GB2205665A

GB2205665A - Vibratory alarm clock

Info

Publication number: GB2205665A
Application number: GB08713590A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael John Dines
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-06-10
Filing date: 1987-06-10
Publication date: 1988-12-14
Anticipated expiration: 2007-06-10
Also published as: HK10193A; GB8713590D0; GB2205665B

Abstract

A vibratory alarm clock comprises a body (1), containing an electronic clock mechanism. A face of the clock has a time display (2), and, inter alia, time and time alarm setting means (5). A vibration generating means within the body is actuatable in response to an alarm signal generating means connected to the clock mechanism. The vibration generating means preferably comprises a motor driving an eccentrically mounted mass. <IMAGE>

Description

VIBRATORY ALARM CLOCK The present invention relates to a vibratory alarm clock, by which is meant a clock which signals an alarm time by means of a self-contained vibrating mechanism rather than by some purely audible signal.

The clock of the invention finds particular use with the deaf or hard of hearing, but may also be used by those who can hear but are working or otherwise occupied in an environment where audible signals will not be heard.

It is known to provide alarm clocks for the deaf (which term will be used hereinafter to include not only the deaf but also the partially deaf and hard of hearing) which comprise a bedside clock connected to a vibrating pad intended to be placed beneath the pillow or mattress. Such alarm clocks suffer from several disadvantages. One is that they are not easily transportable, having two often quite bulky components. A second most important disadvantage is that the clock is connected to the vibrating pad by means of a wire leading to beneath the pillow. This is obviously in close proximity to the neck of the user and many potential users are deterred from making use of such alarms because of the inherent dangers involved.Finally, the prior known vibratory alarms are not suitable for use in other environments, such as under water or in occupations where vigorous activity is inseparable from a large degree of noise, for example yachting.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a vibratory alarm clock which is so selfcontained that it may be used for any of the above purposes without excessive risk or inconvenience to the user.

According to the present invention there is provided a vibratory alarm clock comprising a body, an electronic clock mechanism therewithin, time display means, an alarm signal generating means connected to said electronic clock mechanism, time and alarm time setting means, and vibration generating means within the body actuatable in response to said alarm signal generating means.

The vibration generating means preferably comprise a motor driving an eccentrically mounted mass.

The motor may be electrically powered and by means of a separate power source from that powering the electronic clock mechanism.

Alternatively, the vibration generating means may comprise a piezo electric vibrator.

The body may be constructed to be waterproof, optionally having a coverplate over said time display means and/or said setting means, said coverplate being engageable with said body in a sealing manner.

Alternatively, a coverplate may be provided for covering the setting means but being apertured to allow the time display means to be seen and also to allow a snooze or off control to be actuated without opening the coverplate. In this form, the clock may be placed beneath a pillow or mattress without the controls being disturbed.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a front view of a clock embodying the invention with a coverplate open; and FIGURE 2 is a front view of the clock of Figure 1 with the coverplate closed.

The clock embodying the invention comprises a generally cuboidal body 1 having rounded corners. The body 1 is of comparatively small depth compared with its overall dimensions as seen in the Figures. All the controls are on the face of the clock and comprise a digital time display 2, a "snooze" off button 3, an alarm select button 4, a time and alarm time setting button 5 with hour and minute buttons 6 and 7 respectively, and a vibration control button 8. A countdown alarm timer may also be provided.

A coverplate 9 is hinged to the body along one edge and is provided with an aperture 10 configured and dimensioned to allow view of the time display 2 and the snooze button 3. The remaining buttons are thus protected from accidental interference.

Within the body 1 is a generally conventional electronic clock mechanism including an alarm signal generating circuit. This displays time or alarm time conventionally and is set according to conventional methods. The clock circuitry is powered by means of a replaceable or rechargeable battery.

Where the clock differs from conventional alarm clocks is in the means of sounding an alarm. Normally, the alarm is signalled by audible means such as a bell or buzzer. In the clock embodying the present invention, the alarm pulse from the clock circuit triggers opening of a second circuit which includes a pulsing circuit and a motor. This separate circuit is powered by a separate battery. An eccentric cam is mounted to the motor drive shaft and, on operation thereof, imparts vibrations to the body 1 of the clock, the motor being mounted thereto.

Other vibration generating means may be used in place of the motor and eccentric cam, for example a piezo electric vibration generator.

The clock is adapted, in use, to be placed beneath a pillow or mattress of a deaf sleeper so that, at the appropriate alarm time, the clock vibrates and should wake the sleeper. The clock is self-contained and easily portable and thus may be used with convenience and safety wherever the user finds it most convenient or effective to place the clock.

Other uses of the clock include the giving of alarm signals in environments where acoustic signals would be useless, for example under water, or where they would not be heard, for example in noisy environments.

For such purposes, the rear of the clock may be provided with a clip moulding to enable the clock to be worn on the belt of the user or wherever else is convenient. For use under water, the body 1 of the clock is assembled in a waterproof manner and the coverplate 9 should engage the body in a sealing manner. To this end, the aperture 10 may be provided with a glass plate or may be of transparent plastics material and, when closed, the coverplate should be firmly fixed to the body, for example by means of a thumb-screw. For such uses, a countdown alarm timer may be invaluable and such may be provided.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A vibratory alarm clock comprising a body, an electronic clock mechanism therewithin, time display means, an alarm signal generating means connected to said electronic clock mechanism, time and alarm time setting means, and vibration generating means within the body actuatable in response to said alarm signal generating means.

2. A clock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vibration generating means comprises a motor driving an eccentrically mounted mass.

3. A clock as claimed in claim 2 wherein the motor is electrically powered and by means of a separate power source from that powering the electronic clock mechanism.

4. A clock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vibration generating means comprises a piezo electric vibratoi .

5. A clock as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims, wherein the body is constructed to be waterproof, having a coverplate over said time display means and/or said setting means, said coverplate being engageable with said body in a sealing manner.

6. A clock as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein an openable coverplate is provided for covering the setting means but is apertured to allow the time display means to be seen and also to allow a snooze or off control to be actuated without opening the coverplate.

7. A vibratory alarm clock substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.