Personal security device

• US 8,461,983 B2
• Filed: 09/11/2009
• Issued: 06/11/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 09/13/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Michele Mccauley
• Original Assignee: Michele Mccauley
• Inventors: McCauley, Michele
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Hung T.
• Application Number:
  US12/558,217
• Publication Number:
  US 20100066558A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,369 Days
• Field of Search: 340/539.13, 340/539.11, 340/539.1, 340/541, 340/573.1, 340/825.49, 340/825.69, 340/825.72, 455/404.1, 455/456.1, 455/521, 455/90.1
• US Class Current: 340/539.13
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/001 Alarm cancelling procedures or alarm forwarding decisions, e.g. based on absence of alarm confirmation
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/016 Personal emergency signalling and security systems emergency non-personal manually actuated alarm activators G08B25/12

Abstract

A security device with a locator module and an identifier module sends an alert signal to warn others of an emergency situation. The security device uses a wireless transceiver to transmit the alert signal and a monitoring center. Location information updates and an audio signal are sent to the monitoring station. The security device may be located within an outer casing that conceals its functionality.

Claims

1. A security device comprising:

a control module;

a transceiver in communication with the control module, the transceiver operable for sending and receiving signals;

a trigger in communication with the control module, the trigger operable to actuate transmission of a signal by the transceiver;

a location module in communication with the control module, the location module identifying a location of the security device;

a microphone coupled to the control module;

wherein the control module, transceiver, trigger, location module and microphone are disposed within an outer concealment casing;

a cover slidably positionable about the trigger; and

an impinging a verification switch to verify that the security device is functioning properly.

2. The security device of claim 1, further comprising a confirmation indicator in communication with the control module, the confirmation indicator conveying a confirmation signal when the transceiver receives a receipt signal.

3. The security device of claim 2, wherein the confirmation indicator provides a vibrating response.

4. The security device of claim 2, wherein the confirmation indicator includes an illuminating device.

5. The security device of claim 2, wherein the confirmation indicator includes an audio device.

6. The security device of claim 1, wherein the transceiver sends an alert signal including a device identifier, a location of the security device and an audio signal upon actuation of the trigger.

7. The security device of claim 1, wherein the location module includes a Global System for Mobile device.

8. The security device of claim 1, wherein the location module includes a Global Positioning System device.

9. The security device of claim 1, wherein the location module includes an Assisted Global Positioning System device.

10. The security device of claim 1, wherein the transceiver includes a Subscriber Identity Module.

11. A method for summoning emergency assistance, comprising:

providing a security device comprising a control module, a location module, a device identifier module, a transceiver, a trigger, a confirmation indicator and a microphone;

activating the trigger, wherein activation of the trigger actuates the transceiver to send an alert signal including a security device identity, a security device location and an audio signal to a monitoring station;

transmitting a receipt signal form the monitoring station to the transceiver; and

actuating the confirmation indicator upon receipt of the receipt signal;

wherein the control module, transceiver, trigger, location module and microphone are disposed within an outer concealment casing;

a cover slidably positionable about the trigger; and

an impinging a verification switch to verify that the security device is functioning properly.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising contacting an emergency assistance provider.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein activating the trigger includes depressing the trigger for a predetermined length of time.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein activating the trigger includes depressing the trigger until the security device receives the receipt signal.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein activating the trigger includes depressing the trigger a plurality of times.