Abstract:
A thermal alarm clock including an alarm clock controller that activates a heating device to wake a slumbering person. The thermal alarm clock incorporates traditional alarm, clock, and radio functions as well. The heating device is located adjacent a sleeping person and can be activated with, or instead of, an audible alarm. A slumbering person will be gently awakened by the heat of the device instead of the jarring sound from an audible alarm clock. The thermal alarm clock is also effective at waking a single person from a plurality of sleepers and is effective for users with special needs, such as the hearing impaired or blind. In one embodiment, the thermal alarm clock incorporates sensors and circuitry to monitor a user&#39;s presence.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/407,775, filed Sep. 3, 2002, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This present invention is directed generally to an alarm clock. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a thermal alarm clock that can awaken a sleeping person by activating a heating device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Millions of people use alarm clocks to wake themselves up in the morning. Typically, an alarm clock will sound an audible alarm, such as a ringing or buzzing sound, to wake up a person at a preset time. These audible alarm clocks can be driven mechanically or electrically. In either case, the waking experience produced by an audible alarm clock is very abrupt and jarring. 
     A major advancement in the alarm clock&#39;s waking experience was the integration of the radio. So-called “clock radios” allow a person to wake up while listening to a radio broadcast. It is thought that using the sound of music or talking as a means to wake up is a more comfortable experience than being assaulted with a ringing or buzzing noise. While music does help to reduce the jarring effect associated with a buzzing alarm, the waking experience is often still abrupt. The radio alarm also loses its effectiveness as the human body adjusts to the radio station. 
     Another downside to any audible type alarm is that they are ineffective for hearing-impaired people. Therefore, vibrating alarm clocks have been developed. These alarms typically pulsate a pillow or mattress in an attempt to wake up the sleeping individual. Pillow vibrators are undesirable because a sleeping person&#39;s head may not be in contact with the pillow, or the pillow may be pushed aside. Mattress vibrators do not work well with the cabin style beds that do not have a box spring or bed frame. Users need alarm clocks that are consistently effective. In particular, the hearing impaired would benefit from an effective silent alarm clock. 
     Alarm clocks have also incorporated visual methods for arousing a person. For example, an alarm clock can be used to turn on a room&#39;s lights when the alarm is activated. This is useless for blind users, and sleeping individuals tend to avoid bright lights, thereby rendering these alarms largely ineffective. In any event, waking up to a suddenly bright room is just as jarring and annoying as an audible alarm. 
     Yet another branch of alarm clocks are wearable alarm clocks, including vibrating wristbands and ear mounted audible alarms. However, many people find sleeping with devices attached to them uncomfortable. Some people will even remove these objects, such as wristbands or earplugs, when they fall asleep. These devices can also be inadvertently dislodged during the night. As a result, these types of alarms are not very effective. 
     When there is more than one sleeping person within range of an alarm clock, it is to be expected that the people may desire to wake up at different times. The traditional audio and visual alarms disturb everyone in the vicinity. Therefore, couples or roommates would also benefit from a silent alarm clock that can wake a single individual. 
     It can be seen that a need exists for an alarm clock that is effective for a wide variety of users that also provides a gentle waking experience. Ideally, the alarm clock would incorporate known features and alarm options so that it is both easy-to-use and adaptable to individual preferences. The improved alarm clock would be comfortable, safe, and effective for all users, including those with special needs such as the hearing impaired or blind. The alarm clock could also wake a single individual from a plurality of sleeping people. The thermal alarm clock in accordance with the present invention provides such an alarm clock, and it overcomes the obstacles and deficiencies that have prevented the development of a satisfactory silent alarm clock. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a thermal alarm clock is provided that incorporates an alarm clock controller that activates and deactivates a heating device at, and for, a specified time. The heating device, when activated, is usable to warm an individual, preheat a sleeping surface, or to wake a sleeping individual The thermal alarm clock of the present invention overcomes obstacles and shortcomings that have previously inhibited the development of an effective, yet gentle, alarm clock. It is effective for users with special needs, such as the hearing impaired or blind. Moreover, the heating device of the thermal alarm is comfortable, safe, and usable to silently wake a person. 
     The thermal alarm clock includes a number of conventional features and options. For example, the thermal alarm clock can activate a traditional alarm, such as an audible alarm or radio broadcast, at a preset time. The thermal alarm clock can include other common features like volume controls, radio station controls, and a “sleep” button, which activates the radio for a predetermined or user-defined period of time. A battery backup system maintains the clock feature and activates the audible or radio alarms during a power outage. Generally, the thermal alarm clock can operate as a traditional alarm clock. 
     The alarm clock controller is usable to activate the heating device with the heating device being electrically connected to the alarm clock controller or a heat level controller. In one embodiment, the heating device is provided by the user and is electrically connected to the alarm clock controller by plugging the heating device into a standard electrical outlet provided by the alarm clock controller. For example, a traditional heating pad with or without built-in heating controls could be connected to the alarm clock controller. In a second embodiment, the thermal alarm clock includes a heating device specifically constructed to operate only with the alarm clock controller. The electrical outlet would be specially shaped to accept a like-shaped power cord. This proprietary heating device would be activated by the alarm clock controller and would, in one preferred embodiment, incorporate a heat level controller. In yet another embodiment, the alarm clock controller includes both standard and specially shaped electrical outlets for both user-provided and proprietary heating devices. A plurality of receptacles could wake different users at different times. Another special feature involves a “preheat” button. When pressed, the preheat button would immediately activate the heating device for a predetermined or user-defined period of time. The heating device itself can take several forms but is preferably a heating pad that is secured to a mattress. 
     In use, the alarm clock controller activates the heating device when the clock reaches a preset time or when the user depresses the preheat button. The alarm clock controller provides electrical power to the one or more electrical outlets. The attached heating devices are electrically connected to the outlet. The electrical power serves to increase the temperature of the heating devices, typically through electrical resistance, to wake a sleeping person. The heat level controller can be a manual knob, as found on a typical heating pad, usable to set the temperature of the heating pad. In the case of the proprietary heating device, the heat level controller can be set to mimic natural body temperature changes that occur in a waking person. For example, the heat level controller would slowly increase electricity to the heating device. The user could also manually adjust the temperature through the heat level controller based on his or her own tolerances and needs. In another preferred embodiment, the thermal alarm clock includes logic circuitry and sensors, such as pressure sensors, optical sensors, or the like, to determine whether a person is present or in contact with the heating device. The logic circuitry monitors the user&#39;s waking profile to determine the optimal combination of heating level and heating time to maximize the waking effectiveness without jarring the user. In this embodiment, the electrical power provided to the heating device could be terminated when the user is no longer in contact with the heating device. 
     The use of heat to wake a person allows the thermal alarm clock to silently and effectively rouse a person. An added benefit is that other people in the room would not be disturbed, and it is equally effective for users with special needs. Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein; 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a thermal alarm clock in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the first preferred embodiment of a heating device usable with the thermal alarm clock of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the alarm clock controller in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the alarm clock controller and heating device&#39;s power cord in accordance with a first preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the alarm clock controller and heating device&#39;s power cord in accordance with a second preferred embodiment; and 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a thermal alarm clock in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility. 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , there may be seen generally at  10  a first preferred embodiment of a thermal alarm clock in accordance with the present invention. In this first preferred embodiment, thermal alarm clock  10  consists of three main components: an alarm clock controller  12 , a heating device  14 , and an optional heat level controller  16 . As illustrated, thermal alarm clock  10  rests on a nightstand  18  adjacent a bed  20 . The heating device  14  is secured to a mattress  22  on bed  20 . Heat level controller  16 , if included, is situated between, and in electrical connection with, heating device  14  and alarm clock controller  12 . Heat level controller  16  can also be included within alarm clock controller  12 . While heat level controller  16  would be internal to alarm clock controller  12  in this embodiment, it would still provide a manual means to adjust the temperature level of heating device  14 . The manual means for adjusting the heat in either the external or internal embodiment consists of a knob, switch, buttons, or the like. 
       FIG. 2  further illustrates a first preferred embodiment for heating device  14  on bed  20 . Mattress  22  is placed on the bed frame (not shown). On top of the mattress is a bed pad  26 . Above the bed pad  26  is heating device  14 . On top of heating device  14  is a bed sheet  28 . 
     Heating device  14  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  as a traditional heating pad. The heating pad can include known means for securing the pad to mattress  22 . Such heating pads contain filaments  24  that heat up by electrical resistance. It should be understood that heating device  14  might be a device other than a heating pad so long as the device can effectively and safely apply heat to a sleeping user. Moreover, heating device  14  could be used in a variety of places besides being placed atop a mattress. 
     In one preferred embodiment, heating device  14  contains typical electrical switches (not shown) that control whether electricity reaches filaments  24  in different zones of the heating device. The switches operate to vary the location of heat within heating device  14 . Therefore, heating device  14  is usable to alternate between heating a user&#39;s upper and lower body during a waking cycle. Moreover, heating device  14  is capable of covering the entirety of mattress  22  while remaining usable to wake up bed partners at distinct times. For instance, one zone of the pad would wake a first user while a second zone of the pad would wake a second user. 
     Turning to  FIG. 3 , there is illustrated a close up view of alarm clock controller  12 . Alarm clock controller  12  is illustrated in a generally rectilinear shape that is typical to known alarm clocks. Preferably, alarm clock controller  12  also includes functions common to a traditional alarm clock such as wake to radio, wake to audible alarm, radio tuning, and the like. A battery backup system (not shown) can maintain the clock feature and activate the audible or radio alarms during a power outage. It is currently envisioned that the battery backup system would default from the “wake to heat” function to one of the other methods for waking a user. However, it thought that a more robust battery could maintain the “wake to heat” function. Other traditional physical characteristics such as a LED display  30 , a radio tuning indicator  32 , a sleep button  34  and other buttons that operate the various functions are also included. For instance, a mode switch  36  selects between the various states of the alarm&#39;s operation. The alarm can be set to off, radio, wake by heating device, wake by audible alarm, wake by radio or any combination thereof. 
     The clock function, displayed by LED display  30 , is set through the use of a time set button  38 , in conjunction with an hour button  40  and a minute button  42 . The waking time is set through the use of an alarm set button  44  in conjunction with hour button  40  and minute button  42 . As is known in the alarm clock art, the user sets either the clock time or waking time by holding the respective set button and advancing the time by pressing the hour and/or minute buttons  40 ,  42 . 
     The radio function is also controlled by conventional means, namely by a tuning dial  46  on the side of alarm clock controller  12  that is usable to change radio stations. The current tuner position is indicated on tuning indicator  32 . A volume adjustment dial  48  is positioned above tuning dial  46  on one side of alarm clock controller  12 . 
     Other features include a snooze button  50 , sleep button  34 , and preheat button  52 . Snooze button  50  is located atop alarm clock controller  12  and is used to temporarily turn off the selected alarm mechanism for a predetermined number of minutes. Sleep button  34  and bed preheat button  52  activate the radio and heating device  14 , respectively, for a predetermined or user-defined number of minutes. Pressing either button once activates the respective function for a predetermined amount of time. A user can define the amount of time the function is active by holding either button and adjusting the time by pressing the hour and/or minutes buttons  40 ,  42 . In this manner, the radio and heat functions can be manually activated by the user but automatically deactivated by alarm clock controller  12 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of the backside of alarm clock controller  12 , wherein the controller provides a standard female electrical receptacle  54 . In this embodiment, the user can provide their own heating device. The user&#39;s device will plug into electrical receptacle  54  and will be activated by alarm clock controller  12 . Heating device  14  has a male electrical plug  56  and a power cord  58 . Thermal alarm clock  10  is connected to a power source (not shown). Therefore, activating heating device  14  consists of switching on the power to electrical receptacle  54  by circuitry known to those familiar with the art. The user&#39;s device may or may not include a mechanism for adjusting the heat level of the heating device. 
     It is also contemplated that a specially shaped electrical receptacle  60  could be formed to accept power cord  58  by way of a proprietary plug  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In this embodiment, heat level controller  16  would incorporate a means for adjusting the temperature level of heating device  14 . Therefore, heat level controller  16  includes a labeled knob or other user actuated device. The manual adjustment would control the voltage or current to heating device  14 . For example, a knob on heat level controller  16  could be connected to a potentiometer. The potentiometer would adjust the voltage supplied to heating device  14 . In a preferred embodiment, labeling on heat level controller  16  corresponds to the amount of electricity applied to heating filaments  24 . Therefore, alarm clock controller  12  activates heating device  14  by switching on electricity to proprietary plug  62 . However, the amount of electricity passed to heating device  14  could be adjusted at heat level controller  16 . As mentioned above, heat level controller  16  can also be incorporated into alarm clock controller  12  so long as the means to adjust the temperature of heating device  14  is still accessible to a user. 
     Still other modifications and forms exist. It is apparent that a plurality of receptacles could be provided on alarm clock controller  12  so as to provide different waking times for different users. One or more of the receptacles could be a standard female electrical receptacle. Likewise, one or more of the receptacles could be specially shaped for use with a proprietary heating device and power cord. In either case, a single alarm clock controller  12  is usable to activate a plurality of heating devices  14 . Further, the electrical receptacles, either proprietary or standard, could be located on an external heat level controller  16  instead of within alarm clock controller  12 . 
     In yet another preferred embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , thermal alarm clock  10  includes logic circuitry (not shown) and sensors  70 , such as pressure sensors, optical sensors, or the like, to determine whether a person is present or in contact with the heating device. For instance, pressure sensors  70  are activated when a user is in contact with the heating device. During activation, sensors  70  send a control signal to alarm clock controller  12 . When the user separates from heating device  14 , sensors  70  are deactivated and the control signal terminates. In this embodiment, heating device  14  is switched off when the user is no longer in contact with it. 
     The sensors and logic circuitry are usable in combination to determine the optimal temperature and heating time to maximize the waking effectiveness without jarring the user. The logic circuitry monitors the sensors. For example, if alarm controller  12  activates heating device  14  at 7:30 AM but the sensors register a user&#39;s presence until 7:38 AM, the eight-minute wake-up time could be recorded to memory by the logic circuitry. The logic circuitry then adjusts the heating cycle to begin at 7:22 so that the user is awake by the specified time of 7:30. Preferably, sensors  70  are pressure sensors that detect a user&#39;s weight on heating device  14 , and the logic circuitry operates by recording the average time between the activation of the alarm and the time sensors  70  no longer detect the user. 
     Again, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed herein. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.