GB2157468A

GB2157468A - A method and device for detection of a blanket or the like being kicked off the body of a sleeping person

Info

Publication number: GB2157468A
Application number: GB08409405A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chun-Jong Wang
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1984-04-11
Filing date: 1984-04-11
Publication date: 1985-10-23
Also published as: GB8409405D0

Abstract

A method and device for detecting a blanket or the like being removed of the body of a sleeping person comprises a photocell (1), normally covered by the blanket, which is attached to the body of the sleeping person and which is connected to a signal detector, amplifier and alarm (30) which may be located (via extension cable 20) remote from the photocell. When the blanket is removed/kicked off light or IR radiation from an emitter (40) in the room falls on the photocell and activates the alarm. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A method and device for detection of a blanket or the like being kicked off the body of a sleeping person This invention relates to detection of a blanket or like being kicked off the body, particularly of a sleeping person.

Rest is necessary in order to travel a longer way ahead; likewise, sleep in our life usually takes about one-third of our whole life time.

Only sufficient sleep can restore our mental and physical fatiques so as to resume the next day work.

Almost all parents in this world love and take care their children, and one of the most common headache problems in taking care the children is the blanket or the like that covers a sleeping child being kicked off in winter or summer time. Once a sleeping child kicks off the blanket, the child is liable to catch cold. In order to prevent the children from doing so, the parents can not but get up repeatedly during the night to see if the children's blankets being kicked off or not. As a result, the parents are seldom, during the growing period of their children, to have a relaxed sleep. That problem not only cause the parents to have considerable mental care, but also adversely affect their work efficiency.

To the adults, catching cold as a result of kicking off the blanket during sleeping is also a popular problem; however, so far, there is no any book and market having mentioned or provided with a method and device for detection of a blanket or the like being kicked off the baby of a sleeping person.

This invention relates to "A Method and Device for Detection of a Blanket or the Like Being Kicked off the Body of a Sleeping Person", which comprises a light-sensing means, a photocell signal detector, a signal amplifier, and an alarm (a buzzer sound or a music). The photocell signal detector of this device is to be attached to the body where it is to be protected from catching cold (such as the chest or stomach portion) before sleeping.

Upon the blanket being kicked off during sleeping, the photocell signal detector will be exposed to a light to generate an alarm to warn the sleeping person himself (or herself) or the parents so as to take proper action by reinstating the blanket.

This invention may be used for badies.

elders, in hospital, etc. . It is my belief that this invention is a new nurse device which costs less and needs no manpower, but can minimize the catching cold cases, and this is the major objects of this invention.

An embodiment of this invention is described by way of example, with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a blanket or the like kick-off alarm device of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective of a light-sensing means in the present invention.

Figure 3 shows the alarm of the present invention being set up in normal state.

Figure 4 shows the alarm of the persent invention being in operation state.

Figure 5 is the circuit diagram of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a combination of the detector and alarm in the present invention.

Figure 7 is a rear view of the combination in Fig. 6.

Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown an outer view of the alarm device of the present invention, in which the light-sensing means 1 is a movable device that has a safety pin 1 2 being attached in the small hole 1 3 under the base 10. By means of that safety pin 12, the lightsensing means 1 may be attached to a portion of a sleeper's body that is allergic to cold (as shown in Fig. 3 and 4). Upon using the invention on a sleeper's body, a visible (not strong) light, such as a bulb of 40 watts, or infrared rays should be furnished; in normal condition (as shown in Fig. 3), the lightsensing means 1 is not exposed to light because of being covered with a blanket or the like, and the alarm will not operate.As soon as the blanket is kicked off by sleeper (as shown in Fig. 4), the light-sensing means 1 will immediately be exposed to the photocell signal detector 11 of the light-sensing means 1; a photocell signal generated by the detector 11 will be transmitted via an extension cable 20 to the alarm 30, which will generate a sound (or a music) to warn someone who takes care the sleeper.

Referring to Fig. 2, there is shown the lightsensing means 1, in which the small hole 1 3 is used for attaching the safety pin 1 2. A signal is to be generated by the photocell signal detector 11, and to be transmitted via an extension cable 20 to the alarm 30. When the light-sensing means 1 is covered by a blanket (as shown in Fig. 3), the photocell signal detector 11 will not generate a signal.

Upon the blanket being kicked off, the photocell signal detector 11 will be exposed to the light of bulb 40 or other strong light (as shown in Fig. 4), and a signal will be generated immediately.

Referring to Fig. 3 and 4, there are shown the alarm in normal state and in operation state respectively; the alarm may be installed inside a doll or a toy for decoration purpose; the extension cable 20 is used for installing the alarm in a remote place such as another room so as to increase the operation scope of the alarm.

Referring to Fig. 5, there is shown a circuit diagram of the present invention, of which the main element part is an operational amplifier 16 that includes R2 18, R3 19, the photocell signal detector 11 and VR 32 etc. to form a bridge and balance circuit. The output points of the balance voltage are set on "a" and "b"; the condition of the balance is to be determined with an equation; VR X R3 = R X R2; VR is used for adjusting the balance. Under balance state, there is no voltage across the points "a" and "b"; since the points "a" and "b" are also the input terminals of the operational amplifier 16, the amplifier has also no input voltage; likewise, the output terminal "C" of the operational amplifier 1 6 has no output. Naturally, the alarm 30 does not operate.On the contrary, whenever the photocell signal detector 11 is exposed to light, the resistance of the photocell signal detector 11 will reduce, while the current thereof will be increased. Simultaneously, the voltage (according to Ohm's Law, V = IR) across the detector 11 will also be increased. In that case, the voltage on point "b" is higher than that of point "a", i.e., Vab = Vb - Va; simultaneously, the operational amplifier 1 6 will have an inout voltage Vab, and have an output at point "c". Since the output current of the operational amplifier is rather weak, it should be amplified with transistor 1 7 via R1 14 so as to drive the alarm for warning purpose. The power supply switch 31 is used for controlling the battery 15.

Referring to Fig. 6, there is shown a combination of the photocell signal director 11 and an alarm 30. The alarm 30 may be made into a small music box, in which a small battery may be used. The alarm may also be connected with an external signal detector for increasing the functions of the alarm so as to have the alarm directly attached to user's body or to the place where is in the vicinity of the user's mother.

Referring to Fig. 7, there is shown the rear view of the combination of a photocell signal detector 1 and alarm 30, in which a clamping piece 34 is provided on the back of the alarm 30, and on the clamping piece, a small hole 1 3 is furnished so as to have the alarm directly attached to an important part of a user with a safety pin or by sewing thereto.

Claims

1. A method and device for detection of a blanket or the like being kicked off the body of a sleeping person comprising light-sensing means, photocell signal detector, signal amplifier, and alarm.

2. A light-sensing means as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper portion is installed with a photocell signal detector, while the lower portion or one side is furnished with a means such as a safety pin, or a clamping piece, or a belt etc, for fastening purpose.

3. A light-sensing means as claimed in claim 1, which is to be attached to the clothes over user's chest and abdomen portions; and is covered with a blanket or the like; and since the photocell signal detector is not exposed to light, the alarm generates no sound; and upon the blanket being kicked off, said photocell signal detector will be exposed to light, and the alarm will generate a warning signal.

4. An alarm as claimed in claim 1, which may be designed to generate a warning signal or a music signal for notifying the person concerned.

5. An alarm as claimed in claim 1, which may be installed in a doll or a toy for decoration and cute purpose.

6. A light-sensing means as claimed in claim 1, which may be connected with the alarm by an extension cable, or combined together with said alarm into one piece.

7. A light-sensing means as claimed in claim 11, wherein the light may be a visible and an invisible light, such as a natural light or infrared rays.

8. A light-sensing means constructed and arranged substantially as herein described with reference to any of the figures of the drawings.