to a tab having a first orientation and a second orientation, the tab being insertable into the lock member in the first orientation, the tab being resistant to entry in and removal from the lock member in the second orientation, further wherein the tab breaks upon a reasonable amount of force thereby releasing the top of the container from the bottom of the container; and a solar cell disposed within the receptacle and adjacent the window.
In an embodiment the safety kit further comprises a communication device electrically connected to the solar cell.
In an embodiment the safety kit further comprises a short range weapon disposed within the enclosed space.
In an embodiment the safety kit further comprises a long range weapon disposed within the enclosed space.
In an embodiment the safety kit further comprises a chemical compound disposed within the enclosed space.
In an embodiment the safety kit further comprises an alarm disposed within the enclosed space that activates upon opening the container.
It is, therefore, an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide safety apparatuses, systems and kits for providing effective and immediate communication mechanisms for allowing individuals to communicate with others during an emergency situation.
In addition, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide safety apparatuses, systems and kits that provide instantaneous and effective location-specific information to others that can use the information for search and rescue operations.
Moreover, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide safety apparatuses, systems and kits that provide individuals with protection.
More specifically, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide safety apparatuses, systems and kits that provide protective weapons that may be used to protect the individual or others.
Further, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide safety apparatuses, systems and kits that provide first aid treatment to individuals.
Still further, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide safety apparatuses, systems and kits that may be easily located, either by a visual or aural beacon.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a safety apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the safety apparatus of FIG. 1 opened in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate perspective view of the safety apparatus of FIG. 1 opened in an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to safety apparatuses, systems and kits. Specifically, the present invention relates to safety apparatus comprising a compartment having an easy-opening lid and a light-penetrating window for charging a portable communication device such as a cellular phone or the like. In addition, the present invention relates to systems and kits comprising alarms, weapons and other safety gear useful for protection in an emergency.
Now referring to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The present invention may be a safety kit 10, in one embodiment. The safety kit 10 may preferably be a container 12 made from a resilient material such as plastic, metal, carbon-fiber, polymer, wood, or other like resilient material known to one skilled in the art. The container 12 may have a translucent or transparent window 14 disposed on a lid 15. The window 14 may allow light to pass therethrough. Disposed behind the window 14 may be a solar or photovoltaic cell 16. The solar cell 16 may be contained within a receptacle adjacent the window 14, such that the solar cell 16 may be maintained in place to efficiently capture light that passes through the window 14.
The lid 15 of the container 12 may be hingedly attached to a bottom 18 on a first end 20. Therefore, the lid 15 may rotatably open about a first hinge 26, as shown in FIG. 2. The lid 15 of the container 12 may be locked to the bottom 18 on a second end 22 of the container 12 via a hingedly attached flange 24. The flange 24 may rotate about a second hinge 28. The container 12 may additionally have a handle 30 disposed on the second end of the container 12 for maneuvering and carrying around the same.
As further shown in FIG. 2, the container 12 may be opened by rotating the lid 15 upwardly away from the bottom 18. Specifically, a latch member 32 may be disposed on an inside surface of the flange 24. The latch member 32 may be able to be placed beneath a lock member 36 disposed on a side 38 of the bottom 18 when the flange 24 is rotated and is parallel with the side 38 of the bottom 18 (as shown in FIG. 1). Alternatively, the flange 24 may be hingedly attached to the bottom 18 and the lock member 36 may alternately be disposed on a side of the lid 15, such that the latch member 32 may be placed above the lock member 36 when the flange 24 is rotated and is parallel with the side of the lid 15. In another alternate embodiment, the flange 24 may not be hingedly attached to the bottom 18 or the lid 15, and may merely be snapped or otherwise attached to both the bottom 18 and the lid 15 to secure together the same.
The flange 24 may also have a key lock 40, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The key lock 40 may accept a key (not shown), which may then rotate a tab 42. The tab 42 may be oblong and may fit within an opening 44 having the same shape. The tab 42 may fit within the opening 44 only in a first orientation or “open” orientation, such as the vertical orientation shown in FIG. 2. However, the tab 42 may be rotated after entering the opening 44 by rotating the key within the key lock 40. After rotation, the tab 42 may be in a second orientation or “locked” orientation, which may be a horizontal orientation (a ninety degree rotation from the first orientation) in one embodiment. When the tab 42 is in the second orientation, the tab 42 may be prevented from leaving the lock member 36, because the shape of the tab 42 and the shape of the opening 44 would no longer have the same shape.
As described above, the tab 42 may lock the container 12 and prevent the same from being opened without the key (not shown). The key lock 40 may be specific to a particular key, or may accept any number of keys. In one embodiment, the tab 42 may be made of a break-resistant material like metal, polymer, stone, or other like material known to one skilled in the art. In this embodiment, the tab 42 may be able to withstand great pressure if someone attempts to rotate the flange 24 away from the lock member 36 when the tab 42 is in a “locked” orientation. The container 12 may therefore only be opened by unlocking the key lock 40 with the key.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tab 42 may be made of a semi-resistant material like plastic, glass, fiberglass, ceramic, or other like material known to one skilled in the art. In this embodiment, the container 12 may be opened without a key by applying a strong enough force to break the tab 42. The tab 42 may be broken by forcefully moving the flange upwardly away from the locking member when the tab 42 is in the second orientation. The container 12 may thereafter be opened and the tab 42 may no longer be present on the key lock 40, as shown in FIG. 3.
Additionally, the tab 42 may be scored or perforated to ease breaking of the same. The container 12 may therefore be opened in an emergency without needing a key. The semi-resistant material, however, may provide enough resistance to give the impression that the container 12 is locked and requires a key to open. In this respect, the container 12 may not be opened unnecessarily or on accident. Thus, a user may be able to access the container 12 by applying sufficient force without having a key. The resiliency of the tab 42 may discourage others, such as children or the like from attempting to access the apparatus. After being forcefully opened, an additional tab 42 may be subsequently installed so that the container 12 may be re-used in a subsequent emergency.
Upon opening the container 12, an alarm may be activated. The alarm may be audible or visual, may send a radio signal, may send a wireless signal, may send a signal through attached electrical infrastructure, or other like signaling means known to one skilled in the art. Specifically, the audible alarm may be utilized in emergencies that require locating a person, an emergency, or other object that needs to be located. The visual alarm may be utilized when power is out and an emergency is otherwise shrouded in darkness. A non-attention drawing signal, such as radio, wireless, or wired signal, may be utilized in emergencies that requires a person in danger to remain hidden, while still locatable. The signal may be sent directly to interested parties, such as emergency responders, or alternatively may be sent to specific or general receivers. Interested parties may include, but are not limited to, general emergency responders like 911 operators and emergency dispatchers, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the state or local police, the fire department, hospitals, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and other like people trained to handle emergencies.
For example, a radio signal may broadcast an SOS signal at a particular frequency that may be picked up by emergency responders. Alternatively, the radio signal may change frequencies after sending a signal, such that a large range of radio waves is sent out and readily acquirable by emergency responders, Good Samaritans, and the general public. Additionally, a signal may be sent wirelessly such as over a mobile or WI-FI network or other wireless means known to one skilled in the art, and the signal may be sent through a hardwire, such as through an Ethernet cable, phone line, co-axle cable, power line, auxiliary cable, or the like.
There may be a specific emergency responding center set up to specifically look for, monitor, and receive the aforementioned signals. The responding center may be onsite or may be located offsite. The responding center may also maintain the container 12 and the contained emergency items described in further detail below.
The signal may contain data such as location-specific information, such as, for example, global positioning coordinates, the date and time the container 12 was opened, the length of time the container 12 has been open, the items that have been removed from the container 12, the items that remain in the container 12, other necessary data known to those skilled in the art, and any combination thereof.
The alarm may be activated when a first alarm portion 46 is separated from a second alarm portion 48, as shown in FIG. 3. The first alarm portion 46 may be disposed on an interior surface of the lid 15 and the second alarm portion 48 may be disposed on an interior surface of the bottom 18. The first alarm portion 46 and the second alarm portion 48 may be physically connected, such that the first alarm portion 46 must be broken away from the second alarm portion 48 in order to set off the alarm. In an alternate embodiment, the first alarm portion 46 may have a button thereon (not shown) that the second alarm portion 48 may engage when the container 12 is closed. In this embodiment, the alarm may be activated when the button is disengaged. In a preferred embodiment, the first alarm portion 46 and the second alarm portion 48 may be magnetic, such that the alarm may be activated when the magnetic fields of the first alarm portion 46 and the second alarm portion 48 are no longer overlapping.
The first alarm portion 46 and the second alarm portion 48 may be connected to a hardwire, such as an Ethernet cable, phone line, co-axle cable, power line, auxiliary cable, or the like, or may be connected to a wireless signal generator, such as a wireless network card, router, or the like.
Within the container 12 may be a plurality of emergency items. The plurality of emergency items may at least include a short range weapon 50, a long range weapon 52, a chemical compound 54, a communication device 56, food and/or water rations (not shown), a light source (not shown), a respirator (not shown), emergency medical supplies (not shown), other emergency items known to be required by one skilled in the art, and any combination thereof Specifically, in one embodiment, the short range weapon 50 may be a baton, the long range weapon 52 may be a can of mace, the chemical compound 54 may be water or another solution in a spray bottle, and the communication device 56 may be a cellular phone. Of course, the present invention is not meant to be limited to this embodiment, and other emergency items may be interchanged depending on anticipated emergencies known to the location in which the container 12 is being placed.
The plurality of emergency items may be held within the container 12 using fasteners to secure the same in place. The fasteners may be in the form of hook and loop fasteners, like Velcro®, attached on one side of the plurality of emergency items. Alternatively, the fasteners may be straps woven into the container to suspend the emergency items against the walls of the container or in the middle of the container.
The communication device 56 may be disposed beneath the solar cell 16. Both the solar cell 16 and communication device 56 may be held in place by a receptacle 60. The receptacle 60 may be a transparent box such that the communication device 56 is readily discovered upon opening of the container 12. Alternatively, the communication device 56 and solar cell 16 may be fastened or otherwise attached to an inside surface of the lid 15 to hold the communication device 56 and solar cell 16 in place.
The communication device 56 may be electrically connected to the solar cell 16 by a wire 58. Specifically, the solar cell 16 may convert light into electricity that may flow through the wire 58 into the communication device 56 to charge or otherwise power the same. The solar cell 16 may be able to provide at least enough power to the communication device 56 that an emergency call, text, or other form of communication may be placed therefrom. Preferably, the solar cell 16 may fully charge a battery within the communication device 56, such that a plurality of calls, texts, of other forms of communication may be placed therefrom.
The container 12 may be positioned in any location. However, the container 12 may preferably be positioned with the lid 15 facing a light source, such as the sun; an ultraviolet, incandescent, or florescent bulb; or other like light source. The container 12 may be attached to a wall or other structure via a mount 62.
It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to “the invention” are nonlimiting, and it should be noted that claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

Claims

I claim:

1. A safety apparatus comprising:

a container having a top section disposed on a bottom section in a clam-shell configuration, wherein an enclosed space is formed between the top section and the bottom section;

a lock member disposed adjacent a first end of the top section and a first end of the bottom section; and

a latch securing together the first end of the top section and the first end of the bottom section, the latch further having a lock, wherein the lock is attached to a tab having a first orientation and a second orientation, the tab being insertable into the lock member in the first orientation, the tab being resistant to entry in and removal from the lock member in the second orientation, further wherein the tab breaks upon a reasonable amount of force thereby releasing the top section of the container from the bottom section of the container.

2. The safety apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tab is scored to ease breaking.

3. The safety apparatus of claim 1 wherein a second end of the top section of the container is hingedly attached to a second end of the bottom section of the container.

4. The safety apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a handle disposed on the first end of the bottom of the container.

5. The safety apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a window disposed within the top of the container that allows light to traverse therethrough.

6. The safety apparatus of claim 5 wherein the window is translucent.

7. The safety apparatus of claim 5 further comprising:

a receptacle disposed on an interior surface of the top of the container, wherein the receptacle is adjacent the window.

8. A safety system for interaction with by a user during an emergency comprising:

a container having a top section disposed on a bottom section in a clamshell configuration, wherein an enclosed space is formed between the top section and the bottom section, a window disposed within the top section of the container that allows light to traverse therethrough, a lock member disposed adjacent a first end of the top section and a first end of the bottom section, and a latch securing together the first end of the top section and the first end of the bottom section, the latch further having a lock, wherein the lock is attached to a tab having a first orientation and a second orientation, the tab being insertable into the lock member in the first orientation, the tab being resistant to entry in and removal from the lock member in the second orientation, further wherein the tab breaks upon a reasonable amount of force thereby releasing the top of the container from the bottom of the container; and

an alarm disposed within the enclosed space that activates upon opening the container, wherein the alarm sends information to interested parties.

9. The safety system of claim 8 wherein the information sent to interested parties is selected from the group consisting of global positioning coordinates, date and time the container was opened, length of time the container has been open, items that have been removed from the container, items that remain in the container, and any combination thereof.

10. The safety system of claim 8 wherein the interested parties are selected from the group consisting of 911 operators, emergency dispatchers, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the state police, the local police, the fire department, hospitals, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and any combination thereof.

11. The safety system of claim 8 wherein the alarm sends information to interested parties wirelessly.

12. The safety system of claim 8 wherein the alarm comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is disposed on an interior surface of the top section and the second portion is disposed on an interior surface of the bottom section, and further wherein the first portion and the second portion are disposed adjacent one another when the top of the container is disposed on the bottom of the container.

13. The safety system of claim 12 wherein the first portion has a first magnetic field and the second portion has a second magnetic field, wherein the alarm is activated when the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field cease to overlap.

14. The safety system of claim 12 wherein the first portion has a button that is engaged by the second portion when the second portion is adjacent the first portion, wherein the alarm is activated when the button is disengaged.

15. A safety kit comprising comprising:

a container having a top section disposed on a bottom section in a clamshell configuration, wherein an enclosed space is formed between the top section and the bottom section, a window disposed within the top section of the container that allows light to traverse therethrough, a lock member disposed adjacent a first end of the top section and a first end of the bottom section, and a latch securing together the first end of the top section and the first end of the bottom section, the latch further having a lock member, wherein the lock is attached to a tab having a first orientation and a second orientation, the tab being insertable into the lock member in the first orientation, the tab being resistant to entry in and removal from the lock member in the second orientation, further. wherein the tab breaks upon a reasonable amount of force thereby releasing the top of the container from the bottom of the container; and

a solar cell disposed within the receptacle and adjacent the window.

16. The safety kit of claim 15 further comprising:

a communication device electrically connected to the solar cell.

17. The safety system of claim 15 further comprising:

a short range weapon disposed within the enclosed space.

18. The safety system of claim 15 further comprising:

a long range weapon disposed within the enclosed space.

19. The safety system of claim 15 further comprising:

a chemical compound disposed within the enclosed space.

20. The safety system of claim 15 further comprising:

an alarm disposed within the enclosed space that activates upon opening the container.