Reminder Device for Eliciting Behavioral Response in a Vehicle

• US 20090076675A1
• Filed: 09/14/2007
• Published: 03/19/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/14/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Les Innovations Cd Invenio Inc.
• Original Assignee: Les Innovations Cd Invenio Inc.
• Inventors: Desjardins, Carole
• Granted Patent: US 7,966,109 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/29
• 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 2/0024 for identifying, categorising or investigation of the occupant or object on the seat
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/267 alerting means responsive to presence or absence of children
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/00 Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00 , e.g. haptic signalling
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/24 Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 21/04 by land vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 21/049 giving information to passengers inside the vehicles

Abstract

A reminder device for alerting or triggering the memory of a vehicular occupant includes one or more visual, auditory and tactile indicators which the occupant associates with the presence of a person, pet, plant or inanimate object located in the vehicle.

Claims

1. A device for reminding or warning a user of a vehicle'"'"'s occupancy status, wherein said device is attached to said vehicle and wherein one or more characteristic associated with said device triggers a memory in said user of said occupancy status.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said occupancy status is the presence of a person, animal, plant or inanimate object in said vehicle.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said memory is triggered when said user exits said vehicle.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said characteristic is selected from the group consisting of a visual appearance, a tactile surface and an audible sound.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein said visual appearance is selected from the group consisting of shape, size, colour, pattern, incandescence, luminescence and a photo fixed to or associated with the device.

6. The device of claim 4 wherein said tactile surface is selected from the group consisting of texture, shape, temperature and movement of said device.

7. The device of claim 4 wherein said audible sound is selected from the group consisting of an alarm and pre-recorded voice.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein said device comprises attachment means for attachment of the device to a first or second location in said vehicle.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein said attachment means is selected from the group consisting of two-sided tape, hook and loop fasteners, elastic bands, clips, wire, buttons, clasps, fabric, sliding sleeve and string.

10. The device of claim 8 wherein said device is capable of being removably attached to said first location in said vehicle with said attachment means, and wherein said device is noticeable by said user when or after said device is removably attached to said first location.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein said first location is proximate to or on an interior handle of a vehicle door closest to said user.

12. The device of claim 8 wherein said device is capable of being removably attached to said second location in said vehicle with said attachment means, wherein said device is not noticeable by said user after said device is removably attached to said second location.

13. The device of claim 12 wherein said second location is proximate to or on a child safety seat assembly.

14. The device of claim 1 wherein said device is in integral or permanent attachment to or proximate to an interior door handle assembly of said vehicle.

15. A method of remembering a vehicle'"'"'s occupancy status, comprising:

a) removably attaching a device proximate to or on an interior handle of a vehicle door prior to operating said vehicle; and

b) noticing said device during or after operating said vehicle, wherein said device is indicative of said vehicle'"'"'s occupancy status.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising:

c) removably detaching said device from said interior door handle; and

d) removably attaching said device proximate to or on a child safety seat assembly.

17. A method of remembering a vehicle'"'"'s occupancy status, comprising:

a) removably detaching a device from a location proximate to or on a child safety seat assembly;

b) removably attaching said device proximate to or on an interior handle of a vehicle door; and

c) noticing said device,

wherein said device is indicative of said vehicle'"'"'s occupancy status.

18. A method of remembering a vehicle'"'"'s occupancy status, comprising:

a) activating a switch which is indicative of said occupancy status;

b) generating an audible alarm on the occurrence of a condition; and

c) deactivating said switch to silence said alarm,

wherein said switch is connected to said alarm.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein said condition is selected from the group consisting of a door opening and said vehicle ignition turning off.