Status indicating doorbell

• US 20060071762A1
• Filed: 10/06/2004
• Published: 04/06/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/06/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lori Lombardo
• Original Assignee: Lori Lombardo
• Inventors: Lombardo, Lori
• Granted Patent: US 7,336,158 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/330
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 3/10 using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission

Abstract

A doorbell unit capable of displaying several status indicators or messages next to its activation button. The activation button is located on a display panel. The user can set the display panel to show a variety of messages, including “Do Not Ring,” “Ring With Care,” “Welcome,” or a custom text message. The display panel is preferably controlled by logic circuitry located within a controller, which replaces the conventional chime unit. A remote control is provided, so that the user can alter the status of the device without having to access the controller.

Claims

1. A status indicating door bell allowing a user to display a selected status proximate the exterior of a door on a house, wherein said status indicating doorbell utilizes an activation circuit installed between a prior art button and a prior art chime unit within said house, comprising

a. a display panel, located proximate said exterior side of said door, including

i. a button,

ii. at least one status indicator;

b. a controller, located on the interior of said house remote from said display panel;

c. user interface means allowing said user to select a desired status for said at least one status indicator; and

d. electronic communication means allowing said controller to set said desired status of said at least one status indicator on said display panel by sending a signal over said activation circuit.

2. A status indicating door bell as recited in claim 1, further comprising a tone generator located within said controller.

3. A status indicating door bell as recited in claim 1, wherein:

a. said at least one status indicator comprises a red indicator, a yellow indicator, and a green indicator; and

b. said controller illuminates only one of said red, yellow, or green indicators at a time.

4. A status indicating door bell as recited in claim 1, wherein:

a. said at least one status indicator further comprises a text display capable of displaying a text message;

b. said user interface means allows said user to select said text message; and

c. said electronic communication means allows said controller to transmit said text message to said display panel.

5. A status indicating door bell as recited in claim 1, wherein said user interface means comprises:

a. a remote control, including a plurality of buttons allowing said user to select said desired status for said at least one status indicator, and a transmitter for transmitting signals containing said selections; and

b. a receiver attached to said controller, configured to receive said signals from said remote control.

6. A status indicating door bell as recited in claim 1, wherein said user interface means comprises

a plurality of buttons located on said controller which allow said user to select said desired status for said at least one indicator.

7. A status indicating doorbell as recited in claim 5, wherein said controller further comprises a menu display.

8. A status indicating door bell as recited in claim 6, wherein said controller further comprises menu display.

9. A status indicating door bell as recited in claim 5, wherein:

a. said at least one indicator further comprises a text display capable of displaying a text message;

b. said plurality of buttons on said remote control allows said user to select said text message; and

c. said electronic communication means allows said controller to transmit said text message to said display panel.

10. A status indicating door bell as recited in claim 6, wherein:

a. said at least one indicator further comprises a text display capable of displaying a text message;

b. said plurality of buttons on said controller allows said user to select said text message; and

c. said electronic communication means allows said controller to transmit said text message to said display panel.

11. A status indicating door bell as recited in claim 3, wherein:

a. said red indicator displays a text message;

b. said yellow indicator displays a text message; and

c. said green indicator displays a text message.

12. A status indicator allowing a user to display a selected status proximate the exterior side oa on a house, wherein said status indicator utilizes an activation circuit installed between a prior art activation button located proximate said door and a prior art chime unit within said house, comprising:

a. a display panel, located proximate said activation button, including at least one indicator;

b. a controller, located on the interior of said house remote from said display panel;

c. user interface means allowing said user to select a desired status for said at least one indicator; and

d. electronic communication means allowing said controller to set said desired status of said at least one indicator on said display panel by sending a signal over said activation circuit.

13. A status indicator as recited in claim 12, further comprising a tone generator located within said controller.

14. A status indicator as recited in claim 12, wherein:

a. said at least one status indicator comprises a red indicator, a yellow indicator, and a green indicator; and

b. said controller illuminates only one of said red, yellow, or green indicators at a time.

15. A status indicator as recited in claim 12, wherein:

a. said at least one status indicator further comprises a text display capable of displaying a text message;

b. said user interface means allows said user to select said text message; and

c. said electronic communication means allows said controller to transmit said text message to said display panel.

16. A status indicator as recited in claim 12, wherein said user interface means comprises:

a. a remote control, including a plurality of buttons allowing said user to select said desired status for said at least one status indicator, and a transmitter for transmitting signals containing said selections; and

b. a receiver attached to said controller, configured to receive said signals from said remote control.

17. A status indicating door bell as recited in claim 12, wherein said user interface means comprises

a plurality of buttons located on said controller which allow said user to select said desired status for said at least one indicator.

18. A status indicating doorbell as recited in claim 16, wherein said controller further comprises menu display.

19. A status indicating door bell as recited in claim 17, wherein said controller further comprises menu display.

20. A status indicating door bell as recited in claim 16, wherein:

a. said at least one indicator further comprises a text display capable of displaying a text message;

b. said plurality of buttons on said remote control allows said user to select said text message; and

c. said electronic communication means allows said controller to transmit said text message to said display panel.