Sleep Alert Device

• US 20080042856A1
• Filed: 05/08/2006
• Published: 02/21/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/06/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Power Jerome
• Original Assignee: Power Jerome
• Inventors: Power, Jerome
• Application Number:
  US11/569,046
• Publication Number:
  US 20080042856A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/575
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 28/06 responsive to incapacity of driver
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/06 indicating a condition of sleep, e.g. anti-dozing alarms

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sleep alert device (11) that mounts on the steering wheel of a vehicle that acts by pressure by the ringers or hand of the driver. The invention includes a multiplicity of sensors (12) as well as an instant alarm system which prevents accidental problems with previous delay alarm systems and repositioning of the hands without pausing or turning the device off. Sensors (12) are mounted circumferentially around the steering wheel and trigger and alarm with no delay of any kind and are connected directly or wirelessly to a control panel for control of the pressure sensors (12).

Claims

1. A sleep alert device for use while driving a vehicle comprising:

a) a plurality of pressure sensors mounted on a tube adapted for mounting on a motor vehicle steering wheel, the pressure sensors mounted to give a multiplicity of positions where hand grip pressure on a steering wheel can be measured;

b) an alarm which is activated immediately when the grip pressure on all of the sensors are below a predetermined value;

c) a means for turning the sensors on or off; and

d) a pause means for temporarily deactivating the sensors while the device is in use.

2. A sleep alert device according to claim 1 wherein the means for controlling the device is not mounted on the steering wheel.

3. A sleep alert device according to claim 1 wherein the on off switch can be controlled by a timer.

4. A sleep alert device according to claim 1 wherein all the means for controlling the device are mounted on the steering wheel.

5. A sleep alert device according to claim 1 wherein the alarm is connected wirelessly to the pressure sensors.

6. A sleep alert device according to claim 1 which further comprises an automated means for turning the device on at a pre-selected interval of time.

7. A sleep alert device according to claim 1 which further comprises a means for adjusting the pressure at which the alarm is activated.

8. A sleep alert device according to claim 1 wherein the tube is further covered by a fabric covering.

9. A sleep alert device according to claim 1 wherein the number of sensors is chosen such that a person using the device can reposition their hand any place on the tube and be assured of gripping a sensor.

10. A sleep alert device according to claim 1 wherein the pause means and the on off means are the same means.