Wearable strap

Abstract

A wearable strap 10 comprising releasable connection means 14 for securing the strap 10 around part of a person's body, a detector for wirelessly detecting an electronic device, a controller 16 programmed with at least one predetermined threshold for a distance between the strap 10 and electronic device, and at least one of: a) alert means 26a, 26b including at least a speaker or vibrator in the strap 10, and b) signalling means in the strap for sending a signal to a remote location, such as initiating an alert from the electronic device; the controller 16 being configured to use the detector to monitor the distance between the strap 10 and electronic device, and the controller 16 being configured to initiate the alert means 26a, 26b and/or signalling means to provide an audible or vibrating alert when the distance between the strap 10 and electronic device exceeds the predetermined threshold.

Claims

1. A wearable strap comprising: a releasable connection means which is configurable between an unfastened state, and a fastened state for securing the strap around part of a person's body, a detector for wirelessly detecting an electronic device, a controller programmed with at least one predetermined threshold for a distance between the strap and electronic device, and at least one of: a) an alert means including at least a speaker or vibrator in the strap, and b) a signalling means in the strap for sending a signal to a remote location, such as initiating an alert from the electronic device; the controller being configured to use the detector to monitor the distance between the strap and electronic device, and the controller being configured to initiate one or both of the alert means and the signalling means to provide an audible alert or a vibrating alert when the distance between the strap and the electronic device exceeds a first predetermined threshold, in which the controller is configurable to suppress or not initiate the audible alert or vibrating alert if the distance between the strap and the electronic device exceeds the first predetermined threshold when the releasable connection means of the strap is in the unfastened state.

2. The strap as claimed in claim 1, in which the strap is provided in or as part of a belt.

3. The strap as claimed in claim 1, in which the controller is configured to cease the audible alert or vibrating alert when the distance between the strap and electronic device is decreased below a second predetermined threshold, or below the first predetermined threshold.

4. The strap as claimed in claim 1, in which the signalling means includes a wireless communication system for wirelessly connecting the strap to the electronic device, the wireless communication system being configured to initiate the alert by sending a signal instructing the electronic device to provide the alert.

5. The strap as claimed in claim 1, in which the strap includes a location sensor, and the controller is connected to the location sensor and configurable to set at least one custom location where alerts are suppressed when the strap is in the at least one custom location.

6. The strap as claimed in claim 1, in which the detector is configured to passively detect a signal or field generated by the electronic device, the at least one predetermined threshold including a signal threshold or a field strength threshold, and the controller is configured to initiate one or both of the alert means and the signalling means when the strength of the signal or field drops below the signal threshold or field strength threshold.

7. The strap as claimed in claim 1, in which the controller is configured to distinguish between i) movement of the strap away from the electronic device, and ii) movement of the electronic device away from the strap.

8. The strap as claimed in claim 1, in which the controller is configured to use data from a movement sensor in the strap or the electronic device to determine whether to initiate the alert means or signalling means.

9. The strap as claimed in claim 1, in which a plurality of vibrators are spaced along the strap, and the controller is configured to control vibrations generated by the plurality of vibrators based on a detected relative location for the electronic device, for indicating the direction to the electronic device.

10. The strap as claimed in claim 1, in which at least one dummy camera is mounted in or to the strap.

11. The strap as claimed in claim 1, in which at least one optical device is mounted in or to the strap, wherein the optical device optionally includes a night-vision mode.

12. The strap as claimed in claim 11, in which the strap includes a data storage device or a port for receiving a data storage device, and the optical device is connected to the data storage device or port for storing one or more recorded images.

13. The strap as claimed in claim 11, in which the controller is configured to send one or more recorded images from the optical device to the electronic device.

14. The strap as claimed in claim 1, in which an electronic device holder is connected to the strap, wherein the electronic device holder is optionally adjustable for accommodating the size of a given electronic device, and wherein the strap comprises a power source and a charging system for transferring power from the power source to the electronic device via the electronic device holder when the electronic device is held in the electronic device holder.

15. The strap as claimed in claim 1, in which an authentication token is included in the strap or provided on a wearer-facing surface of the strap.

16. The strap as claimed in claim 1, in which the strap includes a location tracking system for remotely determining a location of the strap.

17. The strap as claimed in claim 1, comprising an alarm system including an alarm trigger disposed along the strap, wherein the alarm system is connected to the controller for initiating an alarm if the alarm trigger is cut.

18. The strap as claimed in claim 1, comprising input means for configuring the strap, such as configuring one or more of the controller, the alert means, and the signalling means.

19. A wearable strap and an electronic device configurable to communicate with the strap, the strap comprising releasable connection means which is configurable between an unfastened state, and a fastened state for securing the strap around part of a person's body, and the electronic device comprising a detector for wirelessly detecting the strap, and a controller programmed with at least one predetermined threshold for a distance between the electronic device and strap, wherein one or both of (a) and (b) are provided: a) the electronic device includes a first alert means including at least a speaker or vibrator, and b) the strap includes a second alert means including at least a speaker or a vibrator, and the electronic device includes signalling means for sending a signal to the strap for initiating the second alert means of the strap; wherein the controller in the electronic device being configured to use the detector to monitor the distance between the electronic device and the strap, and the controller being configured to initiate one or both of the alert means and the signalling means to provide an audible alert or a vibrating alert when the distance between the electronic device and the strap exceeds a first predetermined threshold, in which the controller is configurable to suppress or not initiate the audible alert or vibrating alert if the distance between the strap and the electronic device exceeds the first predetermined threshold when the releasable connection means of the strap is in the unfastened state.

20. A personal monitoring system comprising at least one wearable strap as claimed in claim 1, at least one electronic device for the at least one wearable strap, and a monitoring station at a location remote from the at least one wearable strap, in use, the at least one wearable strap transmitting information to the monitoring station via the signalling means to enable remote evaluation of an event in the vicinity of the at least one wearable strap.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a wearable strap according to the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a view of a tightening mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a view of the connection means and storage means according to an embodiment of the invention; and

(5) FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the holder according to an embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(6) Referring to FIG. 1, a wearable strap is indicated generally at 10. The strap 10 is a belt in this embodiment. The strap 10 includes a leather body in this embodiment. However, any strong and/or lightweight material may be used.

(7) The strap 10 includes a body 12 and releasable connection means indicated generally at 14. The connection means is a buckle in this embodiment. A first part 14a of the buckle is at one end of the body 12. A second part 14b of the buckle is at the other end of the body 12. When the buckle parts 14a, 14b are connected together, the strap 12 forms a closed loop for wearing around the waist in a conventional manner.

(8) The buckle 14 includes a combination lock. When the buckle parts 14a, 14b are connected, the strap can link up to a remote monitoring station. The strap 10 can be adjusted in length when the buckle 14 is undone. For example, the body 12 can be rolled relative to the buckle 14 to increase or decrease the strap length.

(9) A control unit 16 is provided on the first part 14a of the buckle 14. In this embodiment, when the buckle 14 is open, the control unit is deactivated. The control unit 16 includes a controller and a detector for wirelessly detecting a phone. In this embodiment, the control unit 16 is paired with the phone so that the detector can sense the phone, or it detects a Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi® profile of the phone, for example. The signal strength of the connection to the phone or field generated by the phone is assessed by the control unit 16 for monitoring the distance between the phone and strap 10. If it decreases, the phone is judged to be further away. Calibration may be required to set the correct sensitivity.

(10) The controller is programmed with a threshold which is or corresponds to a distance between the strap and detected electronic device. In this embodiment, the distance is 2 metres. However, it will be appreciated that another distance may be used, e.g. 1 metres, 1.5 metres, 3 metres etc.

(11) The control unit 16 includes a wireless communication system for sending signals to the phone or to a remote location (e.g. via satellite). The control unit 16 includes a location sensor. The sensor is a GPS unit.

(12) A phone holder is indicated generally at 18. A phone (not shown) can slot into the holder 18 via the side in this embodiment. The phone is used as input means to configure the strap in this embodiment, via a suitable app. This can be used to customise the threshold value(s) of the strap. It can also allow customisation of the alert that is issued if the threshold is breached. It can also be used to customise the delay time until the alert is issued. It may also customise the locations in which alerts are suppressed (or actively permitted).

(13) The holder 18 includes a casing 20 which is releasably attached to the body 12 of the strap 10. The casing 20 includes a battery. The holder 18 includes a combination lock to keep contents in the holder 18 secure. An aperture 18a in the holder allows earphones, for example, to be connected to a device in the holder. A slot 18b is provided through the holder at the level of a microphone in the device in the holder. The holder 18 may allow the device touchscreen to be operated when it is inside the holder 18. For example, in some embodiments, a thin and/or transparent front wall may be provided to enable this.

(14) When the phone is in the holder, power is transferable from the battery to the phone. A distress button 21 is provided on the holder 18. When pressed, the strap 10 transmits a distress signal, e.g. directed to the emergency services. This may initiate a call via the electronic device, for example.

(15) A camera 22 is provided at the front of the holder 18. The camera 22 is connected to the control unit 16. The camera 22 includes a night-vision mode. A data storage device 24 is mountable in the casing 20. When the camera 22 is recording, images are either wirelessly sent to the phone for storage or recorded locally on the data storage device 24.

(16) Alert units 26a, 26b are provided on the strap. Each alert unit 26a, 26b includes a vibrator. The vibrators are spaced apart along the strap 10. Each vibrator is connected to the control unit 16. If the wearer has moved away from their phone beyond the threshold in the control unit 16, then the relevant vibrator will vibrate to indicate a turning direction for reaching the phone via the shortest route.

(17) One or both alert units 26a, 26b include a speaker. The speaker or speakers are connected to the control unit 16. If the wearer has moved away from their phone beyond the threshold in the control unit 16, then the speaker(s) will play the set song for reminding the wearer to go back for the phone.

(18) A security or authentication unit 28 is disposed on a rear surface of the strap 12 (facing the body when worn). The unit 28 is disposed between the vibrators. The unit 28 includes a unique token or barcode for verifying the authenticity of the strap 10. This is used when linking the strap to a remote monitoring station.

(19) A strap tightening mechanism 30 is provided on the strap 10. This prevents the strap being pulled upwards or downwards off the wearer. In this embodiment it is provided between the alert and security units 26a, 26b, 28. However, it will be appreciated that the tightening mechanism could be provided at another position on the strap 10.

(20) The unit 28 includes an alarm system, which includes alarm triggers extending along the body 12 in either direction. The triggers in this embodiment are in the form of a wire running through the body 12. If the strap 10 is cut, the alarm system activates and sends a distress signal to the remote monitoring station. The information in the signal can be assessed and assistance dispatched as needed. The camera 22 automatically sends images to the remote monitoring station if the distress signal is sent. Where multiple cameras are provided (e.g. spaced out around the strap 10 at 90 degree intervals, to provide front-, rear- and side-facing cameras), some or all of the cameras can send images.

(21) In use, the phone is accidentally left on a table and the strap-wearer walks away from it. The phone is stationary and the strap 10 is in motion. When the threshold distance is breached, the control unit 16 activates an alert via one or more of the speaker(s), the vibrator(s) and/or the phone (sending a suitable signal via the wireless communication system), optionally according to a user-set configuration. The wearer is then aware of the situation, and can return to collect their phone straightaway. Returning to within the threshold distance deactivates the alert(s). A different alert or set of alerts may be used if the control unit 16 detects that the phone is moving relative to the strap 10, such as when stolen.

(22) The strap 10 is connectable to a remote monitoring station as part of a personal monitoring system including the strap and the phone. If there is a situation which appears to place the wearer in danger, the monitoring station is able to evaluate sensory information provided from the belt (and/or the phone) to determine whether to contact emergency services to provide assistance.

(23) It will be appreciated that some of the components described with respect to the strap 10 may in alternate embodiments be provided in an electronic device, such as a mobile phone, instead of or in addition to the components being in the strap. This would enable the device to monitor the distance to the strap, instead of or in addition to the other way round, as indicated with respect to the second aspect of the invention. If both the strap and the phone detect/monitor the distance to each other, this provides a backup in case the detector in one of the device or strap should fail or be blocked from detecting the other of the device or strap.

(24) FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of the tightening mechanism 30. The tightening mechanism comprises a first attachment means 301a and a second attachment means 301b for attaching the tightening mechanism 30 to the strap and an adjustment rod 303. The first attachment means 301a has a first set of coupling means 305a, and the second attachment means 301b has a second set of coupling means 305b. Although not apparent from FIG. 2, the attachment means 301 may be secured to the strap or embedded within the strap. For example, the attachment means 301 may be secured by an adhesive or stitching.

(25) The adjustment rod 303 has a first threaded portion at one end of the rod and a second threaded portion at the end opposite the first threaded portion. The first threaded portion is received in a threaded portion of each coupling means of the first set of coupling means 305a. The second threaded portion is received in a threaded portion of each coupling means of the second set of coupling means 305b. The handedness of the threaded portions are designed so that rotation of the rod about its longitudinal axis causes the first set of coupling means and second set of coupling means to move towards or away from the central position of the rod thereby increasing or decreasing the distance between the attachment plates which tightens or loosens the strap.

(26) FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the connection means 14 which includes a strap storage means 40. In the current embodiment, the storage means 40 comprises a spool 401 with one end of the strap body 12 attached thereto and a cylindrical housing 403 attached to the first part 14a of the buckle. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the second part 14b of the buckle is disposed on the other end of the strap body 12 and when connected with the first part 14a, the strap forms a closed loop when worn around the waist in a conventional manner.

(27) The storage means 40 allows for at least a portion of the strap body 12 to be stored in a rolled-up configuration. The spool 401 may be connected to a mechanism (not shown) for retracting the strap body 12 into the cylindrical housing 403. The spool 401 has a cylindrical central body (not shown) with a ratchet (not shown) at each end of the spool.

(28) In some embodiments the mechanism is manual and has a handle rotatably coupled to the spool. In other embodiments the mechanism provides for automatic retraction. The retraction mechanism comprises a biasing element, such as a spiral spring, that biases the strap body into a rolled configuration.

(29) In some embodiments, the storage means 40 includes a locking mechanism (not shown) for preventing the sudden withdrawal of the strap body from the cylindrical housing. The locking mechanism may comprise a centrifugal clutch. The centrifugal clutch comprises a pivotable lever on the spool which is weighted and biased so that when the spool is rotated quickly the centrifugal force drives the weighted end of the lever outwards. The pivotable lever, when driven outwards by centrifugal force, interfaces with a cam plate. The cam plate has a pin received in an aperture of a pawl. The pivotable lever causes the cam plate to move with the pin translating that movement to the pawl. The pawl then interfaces with the ratchet on the spool preventing movement of the spool.

(30) In the current embodiment, the body 12 of the strap includes at least two chains 405 which act as reinforcement means to prevent cutting and a plurality of conductive wires 407. In other embodiments, a single chain or at least one woven metal wire acts as the reinforcement means. The reinforcement means may also act as the alarm trigger extending around the body of the belt discussed above. The plurality of conductive wires 407 can act as the alarm trigger. Furthermore, the plurality of wires can provide a connection for power, data and signals to be transmitted to and from the cameras.

(31) FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the phone holder 18. The phone holder has a casing 20 which is releasably attached to the body of the strap. The releasable attachment means (not shown) is only accessible when the body of the strap is not encircling an individual. A lockable door 181 is provided in the front of the casing 20. The lockable door 181 provides a cavity for receiving a phone, or other valuables (not shown). In the current embodiment, the phone is used as an input means to configure the strap.

(32) An external battery compartment 183 is provided in the casing. The external battery compartment 183 allows access to the battery without having to open the lockable door 181. The external battery housing is accessible through the cavity. Alternatively, there is a means to provide power from the battery in the external battery compartment to the cavity.

(33) An input means 185 is provided in the front of the housing 20, the input means may be disposed in the lockable door 181 or a separate part of the housing 20. The input means 185 may be a physical keyboard or a digital touch screen. This allows a user to input various commands and interact with the functions of the holder 18 including entering a code to unlock the lockable door 181.

(34) A screen 187 is provided in the front of the housing 20. The screen 187 allows a user to view input from the input means 185.

(35) A first indicator 189a and a second indicator 189b are provided on the housing 18. The first indicator 189a is an array of LEDs used to indicate the state of charge of the battery. The state of charge may be indicated by colour or by number of LEDs illuminated. The second indicator 189b may be used to indicate the status of the connection. For example, it may indicate if the wearable strap has connected correctly or if there is an issue.

(36) The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only. Various modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.