Remote control finder

• US 6,573,832 B1
• Filed: 11/21/2000
• Issued: 06/03/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/21/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lyne Fugere-Ramirez
• Original Assignee: Lyne Fugere-Ramirez
• Inventors: Fugere-Ramirez, Lyne
• Primary Examiner(s): Crosland, Donnie L.
• Application Number:
  US09/716,379
• Time in Patent Office: 924 Days
• Field of Search: 340/539, 340/825.69, 340/825.72, 340/825.36, 340/825.49, 348/734
• US Class Current: 340/539.13
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/24 Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms

Abstract

A remote control finder or locating device for finding lost personal items, such as keys, a television/VCR remote control, a pager, a cellular phone or eyeglasses. The remote finder sends a radio signal to a selected one of a plurality of button-shaped receivers that emits an audible beeping noise upon activation of the appropriate radio signal. The receiver attaches to the back of any personal item by a sticker. The remote control transmitter has individually numbered buttons which correspond to the item the user wishes to locate. The remote control transmitter fits into a wall-mounted bracket when not in use. In case the remote control transmitter, itself, is lost, a button located on the mounting bracket sends out a signal which activates the remote control transmitter to emit a beeping sound and so assists in locating the finder.

Claims

1. A remote control finder comprising:

a) a plurality of receiver units, each comprising;

1) a disk-shaped receiver housing having a first adhesive fastener means on the back side, thereof, for attachment to an object to be found;

2) indicia indicative of said object located on a top surface of said receiver housing;

3) a speaker situated within said receiver housing for transmitting an audio signal; and

4) a receiver situated within the receiver housing and connected to said speaker, the receiver mechanism of each said receiver units adapted to transmit an audio signal via said speaker thereof upon the receipt of a particular activation signal;

b) a finder transmitter unit comprising;

1) a transmitter housing with generally rectangular configuration having a front face, a rear face, and periphery formed therebetween, having first and second sidewalls, a top wall, and a bottom wall defining an interior space;

2) a plurality of push button switches situated centrally on the front face of the housing in an array pattern;

3) a finder button identification list located on the lower portion of said housing front face,

4) a plurality of locations on said list, each location corresponding to one of said plurality of push buttons switches;

5) corresponding indicia located at each of said plurality of locations and said push button switches so as to effect identification of said corresponding push button switch; and

6) a transmitter means situated within said finder transmitter housing and coupled to said push button selection switches, said transmitter means being adapted to transmit a unique activation signal corresponding to one of said receiver units upon the depression of a corresponding push button switch, whereby one of said receiver units transmits an audio signal;

7) said finder transmitter housing having a radio receiver means therein, and connected to speaker means mounted on the face of said finder transmitter so that upon activation of said finder radio receiver means said finder speaker means, emits an audible signal; and

c) a bracket for fixed location on a wall, the bracket physically receiving said finder transmitter unit for storage when not in use, the bracket having a push button switch located upon a front face thereof, and a radio transmitter located within said bracket, wherein said bracket push button switch activates said finder transmitter speaker to emit said audible signal so as to enable a user to locate said finder transmitter if it is misplaced.

2. The remote control finder of claim 1, further comprising a sound control switch located on the face of said transmitter receiver operative to raise and lower the audible sound produced by said transmitter receiver speaker.

3. The remote control finder of claim 1, further comprising an on-off switch located on the face of said finder for activating or deactivating the finder.

4. The remote control finder of claim 1, further comprising an LED light located on the face of said finder which starts flashing upon activation of one of said receiver units, wherein the flashing rate thereof increases as said remote control finder approaches said activated receiver unit.

5. The remote control finder of claim 1, further comprising a low battery light indicator located on the face of said finder.