System and method for locating misplaced items

• US 6,166,652 A
• Filed: 06/22/1998
• Issued: 12/26/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 06/23/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Kerrie Benvenuti
• Original Assignee: Kerrie Benvenuti
• Inventors: Benvenuti, Kerrie
• Primary Examiner(s): Horabik, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): Shimizu, Matsuichiro
• Application Number:
  US09/102,405
• Time in Patent Office: 918 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.49, 340/571, 340/539, 340/825.44, 340/825.36, 341/173, 455/567, 455/419, 455/515, 455/68, 379/373, 379/102.01, 379/106.01, 381/105
• US Class Current: 340/539.32
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0283 via a telephone network, e.g. cellular GSM
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/24 Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 3/1083 Pager locating systems

Abstract

A system for locating lost keys or other items includes a compact, pocket-sized unit that includes a key chain. The unit includes a sound generator that generates a sound of sufficient volume to facilitate locating the device from a distance. The sound generator is coupled to a beeper circuit to allow the operator to actuate the sound generator by placing a telephone call to a beeper or other service. The unit also acts as a conventional beeper for allowing the user to receive messages. Herein, a beeper is defined to include pagers and any other portable device that can be activated by a user placing a telephone call. Using a voice menu, the caller can control the volume of the audible signal generated by the sound generator and/or the duration of the sound-generation event. The operator can also activate a flashing light of the compact unit. Various optional features may be included within the unit, including a miniature flashlight (useful for locating a key hole), a "panic" button that activates the sound generator at is highest volume setting, and a transmitter for opening door locks and/or opening a garage door.

Claims

1. The method for locating a misplaced item comprising the steps of:

attaching the item to a portable sound generation unit, the sound generation unit including circuitry adapted to operate within a beeper network to enable a user to activate the sound generation unit by using a telephone;

remotely activating the sound generation unit through the beeper network when the item is misplaced to cause the sound generation unit to create an audible signal of sufficient volume to enable a user to locate the sound generation unit when the user is positioned remotely from the item; and

using the audible signal to locate the sound generation unit and the attached item,

said step of remotely activating the circuit of the sound generation comprising the step of;

calling from a telephone and

choosing from a plurality of programmable options from an automated menu, the step of choosing including the step of selecting a volume setting for the audible signal.