Sleep-detecting driving gloves

• US 6,016,103 A
• Filed: 09/24/1998
• Issued: 01/18/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 09/25/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Larry Leavitt
• Original Assignee: Larry Leavitt
• Inventors: Leavitt, Larry
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Benjamin C.
• Application Number:
  US09/159,737
• Time in Patent Office: 481 Days
• Field of Search: 340/575, 340/576, 116/205, 116/DIG. 44, 200/DIG. 2, 73/379.09, 73/379.02, 73/862.05, 73/862.581, 180/272, 180/271, 373/202, 473/205, 473/202, 2/161.2
• US Class Current: 340/575
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/06 indicating a condition of sleep, e.g. anti-dozing alarms

Abstract

These gloves are capable of preventing motor vehicle operators from falling asleep at the wheel, a dangerous condition that happens to frequently. With strategically placed pressure sensors in the lining of the glove, a driver'"'"'s grasp force on the steering wheel is monitored and an alarm system activated when pressure readings fall outside of accepted range. Communication between left glove and right gloves allows for control of the steering wheel with either hand.

Claims

1. A sleep-detecting system for use while driving comprising

a) a hand-worn device on the left hand and a hand-worn device on the right hand,

b) at least one pressure sensor on each hand-worn device for measuring grip pressure between the associated hand and a steering wheel,

c) remote communication means between the hand-worn devices on the left and right hands, and

d) an alarm activated when grip pressure of both hands falls below a threshold value.

2. A sleep-detecting system according to claim 1 wherein alarm delay means are included for activating the alarm only after grip pressure falls below said threshold value for a predetermined time period.

3. A grip-detecting system for use when gripping an object comprising

a) a hand-worn device on the left hand and a hand-worn device on the right hand,

b) at least one sensor on each hand-worn device for measuring a function determined by the grip between the associated hand and said object,

c) remote communication means between the hand-worn devices on the left and right hands, and

d) an alarm activated when said measured function falls below a threshold value.