Alert device for drivers with infants

• US 8,063,758 B1
• Filed: 04/30/2009
• Issued: 11/22/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dhanraj Mohan
• Original Assignee: Dhanraj Mohan
• Inventors: Mohan, Dhanraj
• Primary Examiner(s): Pope; Daryl
• Application Number:
  US12/433,837
• Time in Patent Office: 936 Days
• Field of Search: 340/901, 340/425.5, 340/426.24, 340/438, 340/691.1, 340/692, 340/693.1, 340/693.2, 340/693.4, 340/693.5, 340/321, 340/333
• US Class Current: 340/457
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/00 Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00 , e.g. haptic signalling
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/22 responsive to presence or absence of persons

Abstract

An alert device comprising a plug adapted for insertion into a 12-volt electrical receptacle of a vehicle; a cover disposed on a second end of the plug; a microprocessor operatively connected to a vehicle power supply and to a backup power supply, when the vehicle is turned on the microprocessor is powered via the vehicle power supply; an audio controller connected to the microprocessor and to a speaker; a light component connected to the microprocessor; wherein when the vehicle is turned off an interrupt is triggered on the microprocessor and the microprocessor generates a first output command to the light component to activate the light component and generates a second output command to the audio controller to reproduce a pre-recorded message over the speaker.

Claims

1. A precautionary alert device for notifying an occupant in a vehicle that an infant is on board, said alert device comprising:

(a) a plug having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is adapted for insertion into a 12-volt electrical receptacle of the vehicle and a cover is disposed on the second end;

(b) a microprocessor operatively connected to both a power supply from the vehicle via the plug and to a backup power supply;

wherein when the vehicle is turned on the microprocessor is powered via the power supply from the vehicle;

(c) an audio controller operatively connected to the microprocessor and to a speaker disposed on the cover;

(d) a light component disposed on the cover and operatively connected to the microprocessor;

wherein when the vehicle is turned off an interrupt is triggered on the microprocessor, wherein the microprocessor is configured to

receive a first input signal from the interrupt

generate a first output command operatively connected to the light component such that in response to the interrupt the light component is activated;

generate a second output command operatively connected to the audio controller such that in response to the interrupt the audio controller reproduces a pre-recorded message over the speaker.

2. The alert device of claim 1 further comprising a reset button for deactivating the speaker and the light component, wherein the reset button controls a power switch that simultaneously disconnects the backup power supply and the power supply from the vehicle.

3. The alert device of claim 1 further comprising a voltage regulator for reducing the voltage of power received by the microprocessor from the power supply of the vehicle.