US-20260125139-A1 - PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED SHELTER

US20260125139A1US 20260125139 A1US20260125139 A1US 20260125139A1US-20260125139-A1

Abstract

A personal flotation device (PFD) with integrated shelter comprises a body with panels, a shelter kit connecting members, and a removable shelter kit. The shelter kit comprises a frame assembly and a shelter structure. A user detaches the shelter kit from the PFD and deploys the frame assembly and the shelter structure to create a shelter for protection from harsh weather. The shelter structure uses a waterproof outer layer and mesh inner layer that attach to the frame assembly configurable in various tent shapes. The PFD features an identification module, an alerting device, a flashlight, a location sensor, a SOS button, and an electronic device. When the user presses the SOS button, the PFD sends location data and user information through a communication network to a processing server, which coordinates with rescue personnel. The PFD combines flotation capabilities with emergency shelter and tracking technology to improve survival chances in water-related emergencies and disaster scenarios.

Inventors

SHARIFAH ABDULAZIZ ALEISA

Assignees

SHARIFAH ABDULAZIZ ALEISA

Dates

Publication Date: 20260507
Application Date: 20250922

Claims (20)

1 . A personal flotation device, comprising: a body comprising a plurality of panels, wherein the plurality of panels comprises front panels, side panels, and a back panel, and wherein the body is configured to be worn by a user; a plurality of shelter kit connecting members extending from the back panel; a shelter kit removably secured to the back panel by the shelter kit connecting members, wherein the shelter kit comprises a container; and a frame assembly and a shelter structure stored within the container, wherein the frame assembly and the shelter structure deploy to form a shelter to protect the user from environmental conditions while awaiting rescue.
2 . The personal flotation device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of panels are made of a buoyant material.
3 . The personal flotation device of claim 2 , wherein the buoyant material is selected from the group of closed cell Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam and ethyl vinyl acetate foam.
4 . The personal flotation device of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of front adjustment straps extending from the side panels to the front panels, wherein the front adjustment straps comprise front buckle members configured to allow the user to adjust the personal flotation device to fit snugly to the user's body.
5 . The personal flotation device of claim 1 , wherein the container is waterproof and durable.
6 . The personal flotation device of claim 1 , wherein the frame assembly comprises a plurality of base frames, a plurality of extending frames, and at least one top supporting frame, wherein the frame assembly is configured to be arranged in one of A-Frame, Pyramid, Hoop, and Dome tent configurations.
7 . The personal flotation device of claim 6 , wherein each of the base frames, the extending frames, and the at least one top supporting frame comprises a telescopic pole that telescopically adjusts in length and folds to fit inside the container when not in use.
8 . The personal flotation device of claim 1 , wherein the shelter structure comprises: a first sheet, wherein the first sheet is an outer, waterproof sheet that protects the user from environmental conditions; and a second sheet, wherein the second sheet is an inner mesh sheet that protects the user while allowing ventilation.
9 . The personal flotation device of claim 1 , further comprising: an identification code module configured to store user information; an alerting device configured to emit warning signals; a flashlight configured to provide illumination; a location sensor configured to determine the position of the personal flotation device; a (Save Our Ship) SOS button configured to activate emergency functions; and an electronic device configured to transmit data through a communication network to a processing for coordinating with rescue personnel based on the transmitted data.
10 . The personal flotation device of claim 1 , further comprising an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered tracking system configured to predict location coordinates based on last known location and environmental data including wind direction, current speed, and weather conditions, wherein the AI-powered tracking system is configured to operate offline and generate predictive coordinates when communication networks are unavailable.
11 . A shelter kit for a personal flotation device, the shelter kit comprising: a container; shelter kit connecting members configured to removably secure the container to a back panel of a personal flotation device; a frame assembly stored within the container, wherein the frame assembly comprises a plurality of foldable frames; and shelter sheets stored within the container, wherein the shelter sheets are configured to attach to the frame assembly when deployed to form a shelter to protect a user from environmental conditions while awaiting rescue.
12 . The shelter kit of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of frames comprises base frames, extending frames, and at least one top supporting frames, wherein the plurality of frames is arranged in one of A-Frame, Pyramid, Hoop, and Dome tent configurations.
13 . The shelter kit of claim 12 , wherein each of the base frames, the extending frames, and the at least one top supporting frame comprises a support member at its center.
14 . The shelter kit of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of frames further comprises edge connectors configured to join adjacent frames together.
15 . The shelter kit of claim 11 , wherein the shelter sheets comprise: a first sheet, wherein the first sheet is an outer, waterproof sheet that protects the user from environmental conditions; and a second sheet, wherein the second sheet is an inner mesh sheet that protects the user while allowing ventilation.
16 . The shelter kit of claim 15 , wherein the first sheet defines a first door and the second sheet defines a second door, wherein the first door and the second door are configured to provide controlled access to an interior of the shelter structure while maintaining protection from the environmental conditions.
17 . A method of providing emergency shelter using a personal flotation device, the method comprising the steps of: wearing a personal flotation device having a body with a back panel and a shelter kit removably secured to the back panel by a plurality of shelter kit connecting members; releasing the shelter kit connecting members to detach the shelter kit from the back panel; removing a frame assembly and shelter sheets from a container of the shelter kit; deploying the frame assembly by extending a plurality of base frames, extending frames, and at least one top supporting frame; and attaching the shelter sheets to the deployed frame assembly to form a shelter structure.
18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein deploying the frame assembly comprises connecting adjacent frames using edge connectors, and wherein attaching the shelter sheets comprises attaching a first sheet made of waterproof and weatherproof material configured to provide protection from the environmental conditions to the frame assembly and hanging a second sheet comprising mesh material configured to protect a user while allowing ventilation beneath the first sheet.
19 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising: registering the user by receiving personal information including medical details and emergency contacts; creating a user profile with a unique identification associated with the personal flotation device; and adding the user profile to a secure central registry accessible by a rescue team.
20 . The method of claim 19 , further comprising: detecting an emergency situation through activation of a Save Our Ship (SOS) button on the personal flotation device or through automatic detection of water immersion by a sensor; accessing the secure central registry to retrieve the user profile including the medical details and emergency contacts; determining the user's location using multiple positioning technologies including Global Positioning System (GPS), cellular triangulation, and last known location data; deploying the rescue team with appropriate equipment based on the emergency situation and the user's location; and updating the user's status in the secure central registry following the rescue operation, including recording rescue details, medical care provided, and the user's current condition and location.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This patent application claims the benefit of and priority to provisional U.S. Application No. 63/716,278, filed on 5 Nov. 2024 and entitled “Life Jacket Shelter,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to personal flotation devices, and more particularly to a personal flotation device with an integrated shelter for enhancing safety and survival in water-related emergencies and disaster scenarios. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Personal flotation devices (PFDs), such as life jackets or vests, enhance water safety and prevent drowning by keeping a person afloat. Traditional PFDs focus primarily on buoyancy and visibility, with features such as bright colors and reflective materials to aid in rescue operations. In recent years, manufacturers have expanded the functionality of PFDs beyond their basic life-saving role. This expansion stems from the recognition that water-related emergencies, particularly during floods or typhoons, can involve prolonged periods before rescue. During these periods, people may face various environmental challenges. Aquatic environments present numerous hazards beyond the immediate risk of drowning. During catastrophic events like floods or typhoons, people often get stuck in isolated locations where rescue teams cannot reach them quickly. Prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, wind, and precipitation, poses serious threats to the people awaiting rescue. The extended exposure causes significant health hazards and can become life-threatening as the waiting period increases. The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, particularly floods, create critical safety challenges. For example, an estimated 2.5 million people have drowned in natural disasters, highlighting the need for better safety solutions. These events pose significant risks, including drowning, hypothermia, and difficulties in identification and rescue. Traditional life jackets often fall short in providing comprehensive protection during prolonged emergency scenarios. Several attempts have been made in the past to provide different PFDs. One such example is disclosed in European U.S. Pat. No. 2,920,055 B1, entitled “Life jacket having additional lifesaving means and lifesaving means for arrangement in buoyancy aids or life jackets” (“the '055 Patent”). The '055 patent discloses a life jacket with additional lifesaving means that offers a higher degree of buoyancy in an emergency. The '055 patent teaches inserting an additional lifesaving means into a life jacket and activating it via sensors in conjunction with a control unit or by manual actuation. This increases the overall buoyancy beyond that of the life jacket itself, allowing a person's body to remain above water without additional movement. Another example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,182,662 B2, entitled “Hybrid personal flotation device” (“the '662 Patent”). The '662 Patent describes a hybrid personal flotation device that includes a flotation vest body with an expandable cover over at least a portion of the vest body. The expandable cover contains an inflatable chamber with front and back portions connected by a single shoulder pass-through. The device allows inflation through an oral inflation tube or a manually activated cylinder containing compressed CO2. The design maintains a low profile and does not restrict the wearer's neck or shoulder range of motion. Yet another example is disclosed in Korean Patent Application No. 20210025270 A, entitled “Life jacket for hypothermia delay” (“the '270 Publication”). The '270 Publication discloses a life jacket having multiple heating elements to heat sequentially while the user is in water, delaying the loss of body temperature. The design aims to minimize death due to hypothermia, which causes loss of consciousness from slowed blood circulation, respiration, and nervous system functions during rescue operations. Although the above discussed disclosures are useful, they still have problems and present incomplete solutions. For instance, traditional life jackets help people stay afloat, but they do not provide a safe place to stay warm or protected while waiting for rescue teams. In emergency situations on both water and land, individuals remain vulnerable to harsh weather conditions. Traditional life jackets provide buoyancy but lack the versatility to offer protection from the elements once out of the water. Additional challenges include the need for quick identification of individuals, protection of personal identification documents, and the extensive logistical and financial burdens on rescue operations. The above limitations leave the people vulnerable to environmental conditions and reduce their chances of survival in prolonged emergency situations. The '270 Publication helps to maintain body temperature, however the '270 Publication does not pr