Proximity alert and direction indicator

• US 5,557,259 A
• Filed: 04/10/1995
• Issued: 09/17/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 04/10/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John S. Musa
• Original Assignee: John S. Musa
• Inventors: Musa, John S.
• Primary Examiner(s): SWANN III, GLEN R
• Application Number:
  US08/419,427
• Time in Patent Office: 526 Days
• Field of Search: 340/573, 340/539, 455/100
• US Class Current: 340/573.4
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0263 System arrangements wherein the object is to detect the direction in which child or item is located
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0288 Attachment of child unit to child/article
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0294 Display details on parent unit

Abstract

A proximity alert and direction indicator is provided that allows an observer to monitor the proximity of a subject under surveillance, particularly a child. The subject wears a transmitter removeably attached to the shoe. The observer wears a receiver-containing bracelet. The receiver contains a proximity detector with threshold set that emits an audible sound when the distance between the subject and the observer exceeds some preset distance. The receiver also contains a direction finder with graphic display that shows the observer the direction to the subject.

Claims

1. A proximity alert and direction indicator comprising:

a. radio transmitter means worn on the shoe of a subject under surveillance, said transmitter means being attached by hook and pile type fastener material to permit said transmitter means to be removed and located on the back of the shoe adjacent the heel;

b. a bracelet worn on the wrist of an observer, said bracelet carrying direction finding radio receiver means to receive a radio signal issued by said transmitter means;

c. proximity detector means connected to said receiver means to output an alarm signal when the distance between said transmitter means and said receiver means exceeds some preset value, and including means for adjusting said preset value; and

d. transducer means connected to said proximity detector including speaker means to issue an audible alarm to said observer when said alarm signal is received.

2. A proximity alert and direction indicator, as recited in claim 1, wherein said speaker means is an electromechanical magnetic speaker.

3. A proximity alert and direction indicator, as recited in claim 1, wherein said speaker means is a piezoelectric speaker.

4. A proximity alert and direction indicator, as recited in claim 1, wherein said transducer means comprises a graphic display that provides a visible indication to said observer that the distance between said observer and said subject under surveillance has exceeded some preset threshold.