WO2011126487A1

WO2011126487A1 - Alarm termination floor apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2011126487A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/030407
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chester Brown
Original assignee: Chester Brown
Priority date: 2010-04-08
Filing date: 2010-04-08
Publication date: 2011-10-13

Abstract

An alarm that uses a floor situated apparatus so that when the alarm goes off, the user must place their feet on the apparatus for a predetermined period of time to deactivate the alarm. The alarm sequence optionally provides that the apparatus cover may be translucent and/or transparent with a plurality of illuminable elements thereunder providing an alarm visual display. Also provided is a remote control for actuating a projected display of time onto the wall. The apparatus is also a scale for displaying the user's weight. The weight requirement for deactivating the alarm can extend from placing the feet on the apparatus while still in bed or require the user to stand on the apparatus for said period of time. Further provided for is the removal of the alarm clock portion from the floor apparatus.

Description

ALARM TERMINATION FLOOR APPARATUS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to alarms and, more particularly, to an alarm that uses a floor situated apparatus, so that when the alarm goes off, the user must place his or her feet on the apparatus for a predetermined period of time to deactivate the alarm. The alarm sequence optionally provides that the apparatus cover may be translucent and/or transparent with a plurality of illuminable elements thereunder providing an alarm visual display.

A remote control is included for actuating a projected display of time onto a wall or other surface. The apparatus may also include a scale for displaying the user's weight. The weight requirement for deactivating the alarm can extend from placing one's feet on the apparatus, while still in bed, or require the user to stand on the apparatus for a predetermined period of time. Further provided for is the removal of the alarm clock portion from the floor apparatus.

Description of the Prior Art

Illustrative of the prior art known to the inventor is Pedus, U.S. Patent No.

2,460,133 issued January 6, 1945; Rosenthal, U.S. Patent No. 3,961,273, issued June 1, 1976; Jetter, U.S. Patent No. 4,316,273, issued February 16, 1982; Jetter, U.S. Patent No. 4,352,171 , issued September 28, 1982; Jetter, U.S. Patent No. 4,426,157, issued January 17, 1984; Horinek, U.S. Patent No. 5,379,273, issued January 3, 1995; and, Vedaa. U.S. Patent No. 5,764,153, issued June 9, 1998. Non-U.S. patent references include Nickolas, Ireland Patent Application No. 1,551 ,191 , issued August 19, 1977; Jietsutaa, Japan Patent Application No.

JP 56-143984, issued October 1 1 , 1981 ; Horst, German Patent Application No.

DE 44 28 751, issued June 22, 1995; and, Yasuki, Japan Patent Application No.

JP 72-294672, issued November 10, 1995.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to provide an alarm termination floor apparatus that includes a foot-cancelled wake up alarm with digital weight display.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an alarm termination floor apparatus that optionally includes a remote shut-off switch that a user may stand upon to shut off the alarm.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an alarm termination floor apparatus that includes a foot-cancelled wake up alarm that incorporates a shut-off switch having a timed standing duration before actual shut-off.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an alarm termination floor apparatus that includes a foot-cancelled wake up alarm wherein the alarm includes a scale for displaying the weight of user in addition to also having a time display.

It is also an another object of the present invention is to provide an alarm termination floor apparatus that includes a foot-cancelled wake up alarm in which the alarm portion of the device is removable from the scale portion and may be used independently from said device.

The foregoing and related objects are achieved by the present invention for an alarm termination floor apparatus that includes an alarm that uses a floor situated apparatus so that when the alarm goes off, a user must place his or her feet on the apparatus for a predetermined period of time for deactivating the alarm. The alarm sequence optionally provides that the apparatus cover may be translucent or transparent with a plurality of illuminable elements thereunder providing an alarm visual display. A remote control is preferably included for actuating a projected display of time onto a wall or other surface. The apparatus may also includes a scale for displaying the user's weight. The weight requirement for deactivating the alarm can extend from placing the feet on the apparatus while still in bed or require the user to stand on the apparatus for said period of time. Further provided for is the removal of the alarm clock portion from the floor apparatus.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent when considered in view of the following detailed description of the invention, which provides certain preferred embodiments and examples of the present invention.

It should, however, be noted that the accompanying drawing figures and detailed description thereof is intended to discuss and explain only certain embodiments of the claimed invention and is not intended as a means for defining the limits and scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

In the drawing, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar features throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of the alarm termination floor apparatus of the present invention, in use;

FIG. 2 is an illustrative chart of the alarm termination floor apparatus of the present invention, in use;

FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view of the alarm termination floor apparatus of the present invention;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are exploded perspective views of the alarm termination floor apparatus of the present invention;

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are illustrative views of the alarm termination floor apparatus of the present invention, in use; FIG. 9 is a detailed illustrative view of the alarm termination floor apparatus of the present invention, in use;

FIG. 10 is an illustrative view of the alarm termination floor apparatus of the present invention, in use;

FIG. 1 1 is a logic chart of the alarm termination floor apparatus of the present invention; and,

FIGS. 12, 13, 14 and 15 are block diagrams of the alarm termination floor apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now, in detail, FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of the present invention 10 for an alarm termination floor apparatus, in use. The present invention 10 comprises an alarm clock 12 that uses a floor situated base platform 14, so that when the alarm 16 goes off, the user 20 must place their feet on foot-pad sensors 18 for a predetermined period of time to deactivate the alarm 16. The foot-pads 18 act as sensors to assure that both feet are placed on the platform 14 and to transfer weight data to the scale. The alarm sequence optionally provides that the platform 14 cover 22 may be translucent or transparent with a plurality of illuminable elements 28 thereunder providing the unit with an audible alarm 24 and/or a visual alert 26. The visual alert 26 will also aid the user 20 in locating the footpads 18 if it is dark. In the case of a hearing impaired user, strobes may be employed as the illuminable elements 28. Also provided is a remote control for actuating a projected display of time onto the wall. The apparatus is also a scale 30 for displaying the user's weight. The weight requirement for deactivating the alarm 12 can extend from placing the feet on the footpads 18 while still in bed, or require the user 20 to stand on the apparatus for predetermined period of time, preferably at least three seconds. Further provided for is the removal of the alarm clock 12 from the base platform 14. FIG. 2 presents an illustrative chart of the activation and deactivation process of the present invention 10. The user 20 must first supply power to the base platform 14 by plugging the power cord 32 into a power outlet 34. A transformer 36 may also be employed, for illustrative purposes it is shown at the end of the power cord 32 and plugged into the outlet 34 although it may be situated anywhere in line therewith or within the base platform 14. The user 20 must then program the unit for alarm time sequence. Once the alarm 16 is activated, the user 20 must place both feet 21 on the respective footpads 18 for at least three seconds to deactivate the alarm 16. The shut-off switch has a timed standing duration before shut-off. The base platform 14 includes a scale 30 for measuring the weight of user 20 and has a digital display 38 for displaying the weight or time and to assist the user 20 when programming the unit. The alarm clock 12 portion is removable from the base platform 14 and may be used independently from the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view of the present invention, wherein alarm clock 12 is mounted on platform 14. Alarm clock 12 includes a digital display 38 and a plurality of set buttons 40 to assist the user in programming the various functions. Audio speakers 42 are provided on the removable alarm clock 12 as well as a battery status indicator LED 44. The base platform 14 has a footpad 18 for each foot.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention 10 presenting alarm clock 12 removed from its cradle 46 on the base platform 14. The alarm clock 12 and cradle 46 have mating contacts 48 for transmitting and receiving data. The base platform 14 also serves as a charger for a rechargeable battery disposed within the alarm clock 12. The alarm clock 12 includes a digital display 38 and a plurality of set buttons 40 to assist the user in programming the various functions. Audio speakers 42 are provided on the removable alarm clock 12, as well as a battery status indicator LED 44. The base platform 14 has a footpad 18 for each foot.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention 10 in which the power cord 32 has a first end with the transformer 36 that plugs into an AC outlet and a second end with a flexible wire plug 50 that inserts into an input jack 52 located at the rear of the platform 14. The alarm clock 12 has at least one rechargeable internal battery 54 disposed therein and the base platform 14 serves as a charging unit when the alarm clock 12 is placed in the cradle 46 and the contacts 48 of the alarm clock 12 and the cradle 46 mate up. After a suitable time, the internal battery(s) 54 become charged and the device is ready to use. A low battery led located on the display will light red if battery voltage is low. When the batteries 54 are fully charged the led will be green.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing the first step to deactivating the alarm 16. When the alarm 16 goes off, the user 20 must acknowledge the alarm 16 and get up to go stand on the footpads 18 of the base platform 14.

FIG. 7 shows the second step to deactivating the alarm 16 of the invention. The user 20 must stand on both footpads 18 of the base platform 14 in order to disable the alarm 16. In the illustration, the user 20 only has one foot 21 on a footpad 18, which is inadequate for disabling the alarm 16.

FIG. 8 shows the third and final step to deactivating the alarm of the claimed invention. The user 20 must have both feet 21 on the footpads 18 of the platform 14 for at least three seconds in order to disable the alarm. The shut-off switch has a timed standing duration of three seconds before it will shut off.

FIG. 9 illustrates the user 20 standing with both feet 21 on the footpads 18 of the platform 14 to shut off the alarm. The shut-off switch has a timed standing duration of three seconds before it will shut-off. The alarm has a scale for displaying weight of user 20 and also has a time display.

FIG. 10 further illustrates the alarm clock 12, which is removable from the cradle of the base platform and may be used independently from remainder of the device.

FIG. 11 is a logic chart showing the steps involved in operating the present invention 10, which include in the following sequence: setting the alarm for the desired wake up time; the alarm activating at set time; user acknowledging said alarm; user getting up and stepping on the footpads of the platform with both feet for at least three seconds, the alarm shutting off and the digital display on the alarm clock showing the time and weight of the user.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the component interface of the invention, a foot canceled wakeup alarm with digital weight display. Power is supplied to the microprocessor 56 via a power transformer 36 plugged into an AC power source and a power input jack 52. The left and right footpads 18 detect pressure thereupon and the platform strain gage sensor 66 relays the weight thereon to the microprocessor 56, which compares it to the input from the weight calibration switch 62. The alarm cancel switch 64 must be enabled for at least three seconds before disabling the audio amplifier 60 and the speakers 42. The battery condition LED 44 indicates the status on the charge of the rechargeable battery 54 as controlled by the battery controller 58. The digital display 38 functions as a time/weight readout LED.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the features and advantages of the present invention 10, a foot canceled wakeup alarm with digital weight display, which provides an alert to weigh in, an alert to wake up at a specific time, an alert to perform a task at a certain time, a clock and it reduces the risk of ignoring the alarm.

FIG. 14 is an additional block diagram of the present invention, which presents the internal components thereof. Among the internal components are: a strain gage 66; a microprocessor 56; rechargeable batteries 54; an AC/DC power input jack 52; audio speakers 42 and an audio speaker amplifier 60.

FIG. 15 is a further block diagram of the external components of the present invention. Among the external components are: the platform; right and left footpads 18; digital display 38; local time set toggle switch 40; alarm time set toggle switch 40; alarm time set toggle switch 40; alarm activation button switch 40, enclosure to hold readout and switches 12; multicolored LED 44 to indicate battery state; weight calibration switch 40 and an AC/DC power transformer 36. List of Reference Numerals Foot Cancelled Alarm Clock with Digital Weight Display of the present invention alarm clock

base platform

alarm

footpad sensor of 14

user

foot of 20

cover of 14

audible alarm

visual alert

illuminable element 48 contact

scale 50 flexible wire plug of 32

power cord 52 input jack of 14

power outlet 54 rechargeable battery

transformer 56 microprocessor

digital display 58 battery controller

set buttons 60 audio amplifier

audio speaker 62 weight calibration switch battery status indicator LED 64 alarm cancel switch

alarm clock cradle of 14 66 platform strain gage sensor

Claims

1. A foot terminated alarm clock and scale comprising:

a base platform with integral scale;

an alarm clock unit with alarm;

means for releasably securing said alarm clock to said platform;

means for inputting, acquiring, storing and transferring data

between said alarm clock and said platform; and,

means for disabling said alarm once activated by assuring that a

user has two feet on said platform and said scale registers that the weight thereupon meets or exceeds a predetermined value.

2. The foot terminated alarm clock and scale according to Claim 1, wherein said alarm clock further comprises:

a digital display;

user set controls;

at least one audio speaker to provide an audible alarm; and,

at least one internal rechargeable battery.

3. The foot terminated alarm clock and scale according to Claim 1, wherein said platform further comprises;

a strain gage sensor for measuring the weight applied thereto;

a pair of footpad sensors for assuring that two feet are placed

upon said platform and for transferring weight to said strain gage sensor for the measurement thereof;

a cradle for releasebly securing said alarm clock thereto; and,

d) means for receiving power from an external power source.

4. The foot terminated alarm clock and scale according to Claim 3, wherein said power receiving means is a power cord having a first end with an AC/DC transformer that plugs into a typical power outlet and a second end having a flexible wire plug.

5. The foot terminated alarm clock and scale according to Claim 4, wherein said flexible wire plug is inserted into an input jack integral with said platform to supply power thereto.

6. The foot terminated alarm clock and scale according to Claim 3, wherein said cradle and said alarm clock include contacts to provide a connection for transferring data and power therebetween.

7. The foot terminated alarm clock and scale according to Claim 6, wherein said platform functions as a charging unit for a rechargeable battery of said alarm clock.

8. The foot terminated alarm clock and scale according to Claim 6, further including a microprocessor for receiving input from the various components and enabling and disabling reactive functions accordingly.

9. The foot terminated alarm clock and scale according to Claim 2, wherein the user depresses said set controls and digital display to select the time to enable the alarm and the weight to be applied to footpads to disable the same.

10. The foot terminated alarm clock and scale according to Claim 9, further including an alarm cancel switch that is in communication with said footpads, a strain gage sensor and a microprocessor.

1 1. The foot terminated alarm clock and scale according to Claim 10, whereupon activation of said alarm requires the user to acknowledge said alarm and step on both footpads for at least three seconds for the microprocessor to activate the alarm cancel switch.

12. The foot terminated alarm clock and scale according to Claim 1 1, wherein said alarm cancel switch will not activate unless the weight applied to set footpads meets or exceeds the weight set by the user.

13. The foot terminated alarm clock and scale according to Claim 12, wherein deactivation of said alarm switches the function thereof to a scale and displays the weight of the user standing thereon.

14. The foot terminated alarm clock and scale according to Claim 13, wherein the digital display returns to its function as a clock once the user steps off of said footpads.

15. The foot terminated alarm clock and scale according to Claim 3, wherein said alarm clock may be removed from said cradle and used independently as an alarm clock.

16. The foot terminated alarm clock and scale according to Claim 15, wherein said alarm clock further includes a battery status indicator LED to inform the user of the charge on an internal battery.

17. The foot terminated alarm clock and scale according to Claim 16, wherein said battery status indicator LED is green when said battery has an adequate charge and red when the charge is low.

18. The foot terminated alarm clock and scale according to Claim 1, further comprising a visual alarm.

19. The foot terminated alarm clock and scale according to Claim 18, wherein said visual alarm comprises a translucent cover member on said platform with an illuminable element disposed thereunder.