JP2010506241A - Reminder device - Google Patents

Abstract

The single-use reminder device (100) has a tamper-proof housing including a counter circuit and a power source. The device includes a status indicator (106) that displays when the date or time has elapsed. The device also includes a button (104) that can be depressed to activate the status indicator (106). The traffic light LED system is activated so that a red light is displayed by the status indicator (106) when the date or time has elapsed, and a yellow light is displayed when the elapsed date or time is imminent. A similar device includes a laminated card structure having a portion that can be pressed to provide status information via the LCD.

Description

  The present invention relates to a reminder device used in fields such as safety test data, an expiration date, or a quality assurance date.

  Health and safety regulations often require that electrical appliances or safety devices be regularly tested. It is known to use stickers or labels on the instrument to indicate the last test date and / or the next test date. However, they can be worn, moved, or damaged during use of the instrument, which can result in lost or unreadable date information. Bar code systems that match test date information at a central location are also used. However, such a system is impractical when the instrument is portable and cannot ensure transfer of the instrument for inspection.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative solution for monitoring, such as safety test dates, that addresses one or more of the above problems.

  According to one aspect of the invention, a reminder device configured to monitor the passage of a predetermined date or time is provided, the device selectively displaying whether the date or time has passed. The status indicator is activated to provide status information when the device is externally activated by the user.

  The device preferably incorporates a contact, such as a pad or button, that can be pressed by the user to activate the status indicator. The status indicator preferably incorporates an audio alert and / or a visual alert.

  In a preferred embodiment, the series of status indicators are configured to illuminate when the user presses the contact in response to proximity to a predetermined date or time. Circuitry may be incorporated into the device, thereby providing a red light when a preset test date or time has elapsed. The circuit can also provide another color signal, such as a yellow signal, when a preset test date is imminent. In a preferred embodiment, the status indicator is configured to provide a warning function only when the device is vigorously moved, eg, shaken, or when the contact is pressed.

  In one embodiment, the device is incorporated into a laminated structure and the circuit is provided on a credit card type material or other plastic or board member such as a board member and overlaid with a cover material. Thereby, pressing a particular part of the card and providing an alert if the date or time has passed and / or the date or time is due to pass in the most recent short period. As another option or addition to the contacts, the lamination device can be configured to provide an appropriate warning when the device is shaken or moved violently. The status indicator preferably includes an LCD.

  In the most preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a preset, single use unit. These preferred embodiments are intended to operate for a single period of time and are not resettable for disposal after use. These devices are preferably not tampered with, and access to internal components, such as resetting a timer, can only be done by breaking the device and entering.

  In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a plastic base having or defining a recess or chamber for internal components. The device or recess preferably has a peripheral lip, ridge or other surface to which the plastic cover can be heat-sealed so as to permanently place the internal components in the recess. At least a part of the cover is preferably transparent, for example in the area of the status indicator. The contact is preferably visible through the cover. The device may be configured such that the contact can be actuated by pressing the overlay portion of the cover. Alternatively, the cover may have one or more openings across the contact portion, for example. The device may include a heat-fused plastic part, exposing only the contact and / or status indicator.

  The device preferably includes a starter, such as a pullout tag of a known structure, which, once removed, efficiently initiates a single predetermined time, eg, 12 months, 3 months, or 6 weeks countdown.

  In a 12 month device, the unit remains in standby mode once the countdown begins. If the contact is pressed before the countdown is over, a green light will flash to indicate how many months have been left in the countdown. The unit flashes yellow light every 30 minutes and / or flashes yellow when the rest is less than a month and the contact is pressed, and when the unit reaches the end of the countdown, the yellow light Replaced by red light. Flashing continues until the internal power supply is exhausted. The number of weeks after the countdown ends can be determined by pressing the contact, and at the same time, a flashing red light displays the number of weeks.

  In a three month device, the unit remains in standby mode once the countdown begins. If the contact is pressed before the countdown is over, a green light will flash to indicate how many months have been left in the countdown. The unit flashes yellow light every 30 minutes when the rest is less than 10 weeks or 70 days, and the countdown period is replaced by red light every 60 seconds during the last 12 weeks. Again, the blinking continues until the internal power supply is used up, and the number of weeks after the countdown ends can be determined by pressing the contact, and at the same time, a blinking red light displays the number of weeks.

  In the 6 week device, the unit remains in standby mode once the countdown begins. If you press the contact before the countdown is over, a green light will flash to show how many weeks are left in the countdown. The unit flashes yellow light every 30 minutes when the rest is less than 5 weeks or 35 days, and the countdown period is replaced by red light every 30 seconds during the last 6 weeks. Again, the blinking continues until the internal power source is used up, the number of weeks after the countdown ends can be determined by pressing the contact, and at the same time, the blinking red light displays the number of weeks.

  In another embodiment, the contact portion can be omitted. Thus, according to a simplified aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reminder device configured to monitor the passage of a predetermined date or time, the device automatically when the predetermined date or time has elapsed. Includes a status indicator that provides warnings. The device may include circuitry so that when the device is externally actuated, e.g. by shaking, the status indicator provides a status indication, e.g. a warning signal indicating a period close to an elapsed date or time To do.

  An electrical plug or connector incorporating a device according to any of the above aspects of the invention is also provided.

  A safety fire extinguisher incorporating an apparatus according to any of the above aspects of the invention is also provided.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an integrated body incorporating a control circuit for monitoring the passage of a predetermined date or time, and configured to selectively display whether the date or time has passed. A safety test data device including a status indicator and a contact for operating the status indicator, the status indicator providing status information when the contact is pressed by a user.

  The present invention has the advantage of providing a convenient solution to the problems associated with safety testing programs for adjustment to appliances. The device can be mounted directly on or adjacent to the appliance, and the user of the appliance interacts with the device, for example via a contact, to determine whether the appliance is due for testing. It is recommended.

  The test history of the vehicle and / or its parts can also be monitored using the present invention. In particular, the present invention has the advantage of HGV taxis, trailers, and other vehicle testing applications that need to be regularly inspected, so that the driver of the vehicle will have the taxi or trailer deadline for safety testing. A device attached to the taxi can be used to determine if it has passed.

  The present invention is particularly useful for health and safety testing of office supplies or laboratory equipment as well as appliances, as well as fire extinguishers. It can also be used by the user to recognize the calibration deadline for testing hospital equipment, for example, to display consumables quality assurance / expiration / destruction dates. The present invention can be easily incorporated into a cooling unit.

  Other aspects and features of the present invention will be readily apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention. This is provided by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Referring first to FIG. 1, the reminder device is generally designated 100 and comprises a molded plastic body 102 with a contact button 104 and a status indicator 106 attached.

  The control circuitry (not shown) preferably includes a processor and is attached to the body 102, eg, below the button 104 and status indicator 106. The control circuit preferably includes a timer operable to initiate a countdown of a predetermined or preprogrammed time. Alternatively, an electronic calendar can be incorporated for monitoring a predetermined period of time, eg, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months. In either case, the control circuit is configured to provide a warning via the status indicator 106 when the predetermined date or time has passed and / or when the predetermined date or time has approached. Yes.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the status indicator 106 displays a green light if the stored date or time has not yet elapsed, and the stored date or time is about to pass (eg, within 2 weeks of the elapsed date). It incorporates three LEDs that are designed to display a yellow signal when it is) and a red signal when the date or time has passed.

  A power source in the form of a lithium battery (not shown) is attached to the device 100 to supply power to the control circuit.

  To conserve power, the control circuit is configured to illuminate the LED only when the touch button 104 is pressed by the user. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit may, for example, illuminate the yellow LED intermittently when an elapsed date or the end of a predetermined time is approached and / or permanently or intermittently turn on the red LED when a specific date has elapsed. You may be comprised so that it may light. The frequency of red lighting is preferably higher than the frequency of yellow lighting.

  The apparatus 100 is supplied in a preset state so as to display red light on the status indicator after six months, for example, so that it can be operated for one or more fixed periods. The apparatus 100 includes a withdrawal tab 118 that is used to activate the countdown function of the control circuit.

  Device 100 is formed as a rigid and sealed unit, thereby substantially preventing access to the internal components of device 100. The body 102 is formed, for example, to provide a single, integrally formed housing around the internal components in order to prevent access to the internal components unless the device is destroyed or the device is destroyed and invaded. It is preferable that they cannot be tampered with. Accordingly, such units are generally factory set and the timer circuit is preferably not resettable.

  As can be seen from FIG. 1, the body 102 defines an upper perimeter around the button 104 and status indicator 106 of FIG. The perimeter defines a recess for mounting internal components. In a preferred embodiment, the button 104 and status indicator 106 are placed in the device by heat fusing a transparent cover (not shown) or permanently secured on the body 102. The cover may preferably be a sheet or film of plastic material. Device 100 is preferably configured so that the contact can be actuated by pressing the overlay portion of the cover. Alternatively, the cover may have an opening across the contact button 104. However, access to internal components, such as resetting the timer, is not possible unless the cover or base 102 is broken. The device 100 is disposed after use, and may be disassembled and reused.

  The device 100 can be removably received in the holder 110 by a friction fit using, for example, a mating rib and groove between the device 100 and its holder 110, or a clip or snap fit. In the illustrated embodiment, the holder 110 includes a tip 112 that is adapted to snap fit to a detent 114 of the body 102. The holder 110 can be fixed on a desired position, for example on the instrument, and the device can be carried along with the instrument.

  The device 100 can be attached directly to or adjacent to the appliance, and the user of the appliance can press the contact button 104 of the device 100 to determine if the appliance is due for testing. Recommended.

  If the button 104 is pressed and the status indicator 106 remains inactive, the user must consider that the power source of the device 100 is inactive. A telephone number or other contact information can be provided on the unit, for example, the data bar 116 on the front of the device 100, to report that the device has failed. Additional panels for signatures by test technicians or spaces for conventional bar codes can also be included in the device or holder.

  Some suitable applications for the device are shown in FIGS. In FIG. 2, the device 100 is shown secured to the electrical cable 120 via a cable tie 122 to tune with the cable 120 that is permanently associated with the cable and any instrument or plug connected at the end of the cable. In FIG. 3, the device 100 forms an integral part of the electrical plug 130. The device can be removably received in the plug head if desired. In FIG. 4, the device is secured to the safety fire extinguisher 140 using a tether 142, but can also be formed as an integral part of the fire extinguisher housing or handle. FIG. 5 shows a combination of the device 100 and the holder 110 mounted on the computer monitor 150.

  Although shown in the figure as a triangle, the device 100 can be of any suitable shape and structure. However, the device 100 and / or its display is generally not larger than the body of a conventional watch, credit card, or pager.

  The most preferred embodiment is intended to be non-tamperable and non-resetable, and other embodiments are intended to allow only authorized personnel to access the control circuit, for example for reset or maintenance operations. A body that can be opened using only a unique and dedicated key or other such mechanism can be utilized.

  A solar cell can be incorporated into the device 100 to replenish or replace the battery. For example, the touch button 104 may be pressed or an LCD display may be incorporated that displays a pre-programmed message or other data to the user if the test deadline has passed. Such a message may include, for example, a contact name or number that arranges a retest of the associated instrument.

  So far, the present invention has been described as having a status indicator 106 that is activated when the contact button 104 is pressed by the user. The button can take the form of an object that can be physically pressed against the housing. However, the button can also take the form of a simple contact pad, tab, or other such contact so that, in any case, when the user presses the contact as needed, the control circuit Is activated via the status indicator to provide an appropriate warning.

  To activate the status indicator, it can include a plurality of buttons that must be pressed together, or in sequence, as predetermined, thereby reducing power consumption, temporary users or Prevent intermittent intervention from unauthorized users.

  In another embodiment, the contact portion can be omitted. For example, the status indicator 106 can be configured to provide a warning function only when the device is moved violently, eg, shaken. In a simplified embodiment, the device can be configured with the exception of a contact for a status indicator or other external actuating means, and a warning, e.g. red light, will only be automatic after a predetermined date or time has elapsed. Provided by

  In these embodiments where the device is removable from the holder, the power source can be integrated with the holder and can take the form of a solar panel and / or a piezoelectric element power source that generates power when the holder is agitated. . These power supplies may instead be incorporated into the main body of the apparatus.

  In another embodiment, the device or its holder incorporates a transmitter that transmits status information to a remote location. A transceiver can be incorporated so that the device can be remotely activated and / or reset. For example, if the device is fixed or integrated into a portable or movable object, the transceiver can also be used to display the position of the device.

It is a schematic perspective view of a safety reminder device and its holder. Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1 attached to an electrical cable. Fig. 2 shows an electrical plug incorporating the device of Fig. 1; Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1 attached to a fire extinguisher. Figure 2 shows the apparatus and holder of Figure 1 attached to a computer monitor.

Claims (15)

  A reminder device comprising a counter circuit that monitors the passage of a predetermined date or time and a status indicator that displays when or when the date or time has passed, the device comprising a contact portion The reminder device is configured such that when the contact portion is pressed after the counter circuit is activated, the status indicator displays whether the date or time is scheduled to elapse.   The reminder device according to claim 1, wherein the device includes a housing for preventing unauthorized operation in which the counter circuit cannot be reset.   The reminder device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device includes a withdrawal tag for starting the counter circuit.   The reminder device according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion is a single button or pad.   The reminder device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a base for internal components and a cover for sealing the base.   The reminder device according to claim 5, wherein the base includes a peripheral region where the cover is fixed.   The reminder device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein at least a part of the cover is transparent.   The reminder device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the reminder device is configured to operate when the contact portion presses each portion of the cover.   The reminder device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the cover includes an opening capable of pressing the contact portion.   2. A laminated structure comprising a circuit on a flat base, overlaid with cover material, and when the predetermined date or time has elapsed, pressing a specific portion of the card provides a visual warning. The reminder device according to any one of claims 8 to 9.   The reminder device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the status indicator provides a visual indicator when the date or time has elapsed when pressing the contact portion.   The status indicator is configured to generate three types of status indications: the date or time has not passed, the date or time is about to pass, and the date or time has already passed. The reminder device according to any one of the preceding claims.   13. A reminder device according to claim 12, comprising three different color visual indicators.   Reminder device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises an internal power supply and is configured for a single counting operation. A single-use reminder device that monitors the passage of a predetermined date or time, the device including a counter circuit and a power supply prevention housing including a power source, and a status indicating when the date or time has passed A single-use reminder device that includes status information when the device is externally activated by a user by including a contact that activates the status indicator when the device is depressed .

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