Parking meter key chain timer

• US 7,046,123 B1
• Filed: 12/31/2003
• Issued: 05/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/31/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Rob Goldberg
• Original Assignee: Rob Goldberg
• Inventors: Goldberg, Rob
• Primary Examiner(s): SWARTHOUT, BRENT
• Application Number:
  US10/750,509
• Time in Patent Office: 867 Days
• Field of Search: 340/932.2, 340/309.3, 340/309.16, 340/309.4, 340/309.2, 340/309.5, 340/309.7, 340/309.8, 116/245, 116/254, 116/284, 116/290, 116/308, 116/309, 116/DIG.44, 368/71, 368/72, 368/80, 368/90, 368/98, 368/99, 368/107, 368/108, 368/109, 368/224, 368/228, 368/244, 368/249, 368/250, 368/266, 368/278, 368/279, 368/281, 368/238, 368/232
• US Class Current: 340/309.8
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 3/00 Apparatus which can be set and started to measure-off predetermined or adjustably-fixed time intervals with driving mechanisms, e.g. dosimeters with clockwork

Abstract

The present invention is a parking time indicator key fob which includes a housing and a timing device contained within the housing for counting down an amount of time. A display is connected to the housing for indicating an amount of time remaining on the timing device. The present invention further includes a means for setting the timing device to the amount of time and an alarm mechanism is connected to the timing device. Upon setting the setting means to the amount of time, the timing device is activated causing the timing device to count down from the amount of time value to a zero value. Upon reaching a predetermined value, the timing device causes the alarm mechanism to be activated thereby alerting a user that the amount of time is approaching the zero value.

Claims

1. A parking time indicator key fob comprising:

a) a housing in the shape of a parking meter having an oval upper section and a narrower main body member extending downwardly from said upper section;

b) a timing device contained within said housing for counting down time set on a parking meter;

c) a display in said oval upper section to for indicating time remaining on said timing device, said display in the shape of an arc with gradations of minutes and hours;

d) a dial on an upper end of said main body member for setting said timing device to said time set on said parking meter said timing device being connected to an indicator pin which is positioned on said display to said time set on said parking meter, said indicator pin sweeping across said display as time elapses;

e) an alarm mechanism connected to said timing device, wherein upon setting said dial to amount time set on said parking meter, said timing device is activated causing said timing device to count down from said time set value to a zero value, and upon reaching a predetermined value, said timing device causes said alarm mechanism to be activated thereby alerting a user that time remaining on said display is approaching said zero value; and

f) a chain connected at one end to a lower end of said main body member, an opposite end of said chain being connected to a key ring.

2. The parking time indicator key fob as recited in claim 1, wherein said display includes a window connected over said display and to said housing.

3. The parking time indicator key fob as recited in claim 2, wherein said display includes a digital screen.

4. The parking time indicator key fob as recited in claim 3, wherein said digital screen displays the time set by said dial through said timing device.

5. The parking time indicator key fob as recited in claim 4, wherein said alarm mechanism comprises at least one of an audible alarm, visual alarm, and vibrational alarm.

6. A parking time indicator key fob comprising:

a) a housing in the shape of a parking meter having an oval upper section and a narrower main body member extending downwardly from said upper section;

b) a timing device contained within said housing for counting down time set on a parking meter;

c) a display in said oval upper section for indicating time remaining on said timing device, said display in the shape of an arc with gradations of minutes and hours;

d) a row of control buttons on an upper end of said main body member for setting said timing device to said time set on said parking meter, said control buttons comprising an hour button, a minute button, a set button, and a stop button for controlling said timing device, said timing device being connected to an indicator pin which is positioned on said display to said time set on said parking meter, said indicator pin sweeping across said display as time elapses;

e) an alarm mechanism connected to said timing device, wherein upon setting said timing device to time set on said parking meters said timing device is activated causing said timing device to count down from said time set to a zero value, and upon reaching a predetermined value, said timing device causes said alarm mechanism to be activated thereby alerting a user that time remaining on said display is approaching said zero value;

f) a digital screen in said display, said timing device setting the time in said digital screen at the same time said indicator pin is set; and

g) a chain connected at one end to a lower end of said main body member, an opposite end of said chain being connected to a key ring.