Abstract:
A personal warning device for preventing or stopping attacks on individuals by persons or animals. The device may be manually activated or may be activated by voice recognition. The device may be programmed to recognize a specific user&#39;s voice and may be reused and programmed by multiple users. The device may be attached to the personal effects of the user or may be carried.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/396,619 filed 1 Jun. 2010. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates particularly to alarm apparatuses, particularly to personal alarm devices meant to be carried on or by the person using it. The device may be triggered to sound an alarm in the event of an attack or other danger. 
         [0003]    Many different conventional alarms exist, including large automotive alarms and building alarms. Such alarm systems are typically large in size and are not intended to be used as portable, personal warning alarms. Because they are permanently mounted to the vehicle, automotive alarm systems cannot be transported by the user to remote locations. Further, certain automotive alarms that may include personal warning features are generally only effective if the user is in close proximity to the vehicle and must be activated by push-button only. 
         [0004]    Other forms of personal trouble warning alarms such as alarms mounted in covered parking garages, are not intended to be used as mobile or portable, hand-held personal trouble warning alarms since these systems are permanently affixed to a building structure or in a covered parking garage and are only effective in that particular parking garage. 
         [0005]    Other personal trouble warning alarms exist, some of which are typically referred to as “air horns”. This type of device is usually activated by either a pull-cord or push-button. Due to size, these devices are only marginally mobile or portable and therefore are not suitable for practicable transport on ones person, such a key-chain, in a purse or in a clothing pocket. 
         [0006]    Smaller, personal alarms are also known, such as those intended to be carried or worn on the individual, and may emit a warning, when activated by a variety of means, including sound or motion. However, many of these conventional mobile or portable hand-held personal trouble warning alarms are complicated or difficult to use under certain circumstances. Difficulty in activation may arise especially when the user is in acute distress, as when the alarm is needed to ward-off an attack by a person or animal. 
         [0007]    Thus there exists a need for an easy to use, portable personal warning device that may be activated by the user while in difficult situations, such as when in acute distress. Further needed is a device that while being simple to activate is also easily but accessibly carried by the user, all while having a commercially appealing outward appearance. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A primary objective of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art. 
         [0009]    Another object is to provide a sound signal generating device which is capable of generating an alarm sound. 
         [0010]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a sound signal generating device which is capable of being activated through voice recognition. 
         [0011]    A still further object of the present invention is to provide a sound signal generating device which is capable of recognizing and being activated by multiple user voices. 
         [0012]    The present invention is an improved mobile and portable personal trouble warning device which emits a high decibel warning alarm when activated. The device is activated by a push-button or by a programmable, multi-voice command system. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a personal warning device. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the device shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a back view of the device shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a partially exploded view of the device shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , and including a block diagram of included components. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is an illustrative flow chart describing programming of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  illustrates voice activated use of the present invention, with the device attached to a hand bag. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a view illustrating manual activation of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9A  illustrates a use of the present invention as attached to a backpack. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9B  illustrates a use of the present invention as attached to a handbag. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0023]    Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. 
         [0024]    Referring now to the Figures, it may be seen that a personal warning device according to the present invention may be constructed of any suitable, commercially appealing form, including the owl form shown. It is to be understood that while an owl form is shown in the Figures, any suitably sized and commercially attractive format may be used. A personal warning device according to the present invention may be made from any suitable material such as molded plastic or of any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high-strength plastic or resin, metal, and the like. 
         [0025]    With specific reference to  FIGS. 1-5 , a device according to the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . As shown, the device  10  generally includes a housing  12  having a front surface  14 , which may be ornamental in appearance, and a back surface  16 , which may include access to an internal cavity  18 . As seen particularly in  FIG. 5 , the device  10  preferably includes a power source  20 , such as a rechargeable battery, which supplies power to a central processer  22 . The central processer  22  is used to control and activate the components of the device  10 , as will be discussed in detail. 
         [0026]    A speaker  24  is used to transmit an audio alarm signal outward from the device  10  to thereby ward away attackers and to attract assistance. It is to be understood that the exact position of the speaker  24  may vary according to the specific product configuration; however, a suitable position will be one that allows for transmission of an audible alarm signal when activated. It is contemplated that a suitable audio alarm signal may include an ultra high decibel signal, such as for example a 120 decibel alert, capable of being heard at distances and startling would-be attackers. The device  10  may further include at least one manual activation button  26 . 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a back view of device  10  which, as is also depicted in  FIG. 3 , is relatively flat in shape although the perimeter profile may depict an ornamental shape such as the owl shown. As illustrated, the back surface  16  of the device  10  may include a series of activators  28 , such as the push buttons shown. The activators  28  may be used to perform various functions of the device  10 , such as power on/off, or to assist in the voice recognition programming procedure (see  FIG. 6 ). As may be further seen, the back surface  16  may also include other device  10  features, such as a reset button  30 , means for recharging the power source  20 , such as the AC plug adaptor  32  depicted, along with an indicator light  34  to indicate whether the power source  20  is fully charged or needs charging. Further included may be a power on/off button  36  having an audible signal to indicate that the device  10  is in the on orientation and visual indicators  40  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) to indicate to the user that the device  10  is powered on, along with a memory record button  38  or other features as may be desired. It is to be understood that while the mentioned features are depicted on the back surface  16  of the device  10 , any of them may be relocated without departure from the present invention. Access to the internal cavity  18  (see  FIG. 5 ) may be gained through use of the rear cover plate  42  shown. Additionally, access to the power source  20  (see Figure  5 ) may be gained through use of the battery cover plate  44  shown. As illustrated, fastening members  46 , such as the conventional screws illustrated, allow facile removal of the rear cover plates  42  and  44  to thereby access the internal electronics or internal cavity  18  and battery  20 , respectively, if desired. 
         [0028]    As is further illustrated in the view of  FIG. 5 , the device  10  is shown to include a memory storage  48  for storing a user-selected personal alarm word received via a microphone  50 , or other pick-up device, a power source  20 , such as a rechargeable battery to supply power to a central processor  22 , internal circuitry  52 , speaker  24 , microphone  50 , and the visual light indicators  34  and  40  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). As mentioned above, at least one speaker  24  is used to transmit audio signals outward from the device  10  and for use to give audible signals to the user regarding device  10  status. The device  10  further preferably includes at least one microphone or other pick up device  50  to receive voice signals by the user and to aid in voice recognition programming prior to use. The microphone  50  illustrated in the Figures is preferably positioned within the housing  12  such that it is audibly accessible through an opening  54  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) or other acceptable manner. Further included is a sensory voice recognition chip  56  for facilitating voice recognition programming and to prevent the device  10  from alarm activation by another voice or during casual conversation. 
         [0029]    The device  10  is initially programmed using the method depicted in the  FIG. 6  flowchart. The device  10  is programmed by the user to be activated by a user-selected personal alarm word. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the method of programming includes the steps of: 
         [0030]    pressing and holding a first memory activator  38 ; 
         [0031]    receiving a signal indicating device  10  is ready; 
         [0032]    inputting the selected personal alarm word into the device  10 , by stating the word into the microphone  50 ; 
         [0033]    receiving a signal indicating word has or has not been accepted by the device  10 , if signal indicates non-acceptance, repeat from start, if signal indicates acceptance pressing the first memory activator  38 ; 
         [0034]    inputting the selected personal alarm word into the device  10  a second time; 
         [0035]    receiving a signal indicating word has or has not been accepted by the device  10 , if signal indicates non-acceptance, repeat from start, if signal indicates acceptance pressing the first memory activator  38 ; 
         [0036]    inputting the selected personal alarm word into the device  10  in a loud emergency manner; 
         [0037]    receiving a signal indicating word has or has not been accepted by the device  10 , if signal indicates non-acceptance, repeat from start, if signal indicates acceptance pressing the first memory activator  38 ; 
         [0038]    inputting the selected personal alarm word into the device  10  in a loud emergency manner a second time; 
         [0039]    receiving a signal indicating word has or has not been accepted by the device  10 , if signal indicates non-acceptance, repeat from start, if signal indicates acceptance pressing the on/off actuator  36 ; receiving a signal indicating power down is complete; 
         [0040]    pressing the power on/off actuator  36 ; 
         [0041]    receiving a signal indicating activation is complete and device  10  is ready for use. 
         [0042]    Additionally, multiple users may record and save their voices in the memory storage  48  of the device  10 . This capability makes the device  10  more versatile and accommodating for use by families or groups. 
         [0043]    The device  10  further may include visual light indicators  40 , seen as the eyes of the owl in the views of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The visual light indicators  40  may be light emitting diodes, or any other compact light emitter, and used to provide device status signals to the user. For example, a first signal indicates that the first step of voice recording is complete; a second signal indicates that the voice recording is complete; a third signal indicates that the device  10  is activated and ready for use; a fourth signal indicates that the power source  20  needs charging or replacement; a fifth signal indicates that the voice recording procedure has failed and must be restarted. The various visual light indication signals provide facile delivery of device status to the user. Alternatively, the device  10  may provide status indication by way of audible signals through the speaker  24 . 
         [0044]    Activation of the device  10  occurs upon either a verbal or a manual cue by the user. To activate the device  10  verbally, the user states the selected personal alarm word, which at this step is referred to as the activation word. The activation word must be stated loud enough so that the microphone  50  can pick it up. The activation word is processed by the central processing unit  22  and the voice recognition chip  56  to determine if the activation word is a known, stored personal alarm word and if it is being stated by a stored user in a loud emergency manner. If so, an audible alarm from the speaker  24  will sound. If one of these requirements is not met, the alarm will not sound. Therefore, false alarms are prevented when the user states the activation word in a normal conversation; the user states a different word in an emergency manner; or if a person, other than a user, states the activation word in an emergency manner. Furthermore, to activate the alarm manually, the user may simply press a manual activation button  26 . Additionally, the visual indicators  40  may turn on during alarm activation for further signaling of user distress. 
         [0045]    The device  10  may further include attachment means, such as the loop member  58  illustrated on the top  60  of the device  10  shown in these views. A loop member  58  may be used to temporarily or permanently affix the device  10  to a duffel bag  66  or purse  68 , as seen in the views of  FIGS. 9A and 9B , respectively. A user of the device  10  may contemplate endless uses for the loop  58 , such as use on a keychain, by way of non-limiting illustration. Alternatively, the device  10  may be carried by hand due to its relatively small and lightweight characteristics. 
         [0046]    An alternative embodiment of the device  10  may further include a Global Positioning System (“GPS”) receiver  62 . A GPS receiver  62  may relay position or other relevant data to another similar device, cellular phone, emergency call center, or other electronic device capable of receiving information (not shown) via wireless broadband, Bluetooth®, radio frequency, or other transmission facilitator (not shown). The GPS data is transmitted via a signal transmitter  64  when the device  10  is activated either by verbal or manual activation. Although a display is not depicted in the embodiment shown, other embodiments may include this feature to display the current position, time, or other relevant information to the user. Furthermore, the GPS receiver  62  adds another safety feature for use in situations in which the user is lost or unable to move to safety. 
         [0047]    The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.