When the summer sun shines bright and it’s warm enough outside to stroll around in t-shirts and shorts, it’s fair to say most of us are content.
And yet the source of enjoyment for the masses can be a deadly thing if not respected. Every year, it’s estimated an average of 36 children die after being left in hot cars. All it takes is a lapse in concentration from mom or dad, a slip of the mind during a busy day, perhaps, and a beloved baby can be wiped from the world in the most unnecessary of accidents.
We’re all aware of how hot and stuffy it can get inside a vehicle, and how quickly that can occur during the summer. Unfortunately, this means that young children can fall victim to deadly tragedies in no time at all.
And yet there is hope in the most unlikely of places. One enterprising young boy is taking action to ensure no parent ever has to lose their child to a hot car again. Aged just 10, Bishop Curry invented a device that could prove to be a game-changer …
Bishop’s source of inspiration came via the death of his neighbor’s 6-month-old infant, who passed away after being left in a hot car. The tragedy fuelled Bishop to create ‘the Oasis’, which may serve to prevent such incidents in the future.
Put simply, the Oasis is a car seat cover connected to a device that detects rising temperatures. When the heat goes past a certain point, the device begins to emit cool air, while at the same time using an antenna to send a signal to parents and authorities.
Speaking to the Huffington Post on his invention, Bishop said: “It kind of came in my head.”
Bishop got his patent in April 2018 after creating a 3D clay model of the device. Meanwhile, his dad, also named Bishop, created a GoFundMe Page to help fund the development of the technology that could save a lot of young lives.
The device is described on the GoFundMe Page as being able to “detect when a child has been left inside a hot vehicle and alert parents to the child’s situation. The device will also come with the technology to help cool down the child while he or she waits to be rescued.”
Fees to come
Though the idea is solid and the Currys lack for no enthusiasm, they face the task of getting their device onto the market. Attorneys had advised the family that they’d have to raise a minimum of $20,000 for prototyping, manufacturing and parenting fees for the device. Thankfully, as of May 2019, the campaign boasts more than $50,000 to its name.
What an ingenious idea from someone so young! We wish Bishop all the very best in his endeavour – he could save so many lives!
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