Issuing alarm signal to operatives
View Patent ↗A jacket 101 has a detector, such as a gas detector, for detecting an environmental hazard. The jacket has a first warning device for issuing a first warning in response to detecting the environmental hazard. Furthermore, the jacket is provided with a transmission device for transmitting a warning signal to similar jackets worn by operatives within the environment. Each jacket includes a second warning device for issuing a second warning in response to receiving a warning signal from any other jackets or clothing.
1. An apparatus for use in a multi-operative activity, during which there is a risk of one or more of said operatives in a group of operatives being exposed to an environmental hazard, the apparatus comprising:
a plurality of items of clothing, wherein each said item of clothing is worn by a respective operative; and
a plurality of detectors for detecting an environmental hazard, each configured to be detachably attached to one of said items of clothing; in which each said item of clothing includes:
a control unit;
permanently attached light emitting devices configured to emit light in a plurality of colors;
a loom of conductors substantially restrained within a said item of clothing, in which said loom of conductors connects said control unit to said permanently attached light emitting devices and to a detachably attached detector; and
wherein said control unit is configured to:
receive a first warning signal from said attached detector;
illuminate one or more of said light emitting devices in a first predetermined color in response to receiving said first warning signal;
transmit a second warning signal directly to other operatives in said group of operatives;
receive the second warning signals from other operatives in said group; and
illuminate one or more of said light emitting devices in a second predetermined color in response to receiving the second warning signal from another member of the group.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said control unit includes:
a processing device; and
a battery, wherein said battery supplies electrical energy to said processing device and to said light emitting devices.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein said battery also supplies electrical power to an attached detector.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each said item of clothing is a jacket.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said environmental hazard is a chemical hazard, including poisonous gases and vapors.
6. A method of warning operatives working as a group of the presence of an environmental hazard, comprising the steps of:
providing each operative with an item of clothing and a detachable detector, in which said detachable detector is configured to detect an environmental hazard;
activating a control unit held within said item of clothing, in which said control unit energizes light emitting devices permanently attached to said item of clothing via a loom of conductors that is substantially restrained within said item of clothing
wherein each said control unit performs the further steps of:
receiving a first warning signal from the configured detector;
illuminating at least one of said permanently attached light emitting devices in a first predetermined color in response to receiving said first warning signal;
transmitting a second warning signal directly to other operatives working in said group; and
illuminating one or more of said permanently attached light emitting devices in a second predetermined color in response to receiving the second warning signal from another member of the group.
7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising the step of activating an audible alarm in response to said step of issuing of said first warning.