Tamperproof occupant detection and alarm system for vehicles

• US 20050068162A1
• Filed: 09/29/2003
• Published: 03/31/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/29/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Cathy D. Santa Cruz, Richard M. Early, Thomas G. Eaton
• Original Assignee: Cathy D. Santa Cruz, Richard M. Early, Thomas G. Eaton
• Inventors: Early, Richard M., Eaton, Thomas G., Santa Cruz, Cathy D.
• Application Number:
  US10/673,614
• Publication Number:
  US 20050068162A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/457
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/002 Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon detection means responsive to presence or absence of children B60N2/266
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0025 by using weight measurement
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/267 alerting means responsive to presence or absence of children
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2210/40 Force or pressure sensors
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/02 Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons

Abstract

A tamperproof occupant detection and alarm system for vehicles which when installed within any vehicle seat, and/or within a child'"'"'s safety seat functions as a notification means to notify either the driver or passerby'"'"'s that an occupant (such as a child or pet) still remains in the vehicle, including novel and unique safety features.

Claims

1. A tamperproof occupant detection and alarm system for a vehicle comprising:

electrical components including a first power source;

an ignition switch;

an ignition detection means;

a weight detection means;

a timer; and

a vehicle alarm system;

said weight detection means being located within either a vehicle seat located wiin a vehicle or within a child'"'"'s safety seat positioned and secured upon said vehicle seat, and said electronic components being electrically interconnected and energized by said first power source,

whereby;

when said ignition switch assumes an “

off”

or locked position, said timer automatically activates for a predetermined time, after said predetermined time has elapsed, said weight detection means is then activated, and if said weight detection means detects a predetermined weight remains thereon, said alarm system automatically activates until said predetermined weight has been removed.

2. The detection and alarm system of claim 1 further includes a second power source having notification means;

whereby;

if said first power source fails, said second power source is automatically activated and serves to energize said weight detection means and associated electronics,

whereby;

if said weight detection means detects a predetermined weight remains thereon, said alarm system automatically activates until said predetermined weight has been removed.

3. The detection and alarm system of claim 2 wherein if a low power condition or failure of said second power source is detected, said notification means notifies the driver of said condition or failure,

whereby:

if said notification means is activated while said vehicle is running, said vehicle will not be operable once said ignition switch resumes said off position until said second power source is again functioning.

4. The detection and alarm system of claim 3 wherein said notification means is further electrically connected to at least one or a combination of the vehicles operational components, said vehicles operational components including but not limited to said ignition means, fuel pump mechanism, transmission mechanism, electronic control module and/or said first power source.

5. The detection and alarm system of claim 2 wherein if a low power condition or failure of said second power source is detected, said notification means notifies the driver of said condition or failure,

whereby:

if said notification means is activated while said vehicle is not running, said vehicle will not be operable until said second power source is again functioning.

6. The detection and alarm system of claim 5 wherein said notification means is electrically connected to at least one or a combination of the vehicles operational components, said vehicles operational components including but not limited to said ignition means, fuel pump mechanism, transmission mechanism, electronic control module, and/or said first power source.

7. The detection and alarm system of claim 1 wherein said weight detection means is programmable, and said predetermined weight is 6 pounds.

8. The detection and alarm system of claim 1 wherein said timer is programmable, and said predetermined time is at least 30 seconds.

9. The detection and alarm system of claim 1 further includes sensor means for sensing the condition of said system,

whereby:

if said system is not operating, said alarm system automatically activates.

10. A tamperproof occupant detection and alarm system for a vehicle comprising:

electrical components including a first power source;

an ignition switch;

an ignition detection means;

a weight detection means;

a timer; and

a vehicle alarm system;

said weight detection means being located within either a vehicle seat located within a vehicle or within a child'"'"'s safety seat positioned and secured upon said vehicle seat, and said electronic components being electrically interconnected and energized by said first power source,

whereby;

when said ignition switch assumes an “

off”

or locked position, said timer automatically activates for a predetermined time, after said predetermined time has elapsed, said weight detection means is then activated, and if said weight detection means detects a predetermined weight remains thereon, said alarm system automatically activates until said predetermined weight has been removed,

whereby;

if said weight is removed and then replaced before said ignition switch assumes said on position, said timer is again activated.