COMFORT BAND FOR WEARING WITH AN ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE BRACELET

Abstract

A comfort band is configured to be worn between an electronic surveillance bracelet and a leg of a wearer. The comfort band includes a tubular elastic element adapted to retain the comfort band on the leg of the wearer. The comfort band further includes a cushion provided along a lower edge of the elastic element so that the cushion is located towards the foot of the wearer. The cushion extends outwardly from the elastic element and is arranged so as to form an abutment for an end face of the electronic surveillance bracelet.

Claims

1. A comfort band configured to be worn between an electronic surveillance bracelet and a leg of a wearer, the comfort band comprising: a tubular elastic element adapted to retain the comfort band on the leg of the wearer; and a cushion provided along an edge of the elastic element intended to be disposed towards the foot of the wearer, the cushion extending outwardly from the elastic element and arranged so as to form an abutment for an end face of the electronic surveillance bracelet.

2. The comfort band according to claim 1, wherein the elastic element has a height at least corresponding to a height of the electronic surveillance bracelet.

3. The comfort band according to claim 1, wherein the elastic element forms a lip extending under the cushion, the lip being arranged to urge the cushion in an outward direction.

4. The comfort band according to claim 1, wherein the comfort band comprises a closure to permit the comfort band to be opened and re-closed, the closure preferably comprising a hook and loop fastener.

5. The comfort band according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the elastic element and the cushion comprises at least one physiological property sensor arranged to be in contact with the skin of the wearer.

6. The comfort band according to claim 5, wherein the physiological property sensor comprises at least one of: a heart rate sensor; a blood oximetry sensor; a skin temperature sensor; a perspiration sensor; a chemical sensor for detecting a foreign substance such as alcohol, pharmaceuticals or drugs; and an identification sensor, such as an ultrasonic sensor for measuring a property of the structure of the wearer's ankle.

7. The comfort band according to claim 5, further comprising at least one electrical contact pad configured to cooperate with a corresponding electrical contact provided on the electronic surveillance bracelet.

8. The comfort band according to claim 7, wherein the electrical contact pad is provided on a surface of the cushion arranged to face an end surface of the electronic surveillance bracelet.

9. The comfort band according to claim 7, wherein the electrical contact pad is provided on an outward-facing surface of the elastic element.

10. The comfort band according to claim 7, wherein the cushion is shaped so as to attain an alignment between the electrical contact pad provided on the comfort band and the corresponding electrical contact provided on the electronic surveillance bracelet.

11. The comfort band according to claim 5, further comprising at least one first antenna adapted to communicate with a corresponding second antenna provided on or in the electronic surveillance bracelet.

12. The comfort band according to claim 11, wherein said first antenna is adapted to transmit data from the physiological property sensor to the electronic surveillance bracelet, and/or to power the physiological property sensor wirelessly.

13. The comfort band according to claim 11, wherein the cushion is shaped so as to attain an alignment between the first antenna comprised by the comfort band and the second antenna provided on or in the electronic surveillance bracelet.

14. The comfort band according to claim 10, wherein the cushion comprises at least one thicker section and at least one thinner section arranged such that an electronic surveillance bracelet achieves said alignment as a result of movement of the wearer's leg.

15. A kit of parts comprising an electronic surveillance bracelet and a comfort band according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Further features of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description in reference to the following figures, in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a comfort band according to the invention;

[0030] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a variant of a comfort band according to the invention;

[0031] FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view from underneath of a the comfort band of FIG. 1;

[0032] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional through the comfort band of FIG. 1;

[0033] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the comfort band in use;

[0034] FIGS. 6a-6c show cross-sectional views of embodiments of a “connected” comfort band according to the invention in combination with an electronic surveillance bracelet;

[0035] FIG. 7a shows a schematic horizontal cross-section through a phone element of a particular embodiment of a comfort band; and

[0036] FIGS. 7b and 7c show two variants of schematic partial cutaway views along A-A of FIG. 7a.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0037] In the following description, directional indications are given with respect to the orientation of the comfort band in normal use, worn around or just above the ankle with the wearer standing upright. As such, “lower”, “downward” and similar indicate a direction towards the wearer's foot, “upper”, “upwards” and similar indicate a direction towards the wearer's knee, “inwards”, “inner” and similar indicate a direction towards the inside of the comfort band, and vice versa.

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a comfort band 1 according to the invention. This comfort band 1 comprises an elastic element 3 which is formed into a ring and sized to fit snugly around the leg of a wearer. Typically, this elastic element 3 is made from a strip of elasticated material such as is commonly used in the manufacture of clothing, such as for waistbands, cuffs, and so on. Alternatively, elastic element 3 can be made of neoprene or any other convenient material. Attached at an edge of the elastic element 3 is a cushion 5, which extends around the edge of the elastic element 3 and is thus also formed into a ring.

[0039] Cushion 5 can take any convenient form. For instance, it can be formed of a shell of material 5a (see FIG. 4) in which is placed an elongated piece of foam 5b (see FIG. 4) or other packing material, of any convenient cross-section such as circular, oval, square, rectangular or so on. In the case of an elastic element 3 made of neoprene, cushion 5 can also be integrally formed as one piece with the elastic element 3, or equally may be stitched thereto.

[0040] In FIG. 1, the comfort band 1 is shown as a slip-on band which is not openable. Such a comfort band 1 must be pulled on over the foot of the wearer, and is not adjustable. As such, the elastic element 3 is either woven as a tube, or is formed into a tube by sewing or bonding a strip of material along its edges. Such a slip-on band can be made extremely thin, and thus may provide the highest level of comfort.

[0041] FIG. 2, on the other hand, shows a modified comfort band 1 in which the band is secured by means of a closure 7 which, in the illustrated form, is a hook-and-loop-type closure, commonly known by the trade name Velcro, which secures the overlapping ends of the comfort band 1. Naturally, any other convenient type of closure can also be used, although a hook-and-loop closure is preferred for comfort since it is very supple and thus comfortable. Furthermore, by providing such a closure, the circumference of the comfort band 1 can be varied, which is not possible with a slip-on-type band, however the closure 7 adds thickness and stiffness to the band compared to the comfort band 1 of FIG. 1. Additionally, such a band can be placed around the leg of a wearer without removing any footwear present.

[0042] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a particular embodiment of attaching the cushion 5 to the elastic element 3. In this embodiment as illustrated, the cushion 5 is constituted by enclosing a rod of foam material 5b in a shell 5a formed of fabric tape. The edges of the fabric tape are then sewed by means of stitching 9 along the edge of the elastic element 3 such that a lip 3a of the material of the elastic element 3 remains. This lip 3a of material applies sufficient outwards pressure on the cushion 5 that cushion 5 is prevented from folding under the elastic element 3 in use. One way to achieve this is to position the two edges of the fabric tape which form the shell 5a together with the edge of the elastic element 3 all pointing in the same direction with the foam material 5b being positioned towards the opposite edge of the elastic element 3, and to sew all three edges using a relatively wide stitching 9 such as a zigzag stitch, the material defined by the width of the zigzag stitch together with the excess material of the elastic element 3 protruding beyond the stitching 9 thereby forming the lip 3a. Although the excess material should be kept to a minimum, for instance up to 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 millimetres beyond the stitching 9, it may extend for several centimetres, for instance up to 2 or 3 centimetres. In such a latter case, the cushion 5 is still considered to be situated along the lower edge of the elastic element 3, irrespective of where it is stitched, since in use the cushion 5 will be in any case positioned here.

[0043] Naturally, other means of forming this lip are possible, and it is not obligatory that material be stitched: depending on the materials chosen, it may be glued, riveted, welded, or so on. In the case of a single piece construction of neoprene or other similar suitable material, the lip 3a may be formed integrally.

[0044] FIG. 5 shows schematically comfort band 1 in use. As is generally known, a security bracelet 11 is worn around the ankle or lower leg of the wearer, as illustrated. Comfort band 1 is worn around the ankle or lower leg underneath the security bracelet 11. As is clearly shown, cushion 5 is thus interposed between the lower face of the security bracelet 11 and the ankle/foot of the wearer, and elastic element 3 is interposed between the inside face of security bracelet 11 and the wearer's skin. Although it is not strictly necessary, it is advantageous that elastic element 3 is at least as tall, preferably taller, than the security bracelet 11 such that elastic element 3 protrudes above it as can be seen in FIG. 5. This minimises contact between the security bracelet 11 and the wearer's skin, and provides the maximum comfort.

[0045] As discussed briefly in the introduction, it is often desirable to be able to perform physiological measurements in conjunction with the use of an electronic security bracelet. There are numerous non-invasive physiological measurements that can be carried out at the skin either by measuring electrical signals, electrical resistance, or making optical or ultrasound measurements. Nonlimiting examples of such measurements are pulse oximetry for measuring blood oxygen content, heart rate, skin temperature, perspiration by means of skin conductivity, presence of blood-borne foreign substances such as alcohol, pharmaceuticals, drugs, and so on. Such measurements can be useful for remotely checking aspects of the health and physical condition of the wearer. For instance, an alcohol or drug sensor can determine whether a wearer has been drinking or taking drugs, or a pharmaceutical detector can determine whether a wearer has been taking certain medication that he or she is required to take, such as cardiac medication or mood-altering pharmaceuticals. Another example of a physiological sensor is a biometric sensor using ultrasound, for carrying out intracorporeal imagery. Such a sensor can perform an echography of the bones of the wearer's ankle or lower leg, in particular of the tibia and fibula, and can be used at low resolution to determine that the wearer has not removed the security bracelet and placed it on an animal or other mobile object. At high resolution, the sensor could be used to identify the wearer based on unique features of the bones imaged. Other forms of identification sensor are also possible.

[0046] However, in the case of rigid security bracelets, it is difficult to keep the sensors in contact with the skin where they need to be in order to accurately perform measurements, since such a bracelet cannot be sufficiently close-fitting.

[0047] FIGS. 6a to 6c present solutions to this problem, each of which is illustrated comfort band 1 in combination with an electronic security bracelet 11. In FIG. 6a, at least one physiological sensor 13 of any type including but not limited to those discussed above is integrated into cushion 5 such that, when the comfort band 1 is worn, physiological sensor 13 is situated on an inward-facing surface of the cushion 5 and is thus brought into contact with the skin of the wearer. Alternatively, physiological sensor 13 may simply be attached on the inward-facing surface of the cushion 5. As many physiological sensors 13 as desired may be incorporated into the cushion 5 as desired. It is also possible to incorporate one or more batteries into cushion 5, however it is desirable to power the sensor from in these variants.

[0048] In order to power the physiological sensor 13 and to receive signals produced thereby, the cushion 5 comprises an electrical contact pad 15 in electrical communication with one or more physiological sensors 13. Electrical contact pad 15 is situated on an outward-facing upper surface of the cushion 5 such that it can be brought into contact with a corresponding electrical contact 17 situated on the lower, downwards-facing end of electronic security bracelet 11. The electrical contact pad 15 and electrical contact 17 are thus maintained in contact by gravity, ensuring reliability of connection. It is also possible to incorporate one or more batteries for accumulators into cushion 5, if required. Comfort band 1 is thus a so-called “connected” comfort band.

[0049] Electrical contact pad 15 may be constituted by a monolithic metallic or conductive polymer pad, by wires interwoven with the material constituting the exterior of the cushion 5, or any other convenient arrangement. Naturally, as many electrical contact pads 15 as desired may be incorporated. To maximise the electrical contact, either or each of the electrical contact pad 15 and the electrical contact 17 may be elongated and extend around the respective component for a certain angle such as 45°, 90°, 180° or even greater.

[0050] FIG. 6b shows an arrangement which differs from that of FIG. 6a in that electrical contact pad 15 is provided on an outward-facing surface of the elastic element 3, and the corresponding electrical contact 17 is provided on an inward-facing surface of the electronic security bracelet 11. In order to maximise the probability of maintaining good contact between electrical contact pad 15 and corresponding electrical contact 17, each may be arranged diagonally on their respective component, at opposite angles.

[0051] FIG. 6c illustrates a variant in which physiological sensor 13 is integrated into the elastic element 3 rather than the cushion 5, and in which power is supplied to the physiological sensor 13 and/or signals are received therefrom wirelessly, by means of a first antenna 21 is situated in the cushion 5, which communicates with a second antenna 23 situated on or in the electronic security bracelet 11. The required circuitry and any required batteries or accumulators (not illustrated) are integrated into cushion 5. Antenna 21 may alternatively be integrated into elastic element 3. Such wireless power and data transfer technology is well understood (for instance in the field of RFID tags) and need not be described further here. The various antennas 21, 23 may each be provided around the whole of the periphery of the cushion 5 or elastic element 3 and the electronic security bracelet 11, or one or both of them may be a smaller antenna situated over a smaller area.

[0052] It should be noted that the features of the variance illustrated in FIGS. 6a-c can be combined in any convenient manner, and that physiological sensors 13, electrical contact pads 15, first antennas 21 and so on can be positioned at will on any convenient part of the comfort band 1, in combination or separately.

[0053] As has already been discussed briefly in connection with FIG. 5, it can more clearly be seen from FIGS. 6a-c that the height h2 of the elastic element 3 considered parallel to its central axis is advantageously greater than the height h1 of the electronic security bracelet 11, such that the upper edge of the elastic element 3 protrudes above the upper face of the electronic security bracelet 11.

[0054] In the case of the “connected” band 1 as illustrated in FIGS. 6a-c, it is advantageous that the alignment between the comfort band 1 and the electronic security bracelet 11 be maintained such that contact is maintained as far as possible between the various electrical contacts 15, 17, and/or that wireless communication is maintained between the antennas 21, 23. As can be seen in FIGS. 7a-c, to this end, the foam 5b of the cushion 5 (or the entirety of the cushion 5 itself in the case that this latter is formed as a single piece) comprises at least one thicker region 25 with a height h3 (considered parallel to the central axis of the elastic element 3) which is greater than the height h4 of diametrically opposed thinner region 27 interposed between the thicker regions 25. In the illustrated variant, a pair of diametrically opposed thicker regions 25 are provided, between which are interposed a corresponding pair of diametrically opposed thinner regions 27.

[0055] In FIG. 7b, the height of the foam 5b varies continuously between h3 and h4, whereas in FIG. 7c, the foam 5b is of continuous height h3, h4c in each of the thicker and thinner regions 25, 27 respectively, with a relatively abrupt step change between these regions.

[0056] This varying height has the result that if the security bracelet 11 is oval, and/or has a height which varies around its circumference in a complimentary fashion to that of the foam 5b, and/or the lower end face 11a of the security bracelet 11 comprises at least one appropriately-arranged protuberance, normal movement of the leg of the wearer will cause the security bracelet 11 to settle into an appropriate alignment with respect to the comfort band 1. In the case of an oval security bracelet 11 used in conjunction with a security band comprising the foam element 5a as illustrated in FIG. 7a, the major diametric axis of the security bracelet 11 will align itself with the thicker regions 25, and the minor diametric axis of the security bracelet 11 will align itself with the thinner regions 27.

[0057] The same principle applies equally in the case of a simple comfort band 1 without electronics to assure the alignment of an oval security bracelet 11 for the purpose of improving the comfort of the wearer.

[0058] Although the invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, variations thereto are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.