GB2448530A - A night light with carbon monoxide and smoke detectors - Google Patents

A night light with carbon monoxide and smoke detectors Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2448530A
GB2448530A GB0707572A GB0707572A GB2448530A GB 2448530 A GB2448530 A GB 2448530A GB 0707572 A GB0707572 A GB 0707572A GB 0707572 A GB0707572 A GB 0707572A GB 2448530 A GB2448530 A GB 2448530A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
night light
light according
carbon monoxide
portable
display screen
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB0707572A
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GB2448530B (en
GB0707572D0 (en
Inventor
Mark Salino
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
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Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
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Priority to GB0707572A priority Critical patent/GB2448530B/en
Publication of GB0707572D0 publication Critical patent/GB0707572D0/en
Publication of GB2448530A publication Critical patent/GB2448530A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2448530B publication Critical patent/GB2448530B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S9/00—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply
    • F21S9/02—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator
    • F21S9/022—Emergency lighting devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S6/00—Lighting devices intended to be free-standing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S9/00—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply
    • F21S9/02—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V33/00—Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
    • F21V33/0064—Health, life-saving or fire-fighting equipment
    • F21V33/0076—Safety or security signalisation, e.g. smoke or burglar alarms, earthquake detectors; Self-defence devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B47/00—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece
    • G04B47/02—Installations within mirrors, pictures, furniture or other household articles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B17/00—Fire alarms; Alarms responsive to explosion
    • G08B17/10—Actuation by presence of smoke or gases, e.g. automatic alarm devices for analysing flowing fluid materials by the use of optical means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G08B21/12—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons responsive to undesired emission of substances, e.g. pollution alarms
    • G08B21/14—Toxic gas alarms
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S8/00—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation
    • F21S8/03—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation of surface-mounted type
    • F21S8/033—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation of surface-mounted type the surface being a wall or like vertical structure, e.g. building facade
    • F21S8/035—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation of surface-mounted type the surface being a wall or like vertical structure, e.g. building facade by means of plugging into a wall outlet, e.g. night light

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The invention provides a potable night light comprising a housing (2) containing a light source (0), a carbon monoxide detector (A), a smoke detector (B), a battery or battery chamber (L), and a means (E) for producing an audible alarm when carbon monoxide or smoke are detected.

Description

A NIGHT LIGHT
This invention relates to a night light and more particularly to a night light provided with a built-in smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.
Background of the Invention
It is known to include smoke alanns in clocks and examples of such devices are disclosed in GB 2029617, GB 2404459, JP 58218675, US 4186389, US 4321591, US 4611200, WO 91/06080 and WO 92/10820.
It is also known from GB 2404459 to incorporate a carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector into a digital alarm clock. In GB 2404459, the alarm clock is provided with a battery power supply, no other power supply being provided or even considered necessary. It is stated that once the battery fails, the clock and alarm functions no longer operate and it is suggested that this would provide the necessary stimulus to change the batteries. However, the digital clock display is : :* provided by an LED array and, in certain lighting conditions and from certain angles, the display may not be readily visible and hence a loss of battery power may go undetected, with potentially serous consequences. *0** p...
Summary of the Invention
The present invention provides a portable carbon monoxide and smoke detector which is primarily battery powered, but may also use an AC power source. The detectors are incorporated into a night light and an advantage of this arrangement, compared with the device described in GB 2404459 is that the night light provides a much stronger visual indication as to the state of the batteries that power the device.
It is therefore much less likely that the user of the device of the present invention would overlook the need to change the batteries.
Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides a portable night light comprising a housing containing: (a) a light source (b) a carbon monoxide detector (c) a smoke detector (d) a battery or battery chamber, and (e) means for producing an audible alarm when carbon monoxide or smoke are detected.
The night light of the invention is a portable device and, as such, preferably comprises a compact housing formed from lightweight materials such as plastics.
In order that the night light may be used in locations where access to a power supply may be limited or unavailable, the night light of the invention is provided with a battery or a chamber for holding batteries. For example, the night light may be provided with a rechargeable battery contained within the housing.
Alternatively, disposable non-rechargeable batteries may be used in which case the night light is provided with a chamber for holding the batteries.
The housing preferably further contains a clock, which is typically a digital clock. S...
A display screen (e.g. a liquid crystal display screen or an LED dot matrix display : . 15 screen) may be provided for displaying the time of day and/or the date and/or a visual warning. An LED dot matrix display screen is preferred. S...
The housing may contain means (e.g. control circuitry) linked to the carbon monoxide detector and/or smoke detector for producing a visual warning on the display screen when carbon monoxide or smoke are detected. The visual warning can take the form of symbols or alphanumeric characters or a combination of the two. For example the visual warning can be in the form of an alphanumeric message warning that carbon monoxide has been detected.
In one embodiment, the display screen displays a scrolling alphanumeric message.
The screen may be divided into a plurality of blocks, each block containing a sufficient number of light emitting diodes to form a letter, number or other symbol when illuminated.
The night light is typically constructed so as to provide a large illuminated area.
Thus, if the housing has a total surface area defined by a base and one or more side surfaces and one or more upper surfaces, it is preferred that at least 50% of the area of the side surfaces and upper surfaces is illuminated when the night light is switched on. More preferably, at least 60% or at least 65% or at least 70% of the area of the side and upper surfaces is illuminated when the nightlight is switched on. The illuminated areas may be defined by areas of translucent material (e.g. translucent plastics), behind which are disposed a light source or sources.
In order to protect the display screen when the nightlight is not in use or is being carried, a removable or displaceable cover may be provided for concealing the display screen. For example, the cover may be pivotably mounted on the housing so that it can be moved to reveal the display screen. In a preferred embodiment, the cover can be pivoted into a position in which functions as a stand for the housing.
The cover may be formed from a transparent or translucent material so that the user can see the display screen in either the open or closed configurations. In one I..
s. embodiment, the cover is fonned from a translucent material.
:* 15 Brief Description of the Drawin2s
Figure 1 is a view from above of a night light according to one embodiment of the invention.
S I...
Figure 2 is a front view of the night light of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a view from one side of the night light of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a view from the other side of the night light of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a view from beneath of the base of the night light of Figure 1.
Figure 6 is a side view corresponding to Figure 4 but showing the cover pivoted into position to serve as a stand.
Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram showing the main component parts of a night light of the invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The invention will now be illustrated in greater detail by reference to the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings Figures 1 to 7.
Referring now to the drawings, a night light according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a housing (2) formed from moulded plastics material. The housing (2) comprises a base (4), side walls (6), (8) and (10) and an upper surface (12). The housing (2) is formed from areas of opaque plastics, (the unshaded regions), and areas fonned from a translucent plastics material (the dark shaded areas). A low wattage lighting source (not shown) within the housing illuminates the areas of translucent material to provide a diffuse light suitable for use as a night light.
A front cover (14) formed from a translucent plastics material is pivotably attached to the housing at pivot points (16) and serves to protect the visual display screen (18) during transit. The cover (14) can be rotated about the pivot points (16) into a position in which it functions as a stand (see Figure 6).
The underside of the base (4) is provided with a hatch (20) secured in place by a * fastening screw (22), the hatch (20) serving to conceal the battery chamber. The device may be powered either by conventional disposable batteries or by p...
rechargeable batteries. Alternatively, the housing may contain non-removable rechargeable batteries and an input socket may be provided for connecting the rechargeable batteries to a charger.
The interior components of the night light are shown schematically in the block diagram in figure 7. Thus, the housing contains a carbon monoxide detector (A) and a smoke detector (B). The carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector may be of conventional type and their precise form of construction need not be described here. However, by way of example. the smoke detector can be a photoelectronic detector or an ionisation detector, and the carbon monoxide detector can be a metal oxide semiconductor detector or an electrolytic sensor or electrochemical detector.
In one preferred embodiment, the carbon monoxide detector is an electromchemical detector. Located behind the display screen (18) is an alphanumeric light emitting diode dot matrix display (I)). For example, the dot matrix display can be a five element (5 x 7) display but it will be appreciated that other LED arrays may be used instead.
Also contained within the housing are an 80dB piezo sounder (E) to provide a warning alarm and a clock alarm, and a low voltage night light (G) which is controlled by push button (H). The various components within the night light are linked electronically to the integrated circuit (C) which contains the necessary control circuitry and an electronic clock.
The functioning of the device is controlled by a number of control buttons, namely a snooze and programming button (F) for the clock alarm, a multi function mode button (I) for programming the integrated circuitlclock (C), a multi function test button (J) for the smoke detector (B) and programming the integrated circuit/clock * (C) and a multi function test button (K) for the carbon monoxide detector (A) and w for programming the integrated circuit /clock (C). S... S...
A battery chamber (L) contains batteries that power each of the components of the :.: 15 night light, and an optional AC power supply (M) is provided for charging the batteries or for use in place of the batteries.
*.: Provided that adequately charged batteries are present in the battery chamber, the smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector are permanently in an on-state, but it is necessary to push the button H in order to turn on the night light.
In the event that carbon monoxide or smoke are detected, a signal is sent to the piezo sounder (E) to provide an audible alarm, which is sufficiently loud to awaken the user. At the same time, the night light will flash, thereby providing a visible warning. In addition, the time display on the LED dot matrix display is replaced by a scrolling message informing the user whether carbon monoxide or smoke have been detected. The scrolling message may be accompanied by warning phrases such as Leave the room immediately' or Open the window' as appropriate.
People are most vulnerable to smoke and carbon monoxide whilst they are sleeping.
Prior to going to bed, it is a simple matter for the user to switch on the night light and this will inform him immediately whether or not the battery has sufficient power left or needs replacing.
If carbon monoxide or smoke are detected, the user is provided by both an audible and a visual warning. As is well known, the turning on a light can often cause a person to awaken from sleep and hence the flashing light, together with the audible alarm should ensure that the user does indeed wake up. The scrolling message assists the user in taking the most appropriate action under the circumstances. For example, if carbon monoxide has been detected, an appropriate course of action would be to open a window to let fresh air into the room. Opening a window might not necessarily be the best course of action in the event that a fire is detected.
Accordingly, the invention provides a versatile device in which the night light and visual display enhance the effectiveness of the device in alerting a user to the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide.
Equivalents * * S. * * 15 It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations may be made to the specific embodiments of the invention described above without departing S...
* from the principles underlying the invention. All such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.

Claims (17)

1. A portable night light comprising a housing containing: (a) a light source (b) a carbon monoxide detector (c) a smoke detector (d) a battery or battery chamber, and (e) means for producing an audible alarm when carbon monoxide or smoke are detected.
2. A portable night light according to claim I wherein the housing further contains (f) a clock.
3. A portable night light according to claim 2 wherein the clock is a digital clock. S...
4. A portable night light according to any one of the preceding claims wherein : the housing is provided with a display screen for displaying the time of day *:. 15 and/or the date and/or a visual warning.
5. A portable night light according to claim 4 wherein the display screen is an LED dot matrix display screen.
6. A portable night light according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the housing contains means linked to the carbon monoxide detector and/or smoke detector for producing a visual warning on the display screen when carbon monoxide or smoke are detected.
7. A portable night light according to claim 6 wherein the visual warning is in the form of an alphanumeric message.
8. A portable night light according to claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the display screen displays a scrolling message.
9. A portable night light according to any one of claims 4 to 8 wherein the display screen displays the time of day and optionally the date.
10. A portable night light according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the housing has a total surface area defined by a base and one or more side surfaces and one or more upper surfaces, and wherein at least 50% of the area of the side surfaces and upper surfaces is illuminated when the night light is switched on.
ii. A portable night light according to claim 10 wherein at least 60% or at least 65% or at least 70% of the area of the side and upper surfaces is illuminated when the nightlight is switched on.
12. A portable night light according to claim 4 and any claim dependent thereon wherein a removable or displaceable cover is provided for concealing the display screen.
13. A portable night light according to claim 12 wherein the cover is pivotably : :: :* mounted on the housing so that it can be moved to reveal the display screen.
:
14. A portable night light according to claim 13 wherein the cover can be *. 15 pivoted into a position in which it functions as a stand for the housing.
15. A portable nightlight according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the carbon monoxide detector is an electrochemical detector.
16. A portable nightlight according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the smoke detector is a photoelectronic detector.
17. A portable night light substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB0707572A 2007-04-18 2007-04-18 A Night light Expired - Fee Related GB2448530B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0707572A GB2448530B (en) 2007-04-18 2007-04-18 A Night light

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0707572A GB2448530B (en) 2007-04-18 2007-04-18 A Night light

Publications (3)

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GB0707572D0 GB0707572D0 (en) 2007-05-30
GB2448530A true GB2448530A (en) 2008-10-22
GB2448530B GB2448530B (en) 2010-07-21

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWI425451B (en) * 2009-01-09 2014-02-01 Chi Mei Comm Systems Inc Portable electronic device with fog detection function

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5763872A (en) * 1997-01-20 1998-06-09 Ness; Ronald James Motion actuated night light
US6158868A (en) * 1998-03-27 2000-12-12 Chien; Tseng-Lu Night light with analog time piece
US20050185398A1 (en) * 2004-02-20 2005-08-25 Scannell Robert F.Jr. Multifunction-adaptable, multicomponent devices
US20050195598A1 (en) * 2003-02-07 2005-09-08 Dancs Imre J. Projecting light and images from a device

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5763872A (en) * 1997-01-20 1998-06-09 Ness; Ronald James Motion actuated night light
US6158868A (en) * 1998-03-27 2000-12-12 Chien; Tseng-Lu Night light with analog time piece
US20050195598A1 (en) * 2003-02-07 2005-09-08 Dancs Imre J. Projecting light and images from a device
US20050185398A1 (en) * 2004-02-20 2005-08-25 Scannell Robert F.Jr. Multifunction-adaptable, multicomponent devices

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWI425451B (en) * 2009-01-09 2014-02-01 Chi Mei Comm Systems Inc Portable electronic device with fog detection function

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2448530B (en) 2010-07-21
GB0707572D0 (en) 2007-05-30

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PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20140418