Vehicle locator

• US 8,633,836 B1
• Filed: 01/09/2010
• Issued: 01/21/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 01/16/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lavonnia Ball
• Original Assignee: Lavonnia Ball
• Inventors: Ball, Lavonnia
• Primary Examiner(s): Lau, Hoi
• Application Number:
  US12/684,918
• Time in Patent Office: 1,473 Days
• Field of Search: 340/988, 340/426.13, 340/426.12, 340/426.17, 340/426.18, 340/426.28, 340/426.36, 340/989, 340/426.16
• US Class Current: 340/988
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/005 including pedestrian guidance indicator
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/14 indicating individual free spaces in parking areas

Abstract

A vehicle locator includes a base unit mounted within a vehicle including a wireless, radio frequency (RF) receiver, a microcomputer with flash memory and a speaker. A remote unit having a radio frequency transmitter and a voice transmission means is in wireless communication with the base unit receiver and the associated computer/flash memory. Accordingly, a user can remotely record a desired message onto the microcomputer by simply depressing a record button on the remote unit and speaking into a microphone adjacent thereto. The RF receiver and associated electronics are also electrically connected to the door lock/unlock mechanism that is actuated by the standard keyless vehicle remote. Accordingly, when a vehicle driver remotely locks or unlocks the vehicle doors, the prerecorded message is emitted thereby uniquely identifying the vehicle and allowing the driver to quickly ascertain its location.

Claims

1. A vehicle locator comprising:

a base unit mounted on a vehicle, said base unit having a speaker and an audio storage medium with audio playback capabilities;

a first remote unit in wireless communication with said storage medium;

means for remotely transmitting a desired customized message from said remote unit to said storage medium and for recording said message thereon, wherein said means for remotely transmitting a desired message from said remote unit to said storage medium and for recording said message thereon includes a microphone on said remote unit;

an analog-to-digital converter within said remote unit, said converter in communication with said microphone;

a wireless transmitter within said remote unit;

said transmitter in communication with said converter;

a wireless receiver within said base unit in wireless communication with said transmitter; and

a record button on the remote unit in communication with said transmitter and said converter allowing a carrier to project a desired message into said microphone which is wirelessly transmitted to said storage medium;

means for remotely replaying said desired message to locate a parked vehicle, wherein said means for remotely replaying said desired message to locate a parked vehicle includes a remotely-activated vehicle door-locking mechanism for unlocking and locking a vehicle door when receiving a wireless command signal, said door-locking mechanism connected to said storage medium;

a digital-to-analog converter in communication with said storage medium and said speaker and a second remote for wirelessly transmitting said command signal to actuate said door-locking mechanism and to replay said desired message.

2. The locator according to claim 1 wherein said speaker is covered with a wire screen and an overlying layer of moisture-impermeable, air-permeable, laminated fabric.

3. The locator according to claim 1 wherein said base unit is mounted beneath a vehicle'"'"'s hood.

4. The locator according to claim 1 further comprising means for sequentially emitting a plurality of customized recordings in a desired sequence.

5. The locator according to claim 1 further comprising means for emitting a first customized recording when an unlock command on said remotely-activated vehicle door-locking mechanism is actuated, and for emitting a second customized recording when a lock command on said remotely-activated vehicle door locking mechanism is actuated.

6. The locator according to claim 1 further comprising a means for silencing said desired message to allow a vehicle operator to discreetly enter the vehicle.