Abstract:
A life-saving child car seat/carrier safety system that protects a child from injury or death due to passenger compartment temperature extremes is described herein. Each year, children and infants die tragically as a result of overheating in automobile passenger compartments when they are mistakenly left unattended by their caregivers. The present invention provides a system and method for child safety comprising an automatically closing child car seat compartment that detects dangerous temperatures; notifies caregivers via an auto-dialing cell phone; alerts passersby via emergency lighting, audible alarms, vocal alerts, and electronic messaging; contacts emergency services with GPS location information; provides breathable air; and provides temperature regulation as needed to cool or warm a child. A distinguishing feature of the invention is lifesaving temperature regulation provided by a thermally insulating enclosable seating compartment, a temperature sensor, and a Peltier junction thermoelectric device, or other means of cooling and heating.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of the provisional patent application of the same title, Ser. No. 61/127,189, filed on 10 May 2008 by the present inventor. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH  
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM  
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    This invention relates to child safety, specifically to an enclosable child car seat/carrier system that is designed to protect an unattended child against passenger compartment temperature extremes. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Each year, children and infants die tragically as a result of overheating in the passenger compartments of automobiles when they are mistakenly left unattended by their caregivers. Overstressed parents, forgetful grandparents, and inattentive caregivers can inadvertently forget that a child is in the car, and even on a relatively cool day, the passenger compartment temperature of an automobile can rise dramatically in a short amount of time. A need exists to develop a totally new child car seat/carrier that will provide protection against temperature extremes that occur inside enclosed automobiles. 
         [0006]    Hyperthermia, which occurs when the human body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate, is the leading cause of non-traffic, stationary, automobile-related deaths in children under the age of fifteen. Even on a relatively comfortable day, the temperature in an enclosed vehicle may reach oven-like conditions of up to 180° F. depending on a variety of factors. In a study sponsored by  Pediatrics Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics , even on a seemingly mild 73° F. day, the passenger compartment temperature of an enclosed automobile can reach over 110° F. within 50 minutes. 
         [0007]    Although it is a common assumption that leaving a car window slightly open will decrease the danger of overheating, the Pediatrics study concludes that this is not the case. After an hour, partially-open windows have little effect in reducing car temperature. Lowering a window as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,767 B1 to Burrus IV, et al, 12 Feb. 2002 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,348,880 B2 to Hules, et al, 25 Mar. 2008, may not be sufficiently effective in reducing temperature. In addition, this may increase the risk of child abduction, precipitate vehicle security vulnerability, and rely on automobile systems and components to achieve safety. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,949,340 to Rossi, 28 Jul. 1998, and publication number 2007/0075575 A1 to Gregory II, et al, 5 Apr. 2007, describe inventions that activate a vehicle&#39;s air conditioning system to cool an unattended child. This requires engine activation in order to power the air conditioning. An unattended vehicle with a running engine is a target for theft, which may pose a safety problem for an unattended child. Additionally, this prior art relies on automobile systems and components to achieve safety. 
         [0009]    The tragic loss of a child can be further compounded by legal consequences. According to a national study conducted by the Department of Geosciences, San Francisco State University, charges were filed in 49% of deaths by hyperthermia, and 81% of those charged were convicted. In cases involving paid caregivers (i.e., childcare workers, babysitters), charges were filed in 84% of deaths by hyperthermia, and 96% of those charged were convicted. Only 7% of the cases involved drugs or alcohol. 
         [0010]    A solution, which has not been described in prior art, is a portable, self-contained, autonomous, automatically enclosing child protection system. Useful as both a child car seat and a child carrier, it will protect a child against extreme temperatures by automatic temperature control, while alerting caregivers, passersby, and rescue services. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The invention, comprising an enclosable child car seat/carrier system, automatically detects dangerous temperatures; notifies caregivers via an auto-dialing cell phone or other means; alerts passersby via flashing lighting, alarms, vocal alerts, and electronic messaging; contacts emergency services such as 911; provides GPS location information; and, most importantly, provides temperature regulation as needed to cool or warm a child. 
         [0012]    A distinguishing feature of the invention is lifesaving temperature regulation provided by a thermally-insulated, enclosable seating compartment, a temperature sensor, and a Peltier junction-based thermoelectric cooling (TEC) device, or other form(s) of cooling and heating. 
         [0013]    A high impact-resistant thermally insulating housing provides an enclosable seating compartment environment with an automatically closing access hatch. Together they maximize cooling or heating by means of a Peltierjunction thermoelectric device or other form(s) of cooling/heating. The access hatch is normally open for child entry and exit. The high impact-resistant thermally insulating housing also serves to protect a child against impact injury in a motor vehicle or other accident. 
         [0014]    This portable, self-contained, autonomous child protection system, useful as both a child car seat and a child carrier, protects a child against extreme temperatures and impact injury. Additionally, the invention may be easily removable from a vehicle and used as a child carrier outside of the vehicle, for example, on a hot day at a theme park. 
         [0015]    The invention protects a child from injury or death as a result of hyperthermia brought about by high temperatures in an automobile passenger compartment, or hypothermia resulting from being left unattended in an automobile exposed to cold weather conditions. The thermally insulating, temperature-regulated, enclosed capsule creates an environment that increases the window of time during which the endangered child may be rescued. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a front view illustration of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a thermally insulating housing of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a front view illustration of an embodiment of an under-hood RF link receiver of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a functional block diagram of electrical, electronic, and electromechanical components of an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    Described herein is a life-saving child car seat/carrier safety system designed to protect a child from injury or death due to passenger compartment temperature extremes. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a front view illustration of an embodiment of the present invention  100 . A thermally insulating housing  102  comprises the exterior of the present invention  100 , forming an enclosable seating compartment  118  with a child restraint and an automatically closing access hatch  104 . 
         [0022]    The present invention&#39;s  100  access hatch  104  is shown in its closed position. The access hatch  104  is open during normal conditions, but closes in order to protect a seated child  111  when subjected to temperature extremes. The access hatch  104  may be manually opened by a handle  154  on the exterior of the hatch. 
         [0023]    A viewing window  106  and interior lighting  116  allow passersby and rescue personnel to easily see the child  111  in the enclosable seating compartment  118 , regardless of ambient lighting conditions. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a thermally insulating housing  102  that encapsulates a child  111  within the present invention  100 . The housing  102  is a lamination of an exterior layer of high-impact plastic  202 , similar to that found in safety helmets, bonded to a radiant barrier-quality reflective foil  204 , bonded to a high R-value thermal insulation  206 , bonded to an interior layer of plastic  208 . 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an occupant sensor  110  detects the presence of a child  111  placed within the enclosable seating compartment  118 . This initiates a self-test sequence within control logic  122  and powers up the present invention  100 . 
         [0026]    A temperature sensor  108  monitors the temperature to which the child  111  is subjected. Since the access hatch  104  is open during normal conditions, the temperature sensor  108  monitors the ambient temperature in the vehicle&#39;s passenger compartment. If the temperature exceeds a preset moderately-high temperature, the control logic  122  will initiate a number of simultaneous events described below. 
         [0027]    A notification system comprising an auto-dial cell phone  132 , emergency flashing lighting  114 , an audible alarm and a vocal alert emitted from a loudspeaker  124 , an RF link transmitter  134 , an under-hood RF link receiver with an audible alarm and vocal alert  300 , and an electronic message display  112  is activated. 
         [0028]    The auto-dial cell phone  132  transmits text and voice messages to the child&#39;s  111  caregivers, the emergency flashing lighting  114  activates, the audible alarm and vocal alert are alternately emitted from the loudspeaker  124 , and the electronic message display  112  scrolls an emergency message with contact names and phone numbers. 
         [0029]    Also at this time, the RF link transmitter  134  transmits an activation signal to the under-hood RF link receiver  300  which alternately emits the under-hood audible alarm and vocal alert from a loudspeaker  302 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  is a front view illustration of an embodiment of the under-hood RF link receiver  300 . When the RF link receiver  300  is activated by the RF link transmitter  134 , the under-hood audible alarm and vocal alert are alternately emitted from the loudspeaker  302 . The RF link receiver  300  is installed via mounting brackets  306  inside an automobile&#39;s engine compartment and connected to the automobile&#39;s battery via a cable  304 . 
         [0031]    If the child  111  is not removed from the dangerous condition, and if the temperature sensor  108  detects an increase in temperature that exceeds a preset life-threateningly high temperature, the control logic  122  will initiate a number of simultaneous events described below. 
         [0032]    An access hatch closure mechanism  150  closes the access hatch  104 , thereby enclosing the seating compartment  118 ; interior lighting  116  illuminates; breathing air is drawn in through an air intake port  126 , circulated by low pressure ventilation control  148  through the enclosed seating compartment  118  and output through an air exhaust port  138 ; the auto-dial cell phone  132  calls emergency rescue services with a pre-recorded message and GPS coordinates; and an optional OnStar™ notification is initiated by an OnStar™ interface  136 . 
         [0033]    Also at this time, a temperature regulation system, comprising the temperature sensor  108  and a Peltier junction thermoelectric cooling module  130 , is activated. The Peltier junction thermoelectric cooling (TEC) module  130  begins cooling the now-enclosed seating compartment  118 . The temperature sensor  108  monitors the temperature inside the enclosed seating compartment  118 , and, together with the control logic  122 , manages the operation of the TEC module  130  to regulate the temperature inside the seating compartment  118 . Waste heat from the TEC module  130  is vented out of a TEC exhaust fan port  128 . 
         [0034]    Those of ordinary skill in the art are familiar with the construction of cooling/heating modules utilizing a thermoelectric cooling device. This is a semiconductor device known by other names including Peltier junction, thermoelectric cooler, thermoelectric device, thermoelectric heat pump, solid-sate heat pump, Peltier diode, and Peltier device. 
         [0035]    A thermoelectric cooling device provides cooling on one side of a Peltier junction and heat output on the opposite side when electric current is applied to the TEC. Reversing the direction of current flow through a TEC will cause the heating and cooling sides to reverse, thus simplifying construction of a combination heating/cooling unit. 
         [0036]    TEC devices are commonly employed in solid state refrigerators, 12 volt portable food and beverage coolers/warmers (travel coolers), 12 volt refrigerators, and CPU coolers. Examples of embodiments of TEC module construction may be found in inexpensive 12 volt portable travel coolers. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the child  111  is now protected within the enclosed seating compartment  118  with the access hatch  104  closed, is visible through the viewing window  106 , is illuminated by the interior lighting  116 , and is breathing air supplied by the ventilation control  148 . 
         [0038]    The temperature regulation system, comprising the temperature sensor  108  and the thermoelectric cooling module  130 , cools the child  111 , while the auto-dial cell phone  132  dials emergency services and the optional OnStar™ interface  136  initiates a call to OnStar™. The flashing lighting  114 , audible alarms and vocal alerts  124  and  302 , and the electronic message display  112  continue to operate until help arrives. 
         [0039]    The temperature regulation system, together with the thermally insulating housing  102  surrounding the enclosed seating compartment  118 , provides temperature control/thermal management to protect an unattended child  111  from dangerous temperatures inside a vehicle&#39;s passenger compartment. 
         [0040]    If a child is left unattended in an automobile exposed to cold weather conditions, the present invention  100  will operate in a nearly identical manner. However, it will provide heat, rather than cooling, to protect the child  111  when the temperature inside the vehicle&#39;s passenger compartment drops below a preset life-threateningly low temperature. Reversing the direction of current flow through the thermoelectric cooling module  130  will reverse the operation of the TEC module  130 , thus providing heat within the enclosed seating compartment  118 . 
         [0041]    The present invention  100  is securely fastened inside an automobile in a conventional manner, via safety seat belts fastened to belt loops  142  and  144 . 
         [0042]    The present invention  100  is portable and easily removed from an automobile for use in harsh temperature conditions, as might be experienced at a theme park or other outdoor venue. The RF link transmitter  134  is a low-power device and limited to operation within approximately 20 feet of the under-hood RF link receiver  300 , thus preventing an undesired alarm and vocal alert at the automobile. 
         [0043]    The cell phone antenna  152  and RF link transmitter antenna  146  are mounted atop the present invention  100  for reliable communications. 
         [0044]    A battery  120  is rechargeable through a battery charger jack  140 , and provides an electrical power means. Alternate electrical power means include operation via an automobile battery or an external power source. 
         [0045]    To accommodate growing children, size-accommodating inserts are fitted into the present invention. 
         [0046]    The thermoelectric cooling module  130  may be replaced with other methods of cooling and/or heating, including, but not limited to, heat pumps, Carnot cycle cooling, vapor compression/absorption refrigeration cycles, magnetic field refrigeration, compressor-free cooling such as ferroelectric polymers, and other forms of electrical and mechanical cooling and heating. 
       Operation of the Invention 
       [0047]    During normal operation of the present invention  100 , an access hatch  104  is open and a child  111  is placed inside an enclosable seating compartment  118 . An occupant sensor  110  detects the presence of the child  111 . This initiates control logic  122  system self-tests and battery  120  tests. 
         [0048]    If the system tests or battery tests fail, the control logic  122  will sound warning beeps until the child  111  is removed from the present invention  100  or the fault is corrected. 
         [0049]    If the system tests and battery tests pass, an electronic message display  112  will display “Self-Test Passed” and the present invention  100  will power up into a ready state. 
         [0050]    A temperature sensor  108  monitors the temperature that the child  111  is subjected to. Since the access hatch  104  is open during normal conditions, the temperature sensor  108  monitors the ambient temperature in the vehicle&#39;s passenger compartment. 
         [0051]    If the temperature exceeds a preset moderately-high temperature, the control logic  122  will activate a notification system comprising an auto-dial cell phone  132 , emergency flashing lighting  114 , an audible alarm and a vocal alert emitted from a loudspeaker  124 , an RF link transmitter  134 , an under-hood RF link receiver with an audible alarm and vocal alert  300 , and an electronic message display  112 . 
         [0052]    The control logic  108  commands an auto-dial cell phone  132  to contact the child&#39;s  111  caregivers, activates emergency flashing lighting  114 , initiates audible alarms and vocal alerts from loudspeakers  124  and  302 , and displays an emergency message on an electronic message display  112 . 
         [0053]    If the temperature sensor  108  detects a temperature increase to a life-threateningly high level, the control logic  122  will activate an access hatch closure mechanism  150 , enable interior lighting  116 , initiate ventilation control  148  to provide breathable air, activate the auto-dial cell phone  132  to dial emergency services, and optionally initiate a call to OnStar™ via the OnStar™ interface  136 . 
         [0054]    Also at this time, a temperature regulation system, comprising the temperature sensor  108  and a thermoelectric cooling module  130 , cools the child  111 . The temperature sensor  108  monitors the temperature inside the now-enclosed seating compartment  118  and, together with the control logic  122 , manages the operation of the thermoelectric cooling module  130  to regulate the temperature inside the enclosed seating compartment  118 . 
         [0055]    The functional block diagram of  FIG. 4  illustrates electrical, electronic, and electromechanical components in an embodiment of the present invention  100 . 
         [0056]    An electrical power means includes a battery  420  that provides electrical power to the present invention  100  via control logic  418 . A battery charger  434  recharges the battery  420 , and a battery low alert  422  provides an audio warning indicating insufficient battery  420  capacity. Electrical power may also be provided externally. 
         [0057]    An occupant sensor  414  detects the presence of a child  111  placed inside an enclosable seating compartment  118 , and a temperature sensor  416  monitors the temperature that the child  111  is subjected to. Since an access hatch  104  is open during normal conditions, the temperature sensor  416  monitors the ambient temperature in the vehicle&#39;s passenger compartment. Both sensors  414  and  416  provide input to the control logic  418 . 
         [0058]    If the occupant sensor  414  detects the presence of a child  111  placed inside the enclosable seating compartment  118 , it triggers the control logic  418  to run system self-tests and battery  420  tests. 
         [0059]    If the system tests or battery tests fail, the control logic  418  will sound warning beeps until the child  111  is removed from the present invention  100  or the fault is corrected. 
         [0060]    If the system self-tests and battery tests pass, an electronic message display  430  will display “Self-Test Passed” and the present invention  100  will power up into a ready state. 
         [0061]    If the temperature sensor  416  detects a temperature that exceeds a preset moderately-high temperature, the control logic  418  will activate a notification system comprising an auto-dial cell phone  424 , emergency flashing lighting  426 , an audible alarm  428 , a vocal alert  432 , an RF link transmitter  438 , an under-hood RF link receiver  436 , and an electronic message display  430 . 
         [0062]    The control logic  418  commands the auto-dial cell phone  424  to contact the child&#39;s  111  caregivers, activate the emergency flashing lighting  426 , initiate the audible alarm  428 , and activate the vocal alert  432 . 
         [0063]    Furthermore, the control logic  418  activates an RF link transmitter  438  that activates an under-hood RF link receiver vocal alert and audible alarm  436 , and displays an emergency message on the electronic message display  430 . 
         [0064]    If the child  111  is not removed from the dangerous temperature condition and if the temperature sensor  416  detects a temperature increase to a life-threateningly high level, the control logic  418  will activate an access hatch closure mechanism  406 , enable interior lighting  410 , initiate ventilation control  408  to provide breathing air, activate the auto-dial cell phone  404  to dial emergency services, and optionally initiate a call to OnStar™ via the OnStar™ interface  412 . 
         [0065]    Also at this time, a temperature regulation system, comprising the temperature sensor  416  and a thermoelectric cooling module  402 , cools the child  111 . The temperature sensor  416  monitors the temperature inside the now-enclosed seating compartment  118 , and, together with the control logic  418 , manages the operation of the thermoelectric cooling module  402  to regulate the temperature inside the seating compartment  118 . 
         [0066]    By providing an enclosed, temperature-regulated compartment, the present invention  100  creates a safe environment for a child inadvertently left unattended in an overheating or excessively cold car. This safe environment increases the window of time during which an endangered child may be rescued. Since minutes might mean the difference between life and death for an unattended child, the present invention  100  will save lives. 
         [0067]    Although the above description and disclosure contains considerable detail, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and explanatory, rather than restricting or limiting, of the scope of the invention. A wide range of modifications and variations are possible within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.