World’s first personal portable alarm protects against fire, carbon monoxide, theft and intrusion

Jun 1 2004

Vale of Glamorgan based Innovationisus Ltd is preparing for the launch of the ‘Buddy’, the world’s first personal portable alarm designed to protect against the dangers of fire, carbon monoxide, theft and intrusion.

Innovationisus has received funding and expert advice from business support intellectual property initiative IP Wales® to trademark the Buddy name, and assistance with a UK patent and a PCT application for the portable alarm.

Buddy offers peace of mind to backpackers, travellers, campers, boat owners and caravanners and is the must-have accessory which travellers and enlightened consumers have been waiting for. Buddy combines three alarms in one – a fire alarm, carbon monoxide alarm and motion sensor. Its lightweight, battery-powered design is small enough to fit in a pocket, yet simple and durable enough to use anywhere in the world.

Martyn Hurst, Creative Director at Innovationisus, explains how the idea was conceived: “The idea for Buddy arose after the tragic fire at the student backpacker’s hostel in Childers, Queensland in 2001, when 14 tourists died because the hostel’s smoke alarms had been disabled. The concept was to create a personal, portable fire alarm that travellers could carry with them wherever they go. After some initial development Buddy was born - incorporating not just a fire alarm, but also a carbon monoxide alarm and motion sensor to create the ultimate portable travel accessory for complete peace of mind and personal protection.

“The worrying fact is that many people travelling have little protection against common dangers. Many hotels and hostels are not adequately equipped, inevitably neither are tents, caravans or boats. The beauty of Buddy is that it provides affordable peace of mind which protects individuals not just against the danger of fire, but also the potentially more lethal effects of carbon monoxide and the danger of personal theft or room intruders.”

Buddy works by detecting a rapid rise in temperature through burning materials such as liquid fuel, solvents, paper or card and alerts the user with a fast, repeated beeping sound. It also detects carbon monoxide in the air which may be present in smoke or engine exhaust fumes, making a long continuous sound to alert occupiers.

Buddy also comes with a motion sensor attachment for personal security which can be placed on personal belongings or hung on a door handle to protect from intrusion and theft. If the device detects motion in or around the alarm it will make a slow repeated beeping sound.

On the IP support given, Phillip John, Field Officer for IP Wales® commented: “Recognising the importance of safeguarding their intellectual property, Innovationisus came to us for financial support and advice with trademarking the Buddy name and assistance with a patent application in preparation for its launch. Innovationisus has successfully identified a demand in the marketplace and we are delighted to have been able to help with this groundbreaking product which could save lives. The trademark and patent will give Innovationisus a competitive edge in the multi-million pound travel accessory market place.”

Working prototypes are now available to stockists and Buddy is ready to go into production. The developers are looking for partners with which to work and is currently seeking feedback from the fire services and potential retailers.

Part funded by the Welsh Development Agency and the European Union, IP Wales® is a pioneering business support initiative designed to help companies and individuals take advantage of their intellectual property rights. Since its inception in June 2002, IP Wales® has signed up over 1,400 Welsh SMEs, smashing its target figure of 850 members by December 2004. For more information on IP Wales® log on to www.ipwales.com.