GB2426080A

GB2426080A - Dual alarm clock with quiet alert option

Info

Publication number: GB2426080A
Application number: GB0509723A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Joel Melzack
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-05-12
Filing date: 2005-05-12
Publication date: 2006-11-15
Also published as: GB0509723D0

Abstract

An alarm clock which allows the setting of two independent alarm times has means to alert a first user at the first alarm time quietly without disturbing a second user wishing to wake at the second alarm time. The first alarm signal can be transmitted wirelessly from the clock to a vibrating wristband or other item which the user can wear or keep near to alert them quietly. In addition to receiving signals from the clock, signals may be sent from the wristband to the clock when required. A snooze function may be activated by pressing a button 1 on the wristband. Batteries in the wristband may be recharged by connecting the wristband to the clock unit.

Description

Alarm clock with a quiet alert option This invention relates to a new kind

of alarm clock that can be used by a couple who sleep together. On a conventional alarm clock when two people are sharing the same bed they are restricted to only being able to set a single alarm that will alert them both at once. So if only one member of the couple needs to be alerted they cannot set the alarm without the risk of waking their partner.

To overcome this, the present invention proposes a clock that includes a function that lets the operator set two independent alarms if required. The first alarm wakes the user quietly so as not to disturb the second user who might have to get up later that day.

By alerting the first user quietly and without the use of a buzzer, this system means that each user can get the maximum amount of sleep possible. This in turn reduces stress and improves general health and quality of life.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows the wristband according to the invention Figure 2 shows the top panel of the central unit Figure 3 shows the front panel of the central unit.

Figure 1 shows a cordless wristband worn by the user that is sent a signal from the central unit at the designated time. This signal triggers a vibration in the wristband to alert the user quietly when required.

The wristband is powered by a small battery and can be connected to the central unit to recharge when not in use. It also contains a device that causes it to vibrate at the designated time. The vibration is similar to the silent vibrating alert on a mobile phone. It increases in speed and intensity until interrupted by the user. They can either hit the snooze button 1 on the wristband that gives them a ten- minute delay until it vibrates again. Or they can turn the alarm off at the central unit. The wristband uses a remote signal to accept commands from the central unit and send them back when required. It is oval in shape and made out of an elastic material like rubber so that it can fit over any wrist size. An alternative material could be used as long as the wristband behaves elastically so one size fits all. It should be light and comfortable to wear while sleeping. The charging port, battery and vibrating mechanism are stored in a short section of the wristband, which is slightly thicker than the rest 2. Any wording on the wristband should be fluorescent so it glows in the dark.

The central unit would connect to a mains outlet but another version of the alarm clock would use normal batteries in both the central unit and the wristband. These could be replaced when necessary and would give the user more freedom when placing the clock in a room. Rather than a wristband the clock could signal an alternative piece of equipment that the user could wear or have near to them to wake them quietly when necessary.

Figure 2 shows the top panel where there is a speaker 3 and the controls for the alarm clock. Switch 4 is used in conjunction with buttons 5. When the switch is on TIME' the operator can set the time. On SILENT ALARM' they can set the first alarm time and on BUZZER ALARM' they can set the second or main alarm time. When the unit is not in use, the operator can turn the switch to OFF'. By using switch 6 the operator can change between 12 and 24-hour clocks. The SINGLE' position on switch 7 activates the main alarm. On this setting a buzzer will sound to alert the users at the designated time the operator has set for BUZZER ALARM'. They can either hit the snooze button 8 that gives them a ten-minute delay until the buzzer goes off again. Or they can hit button 9 to turn the alarm off.

When switch 7 is set to DUAL' both alarms are active. On this setting the first alarm is activated at the time set for SILENT ALARM'. The user can either hit the snooze button on the wristband that gives them a tenminute delay until it vibrates again. Or they can hit button 10 to turn the alarm off. The buzzer alerts the second user at the time set for BUZZER ALARM'. They can press button 8 to snooze or turn the alarm off by pressing button 9. 2'

The user can only turn each alarm off by pressing the corresponding OFF' switch. So for example, if the silent alert is active and the user presses the off switch for the buzzer by mistake, the silent alarm will continue and the buzzer alarm will not be affected.

Figure 3 shows the front panel of the alarm clock that shows the digital time. When the clock is set to 12 hour' time a light 11 shows if it is AM or PM. An analogue display could be used also. A light 12 shows whether the clock has been set for one or two alarms.

Claims

Claims 1. An alarm clock with a feature that lets the operator set two

independent alarms, which alerts the first user quietly and reduces the risk of disturbing the second user.
2. An alarm clock according to claim 1, which uses a vibrating wristband to alert the user at the designated time.
3. An alarm clock according to claim 1, which incorporates any piece of equipment the user can wear or keep near to them that will alert them quietly.
4. An alarm clock according to claim 1, which allows the operator to set a ringing/beeping/buzzing alarm as the main or secondary alert.
5. An alarm clock according to any of the proceeding claims, which is powered by batteries or is plugged into a mains outlet.