MOTOR KILL SWITCH ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

The present invention relates to motor safety devices as used in increasing numbers for the killing of engines or disengaging propulsion units from motors, when there are no operators to maintain control of an apparatus or vehicle such as jet-ski, boat, go-kart and the like or personnel to oversee use of a motorised tool or the like. Motor boat operators on a boat have been known to fall overboard without being detected by the operator of the boat. Such runaway boats have been known to seriously injure the operator of the boat in the water since a runaway boat tends to circle back to the place where the operator has fallen overboard. The present invention is also applicable to other types of equipment such as motorised gymnasium equipment, hand operated power tools, such as agricultural and arboriculturist equipment and wood working tools.

Claims

1. An apparatus having a motorised drive assembly operably controlled by an operator and having a kill switch arrangement, the kill switch arrangement comprising: a switch assembly associated with the apparatus, whereby motor drive is permitted in an operable state; a latch-key member, operably fitted to the switch assembly; a lanyard; an operator clip operably associated with an operator; wherein motor drive of the apparatus is not possible unless the latch-key member is operably associated with the switch assembly; wherein the arrangement further comprises at least one alarm element whereby an alarm is indicated in the event that the operator clip has not been properly associated with the operator.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switch assembly is associated with a motor of a vehicle such that the motor does not operate when the latch-key member is not operably associated with the switch assembly.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switch assembly is associated with an output of a motor of the apparatus such that the motor cannot enable propulsion of the apparatus to occur when the latch-key member is not operably associated with the switch assembly.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switch assembly is associated with an output of a motor of the apparatus such that the motor cannot enable propulsion of the apparatus to occur when the latch-key member is not operably associated with the switch assembly, and wherein the motor operates through a gearbox/clutch arrangement, and wherein the apparatus permits movement of the motor, but prevents drive from being transmitted to an output such as a tool drive/propeller shaft.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the latch-key member associates with the switch assembly by way of a system selected from the group comprising: a detent system, a micro-switch, a magnetic system and a resiliently biased arrangement.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an alarm element is associated with at least one of the latch-key and the operator clip.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an alarm element is connected by a first lanyard element to the latch-key and is connected by a second lanyard member to the operator clip.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an alarm element is operably adjacent one of the latch-key and the operator clip and is connected by the lanyard member to the respective operator clip and latch-key.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an alarm element is associated with the apparatus in a plurality of locations.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an alarm element comprises one or more of a number of elements, such as a warning buzzer, or other sound device, a light, such as a strobe light, a vibratory device.

11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a motorised vehicle is selected from the group comprising motor boat, jet-ski, golf buggy, motorcycle, lawn-mower and tractor.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a motor boat and an alarm element is associated with one or more of the following: an outboard motor; an inboard motor; in the area about a tiller or a steering wheel of an operator console, whether on a fly-bridge or on a lower or single deck.

13. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a motorised vehicle is selected from the group comprising motor boat, jet-ski, golf buggy, motorcycle, lawn-mower and tractor, and wherein the switch assembly can be associated with the vehicle in a plurality of locations.

14. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the motorised vehicle is a motor boat and the switch assembly is associated with one or more of the following: an outboard motor; an inboard motor; an area about a tiller or a steering wheel of an operator console, whether on a fly-bridge or on a lower or single deck.

15. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a motorised gymnasium apparatus selected from the group comprising a treadmill, stepper, cycle machine, cross trainer.

16. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a motorised tool apparatus selected from the group comprising an agricultural tool, a chain saw, a jumping-jack (compactor) a power saw, a woodworking tool, a lathe, a milling machine, a nail gun, a finishing machine and a drilling machine.

17. A kill-switch arrangement for use in claim 1.

18. A kill-switch operator clip operably attached to/with an operator for use in claim 1.

19. A kill-switch alarm element for use in claim 1, wherein the alarm element operates in the event that the operator clip has not been properly associated with the operator and wherein the alarm element can provide at least one of an audible, vibratory, visual, electrical indicators or a combination of such.

20. A kill-switch alarm element for use in claim 1, wherein the alarm element operates in the event that the operator clip has not been properly associated with the operator and wherein the alarm element can provide at least one of the audible, vibratory, visual, electrical indicators or a combination of such, and wherein the alarm element can change in intensity and/or provide further alarm indications as a duration of alarm operation increases.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the Figures as shown in the accompanying drawing sheets, wherein:—

[0024] FIGS. 1a and 1b show a jet-ski rider and a handlebar kill-cord;

[0025] FIGS. 2a and 2b shows two specific applications of a kill-cord;

[0026] FIG. 2c shows a kill cord for use in the device of FIG. 2b;

[0027] FIG. 3 details one simple kill-cord latch member;

[0028] FIGS. 4a & 4b show first and second kill-cord arrangements;

[0029] FIG. 5 shows a life-jacket for use with a kill-cord;

[0030] FIG. 6 shows a first kill-cord in accordance with the invention;

[0031] FIG. 7 details an active element of the kill-cord show in FIG. 6;

[0032] FIGS. 8a, 8b & 8c show aspects of an operator clip in accordance with one embodiment;

[0033] FIGS. 9a, 9b & 9c show aspects of a lanyard in accordance with the invention;

[0034] FIGS. 10a-10e show aspects of an operator clip in accordance with a couple of embodiments;

[0035] FIGS. 11a, 11b & 11c show three separate modes of operation of an operator clip in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0036] FIG. 12 shows how a kill-cord in accordance with the invention can be stored when not in use; and,

[0037] FIG. 13 shows a flow chart as to one method of operation of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] There will now be described, by way of example only, the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the present invention. In the following description, numerous specific details are set out in order to provide a complete understanding to the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be put into practice with variations of the specific.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1a, there is shown a jet-ski rider 10 riding a jet-ski personal watercraft 12 (so-called because of the water-jet propulsion system used by such craft, which encloses an impellor such that moving propellers cannot cause injury to swimmers and the like in the event of contact, by way of holding onto handlebars 14, which provides limited rotational movement in operation. FIG. 1b shows a left-hand handlebar grip 15, onto which a left hand 13 of the operator grips in use; latch-key member 16 is resiliently retained to the handlebar by way of a resilient biasing means associated with a motor control switch; The latch-key member 16 has a lanyard not shown which is looped around a wrist of the jet-ski rider. In the event that the operator leaves the jet-ski, either voluntarily or in the event of an incident, when the latch-key member is either removed by hand or the lanyard will pull on the latch-key member and the latch-key member shall become disengaged and thereby controlling a motor/drive control circuit whereby the jet-ski is prevented from continuing under power—although any momentum of the craft will prevent the jet-ski from stopping instantaneously. FIG. 2a shows an example of the management of a marine kill-cord in use; a latch-key member 16 is fastened to a tiller console socket 17 at a distal end of a coiled lanyard 18, which has a clip 19 at a proximal end, which operator clip and proximal lanyard are fastened about the leg of an operator 20, as shown.

[0040] FIG. 2b shows an operator 21 being a treadmill athlete upon a track 23 treadmill 20. The operator 20 is connected via a kill-cord 24 to the display/control terminal 22. FIG. 2c shows the kill-cord 24 with a coiled section 27, having a clip member 25, which can conveniently be attached to an item of clothing such as the waist of the shorts 28. At the other end of the lanyard is a control/display interface plug, which may comprise a magnetic connector, whereby, when jolted, is released from the display/control terminal 22, whereby to stop the movement of the conveyor belt style track 23.

[0041] FIG. 3 comprises a lanyard 18 attached to a simple kill-cord latch-key member 16, which member comprises a generally “U”-shaped planar element having an aperture 30 at a first end, through which the lanyard 18 can be connected, and the “U”-shaped elongate indentation of the “U” having opposed arcuate cut-outs 32 adjacent the opening. In use, the arcuate cut-out elements surround a resiliently biased connection member of the kill switch control element. In detail, FIG. 4a shows a known kill-cord, having a metal operator clip 19 at one end of a coiled lanyard 18 and a single latch-key member at the other end of the lanyard. FIG. 4b shows a similar arrangement save that there are a plurality of different latch-key members 16, suitable for a number of different kill-switch systems, for use by a harbour pilot, for example. It is understood that the invention can be implemented with many different types of latch-key. FIG. 5 shows a life-jacket 50 for use with a kill-cord, wherein loop members 52 are provided to enable an operator clip to engage with the life-jacket.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a first kill-cord in accordance with the invention. This kill-cord system comprises a latch-key member 61 (of a type distinct to that shown in FIG. 3) a first lanyard section 62, an alarm device 63, a second lanyard section 64; and an operator clip detector member 65. The first lanyard section is securely fastened to the latch-key member and alarm device and the second lanyard section 64 is securely fastened to the alarm device and at a first end and the operator clip at the other end.

[0043] The alarm device is shown in greater detail in FIG. 7, the device comprises a body 70, having a screw-threaded cap 71, a seal such as an O-ring being employed to ensure a watertight assembly. The main body being fastened to the latch-key member 16 by a cable which, in a preferred embodiment, comprises an electric circuit to be established as part of the warning system; the cap 71 is associated with the operator clip 65 and is also provided with a lanyard 64 also comprising an electric circuit to be established as part of the warning system. At a minimum level of security, the control circuit conveniently comprises a circuit that detects whether the operator clip member switch is closed or open. Conveniently, the alarm device includes a circuit that will allow the invention to perform in a number of modes. The length of the lanyard is conveniently of the order of 1 m, although it will be appreciated that the exact length depends upon the particular situation, for example, the size of the vehicle. By having the operator clip being associated with a leg of an operator, then movement from a sitting to a standing position is effectively unrestricted.

[0044] The alarm device 70 conveniently comprises at least one indicator LED, whereby to confirm operation of the device. It will be appreciated that a number of variants can be made; for example, a two LED system could be implemented, conveniently the LEDs having different colours 72, 74: A green LED could indicate to a user of the invention that the system was operational or was capable of operating; a red LED could indicate that the device was either faulty or for the end receiver to know that the device had been activated. The alarm device is also preferably equipped with an audible alarm 73. The brightness/intensity/loudness, etc. of the alarm may increase the longer the alarm is in operation. The skilled man can simply arrange a number of indicators as is deemed appropriate, visual, audible, vibratory, mild electrostatic shock etc. Conveniently more than one alarm can be provided. Conveniently alarms are associated with the boat, whereby to provide a greater likelihood of the alarm being acted upon.

[0045] The present invention can also be programmed with a diagnostic facility to enable a user to determine whether the system is operable prior to the use of the alarm device. For example, a diagnostic test could be performed to ensure that the integrity of the electrical energy storage cell and that the contact arrangements associated with the latch-key member and operator clip. Such a test could conveniently be performed by pressing a micro switch once or a number of times (as programmed to a particular requirement). For example, the diagnostic test could be performed at any point before the system is armed by pressing a micro switch once, and a green LED would flash briefly to indicate that the system is working properly. Should the diagnostic test prove unsatisfactory then the system would indicate that a problem existed via, for example, a single red LED, which would remain illuminated until expiry of the electrical cell for the circuit, whereby to ensure the user knows not to use the system for any reason.

[0046] FIGS. 8a and 8b show, respectively, plan and side views of an operator clip 80, whereby to enable the alarm devices to indicate, whether the clip has been operated properly. Operator clip 80 comprises a general hook element 81 around a handle body 84, with a control key 82 operable to slide with respect to the operator clip body 84, whereby plunger 83, which comprises part of the indicator circuit is broken when the lanyard is placed within the hook, preventing the plunger from abutting the inside of the hook. It will be appreciated that other methods of breaking a connection are also possible. In the embodiment of FIG. 8c, being a cross-section through the operator clip has a spring biasing member 85 urging plunger against the hook. Whilst the circuit is shown as comprising the hook element, the circuit (break or make) could be determined if associated with the slide key 82 within its recess, thereby removing the possibility of salt water enabling a circuit to be made, when otherwise broken by the lanyard 18. It is preferred that moving parts are shielded from seepage of fluids, especially, for example, from salt water, which is known to be corrosive, especially to metallic switch contacts. Conveniently rubber/plastics hoods are used to protect moving parts and electrical and electronic parts.

[0047] FIG. 9a shows how a reinforcing wire or cord 90 within a lanyard can be terminated with a moulded termination element 91, whereby an operator clip, latch-key member or alarm device can be retained with respect to the lanyard. FIG. 9b shows an arrangement of three conductive wires 92, 93, 95 about a reinforcing wire 90, being surrounded by a flexible plastics body 95. FIG. 9c shows how the lanyard 18 can be conveniently comprised of a coiled wire of a 20 mm diameter.

[0048] FIG. 10a shows a further form of latch-key member such as a yoke 100, in plan view, and FIG. 10b shows the same in cross-section. In this instance, a circuit element 101 is closed when the latch-key is engaged about the corresponding resilient retaining system, by abutting against an actuation element 102. Thus, once the kill-cord has been inserted into a kill switch assembly, the actuation element is depressed and the engine can be operated and the alarm system is enabled so that the alarm shall be triggered in the event that a corresponding operator clip has not been secured. FIG. 10c shows a still further type of key wherein the yoke 104 can be associated with a kill switch assembly in two positions. The clip, instead of being a general “Y” shape becomes more of a general “tall U” shape, defined by two opposed arms. The mutually opposing faces 105, 105′ of the arms have two “U” sections 106, 106′, 107, 107′ separated by opposing ridges 108, 108′ which are closer together, whereby to provide a yoke that can be located with respect to a kill switch assembly in two states; one for placement of the yoke with respect to the kill switch assembly only and one for placement with respect to the kill switch assembly such that the engine can be operated. This enables the yoke to be associated with the kill switch—so that it can be conveniently placed in a known position, yet the alarm does not sound, since the yoke has not been placed within the engine kill switch assembly to enable the engine to operate. FIG. 10d shows the yoke in profile; the thickness of the yoke arm portions 107, 107′ being such that accidental operation of the engine is not possible. It will be appreciated that many variations of this type of system can be realised, wherein a two-state switch can enable simple retrieval of a yoke, without the irritation of the alarm being sounded when the engine is not required. FIG. 10e shows in perspective view from above a lanyard in accordance with the invention with a latch key element 61, operably associated with, for example, a kill switch assembly integrated with a speed control assembly of a boat, a coiled helical lanyard 18 and an operator clip 80 having an alarm system associated with a clip with switch plunger 83. The plunger 83 can be readily sourced from a number of marine switch supplies. It will be apparent to the skilled man that many different variations can be made; what is important to ensure that not only is a kill cord is attached to the switch assembly of the control for motor, outboard or inboard, whether electric, internal combustion or otherwise does not operate to create movement unless the kill cord is associated with the operator.

[0049] FIG. 11a shows a simple circuit 1100 where the latch-key 16 is not inserted into the retaining member engine actuation switch assembly. The operator clip 65 has not been arranged such that the switch is open and therefore the alarm will not operate. FIG. 11b shows that the latch-key has been placed correctly in the retaining member engine actuation assembly and so the alarm will operate, since the operator clip is not attached properly. In FIG. 11c, with both the latch-key member 16 and the operator clip 65 the circuit is open and an alarm is not raised, although there may be an actuation of a comfort indicator light 1101 per circuit 1102 to confirm that the circuit is operating properly. To prevent the system being by-passed a number of by-pass protection systems could be deployed. A timer may be present, whereby to ensure removal of the latch-key after use of the motorised vehicle. The method of ensuring that the clip member is actuated by the presence of a wire lanyard could be confirmed, for example, by acknowledging the presence of a conductor wire within the clip, to prevent, for example, the clip being maintained in a depressed state, to avoid the alarm being sounded.

[0050] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of operation; engine will not start if life cord not associated with console switch; alarm shall sound/flash/otherwise indicate warning if an operator clip is not employed such that circuit is operational. In this method of operation, an attempt is made to turn over/start the motor; if the kill cord is fitted to the console (or outboard, if appropriate), then the engine will start. In the event that the life cord is properly associated with the operator or pilot, then the engine will operate without an alarm. In the event that the life cord is not fitted, then an alarm will be effective until the kill-cord is associated with the operator. In the event that the life cord, by way of the latch key, is removed from the console or outboard, then the engine will stop. In the event that the life cord is removed from the operator, then an alarm will sound until the life cord is properly associated about a body part of the operator. It will be appreciated that many variations can be performed in accordance with the invention. For example, the motor could stop upon disassociation of the life cord from the operator. It will be apparent that the system could be arranged differently. For example, the system could be arranged such that the motor will not start unless both the operator clip and latch key are properly engaged, the alarm sounding until the system is fully connected. Again, with different equipment, it will be appreciated that the functioning of the apparatus needs to be stopped when the operator is not in a position to be in control, though accident, inadvertence, forgetfulness or otherwise.

[0051] A typical alarm unit could comprise, for example, a rechargeable 1.5V, 4400 mAh Lithium-Ion battery and such an electrical battery can provide sufficient electrical energy to enable a basic circuit to operate over a season. In the alternative, non-rechargeable batteries may be employed: these batteries could be inserted as a matter of course, whereby new batteries are always employed, as a precaution. Notwithstanding this, a procedure should be put in place such that the electrical cell is always checked so that they achieve a minimum output prior to deployment, whether rechargeable or not.

[0052] In a further embodiment, the alarm device can include a rechargeable electrical cell or cells, which rechargeable cells have an inductive coil arrangement whereby the device, can be charged by placement within a cradle (or similar), without the use of any exposed metallic contact points, whereby corrosion opportunities between a charging station and the elements and/or between the alarm device and the elements are minimised. A further advantage that ensues is that without the need to constantly plug and unplug the device, there is a removal of a common failure point of rechargeable devices, being the wear and tear on the socket of the device and the attaching cable. FIG. 12 shows a cradle 1200 operably attached to a control module/operator console/tiller arrangement 1202 of a motorised vehicle equipped with controls such as a steering wheel 1204. Notwithstanding this, the main disadvantages of inductive charging are its lower efficiency and increased resistive heating in comparison to direct contact, but if an inductive charging unit is associated with the control system of the boat or other type of vehicle which is provided with the alarm system, then the system can be neatly stored where required. Another downside is that inductive charging also requires drive electronics and coils in both device and charger, increasing the complexity and cost of manufacturing.

[0053] Should the kill cord be connected to the vessel and the other end per chance already be pre-looped for any reason, then the device can be arranged such that it functions in alarm mode e.g. provides a ten second continuous tone to alert the operator of the pre-loop in order that he can then undo the pre-loop. Once undone the device could then revert to a ten second intermittent beep until it is properly arranged around the operator's leg, at which point it would fall silent, noting that the preferred (recognised and advised) method of wearing a kill cord is around the leg as it does not interfere with the steering of the vessel.

[0054] In the fitness industry, there are many types of power assisted exercise machines, the treadmill being the most common. Many of such machines are provided with kill switch arrangements, but these are rarely employed. User generated videos on social media websites bear witness to many accidents that have occurred in the use of power assisted exercise machines, especially the treadmill. With reference to FIGS. 2b and 2c, the operator clip can be adapted such that it emits an alarm when not properly associated with the operator of the exercise machine. Additional features could be provided, for example, such that a brake is applied to a belt associated with the treadmill.

[0055] In the field of power tools, the present invention can also address issues of safety that have previously not been properly been addressed. For example, chain saws are frequently left unattended in a running mode. Additionally arborists, from time to time encounter situations where their chainsaw becomes disassociated form the arborist, yet the chain saw remains operational, although some saws are fitted with chain brakes, operating triggers may still function, for example through becoming entangled with branches. A kill switch operable to deactivate when a chain saw becomes disassociated with an operator would prevent many serious injuries. For example, when a tree has been felled, it is typical to trim limbs (branches) from the trunk, prior to cutting the trunk into smaller sections and Dan trimming off all the limbs. A not-uncommon scene is that a chainsaw can catch and kick out of the hands of the operator and the chain can cut into a leg, typically the quadriceps, in an instant.

[0056] In 1999, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, there were over 28,500 chain saw injuries. More than 36% were injuries to the legs and knees, with the average chainsaw injury requiring 110 stitches. It will be appreciated that medical care costs and subsequent rehabilitation costs are typically considerable and worker's compensation costs can be significant. Loss of production as well as loss of quality of life for the injured cannot be adequately quantified, but may in fact represent the single largest cost. There are few situations where safety has a more immediate payback than in the logging industry. The provision of a kill switch together with an alarm would undoubtedly increase safety record of such an industry. In the field of construction, jack-hammer incidents can be significant, and other powered tools can be adapted to be provided with kill switches in accordance with the invention, whereby when they become disassociated with an operator, they kill a motor of the apparatus such that any damage caused by the motor continuing is limited.

[0057] The invention provides a simple to use operator clip, lanyard and kill switch arrangement that is provided with a simple and robust circuitry to enable the correct use of an essential safety device, namely the kill-cord assembly and propulsion control device, whether it be a boat propeller, a rear-wheel of a motor-cross bike or otherwise separated from the vehicle, for whatever reason. When employed for marine and watercraft use in general, it is prudent to have assemblies where electric circuits are involved to be waterproofed, having seals, gaiters and rubber boots as appropriate and drain holes in areas where water may accumulate to minimise or overcome any problems that might otherwise occur with the presence of water, especially saline water.