Chair tilt alarm

• US 20010048372A1
• Filed: 01/17/2001
• Published: 12/06/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: David Christopher Tomich
• Original Assignee: David Christopher Tomich
• Inventors: Tomich, David Christopher
• Granted Patent: US 6,392,556 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/689
• CPC Class Codes: A47D 1/00 Children's chairs
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/02 Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons

Abstract

The chair tilt alarm 10 comprises a power supply 12 in electrical communication with an on-off switch 14, a tilt sensor 16, and an warning device 18. The warning device 18 will be activated when the chair 20 is tilted beyond a predetermined angular position 22. As the chair returns toward its righted position, the alarm will deactivate. The chair tilt alarm 10 can be shut off manually or remotely. The chair tilt alarm (10) is also equipped with data storage and transmission modules for reporting of chair tilting at a base station. The chair tilt alarm (10) is also equipped with a counter-balance system to correct the chair to an acceptable position.

Claims

1. An automatically actuatable safety chair-tilt alarm to warn a user of dangerous surface tipping being attached to a chair with a bottom surface, a first end, and a second end comprising:

(a) an electrical circuitry having a warning device and a tilt sensor in electrical series, wherein the tilt sensor sends a tilt sensor signal to the warning device when the chair is tipped from a level position beyond a predetermined angular position with respect to the chair bottom surface, wherein the warning device sends a warning signal to warn the user in response to the tilt sensor signal; and

(b) means for connecting the electrical circuitry to a power source, the connecting means having a plurality of terminals including at least one positive terminal and at least one negative terminal;

whereby the tilt alarm is arranged to actuate when the chair is beyond design safety limits.

2. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 1

, wherein the tilt sensor signal includes an angular position of the chair bottom surface.

3. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 2

, further comprising:

(a) a base station;

(b) a base transceiver, having a base antenna, in communication with the base station; and

(c) a position-reporting module in communication with the tilt sensor and the base station, the position-reporting module transmits to the base station data, contained within the tilt sensor signal, received from the tilt sensor;

whereby the data, such as chair angular position, chair number, classroom, occupant assigned to chair, teacher, date, time, duration and number of times the chair exceeded predetermined limits, is retained by the base station for future retrieval and reporting.

4. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 3

, wherein the position-reporting module comprises:

(a) a programmable processor, having a data storage unit to store the data, contained within the tilt sensor signal, received from the tilt sensor; and

(b) a position transceiver, having a position transceiver antenna, in communication with the programmable processor, wherein the position transceiver transmits the data received by the programmable processor to the base station upon a command by the base station or at a predetermined time interval or when the angular position of the chair bottom surface exceeds the predetermined angular position,

whereby the data is stored at the base station for future analysis.

5. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 2

, further comprising a counter-balance system in communication with the tilt sensor, the counter-balance system having a processor with data storage in communication with at least one counter weight having a first and a second surface, wherein the processor translates the angular position of the chair bottom surface received from the tilt sensor into a plurality of correction coordinates for positioning the counter weight, wherein the counter weight is actuated to the correction coordinates, whereby the chair is corrected to an acceptable angular position.

6. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 5

, wherein the counter-balance system further comprises:

(a) a stepper motor in communication with the processor to receive the correction coordinates for positioning the counter weight;

(b) at least one linkage coupling the stepper motor and the counter weight; and

(c) a correction signal sent by the processor containing the counter weight correction coordinates activating the stepper motor, wherein the conveyor belt advances and the counter weight positions;

whereby helping to result in the lowering of the chair legs back to the floor.

7. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 6

, wherein the linkage includes a conveyor belt, having a perimeter and an inner surface, and a plurality of rollers, having an outer diameter, the counter weight being fixedly attached to the conveyor belt, the rollers being positioned within the conveyor belt perimeter, wherein the roller outer diameters are in frictional contact with the conveyor belt inner surface, the rollers being positioned between the first and the second ends of the chair to hold the conveyor belt in position parallel to the chair bottom surface, wherein at least one roller is rotatably coupled to the stepper motor.

8. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 6

, wherein the linkage includes:

(a) a plurality of pulleys, wherein one pulley is rotatably coupled to the stepper motor;

(b) the counter weight having a cable position hole; and

(c) a cable having two ends, wherein the cable is threaded through the pulleys and the cable position hole and fixedly attached to the counter weight.

9. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 6

, wherein the linkage includes:

(a) the stepper motor having a shaft;

(b) an externally threaded shaft, having opposing ends, wherein one end is fixedly coupled to the stepper motor shaft; and

(c) an internally threaded shaft hole through the center of the counter weight from the first surface to the second surface, wherein the threaded shaft hole is sufficiently sized with internal threads to receive the externally threaded shaft.

10. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 1

, further comprising an on-off switch to prohibit actuation of the tilt alarm when the tilt alarm is tipped.

11. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 10

, wherein the on-off switch comprising a manual on-off switch to activate and deactivate the tilt alarm.

12. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 11

, wherein the manual on-off switch is selected from the group comprising a push-button switch, a key switch, or a toggle switch to locally activate and deactivate the tilt alarm.

13. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 10

, wherein the on-off switch further comprising a remote control receiver in communication with a transmitter to remotely activate and deactivate the tilt alarm.

14. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 1

, wherein the warning device is an audio alarm.

15. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 1

, wherein the warning device is a visual alarm.

16. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 1

, wherein the warning device is a touch alarm.

17. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 1

, wherein the warning device is a scent alarm.

18. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 1

, further comprising a compact case having a top lid and a base lid, whereby the plurality of power supply terminals and the electrical circuitry are enclosed within the lids to aid in the attachment to the chair bottom surface.

19. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 18

, wherein the compact case top lid further comprising an outer surface to anchor the compact case to the chair bottom surface.

20. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 18

, wherein the compact case base lid further comprising an inner surface to anchor the plurality of power supply terminals and the electrical circuitry within the compact case.

21. A method of providing a safety chair-tilt alarm for a chair with a bottom surface, a first end, and a second end, comprising the steps of:

(a) connecting a tilt sensor to the chair bottom surface together with a plurality of power supply terminals in communication with a warning device;

(b) attaching an on/off switch to the tilt alarm so as to permit the tilt alarm to be deactivated when the chair is not in use; and

(c) arranging the on/off switch to be actuated by a user of the chair to emit an tilt sensor signal when the chair is tilted to an angular position beyond a predetermined angular position.

22. A method of providing a safety chair-tilt alarm for a chair as recited in

claim 21

, further comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a compact case, with a top lid having an outer surface and a base lid having an inner surface, to encase the tilt sensor, the plurality of power supply terminals, and the warning device;

(b) securing the tilt sensor, the plurality of power supply terminals, and the warning device to the inner surface of the base lid;

(c) joining the base and the top lids of the compact case; and

(d) anchoring the outer surface of the compact case top lid to the chair bottom surface.

23. A method of providing a safety chair-tilt alarm for a chair as recited in

claim 21

, further comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a base station;

(b) providing a base transceiver, having a base antenna, in communication with the base station; and

(c) providing a position-reporting module, in communication with the tilt sensor and the base station, having a programmable processor with a data storage unit to store the data received from the tilt sensor and a position transceiver with a transceiver antenna, in communication with the processor and the base station, wherein the transceiver transmits the data received by the processor to the base station upon a command by the base station or at a predetermined time interval or when the angular position of the chair exceeds the predetermined angular position;

whereby the position-reporting module transmits to the base station data received by the tilt sensor such as chair angular position.

24. A method of providing a safety chair-tilt alarm for a chair as recited in

claim 21

, further comprising the step of providing a counter-balance system in communication with the tilt sensor, the counter-balance system having a processor with data storage in communication with at least one counter weight having a first and a second surface, the processor translates the angular position received from the tilt sensor into a plurality of correction coordinates for positioning the counter weight.

25. A method of providing a safety chair-tilt alarm for a chair as recited in

claim 24

, wherein the counter-balance system further comprises the steps of:

(a) providing a stepper motor in communication with the processor to drive the counter weight into position;

(b) providing a linkage to couple the stepper motor and the counter weight; and

(c) providing a positive and a negative terminal to connect a power supply, the terminals being in communication with the processor and the stepper motor.

26. A method of providing a safety chair-tilt alarm for a chair as recited in

claim 25

, wherein the linkage further comprises the steps of:

(a) providing a conveyor belt, having a belt perimeter and an inner surface; and

(b) providing a plurality of rollers having an outer diameter, the counter weight being fixedly attached to the conveyor belt, the rollers being positioned within the conveyor belt perimeter, wherein the roller outer diameter is in frictional contact with the conveyor belt inner surface, the rollers being positioned between the first and the second ends of the chair to hold the conveyor belt in position parallel to the chair bottom surface, wherein at least one roller is rotatably coupled to the stepper motor.

27. A method of providing a safety chair-tilt alarm for a chair as recited in

claim 25

, wherein the linkage further comprises the steps of:

(a) providing a plurality of pulleys, having one pulley rotatably coupled to the stepper motor;

(b) providing the counter weight having a cable position hole; and

(c) providing a cable having two ends, wherein at least one cable end is threaded through the pulleys and the cable position hole, wherein both cable ends are fixedly attached to the counter weight.

28. A method of providing a safety chair-tilt alarm for a chair as recited in

claim 25

, wherein the linkage further comprises the steps of:

(a) providing the stepper motor having a shaft;

(b) providing an externally threaded shaft, having opposing ends, one end fixedly coupled to the stepper motor shaft; and

(c) providing an internally threaded shaft hole through the center of the counter weight from the first surface to the second surface, wherein the threaded shaft hole is sufficiently sized with internal threads to receive the externally threaded shaft.

29. An automatically actuatable safety chair-tilt alarm to warn a user of dangerous surface tipping being attached to a chair with a bottom surface, a first end, and a second end comprising:

(a) tilt sensing means for producing a tilt sensor signal, the tilt sensor signal including an angular position of the chair bottom surface, in response to the chair exceeding a predetermined angle position relative to a level surface;

(b) warning means for producing a warning signal to alert the user of the chair tilting beyond a predetermined angular position in response to the tilt sensing means signal; and

(c) means for connecting the tilt sensing means and the warning means to a power source;

whereby the user is alerted to a potentially unsafe condition and the tilt of the chair can be maintained approximately below the predetermined angular position.

30. The chair tilt alarm for a chair as recited in

claim 29

, wherein the tilt sensing means comprises a tilt sensor having a movable conductive member and a plurality of electrodes.

31. The chair tilt alarm for a chair as recited in

claim 29

, wherein the warning means comprises an audio device to alert the user with a sound.

32. The chair tilt alarm for a chair as recited in

claim 31

, wherein the audio device comprises a programmable function, the audio alarm can be programmed for a simple steady or intermittent tone, wherein the period between tones of the intermittent tone can vary and the volume of the tone can increase the longer the chair is in the undesirable tilted position, the audio alarm can also be in the form of a pre-recorded message requesting the user correct the chair angle, whereby the user is alerted but not startled, thereby, avoiding an accident resulting from a frightened user.

33. The chair tilt alarm for a chair as recited in

claim 29

, wherein the warning means comprises a visual device to alert the user with a light.

34. The chair tilt alarm for a chair as recited in

claim 33

, wherein the visual device comprises a programmable function, wherein the light can be programmed to illuminate constantly or at a phased period, like a strobe light, wherein the intensity of the light can be amplified or reduced and flashing period shortened the longer the chair is in the undesirable tilted position, whereby the user is alerted but not startled, thereby, avoiding an accident resulting from a frightened user.

35. The chair tilt alarm for a chair as recited in

claim 29

, wherein the warning means comprises a touch device to alert the user, the touch device emits a pulse sufficient for a user to recognize the warning and take corrective action.

36. The chair tilt alarm for a chair as recited in

claim 29

, wherein the warning means comprises a scent device to alert the user, the scent device emits a noticeable fragrance sufficient for a user to recognize the warning and take corrective action.

37. The chair tilt alarm for a chair as recited in

claim 29

, further comprising a counter balance means for positioning at least one counter weight to a predetermined position to force the chair to the level surface in response to the tilt sensing means signal.

38. The chair tilt alarm for a chair as recited in

claim 37

, wherein the counter balance means comprises:

(a) means for processing and storing data in communication with at least one counter weight, the processing means translates the angular position received by the tilt sensing means into a plurality of correction coordinates in terms of machine interpreted steps for positioning of the counter weight;

(b) means, connected to the processing means, for driving the counter weight to the correction coordinates, the driver means will be incremented by the predetermined steps;

(c) means for linking the counter weight and the driver means; and

(d) a plurality of power source terminals to connect a power source to the processing means and the driver means,

whereby the chair is corrected to an acceptable position based on the tilt angle received by the tilt sensing means.

39. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 38

, wherein the linkage means comprises:

(a) a conveyor belt, having a perimeter and an inner surface, and a plurality of rollers, having an outer diameter, the counter weight being fixedly attached to the conveyor belt, the rollers being positioned within the conveyor belt perimeter, wherein the roller outer diameter is in frictional contact with the conveyor belt inner surface, the rollers being positioned between the first and the second ends of the chair to hold the conveyor belt in position parallel to the chair bottom surface, wherein at least one roller is rotatably coupled to the drive means; and

(b) the processing means sends a correction signal containing the counter weight correction coordinates, activating the drive means, and advancing the conveyor belt,

whereby the counter weight is positioned resulting in the lowering of the chair legs back to the floor.

40. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 39

, wherein the driver means is a stepper motor.

41. The chair tilt alarm for a chair as recited in

claim 29

, further comprising a data reporting and recording means to transmit data gathered by the tilt sensing means to a base station for future retrieval and reporting.

42. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 41

, wherein the data reporting and recording means comprising:

(a) means, connected to the base station, for receiving the signals to be detected and for supplying the signals to the base station; and

(b) means for reporting the chair angular position between with the tilt sensing means and the base station, the reporting means transmits to the base station data received by the tilt sensing means such as chair angular position,

whereby the data is retained by the base station for future retrieval and reporting.

43. The safety chair-tilt alarm as recited in

claim 41

, wherein the reporting means comprises:

(a) means for processing and storing the data received from the tilt sensing means; and

(b) means, connected to processing means, for transmitting the radio frequency signals to be sent by the processing means to the base station, the transmitting means transmits the data received by the processing means to the base station upon a command by the base station or at a predetermined time interval or when the angular position exceeds the predetermined angle,

whereby the data is stored at the base station for future analysis.

44. A method of providing a safety chair-tilt alarm for a chair comprising the steps of:

(a) sensing a tilt angle of the chair beyond a predetermined angular position; and

(b) signaling the user of the chair that the chair to beyond the predetermined angular position,

whereby the user, now being aware the chair is tilted beyond an acceptable angle, will lower the chair below the predetermined angular position, thereby deactivating the tilt alarm.

45. A method of providing a safety chair-tilt alarm for a chair as recited in

claim 44

, wherein the tilt alarm further comprises:

(a) processing the tilt angle into a plurality of correction coordinates for the positioning of a counter weight to level the chair; and

(b) actuating the counter weight to the correction coordinates,

whereby forcing the chair to the level floor.

46. A method of providing a safety chair-tilt alarm for a chair as recited in

claim 44

, wherein the tilt alarm further comprises transmitting data to a base station for the storage, whereby the data, such as chair angular position, chair number, classroom, occupant assigned to chair, teacher, date, time, duration and number of times the chair exceeded predetermined angular position, is retained by the base station for future retrieval and reporting.