Device and method for protecting against swimming accidents, in particular for the early detection of drowning persons, and the like

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for monitoring persons in the water, comprising: a carrier apparatus for fastening to a person; a monitoring apparatus held by the carrier apparatus and which has a sensor apparatus and a processor apparatus, wherein the sensor apparatus is connected to the processor apparatus; and a signaling apparatus held by the carrier apparatus and which is connected to the monitoring apparatus, wherein the signaling apparatus has a floatation body and the signaling apparatus is provided for detaching from the carrier apparatus upon a signal of the processor apparatus and rising to the water surface. The invention further relates to a system for monitoring persons in the water, comprising a device for monitoring persons in the water and a base station. The invention further relates to a method and use of the device to protect persons from dangers resulting from a lack of oxygen and drowning.

Claims

1. An apparatus for monitoring persons in water, comprising: (a) a carrier device which is provided to be fastened onto a person; (b) a monitoring device which is accommodated by the carrier device and which comprises a sensor device and a processor device, wherein the sensor device is connected to the processor device; (c) a signaling device which is accommodated by the carrier device and which is connected to the monitoring device; and (d) an actuator, wherein the sensor device is configured to provide a detection result based on a detection of how long the person has been in the water below a predefined depth, wherein the processor device is configured to generate an electrical signal based on the detection result, wherein the signaling device comprises a flotation body, wherein the signaling device is configured to at least partly detach from the carrier device and rise to a water surface upon the electrical signal of the processor device, and wherein the actuator is connected to the flotation body and the actuator brings the flotation body from a first state, in which the flotation body is not buoyant, into a second state, in which the flotation body is buoyant.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flotation body is a substantially gas-tight body which enlarges in volume upon an inflow of gas.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is provided to bring, upon the electrical signal from the processor device, the flotation body from the first state into the second state.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the apparatus further comprises a pressure tank, and wherein the actuator comprises: (a) a pyrotechnic device which is provided to enable a gas-conducting connection between the pressure tank and the flotation body upon the electrical signal from the processor device; and/or (b) a drive device, which is provided to enable a gas-conducting connection between the pressure tank and the flotation body upon the electrical signal from the processor device.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a gas feed device comprising one or more selected from: 1) a pressure tank which is provided to take in pressurized gas and feed it to the flotation body upon the electrical signal of the processor device; 2) a container which is provided to take in a liquid gas which at least partly changes into the gaseous state upon the electrical signal of the processor device and is fed to the flotation body; 3) a pyrotechnic component which is provided to burn upon the electrical signal of the processor device and feed thereby resulting gas to the flotation body; and 4) a powdered and/or solid first substance which is provided to come into contact with a second substance upon the electrical signal of the processor device, wherein a gas is produced which is fed to the flotation body.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signaling device is provided to emit one or more selected from: an audio signal, a visual signal, and a radio signal, as soon as the signaling device is at least partly detached from the carrier device at the water surface.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signaling device is provided to emit an audio signal audible to the human ear at a volume of at least 80 decibels.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signaling device comprises a vibrating body which produces a sound able to be perceived by the human ear.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 which further comprises a protective cover arranged on the carrier device and which covers at least the signaling device, wherein the protective cover is provided to at least partly disengage from the carrier device upon the electrical signal from the processor device so that the signaling device is exposed subsequent the disengaging.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the apparatus comprises a further actuator which is provided to at least partially uncover and/or at least partially disengage the protective cover from the carrier device upon the electrical signal of the processor device.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device is a pressure sensor device which is provided to supply a signal from which the processor device can directly deduce or indirectly calculate whether the person is located in the water.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring device comprises a time-measuring device, wherein the monitoring device is provided to start tracking time upon a signal of the sensor device.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the monitoring device transmits the signal to the signaling device which prompts the signaling device to at least partially detach from the carrier device and rise to the water surface when a time period determined in a course of a time measurement exceeds a predefined length.

14. A system for monitoring persons in water, comprising: at least one apparatus for monitoring persons in water in accordance with claim 1; and at least one base station which is provided to detect the signaling device at the water surface by means of a receiver device and which is provided to emit one or more selected from: a further audio signal, a further visual signal, a further radio signal, and an electrical signal, by means of a transmitter device.

15. The system for monitoring persons in water according to claim 14, wherein the base station is provided to receive one or more selected from: an audio signal, a visual signal, and a radio signal, from the signaling device by means of the receiver device, wherein the signal is a signal at a predefined frequency and the base station is provided to substantially only be responsive to a signal at said predefined frequency.

16. A method for monitoring persons in water, comprising the steps: S1 fastening the apparatus for monitoring persons in accordance with claim 1 onto a person; S2 detecting by means of the sensor device whether the person is located in the water; S3 detecting by means of the time-measuring device of the monitoring device how long the person remains in the water; S4 an emergency being determined as soon as the person remains in the water for longer than a predefined length of time; S5 the signaling device at least partly detaching from the carrier device upon the signal of the processor device; S6 the signaling device rising to the water surface; and S7 the signaling device emitting an audio signal, a visual signal, and/or a radio signal.

17. The use of the apparatus for monitoring persons in water in accordance with claim 1 for protecting persons from dangers posed by lack of oxygen.

18. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the protective cover is permeable by water.

19. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signaling device is configured to detach completely from the carrier device and rise to the water surface upon the electrical signal of the processor device.

20. A signaling device for use in an apparatus for monitoring persons in water and connected to a monitoring device, the signaling device comprising a flotation body which is arranged to be brought, by an actuator, from a first state in which the flotation body is not buoyant into a second state in which the flotation body is buoyant, wherein the monitoring device comprises a sensor device, wherein the sensor device is configured to provide a detection result based on a detection of how long the person has been in the water below a predefined depth, wherein the signaling device is capable of being received by a carrier device and is configured to at least partly detach from the carrier device and rise to a water surface upon a signal based on the detection result.

21. The signaling device according to claim 20, wherein the signaling device is configured to detach completely from the carrier device and rise to the water surface upon the signal.

Description

(1) Additional advantageous further developments of the present invention are yielded by the subclaims and the following description of preferential implementations. Thereby shown are:

(2) FIG. 1 a semi-transparent schematic three-dimensional view of an apparatus for monitoring persons in water according to one embodiment of the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 a semi-transparent schematic three-dimensional view of a consolidated unit of monitoring device and signaling device of the apparatus according to FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3a a semi-transparent schematic top view of the consolidated unit of monitoring device and signaling device according to FIG. 2 of the apparatus according to FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 3b a semi-transparent schematic side view of the consolidated unit of monitoring device and signaling device according to FIG. 2 of the apparatus according to FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 4 a schematic three-dimensional view of a motor and a pressure chamber with the elements connecting same of the apparatus according to FIG. 1;

(7) FIG. 5 a schematic three-dimensional exploded view of the pressure chamber and a valve of the apparatus according to FIG. 1;

(8) FIG. 6 a semi-transparent schematic three-dimensional view of an apparatus according to FIG. 1, wherein the consolidated unit of monitoring device and signaling device has detached from the carrier device (as in an emergency);

(9) FIG. 7 a semi-transparent schematic three-dimensional view of the consolidated unit of monitoring device and signaling device of the apparatus according to FIG. 1, wherein the consolidated unit is situated at the surface of the water with the inflated flotation body;

(10) FIG. 8 a semi-transparent schematic three-dimensional view of a consolidated unit of monitoring device and signaling device according to one variation of the first embodiment;

(11) FIG. 9 a semi-transparent schematic three-dimensional view from two different perspectives of a pressure tank with a valve according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a pre-ignition state of a pyrotechnic device;

(12) FIG. 10 a semi-transparent schematic three-dimensional view from two different perspectives of a pressure tank with a valve according FIG. 9 in a post-ignition state of the pyrotechnic device;

(13) FIG. 11 a semi-transparent schematic view of a valve of the second embodiment according to FIG. 9 in a pre-ignition state of the pyrotechnic device;

(14) FIG. 12 a semi-transparent schematic view of a valve of the second embodiment according to FIG. 9 in a post-ignition state of the pyrotechnic device;

(15) FIG. 13a a schematic view of an alarm body as a first component of an inventive apparatus according to a further implementation;

(16) FIG. 13b a schematic view of a base device as a second component of the inventive apparatus of the FIG. 13a implementation;

(17) FIG. 14 a schematic view of an inventive apparatus according to the further implementation with the alarm body according to FIG. 13a and the base device according to FIG. 13b in the fixed state;

(18) FIG. 15 a schematic view of the inventive apparatus according to FIG. 14 in the released state, wherein the alarm body is on the way to the water surface;

(19) FIG. 16 a schematic view of the alarm body according to FIG. 13a situated with the inflated flotation body at the surface of the water;

(20) FIG. 17 a schematic depiction of a system according to one implementation of the present invention as well as an example of use in a swimming pool;

(21) FIG. 18 a schematic depiction of a method for the monitoring of persons in water according to one implementation of the present invention;

(22) FIG. 19 a schematic cross-sectional view of an inventive apparatus according to the further implementation;

(23) FIG. 20 a schematic three-dimensional partial cross-sectional view of an alarm body of the apparatus according to FIG. 19;

(24) FIG. 21 a schematic semi-transparent three-dimensional view of a base device of the apparatus according to FIG. 19;

(25) FIG. 22 a schematic three-dimensional view of the apparatus according to FIG. 19 with connected connecting cable; and

(26) FIG. 23 a schematic three-dimensional view of a base device of the apparatus according to FIG. 19.

(27) FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 show schematic three-dimensional views of an apparatus for monitoring persons in water 1 (in the following: apparatus 1) or of components of same according to one embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 1 comprises a carrier device 100, a monitoring device 200 and a signaling device 300.

(28) The apparatus 1 according to the implementation shown in FIG. 1 is designed to be worn on the arm, in particular on the wrist, of a person 10 to be monitored. To that end, the carrier device 100 comprises a wristband 110, of which only part is shown. The monitoring device 200 comprises a display 210, a battery 220, a motor 240, a pressure tank 250 and a plate 260. The signaling device 300 comprise a flotation body 310 and a ferroelectric vibrating body 320.

(29) In the apparatus 1 according to the implementation of FIG. 1, the monitoring device 200 and the signaling device 300 are configured as a consolidated unit; i.e. in particular with a common plate 260 as a base and at least in part encapsulated together by means of a sealing compound 202 so as to be waterproof. This has the advantage that in case of emergency, no connections between the monitoring device 200 and the signaling device 300 need to be disengaged and the two devices 200, 300 can share a common power supply in the form of the battery 220. Not enclosed by the sealing compound 202 are in particular the flotation body 310 and the ferroelectric vibrating body 320 as well as a limit stop 252b2 and at least one part of a pressure sensor device 264.

(30) The motor 240 comprises a drive 242 and an internal thread interface 244.

(31) The pressure tank 250 comprises a valve 252 having a valve housing 252a and a valve pin 252b. The pressure tank 250 furthermore comprises a gas outlet 254, anin particular weldedend piece 256, and a self-sealing fill screw 258. The pressure tank 250 is filled with air which is pressurized at 200 bar. The pressure tank 250 is rated to a maximum pressure of at least twice the pressure actually used. This thereby further increases the safety of the apparatus 1, in particular with respect to unwanted gas leakage. At its one end, the valve housing 252 is in gas-conducting connection with the pressure tank 250 and, at its other end, in gas-conducting connection with the flotation body 310 via the gas outlet 254. The valve pin 252b exhibits an external thread interface 252b1 and the limit stop 252b2.

(32) The motor 240 is connected to the drive 242 in a force-transmitting or torque-transmitting manner. The drive 242 is thereby provided to redirect the direction of the torque generated by the motor 240 at an angle of substantially 90 and in particular to reduce the speed furnished by the motor 240.

(33) The direction and/or speed-modified rotational motion is transferred to the internal thread interface 244 at the output end of the drive 242. The internal thread interface 244 is always engaged with the external thread interface of the valve pin 252b. The valve pin 252b is mounted in the valve housing such that the valve pin 252b is only allowed translational motion. The valve pin 252b is in particular prevented from rotating about its longitudinal axis by a tongue/groove connection. The rotational motion of the motor 240 produces a rotational movement of the internal thread interface 244, which is provided for the valve pin 252b to be translationally moved along its longitudinal axis. This ensues by the valve pin 252b being moved in valve housing 252a via the engaged threaded teeth, similar to a standard vice where rotation at a nut limited in its degrees of freedom likewise induces an operation of the movable retaining jaws.

(34) The valve pin 252b fulfills two tasks in the described implementation: on the one hand, its original task, i.e. closing/opening the valve 252 and, on the other, blocking/releasing the consolidated unit detachably connected to the carrier device 100. To that end, the limit stop 252b of the valve pin 252 engages in a recess of the carrier device 100 and thus fixes, in particular positively, the consolidated unit on the carrier device 100.

(35) In the initial situation (i.e. no danger detected), the valve pin 252b closes off the pressure tank 250 and the one end of the valve pin serving as limit stop 252b2 pushes into the recess in the carrier device 100, whereby the consolidated unit 200, 300 is fixed to the carrier device 100. Upon an emergency, the motor 240 displaces the valve pin 252b in the manner described above, wherein the one end of the valve pin serving as limit stop 252b2 is pulled out of the recess in the carrier device 100, whereby the consolidated unit detaches from the carrier device 100. At the same time as the release or after a delay, the valve pin 252b enables the gas-conducting connection between the pressure tank 250 and the flotation body 310.

(36) Due to Le Chatelier's principle, the air in the pressure tank 250 expands into the flotation body 310, in particular a latex balloon, which exhibits a diameter of 5 to 15 cm and a signal color. The flotation body fills and draws the consolidated unit non-detachably connected to the flotation body via the gas outlet upward toward the surface of the water.

(37) After the emergency being detected, although at the latest subsequent to reaching the water surface, the consolidated unit, in particular the ferroelectric vibrating body 320, begins to emit an audio signal at a frequency in the range of 2 kHz to 10 kHz and at a volume of approximately 100 decibels.

(38) The display 210 shows information relating to the set limit values for maximum depth and maximum duration as well as information on the state of charge of the battery 220 and the readiness of apparatus 1, in particular by a direct or indirect display of the internal pressure in the pressure tank 250. The display 210 additionally serves in showing further information such as for example the account balance of a cashless payment system or the locker number or remaining swim time.

(39) FIGS. 3a and 3b show a semi-transparent schematic top/side view of the consolidated unit of monitoring device and signaling device according to FIG. 2.

(40) Arranged on the plate 260 are the display 210, the battery 220, the motor 240 with drive 242 and internal thread interface 244, the pressure tank 250 with valve 252 comprising the valve housing 252a and valve pin 252b, the gas outlet 254, various electrical and/or electronic components 262, in particular a central processing unit (CPU), the pressure sensor device 264, the flotation body 310, the ferroelectric vibrating body 320 and the connecting cables 322 of the ferroelectric vibrating body 320.

(41) A commercially available button cell is used as battery 220. The ferroelectric vibrating body 320 is electrically connected to the signaling device 300 and/or the monitoring device 200 by the connecting cables 322.

(42) The ferroelectric vibrating body 320 is thereby arranged inside the flotation body 310 so as to be able to use it as a resonating body during an emergency.

(43) It is particularly evident from FIGS. 3a and 3b how the sealing compound 202 extends around the consolidated unit. Not enclosed by the sealing compound 202 are in particular the flotation body 310 and the ferroelectric vibrating body 320 as well as the limit stop 252b2 and at least one part of a pressure sensor device 264, in particular the sensor element.

(44) FIG. 7 shows a semi-transparent schematic three-dimensional view of the consolidated unit 200, 300 of monitoring device 200 and signaling device 300 of the apparatus 1 according to FIG. 1, whereby the consolidated unit 200, 300 is situated at the water surface 20 with the inflated flotation body 310. The flotation body 310 is dimensioned such that it is capable of conveying the signaling device 300 and the monitoring device 200 to the water surface 20 and keeping it there, particularly in a way so as to hold a part of the flotation body 310 there, in particular more than 50% of the flotation body 310, which is in a signal color, in particular red. As soon as the consolidated unit 200, 300 has detached from the carrier device 100 or while the consolidated unit 200, 300 is on its way to the water surface 20 or is at the water surface 20, the signaling device 300 begins to emit an acoustic signal at a frequency of 4 kHz and a volume of 100 decibels via the ferroelectric vibrating body 320 which uses the flotation body 310 as a resonating body and is powered by the battery 220. This acoustic signal is supported in terms of localizing the swimmer in distress by the flotation body 310 of one or more signal colors being held at the water surface 20.

(45) FIG. 8 shows a variation of the above-described first embodiment of the consolidated unit as was described in relation to the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. All of the above remarks also apply equally to this variation of the first embodiment unless stated otherwise in the following remarks.

(46) The consolidated unit of FIG. 8 differs from the consolidated unit of FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 described above by additionally the pressure tank 250, the valve housing 252a and parts of the valve pin 252b not being enclosed by the sealing compound 202. This has the advantage that in the unwanted case of gas escaping from the pressure tank 250, in particular in the form of a leak, the escaping gas does not flow into the sealing compound 202 and damage it but is rather released to the environment without further damage to the apparatus 1. This implementation is furthermore advantageous as the pressure tank 250 is more easily accessible in the event of a scheduled or unscheduled inspection.

(47) The consolidated unit is preferentially covered by a protective cover (not shown) in the non-emergency state.

(48) The motor 240 can alternatively also be aligned flush to the valve pin 252b so that a drive 242 can be dispensed with.

(49) Instead of the motor 240 with the drive 242 and the internal thread interface 244 and external thread interface 252b1, a linear drive, in particular a step motor, can also be provided which is directly connected in force-transmitting manner to the valve pin 252b in order to move same.

(50) FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and 12 show semi-transparent schematic three-dimensional views from different perspectives of a pressure tank 250 having a valve 252 according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a state prior to (FIGS. 9 and 11) or subsequent to (FIGS. 10 and 12) the tripping of a pyrotechnic device 252e. All of the above remarks related to the first embodiment also apply equally to the second embodiment unless stated otherwise in the following remarks.

(51) The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment substantially by the fact that the movement of the valve pin 252b is not initiated by a motor 240 but rather by a pyrotechnic device 252e. Thus, in the second embodiment, the components of motor 240, drive 242, internal thread interface 244 as well as external thread interface 252b1 of the valve pin 252b are eliminated.

(52) The pyrotechnic device 252e is arranged within the valve housing 252a in a first pressure channel 252g, wherein the valve housing 252a is preferentially substantially gas-tight, in particular gas-tight with respect to air at a pressure of up to 1000 bar.

(53) The pyrotechnic device 252e is electrically connected to the monitoring device 200, in particular to the battery 220, via a contact device 252f.

(54) The pyrotechnic device 252e is furthermore in gas-conducting connection with an actuator device 252c, in particular in the form of a piston containing Teflon, via the first pressure channel 252g such that the gas developing upon the pyrotechnic device 252e being ignited exerts a force on the actuator device 252c in propagation direction 252e1 sufficient enough to displace the actuator device 252c in at least one predefined direction of movement, in particular a longitudinal axis of the actuator device 252c.

(55) The actuator device 252c is furthermore connected to the valve pin 252b via a force transmission device 252d. The longitudinal axis of the valve pin 252b and the Teflon-comprising piston 252c are thereby aligned at least substantially parallel, particularly parallel, to each other. The force transmission device 252d is disposed outside the valve housing 252a and connects the valve pin 252b to the actuator device 252c in such a way that motion of the actuator device 252c is transmitted axially, in particular in the direction from the valve housing 252a to the valve pin 252a so that it its motion is at least substantially identical, in particular identical to the actuator device 252c.

(56) In the pre-ignition state of the pyrotechnic device 252e (FIGS. 9 and 11), the actuator device 252c is at least substantially fully, in particular fully countersunk into the valve housing 252a.

(57) Analogously to the first embodiment, in the initial situation (i.e. no danger detected), the valve pin 252b closes off the pressure tank 250 and the one end of the valve pin 252b serving as limit stop 252b2 pushes into the recess in the carrier device 100 (not shown in FIGS. 9 to 12), whereby the consolidated unit 200, 300 is fixed to the carrier device 100. Upon an emergency (see FIGS. 10 and 12), the valve pin 252b is displaced as described below, wherein the one end of the valve pin 252b serving as limit stop 252b2 is pulled out of the recess in the carrier device 100, whereby the consolidated unit detaches from the carrier device 100. At the same time as this release or after a delay, the valve pin 252b enables the gas-conducting connection between the pressure tank 250 and the flotation body 310.

(58) Upon an emergency, energy is transmitted from the battery 220 to the pyrotechnic device 252e via the monitoring device 200. Same preferentially being an energy pulse at a voltage of 12 Volt. The energy pulse ignites the pyrotechnic device 252e; i.e. a component of the pyrotechnic device 252e and/or a substance of the pyrotechnic device 252e, or burns off within the pyrotechnic device 252e. A gas thereby develops which collects in the valve housing 252a and thus builds up a pressure which acts on the actuator device 252c. The actuator device 252c is at least partly forced out of the valve housing 252a due to the pressure building up inside the valve housing 252a. The actuator device 252c is connected to the valve pin 252b via the force transmission device 252d as previously described above in such a way that the movement of the actuator device 252c is transmitted to the valve pin 252a, whereby the latter is likewise displaced laterally along its longitudinal axis. The one end of the valve pin 252b serving as limit stop 252b2 is thereby pulled out of the recess in the carrier device 100, whereby the consolidated unit detaches from the carrier device 100. At the same time as the release or after a delay, the valve pin 252b enables the gas-conducting connection L between the pressure tank 250 and the gas outlet 254 to the flotation body 310 via the outlet of the pressure tank 250a.

(59) FIGS. 13a, 13b, 14, 15 and 16 show a further embodiment of the inventive apparatus. This further embodiment particularly differs from at least some of those preceding in that a consolidated unit of monitoring device 200 and signaling device 300 does not separate from a carrier device 100 upon an emergency but rather individual components of the monitoring device 200 remain in the carrier device 100 upon an emergency while other components of the monitoring device 200 rise to the water surface 20 together with the signaling device 300. All of the above implementations, in particular as to the embodiment and operating principle of the individual components, also apply equally to this further embodiment unless stated otherwise in the following remarks and/or relevant figures.

(60) The signaling device 300 forms an alarm body 500 together with the components of the monitoring device 200 described below which rise to the water surface 20 in the event of an emergency together with the signaling device 300.

(61) The carrier device 100 forms a base device 600 together with the components of the monitoring device 200 described below which remain in the carrier device 100 upon an emergency.

(62) FIG. 13a shows a schematic view of the alarm body 500, albeit without the flotation body 310 (not shown). The alarm body 500 comprises: the pressure tank 250, the valve 252, in particular comprising the pyrotechnic device 252e, the flotation body 310, a flotation body mount 312 for fixing the flotation body 310, the ferroelectric vibrating body 320 and alarm body electronics 510. The alarm body electronics 510 comprise: part of a plug-socket system (not shown) for electrically connecting the alarm body 500 to the base device 600 exhibiting the complementary part of the plug-socket system (not shown). Furthermore, the alarm body electronics 510 has an independent power supply in the form of battery 220, in particular in the form of a button cell. Additionally to the ferroelectric vibrating body 320, the alarm body 500 can furthermore comprise optoelectrical components (not shown), in particular light emitting diodes, according to one preferential implementation in order to visually enhance the effect of the audio signal generated in an emergency by the ferroelectric vibrating body, in particular in the form of a beacon, particularly a flashing signal, preferentially in the form of a flash-like signal generated at intervals.

(63) The valve 252 is integrated into the pressure tank 250 in the implementation of FIG. 13a for the purpose of optimized space utilization. The mode of action of valve 252 corresponds to the above remarks on the other embodiments. Even if the preferential variant of the pyrotechnic valve actuation is shown in FIG. 13a, it is of course also possible to realize the above-described motor valve actuation in the alarm body 500. The gas released through the valve 252 in an emergency flows through the gas outlet 254 (not shown), which is arranged for example in the proximity of the inner edge of the flotation body mount 312, into the flotation body 310 and inflates it.

(64) In the implementation of FIG. 13a, the ferroelectric vibrating body 320 is arranged behind the opening indicated by arrow 320, in particular on a plate of the alarm body electronics 510.

(65) The alarm body electronics 510 is provided, in particular configured, to open the valve 252 upon a signal of the base device 600 so that the flotation body 310 unfurls and the alarm body 500 detaches from the base device 600 as described in detail below, rises to the water surface 20, and draws attention there to the emergency by means of an audio signal, in particular supported in its effect by an optical signal.

(66) The energy to actuate the valve 252, in particular to ignite the pyrotechnic device 252e, can thereby be provided by the battery 220 of the alarm body, or by an energy storage (not shown) of the base device 600, as described in detail below.

(67) In the absence of an emergency, the alarm body 500 is fixed via limit stop 252b2 (not shown in FIG. 13a) in the manner as described above for the other embodiments using a recess (not shown) on the base unit 600 (see FIG. 14). Upon an emergency, the valve pin 252b is displaced in the above-described manner, wherein the one end of the valve pin, which serves as limit stop 252b2, is pulled out of the recess in the base device 600, whereby the alarm body 500 detaches from the base device 600.

(68) The base device 600 is shown in FIG. 13b. The base device 600 is provided for wearing on the arm, in particular on the wrist, of a person to be monitored by means of a wristband (not shown), comparably to a watch. Of course it is likewise possible to accordingly affix the base device to other parts of the body of the person 10 to be monitored, in particular a leg, the neck, the head or the like.

(69) The base device 600 has a power supply independent of the alarm body 500, in particular a battery, preferentially a rechargeable battery (not shown). Moreover, the base device 600 comprises a wired, in particular cable-connected, and/or wireless, in particular radio-based, such as e.g. WLAN, Bluetooth etc., and/or light-based, in particular infrared-based, interface for communicating with an external data processor device such as for example a PC, a smartphone or the like. Data can be read out from the apparatus via this interface and/or it can be configured in the above-described manner, in particular using an apparatus-specific program installed on the data processor device.

(70) The base device 600 further comprises the display 210 and base device electronics 610. The base device electronics 610 comprises at least the following of the above-described components which are configured and function comparably here: the processor device, which is provided to fulfill at least some of the processor device functions described above in the context of the other embodiments provided they are not undertaken by the alarm body electronics 510; and the sensor device 264, in particular the pressure sensor device.

(71) Evaluation of the at least one sensor device 264 ensues via the processor device of the base device 600. Should same conclude there is an emergency, it issues a signal to the alarm body 500, whereupon the latter disengages from the base device 600 in the manner as described above.

(72) The base device 600 furthermore comprises an alarm body support 620 which is provided to hold at least part of the alarm body 500 therein, or thereon respectively as per one not-shown embodiment, in the absence of an emergency.

(73) In the absence of an emergency, the base device 600 is electrically connected to the alarm body 500. In so doing, the alarm body electronics 510 can in particular be supplied via the power supply of the base device 600 in the absence of an emergency in order to preserve the in particular at least substantially non-rechargeable battery 220 in this implementation. In so doing, the state of charge of the battery 220 of the alarm body 500 can also be monitored and e.g. communicated via the display 210. If necessary, the power supply of the base device 600 can be used to maintain the voltage of the battery 220, in particular to charge same when needed.

(74) FIGS. 15 and 16 show the alarm body 500 during an emergency, wherein the alarm body 500 is still in the ascent phase to the water surface 20 in FIG. 15 whereas it has already reached the water surface 20 in FIG. 16.

(75) Unless stated otherwise in the above remarks and/or figures, the above remarks on the detaching, the rising to the water surface and the behavior of the consolidated unit at the water surface can carry over in an at least substantially identical manner to the embodiment with alarm body and base device.

(76) FIG. 17 shows a schematic depiction of a system according to one implementation of the present invention as well as an example of use in a swimming pool. Each person 10 to be monitored wears an apparatus 1 on their wrist. At least one base station 400, comprising a receiver device 410 and a transmitter device 420, is arranged in such a way relative the swimming pool that the receiver device 410 is able to receive a signal from the apparatus 1, in particular the signaling device 300.

(77) The signaling device 300 of the apparatus 1 of the person 10 at the bottom of the pool emits an audio signal so as to make the other people 10 in the pool or persons in the vicinity of the pool (not shown) aware of the emergency. The base station 400 detects the audio signal by means of its receiver device 410 and emits a distress call also to more distant locations such as e.g. rescue and/or water rescue services and/or fire departments and/or police stations and/or medical emergency services by means of its transmitter device. Additionally, the transmitter device 420 can generate a further audio and/or visual signal to draw the attention of even more distant persons, e.g. at the edge of the pool, to the emergency.

(78) FIG. 18 shows a schematic representation of a method for monitoring persons in water according to one implementation of the present invention, comprising the steps, in particular in the following order: S1 fastening an apparatus for the monitoring of persons in water of the type described above in different implementations onto a person; S2 the sensor device detecting whether, in particular how deep, the person is in the water; S3 a time-measuring device of the monitoring device detecting how long the person remains in the water, in particular below a predefined depth; S4 an emergency being determined as soon as the person remains in the water for longer than a predefined length of time, particularly below a predefined depth, in particular continuously; S5 the signaling device at least partly, particularly completely, detaching from the carrier device upon a signal of the monitoring device; S6 the signaling device rising to the surface of the water.

(79) As an optional step, as indicated by the dotted lines in FIG. 18, the method furthermore comprises the step: S7 the signaling device emitting an audio signal and/or a visual signal and/or a radio signal.

(80) FIGS. 19 to 23 show a further implementation of an inventive apparatus for monitoring persons in water 1 exhibiting the alarm body 500 and the base device 600.

(81) In FIG. 19, the alarm body 500 is connected to the base device 600, in particular inserted into the alarm body support 620 of the base device 600, whereby the flotation body 310 is not depicted.

(82) The alarm body 500 of FIGS. 19 and 20 comprises the pressure tank 250 which is formed by a recess inside the alarm body 500 and particularly furthermore limited by a cover of the alarm body 500. The valve pin 252b in FIG. 19 has enabled a gas passage between the pressure tank 250 and the flotation body 310, whereas the valve pin 252b blocks this gas passage in FIG. 20. The movement of the valve pin from the closed position (FIG. 20) to the open position (FIG. 19) is preferentially of non-destructive reversible design. The movement of the valve pin 252b is triggered in the depicted implementation by a pyrotechnic device 252e which is ignited upon an emergency from a signal of the alarm body electronics 510. The gas released by the ignition produces a force on the valve pin 252b and moves it from the closed position into the open position. Ignition ensues by way of a signal of the alarm body electronics 510 which, in the inserted state, is connected to the base device electronics 610 in signal-carrying and/or energy-conducting manner via electrical contacts 550, 650. The electrical contacts 550, 650 are preferentially designed such that they separate from one another upon an emergency, in particular when the alarm body 500 detaches from the base device 600.

(83) According to the implementation of FIGS. 19 to 23, the sensor device 264, in particular in the form of a pressure sensor device, is arranged in the base device 600. The measurement data is either transmitted to the alarm body 500 and the monitoring of the depth, in particular along with the time, ensues via the alarm body electronics 510, or the measurement data is monitored by the base device electronics and upon an emergency, a control signal is transmitted to the alarm body electronics 510 which in turn triggers an igniting of the pyrotechnic device 252e.

(84) The alarm body 500 is supplied with energy, particularly during an emergency after separating from the base device 600, by its own battery 540.

(85) The base device 500 is supplied with energy, particularly during an emergency after the alarm body 500 has separated, by its own battery 640.

(86) The alarm body 500 is configured to separate from the base device 600 in an emergency in that as the flotation body 310 is being conveyed into the buoyant state as it inflates, an enlarging volume of the flotation body 310 is utilized to produce a force against part of the base device 600, in particular a base plate, wherein the force induces a separation of the alarm body 500 from the base device 600.

(87) The flotation body 310 is held to the alarm body 500 by a flotation body mount 312. The ferroelectric vibrating body 320 is connected in gas-conducting manner to an interior space of the flotation body 310. In so doing, the sound produced via the ferromagnetic vibrating body 320 is at least partially emitted above the surface of the water over the flotation body 310.

(88) In the inserted state, the alarm body 500 is sealed vis--vis the base device 600 by a sealing device 520, in particular a sealing ring. Individual components or component assemblies of the base device 600 can likewise be sealed relative each other by means of a sealing device 630, in particular a sealing ring.

(89) As FIG. 21 shows, the base device 600 comprises an in particular slot-like passage which fluidically connects the sensor device 264 to the environment, in particular the water surrounding the apparatus 1. The sensor device 264 is in this way at least substantially protected from unwanted physical influences such as contaminants or impacts while the acquiring of the parameter to be detected, in particular the ambient pressure as a measure of the water depth, is enabled.

(90) By means of multi-pole, in particular 4-pole, contact, the apparatus 1 can be at least intermittently connected to an external control device (not shown) such as for example a personal computer. By so doing, limit valves for the depth and/or maximum length of time below the depth limit value can be adapted according to the level of the person to be monitored and/or data, in particular depth/time profiles, read out, etc.

(91) According to the implementation depicted in FIGS. 22 and 23, a connecting cable 700 is held by a connecting device 710 while the connection to the external control device is held to the base device 600 by an in particular magnetic stop 662.

(92) In order to facilitate the locating of the monitored person upon an emergency, particularly in murky water, the base device 600 furthermore comprises a localization device 330 in the form of an LED, in particular a high-power LED, which preferentially emits a flashing light signal in the event of an emergency.

(93) Although the above is a description of example implementations, it should be noted that a plurality of modifications are possible. It is also to be noted that the example implementations are only examples which are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing description provides those skilled in the art with a guide for realizing at least one example implementation, whereby various changes may be made, particularly with respect to the function and arrangement of the component parts as described, without departing from the scope of protection as set forth in the claims and their equivalent combinations of features.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

(94) 1 apparatus for monitoring persons in water; apparatus for short 2 system 10 person 20 surface of water 100 carrier device 110 wristband 200 monitoring device 202 sealing compound 210 display 220 battery 240 motor 242 drive 244 internal thread interface 250 pressure tank 250a outlet of pressure tank 250 252 valve 252a valve housing of valve 252 252b valve pin of valve 252 252b1 external thread interface of valve pin 252b 252b2 limit stop 252c actuator device 252d force transmission device 252e pyrotechnic device 252e1 propagation direction 252f contact device 252g first pressure channel 252h sealing ring 252i valve pin guide channel 254 gas outlet 256 end piece 258 fill screw 260 plate 262 electric, in particular electronic component 264 sensor device, in particular pressure sensor device 264a inlet 300 signaling device 310 flotation body 312 flotation body mount 320 ferroelectric vibrating body 322 connecting cables of the ferroelectric vibrating body 330 localization device 400 base station 410 receiver device 420 transmitter device 500 alarm body 510 alarm body electronics 520 sealing device, in particular sealing ring 540 alarm body battery 550 electrical contact 600 base device 610 base device electronics 620 alarm body support 630 sealing device, in particular sealing ring 640 base device battery 650 electrical contact 660 data interface 662 limit stop 700 connecting cable 710 connecting device L direction of gas flow S1 fastening of apparatus S2 acquisition of sensor data S3 time tracking S4 activating of alarm status S5 signaling device release S6 signaling device ascent S7 transmitting of audio signal