U.S. patent application number 12/150614 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-12 for modular safety device with dog deterrent and panic alarm.
Invention is credited to Gloria Carpenter, Sylvia Juslin, Marilyn McCarty.
Application Number | 20090038664 12/150614 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40345336 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090038664 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Juslin; Sylvia ; et
al. |
February 12, 2009 |
Modular safety device with dog deterrent and panic alarm
Abstract
A modular safety device has an ultrasonic device capable of
transmitting ultrasonic sound with a frequency of at least 20 kHz.
The ultrasonic sound is inaudible to human ear and can cause
barking or approaching dogs to stay in place, stop or move away
from the user. The modular safety device also includes a power
supply and an audible alarm device. The audible alarm device is
capable of issuing a distress sound audible to human ear. The power
supply, ultrasonic device and audible alarm device are incorporated
into a detachable and portable unit that can be easily carried on a
user's person or attached to a user's mobile device such as walker
or wheelchair.
Inventors: |
Juslin; Sylvia; (Pittsburg,
CA) ; Carpenter; Gloria; (Pittsburg, CA) ;
McCarty; Marilyn; (Pittsburg, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Fidel A. Nwamu
386 Grand Ave, # 116
Oakland
CA
94610
US
|
Family ID: |
40345336 |
Appl. No.: |
12/150614 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11890580 |
Aug 6, 2007 |
|
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12150614 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/66 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 15/027 20130101;
A45B 9/04 20130101; F41H 9/10 20130101; A45B 3/00 20130101; A45B
2009/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/66 |
International
Class: |
A45B 3/00 20060101
A45B003/00 |
Claims
1. A modular safety device comprising: an ultrasonic device capable
of transmitting ultrasonic sound with a frequency of at least 20
kHz, wherein said ultrasonic sound is inaudible to human ear,
wherein said ultrasonic sound remains audible to barking or
approaching dogs, and is capable causing such dogs to stay in
place, stop or move away from the user; a power supply communicably
coupled to said ultrasonic device; an audible alarm device
communicably coupled to said power supply, wherein said audible
alarm device is capable of issuing a distress sound audible to
human ear, and wherein said power supply, ultrasonic device and
audible alarm device form a detachable portable unit that can be
easily carried on a user's person or attached to a user's mobile
device such as walker or wheelchair.
2. The modular safety device of claim 1 further comprising a
location tracer device for determining a user's location.
3. The modular safety device of claim 1 further comprising a
compass for determining travel direction.
4. The modular safety device of claim 1 wherein the distress sound
issued by the audible alarm device is at least 75 dB.
5. The modular safety device of claim 1 wherein the location tracer
device is capable of determining the location of a user by
employing a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS).
6. A modular safety device comprising: a means for transmitting
ultrasonic sound with a frequency of at least 20 kHz, wherein said
ultrasonic sound is inaudible to human ear, wherein said ultrasonic
sound remains audible to barking or approaching dogs, and is
capable causing such dogs to stay in place, stop or move away from
the user; a means for supplying power communicably coupled to said
means for transmitting ultrasonic sound; a means for issuing an
audible alarm communicably coupled to said means for supplying
power, wherein said means for issuing an audible alarm is capable
of issuing a distress sound audible to human ear, and wherein said
means for supplying power, means for issuing ultrasonic sound and
means for issuing an audible alarm are incorporated into a
detachable and portable unit that can be easily carried on a user's
person or attached to a user's mobile device such as walker or
wheelchair.
7. The modular safety device of claim 6 further comprising a
location tracer means for determining a user's location.
8. The modular safety device of claim 6 further comprising a means
for determining travel direction.
9. The modular safety device of claim 6 wherein the distress sound
issued by the audible alarm means is at least 75 dB.
10. The modular safety device of claim 6 wherein the location
tracer means is capable of determining the location of a user by
employing a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS).
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application is a continuation of copending, U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/890,580, entitled MULTIFUNCTIONAL WALKING
STICK WITH DOG DETERRENT AND ADAPTABLE BASED, filed Aug. 6,
2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to safety devices and more
specifically to a modular safety device for use by the elderly,
handicapped and the like.
[0003] Elderly users usually exercise by engaging in daily and
nightly walks. Assume that during one such activity, an elderly
user with a walking stick is approached by a barking dog.
Instinctively, the user attempts to protect against the barking dog
by prodding or swinging the walking stick. This results in loss of
balance causing the user to fall. Unfortunately, not only does the
user now incur injuries from falling, the user also sustains dog
bites inflicted by the barking dog. The same can also be said when
elder or handicapped users are approached by assailants. Such users
cannot quickly flee from assailants because of their limited
mobility. They are thus consequently prone to attack and injury
from dangerous assailants.
[0004] There is a need to address one or more of the foregoing
disadvantages associated with conventional safety devices and the
present invention meets this need.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Various exemplary embodiments can be found in a modular
safety device with dog deterrent and panic alarm. In one
embodiment, the modular safety device has an ultrasonic device
capable of transmitting ultrasonic sound with a frequency of at
least 20 kHz. The ultrasonic sound is inaudible to human ear and
can cause barking or approaching dogs to stay in place, stop or
move away from the user. The modular safety device also includes a
power supply and an audible alarm device. The audible alarm device
is capable of issuing a distress sound audible to human ear. The
power supply, ultrasonic device and audible alarm device are
incorporated into a portable unit. The Portable unit is detachable
and transferable and can easily be carried on a user's person or
attached to a user's mobile device such as walker or
wheelchair.
[0006] An understanding of the nature and advantages of the present
invention herein may be realized by reference to the remaining
portions of the specification and the attached drawings. Further
features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the
structure and operation of various embodiments of the present
invention, are described in detail below with respect to the
accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numbers
indicate identical or functionally similar elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a walking stick with which the present
invention can be utilized.
[0008] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary handle for the walking
stick of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 1B illustrates another exemplary handle for the walking
stick of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a walking stick with which the present
invention can be utilized.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a walking stick with which the present
invention can be employed.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of modular safety device 400 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 5A illustrates use of a modular safety device on a
walking stick in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0014] FIG. 5B illustrates use of a modular safety device on a
wheel chair in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 5C illustrates use of a modular safety device on a
wheel walker in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5D illustrates use of a modular safety device on an
electric wheel chair in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of
the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in
conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood
that they are not intended to limit the invention to these
embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover
alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description
of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth
in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present
invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in
the art that the present invention may be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, well known methods,
procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in
detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates walking stick 100 in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] Walking stick 100 broadly consists of three main components
namely handle 102, stem 104 and base 106. Stem 104 is an elongated
substantially square-shaped shaft connecting handle 102 and base
106. Although not shown, these components can be connected directly
or indirectly by known methods such as screwing, riveting, forging,
etc.
[0020] In use, briefly, walking 100 may be employed for walking,
hiking, etc. A user begins by adjusting the walking stick height.
This is done by manipulating telescopic stem 118 until a
comfortable height is attained. Once a desired height is obtained,
the user can then use walking stick 100 by grasping handle 102 at
waist high level while placing base 106 on the ground. Walking
stick 100 is then leaned upon to provide partial support as the
user takes another step forward. This process continues and is
repeated until the walking activity is concluded.
[0021] The user can also depress as necessary one or more safety
buttons attached to stem 104. For example, dog deterrent button
112a can deter approaching barking dogs or the like from the user.
Unlike conventional devices, the walking stick of the present
invention incorporates a dog deterrent device providing users with
much needed comfort and protection from aggressive type animals.
Other safety buttons described with reference to FIG. 3 can also be
depressed in an alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] In FIG. 1, in more detail, handle 102 is ergonomically
designed to maximize productivity by reducing user fatigue and
discomfort. The embodiment of FIG. 1 shows affixed handle 102
having upper grip 108 and lower grip 110. Upper grip 108 and lower
grip 110 are continuous extensions of stem 104, over which grip
material such as polyurethane, plastic, fiber resin and the like is
molded to form the grips. Alternately, upper grip 108 and lower
grip 110 can be separately formed or molded. The separately formed
handle can then be fixedly attached to stem 104 using screws,
riveting or the like.
[0023] The embodiment of FIG. 1 also illustrates a non-curved
handle 102. Here, the longitudinal axis of upper grip 108 is
substantially perpendicular to that of lower grip 110. Some users
may prefer this substantially non-curved handle 102 to other handle
types. For increased comfort, grips 108 and 110 can be made of soft
comfortable material such as foam and the like. Preferably, the
foam is substantially square shaped to conform to the shape of stem
104, and can also have indentations for comfortable gripping. The
foam interior is dimensioned so it is slideable over stem 104.
Preferably the lengths of upper grip 108 and lower grip 110 are 5''
and 5'', respectively. The grip sizes can be at least three
standard sizes namely small, medium and large.
[0024] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary handle for the walking
stick of FIG. 1.
[0025] In FIG. 1A, the user can adjust handle 102 between position
A and position B, as shown. In position A, the longitudinal axis of
upper grip 108 is substantially perpendicular to that of lower grip
110. This position is preferable for some users particularly when
they are engaging in walking activities as they can easily grasp
upper grip 108. In position B, upper grip 108 is substantially
continuous with lower grip 110, with a single longitudinal axis
running through both upper grip 108 and lower grip 110. This
position is preferable for other users particularly when they are
engaging in activities such as hiking and the like.
[0026] The user can depress handle button 111 to adjust handle 102
between position A and position B. This allows a lock mechanism
(not shown) to release upper grip 108 from its current fixed
position. Once the desired position is selected, upper grip 108 is
again locked into position by depressing handle button 111. Upper
grip 108 and lower grip 110 are coupled by hinge mechanism 109 such
that upper grip 108 is rotatable around the hinge mechanism 109
axis.
[0027] FIG. 1B illustrates another exemplary handle for the walking
stick of FIG. 1.
[0028] In FIG. 1B, handle 102 is curved as shown, for users
preferring curved handles rather than. Specifically, upper grip 108
of handle 102 possesses a semi-circular axis or curvature. Lower
grip 110 of handle 102 is also substantially rounded in this case.
In fact, walking stick 100 has a substantially rounded and circular
stem 104 from which lower grip 110 is continuously formed. Handle
102 includes three different handle choices namely sport, hiking
and walking.
[0029] Referring back to FIG. 1, stem 104 also includes dog
deterrent system 112 that can emit high pitched ultra-frequency
sounds to force aggressive animals (particularly barking dogs and
the like) to keep their distance from the user. Dog deterrent
system 112 is fixedly incorporated within stem 104 preferably
immediately below handle 102 so that proximity to the user's hands
is maintained. Alternately (not shown), dog deterrent system 112
may be located within upper grip 108 so that its button is easily
manipulable by the user's thumb.
[0030] Dog deterrent system 112 includes button 112a with metal
contact 112b. Button 112a is spring loaded (not shown). Depressing
button 112a causes metal contact 112b to close switch 112c thus
completing and activating this dog deterrent system circuitry.
Switch 112c is coupled to ultrasonic device 112d, which is fixedly
mounted to the interior wall of stem 104. Ultrasonic device 112d is
dimensioned to fit within stem 104, which itself has exterior
dimensions of up to 3.5'' by 3.5'' (or up to 3.5'' diameter when
the stem is substantially rounded).
[0031] Dog deterrent system 112 also includes power supply 112e for
supplying power to ultrasonic device 112d. Power supply 112e
comprises batteries located also within interior of stem 104 and
opposite ultrasonic device 112d. A slideable door (not shown) is
also provided so batteries can be replaced. Power supply 112e is
communicably coupled to ultrasonic device 112d via wires 112f.
[0032] The high pitched ultra-frequency sounds that can be emitted
by depressing button 112a have frequencies above 20 kHz that are
inaudible to human ears. Preferably, the emitted sound is most
effective when the canine is 15 ft or closer but is also operative
up to 75 ft away. The ultrasonic output startles the approaching
dog and causes most dogs to stop, move away or stay in place. An
advantage of ultrasonic sound is that it is not physically harmful
to canines and is a humane substitute for other deterrent types
like pepper spray. It is also advantageous because ultrasonic sound
is inaudible to human ears thus avoiding public disturbance that
can be created by loud audible beeper or horn type devices.
[0033] Stem 104 further includes telescopic stem 118, which
consists of external stem 120 and internal stem 122. The user can
adjust the height of walking stick 100 by adjusting telescopic stem
118. As shown, internal stem 122 is slideable into external stem
120. Spring loaded pins (not shown) attached to the exterior wall
of internal stem 122 can lock into apertures or security notches
(not shown) cut out in external stem 120. The user can adjust to a
desired height by depressing a spring loaded pin to release
exterior stem 120, and pulling exterior stem 120 and interior stem
120 in opposite directions so stem 104 is extended to the desired
length; a spring loaded pin then clicks into a desired exterior
stem 120 aperture to lock stem 104 in place.
[0034] Stem 104 is preferably made of sturdy light weight material
such as aluminum or comparable alloys although other materials
consistent with the present invention can be employed. For example,
plastic, polyurethane or fiber resin may be used. Stem 104
including its telescopic stems can resist breakage pressure of up
to 500 lbs. Preferably, stem 104 weighs such that that walking
stick 100 weighs no more than 2.5 lbs. Stem 104 height can range
from 2'-5' and its diameter can be up to 3.5''. Stem 104 is also
waterproof and ice-proof capable of withstanding extreme cold and
heat. The walking stick of the present invention itself,
tentatively dubbed Prostick.TM. can come in various color choices
with a futuristic and modern/spacey look.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, walking stick 100 also includes base
106, consisting of collar 124 and walking base bottom 126. Collar
124 is a raised horizontal molding encircling stem 104. Preferably,
its interior is treaded to receive exterior threads of walking base
bottom 126. Preferably, walking base bottom 126 can be rubber or
other elastomeric material. In an alternate embodiment, walking
base bottom 126 is selectable from various available base
bottoms.
[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates a walking stick with which the present
invention can be utilized.
[0037] In FIG. 2, walking stick 200 permits the user to detach dog
deterrent system 212. This dog deterrent system emits inaudible
ultrasonic sound when button 218 is depressed. Upon detachment, the
user can utilize ultrasonic device 216 independent of walking stick
200. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 1, dog deterrent system 212 can
be conveniently detached since it is modular with its own power
supply 218. As shown, dog deterrent system 212 is removably coupled
to walking stick 200 by clamping mechanism 222 having strap 226 and
jacket 224.
[0038] The user can detach ultrasonic device 216 by opening cover
214, unlatching the device and then removing ultrasonic device 216
in the direction shown. After the device is detached, an empty
jacket 224 remains. The user can also reinsert ultrasonic device
216 by reversing the insert process. Cover 214 is first opened.
Next, ultrasonic device 224 is inserted into jacket 224. Upon being
inserted, ultrasonic device 216 is locked in place and can then be
activated by using button 218. Therefore, unlike conventional
systems, the present embodiment allows ultrasonic device 216 to be
employed with or without walking stick 200.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a walking stick with which the present
invention can be employed.
[0040] In this embodiment, not only can walking stick 300 generate
audible alarms that force dangerous assailants to flee from the
user, it can also include real time tracking to determine the
user's location. As in prior embodiments, walking stick 300 also
includes a dog deterrent device. Unlike conventional devices, the
present invention incorporates all of these features into a modular
safety device 303 detachably enclosed within exterior casing 325.
This allows the user to detach and employ safety device 303
independent of walking stick 300. Safety device 300 has exterior
dimensions preferably up to 3'' by 3'' by 1'' and weighs no more
than 2.5 lbs.
[0041] In FIG. 3, exterior casing 325 is detachably coupled to
elongated stem 304 with clamp bracket 307. Exterior casing 325
encloses safety device 303 and incorporates deterrent button 309,
panic button 311 and tracer button 313 as shown.
[0042] In use, when safety device 303 is seated within exterior
casing 325, dog deterrent device 312 is activated by depressing
deterrent button 309. This in turn contacts button 319 to activate
dog deterrent device 312. An advantage of the present invention is
that when removed from exterior casing 325, dog deterrent device
312 remains operable using button 319. In this manner, safety
device 303 is usable with or without walking stick 300.
[0043] Similarly, when safety device 303 is seated within exterior
casing 325, panic device 313 is activated by depressing panic
button 311. This in turn contacts button 321 to activate panic
device 313. An advantage of the present invention is that when
removed from exterior casing 325, panic device 313 remains operable
using button 321. In this manner, panic device 313 (and safety
device 303) is utilizable with or without walking stick 300.
[0044] Further yet, when safety device 303 is seated within
exterior casing 325, tracer device 315 is activated by depressing
tracer button 313. This in turn contacts button 323 to activate
tracer device 315. An advantage of the present invention is that
when removed from exterior casing 325, tracer device 315 can be
activated by depressing button 323. In this manner, tracer device
315 is employable with or without walking stick 300. Unlike the
embodiment of FIG. 1, safety device 303 is modular and detachable
since its own power supply 317 is incorporated. Power supply 317
includes an aperture (not shown) for replacing batteries as proves
necessary.
[0045] In FIG. 3, safety device 303 is detached by opening exterior
casing cover 301 and disengaging the safety device using a release
mechanism (not shown). Safety device 303 is thereafter removed in
the direction shown by the arrow. Empty exterior casing 325 remains
after safety device 300 is removed. Safety device 303 can also be
reinserted by opening exterior casing cover 301, inserting and
locking it in position.
[0046] In FIG. 3, dog deterrent device 312 functions in a similar
manner as described with reference to prior embodiments. Panic
device 313 can issue an audible alarm preferably between 90-120 dB.
This is effective for use against dangerous animals such as bears
and mountain lions and dangerous assailants. Preferably, the
audible alarm is continuous for three to five minutes with one to
two second intervals. It is deactivated by depressing panic button
311 for a second time.
[0047] Tracer device 315 is a real time tracking device for
determining the user's location. This can be helpful, for example,
during hiking when the user is lost. As with other features of the
present invention, users need not carry separate tracking devices
on their person. The real time tracking device of the present
invention is integral with safety device 303 and is capable of
receiving signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites
to accurately determine the user's location. Location data can be
transmitted either automatically or on demand for viewing over maps
or via text reports to email, mobile phone or the like. Although
not shown, another navigational tool that is included in safety
device 303 is a digital compass for use as a navigational tool
during travel and a digital walking monitor for indicating time and
monitoring distance (or steps) traveled during a given
activity.
[0048] In FIG. 3, walking stick 300 further includes removable
flare/glow stick compartment 327 for storing flares and glow
sticks. This compartment may have an aperture and door (not shown)
through which such flares and glow sticks are retrieved.
Preferably, 2-6 inch sized glow sticks and/or flares are storable
in compartment 327. When lost, for example, the user can utilize
these flares/glow stick for distress signaling. Flares storable in
compartment 327 are readily available from Orion.RTM. Safety
Products, Easton Md.
[0049] Although not shown, walking stick 300 includes a fluorescent
strip mounted on stem 304. Its visibility promotes safety for
walking stick users. This fluorescent strip is observable from
distances of between and 10 ft-50 ft away. In this manner, users
and their walking sticks remain highly visible (both during the day
and at nighttime). This can avoid motor vehicle injury to walking
stick users, for example. Preferably, the strip is approximately 1
inch wide and runs the entire length of stem 104.
[0050] Walking stick 300 further comprises telescopic stem 318
having external stem 320, internal stem 322 and inner stem 324. As
shown, inner stem 324 is slideable into internal stem 322 which is
in turn slideable into external stem 320. Stem 320 has security
notch 329; stem 322 has security notch 332 and spring loaded pins
333; stem 324 has spring loaded pins 334. The external dimension of
external stem 320 is preferably 3''-3.5'' while that of inner stem
324 is 2''. Although not shown, walking stick 300 includes a
tilt-able flashlight coupled to stem 304 between inner stem 324 and
interchangeable base 335.
[0051] In use, the height of walking stick 100 is changeable by
adjusting telescopic stem 318. As an example, inner stem 324 can be
slid into internal stem 322 until spring loaded pin 334 is locked
into security notch 332. Similarly, internal stem 322 is slid into
external stem 320 until spring loaded pin 333 locks into security
notch 329 of external stem 320. Preferably, telescopic stem 318 can
adjust the walking height of walking stick 100 between 3 ft and 5
ft. The preferred storage height of telescopic stem 318 is 2 ft
such that walking stick 300 can easily be strapped across a user's
shoulders.
[0052] Walking stick 100 further comprises shock absorber 339. This
assists in absorbing vibrations caused by the walking/hiking
surface. Preferably, the primary component of shock absorber 339 is
a spring mechanism (not shown). Another advantage of the present
invention is interchangeable base 335 having base collar 336 for
receiving a base bottom selectable from different available base
bottoms. As an example, collar 336 can receive base bottom 338 for
walking. Base bottom 338 is preferably made of rubber. Quad-pod
base bottom 342 for walking can also be selected. Quad-pod base
bottom 342 is preferably made of aluminum with rubber tips. Another
option for the user is to select ice base bottom 337 for traversing
ice surfaces. Ice base bottom 337 consists of a rubber body with
serrated metal ends. Also, hiking base bottom 340 (preferably made
of carbide) for hiking may be used as well. Collar 336 is a raised
horizontal molding encircling stem 304. Preferably, its interior is
treaded to receive corresponding male treaded exteriors of the base
bottoms (other interlocking techniques for removably attaching the
base collar and base bottoms may be employed). In the manner, the
user can preferably match base bottoms and walking stick
functionality as proves necessary.
[0053] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of modular safety device 400 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0054] Among other components, modular safety device 400 comprises
ultrasonic device 402 and audible alarm device 404. Ultrasonic
device 402 is capable of transmitting ultrasonic sound with a
frequency of at least 20 kHz. The ultrasonic sound frequency is
preferably 40 KHz for particular application as a dog
deterrent.
[0055] Although ultrasonic sound is inaudible to human ear, it
remains audible to barking or approaching dogs, and is capable
causing such dogs to stay in place, stop or move away from the
user. Preferably, the emitted sound is most effective when the
canine is 15 ft or closer but is also operative up to 75 ft away.
The ultrasonic output startles the approaching dog and causes most
dogs to stop, move away or stay in place. An advantage of
ultrasonic sound is that it is not physically harmful to canines
and is a humane substitute for other deterrent types like pepper
spray. It is also advantageous because ultrasonic sound is
inaudible to human ears thus avoiding public disturbance that can
be created by loud audible beeper or horn type devices.
[0056] Audible alarm device 404 can issue an audible alarm
preferably between 90-120 dB. This is effective for use against
dangerous assailants that might attack elderly or disabled person
when they are walking, for example. It might also deter dangerous
animals such as bears and mountain lions that may be encountered
during hiking. Audible alarm device 404 can also signal to
passersby that help is needed by a user. Preferably, the audible
alarm is continuous for three to five minutes with one to two
second intervals.
[0057] Modular safety device 400 further comprises power supply 406
for providing power to all of the components. As shown by
simplified circuitry 416, power supply 406 can provide power to
ultrasonic device 402 and audible alarm device 404. Thus, when
switch 412 is closed, power supply 406 delivers power to activate
ultrasonic device 402. When switch 414 is closed, power supply 406
delivers power to activate audible alarm device 404.
[0058] Optionally, modular safety device 400 also comprises tracer
device 408, compass 410 and digital monitor 418. Tracer device 408
is a real time tracking device for determining the user's location.
This can be helpful, for example, during walking or hiking when the
user is lost. The real time tracking device of the present
invention is capable of receiving signals from GPS (Global
Positioning System) satellites to accurately determine the user's
location. Location data can be transmitted either automatically or
on demand for viewing over maps or via text reports to email,
mobile phone or the like.
[0059] Compass 410 is a digital or analog navigational tool for use
during travel and a digital walking monitor for indicating time and
monitoring distance (or steps) traveled during a given activity.
Compass 410 comprises a magnetized needle pointer free that can
align itself with Earth's magnetic field. The magnetized needle
pointer indicates the direction of the magnetic north. Digital
monitor 418 indicates total elapsed time and total distance (or
steps) traveled during a given activity. It might also determine an
estimated target or finish time for an activity.
[0060] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate modular safety device 400 used in
conjunction with various movement assistive devices. In FIG. 5A,
modular safety device 400 can be utilized with walking stick 500,
as shown. Specifically, modular safety device 400 is attached
adjacent to handle 501 of walking stick 500 so that modular safety
device 400 is easily accessible to a user's hands. One of ordinary
skill in the art will understand that this configuration is
exemplary and other suitable configurations can be employed.
[0061] In FIG. 5B, modular safety device 400 can also be employed
with wheel chairs. As shown, modular safety device 400 is mounted
on handle 503 of wheel chair 502. Again, modular safety device 400
is placed so that it remains easily accessible to the user when
seated. In FIG. 5C, modular safety device 400 can also be mounted
on wheel walker 504, a shown. In FIG. 5D, modular safety device 400
is attachable to electric wheelchair 506 as shown. All of these
illustrations are but examples of applications of modular safety
device 400. In each case, the user can easily open the modular
safety device cover (not shown) to access desired buttons to
operate modular safety device 400. Herein, the modularity of the
safety device of the present invention is an advantage of the
present invention. Safety components including a dog deterrent,
panic alarm and tracer device among other components are
incorporated in a single integrated modular unit never before seen
by the prior art.
[0062] While the above is a complete description of exemplary
specific embodiments of the invention, additional embodiments are
also possible. Thus, the above description should not be taken as
limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the
appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.
* * * * *