VEHICULAR CHILD ALERT DEVICE

• US 20140077943A1
• Filed: 09/14/2012
• Published: 03/20/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 09/14/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: George T. Bloukos, Richard J. Zachar
• Original Assignee: George T. Bloukos, Richard J. Zachar
• Inventors: Bloukos, George T., Zachar, Richard J.
• Granted Patent: US 8,847,747 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/457
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 5/001 Switches therefor
• 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

Abstract

A vehicular child alert device includes a main body housing a pressure switch configured to indicate the status of a vehicle door, a memory configured to store audible notifications, a speaker configured to play the audible notifications, and a processor configured to control the device.

Claims

1. A vehicular child alert device, comprising:

a main body having a plurality of sides and an interior space;

a pressure switch having a portion that is disposed along one of the plurality of main body sides, said switch being configured to transition between an engaged position and a disengaged position;

a speaker configured to provide an audible notification;

a processor configured to control each of the pressure switch and the speaker; and

a memory configured to store operating instructions for the processor, and at least one audible notification for the speaker,

wherein the processor is configured to instruct the speaker to play the audible notification upon detecting that the pressure switch is in a disengaged position.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a visual notification device configured to provide a visual reminder to a device user.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one of a motion sensor, a light sensor and an electric eye that are configured to detect a vehicle door in an open position.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

an input/output port configured to receive a user supplied audible notification for storage in the memory and playback on the speaker.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a speaker jack configured to play the audible notification on a vehicle speaker system.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

an electrical connector configured to engage a vehicle direct current power source.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

further comprising a direct current power source.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a physical connector configured to secure the device to at least one of a vehicle door and a vehicle door frame.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the memory includes each of a local memory and a bulk storage memory.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a padding that is disposed within the main body, said padding being configured to protect the device against damage from vibrations and physical impact.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

an insulation material that is disposed within the main body, said insulation being configured to protect the device against damage from extreme temperature variations.

15. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a speaker jack disposed along the main body, and configured to play the audible notification on a vehicle speaker system.

12. A vehicular child alert device, comprising:

a remotely mountable pressure switch that is configured to transition between an engaged position and a disengaged position;

a main body having a plurality of sides and an interior space;

a speaker disposed within the main body and configured to provide an audible notification;

a processor disposed within the main body and configured to control each of the pressure switch and the speaker;

a memory disposed within the main body and configured to store operating instructions for the processor, and at least one audible notification for the speaker; and

a communication cable interposed between the remotely mountable pressure switch and the processor,

wherein the processor is configured to instruct the speaker to play the audible notification upon detecting that the remotely mountable pressure switch is in a disengaged position.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the pressure switch is configured to be secured to at least one of a vehicle door and a vehicle door frame.

14. The device of claim 12, further comprising:

an input/output port disposed along the main body, and configured to receive a user supplied audible notification for storage in the memory and playback on the speaker.

16. The device of claim 12, further comprising:

an electrical connector configured to engage a vehicle direct current power source.

17. The device of claim 12, further comprising:

a visual notification device that is disposed along the main body, and configured to provide a visual reminder to a device user.

18. The device of claim 12, further comprising:

a physical connector configured to secure the main body to the vehicle.

19. The device of claim 12, further comprising:

a physical connector configured to secure the pressure switch to the vehicle.

20. The device of claim 12, wherein the memory includes each of a local memory and a bulk storage memory.