Baby car seat and dock alarm system

The baby car seat and dock alarm system comprises a car seat, docking base, and a docking alarm system. The docking alarm system comprises sensors and a control module. The control module monitors the sensors and detects when an alarm condition exists. The control module communicates with vehicle subsystems and with the driver's smart phone using two transceivers in the control unit. When the control unit detects an alarm condition it may attempt to notify the driver and/or bystanders and it may attempt to remedy the situation. As a non-limiting example, if the control module detects that a child has been left in a hot, unattended vehicle, it may notify the driver via a text message, notify bystanders by sounding the vehicle horn, and remedy the situation by lowering the vehicle's windows.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

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REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of child car safety seats, more specifically, a baby car seat and dock alarm system.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The baby car seat and dock alarm system comprises a car seat, docking base, and a docking alarm system. The docking alarm system comprises sensors and a control module. The control module monitors the sensors and detects when an alarm condition exists. The control module communicates with vehicle subsystems and with the driver's smart phone using two transceivers in the control unit. When the control unit detects an alarm condition it may attempt to notify the driver and/or bystanders and it may attempt to remedy the situation. As a non-limiting example, if the control module detects that a child has been left in a hot, unattended vehicle, it may notify the driver via a text message, notify bystanders by sounding the vehicle horn, and remedy the situation by lowering the vehicle's windows.

An object of the invention is to provide a car safety seat for a child that comprises a docking alarm system.

Another object of the invention is to provide a car seat that comprises sensors in the seat to detect the weight of the seat occupant, latching of the harness, and docking of the car seat with a docking base.

A further object of the invention is to provide a car seat that communicates with a vehicle computer system and with the driver's smart phone.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a car seat that detects an alarm condition, attempts to notify individuals regarding the alarm condition and/or attempts to remedy the alarm condition.

These together with additional objects, features and advantages of the baby car seat and dock alarm system will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the baby car seat and dock alarm system in detail, it is to be understood that the baby car seat and dock alarm system is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the baby car seat and dock alarm system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The baby car seat and dock alarm system100(hereinafter invention) comprises a car seat200, a docking base400, and a docking alarm system240. Responsive to the invention100determining that a child1000may have been left unattended in the car seat200while the car seat200is still inside of a vehicle900, the invention100attempts to notify the driver1001and applicable bystander1001.

The car seat200may be a portable seat for a child that attaches to a vehicle seat and is specifically designed to protect the child from injury or death during a collision. The car seat200comprises a hard shell210lined with padding215and a restraint harness220. The car seat200may comprise a carrying handle225and a position adjustment mechanism (not illustrated in the figures). The use of car seats to protect children in vehicles is well known in the art.

The docking base400may be a platform that rests on a vehicle seat910and provides increased stability to the car seat200when the car seat200is latched into the docking base400. The docking base400may latch directly to the vehicle seat910and the car seat200may lock into the docking base400during vehicular travel. The car seat200may detach from the docking base400to be carried manually upon reaching a destination.

The docking alarm system240comprises a weight sensor260, a harness lock sensor270, a docking sensor250, and a control module300. The docking alarm system240may be mounted to the interior of the car seat200. The docking alarm system240communicates with a vehicle computer system950to monitor and control certain functions of the vehicle900. The docking alarm system240monitors the docking sensor250, the weight sensor260, the harness lock sensor270, and the status of the vehicle900to determine whether an alarm condition exists. If the docking alarm system240determines that the alarm condition exists, the docking alarm system240may attempt to notify the driver and/or to remedy the alarm condition.

The weight sensor260may provide a weight signal265to a microprocessor310located in the control module300. The weight signal265may be indicative of the weight of the child occupying the car seat200. In some embodiments, the weight signal265may indicate that a weight above a predefined threshold is present in the car seat200. Based upon the weight signal265that it receives, the microprocessor310may be able to determine if the child is present in the car seat200or not.

The harness lock sensor270may provide a harness lock signal275to the microprocessor310located in the control module300. The harness lock signal275may be indicative of a proper closing of the restraint harness220. Based upon the harness lock signal275that it receives, the microprocessor310may be able to determine that the restraint harness220is closed and locked or that the restraint harness220has been opened.

The docking sensor250may provide a docking signal255to the microprocessor310. The docking signal255may be indicative of the docking status of the car seat200. The microprocessor310may use this status to determine if the car seat200is latched into the docking base400. Based upon this information, the microprocessor310may decide whether one or more notification actions and/or one or more remediation actions should be modified or whether they should be invoked at all. As a non-limiting example, if the docking sensor250indicates that the car seat200is not docked to the docking base400, then the car seat200may no longer be inside of the vehicle900and attempts to control subsystems of the vehicle900can be expected to fail. Furthermore, if the car seat200is improperly docked while the car is in motion that may be reason enough to give rise to the alarm condition.

The control module300comprises the microprocessor310, memory315, input/output ports320, a sound transducer330, a first transceiver350, a second transceiver360, and one or more batteries390. The control module300continuously monitors input signals from sensors and communication devices, detects changes in the state of the car seat200or the vehicle900, and determines whether or not the alarm condition exists. In response to a determination that the alarm condition exists, the control module300may vary output signals or activate communication devices to remedy the alarm condition.

The microprocessor310may be an industry standard processor suitable for use in a battery-operated device and capable of executing a control program stored in the memory315. The control program may determine the specific sequence of operations that the control module300performs including, but not limited to, when and how often to monitor input signals, how to determine that the alarm condition exists, and what specific responses to invoke when the alarm condition exists. The memory315may be non-volatile memory, volatile memory, or a combination thereof. The memory315may hold the control program and/or data used by the control program. The input/output ports320are digital interfaces between the microprocessor310and peripheral devices. As a non-limiting example, peripheral devices may include sensors such as the weight sensor260and the harness lock sensor270, the sound transducer330, and communication devices such as the first transceiver350and the second transceiver360. The sound transducer330may be a device that produces an audible sound when activated by an electrical signal. The sound transducer330may be capable of producing one or more monotonic notes or it may reproduce a complex sound such as human speech that is encoded in the activation signal.

The control module300may further comprise a timer circuit340. The timer circuit340may allow the microprocessor310to measure the passage of time so that the duration of a specific input signal or output signal may be determined.

The first transceiver350may be a device capable of exchanging wireless signals370with the vehicle computer system950. The first transceiver350may be selected to match frequency, modulation technique, protocol, and other communication parameters of the vehicle computer system950, thus allowing the car seat200to communicate with the vehicle900. Communication between the control module300and the vehicle computer system950via the first transceiver350may allow the control module300to monitor and control subsystems within the vehicle900. As a non-limiting example, messages exchanged via the first transceiver350may allow the control module300to determine whether or not the engine is running, the door lock status, the window up/down status, and the vehicle internal temperature. As a non-limiting example, the first transceiver350may allow the control module300to start the engine, turn on the air conditioner, lower the windows, and sound the horn. Messages sent from the control module300to the vehicle computer system950via the first transceiver350might also allow the control module300to play audio through the sound system of the vehicle900.

The second transceiver360may be a device capable of exchanging signals with a smart phone930via a cellular telephone network890. Using the second transceiver360, the control module300may be able to send a text message to the smart phone930, place a call to the smart phone930and play audio through the connection, or digitally communicate with an application program920running on the smart phone930.

In some embodiments, the first transceiver350and the second transceiver360may be a single transceiver.

The one or more batteries390may provide electrical energy to power the control module300. When the one or more batteries390are depleted, they may be replaced or recharged. In some embodiments, the one or more batteries390may be recharged by plugging a recharging cord (not illustrated in the figures) into a cigarette lighter (not illustrated in the figures).

The alarm condition is a situation that the driver needs to be aware of. The alarm condition may be detected by analyzing the state of the weight sensor260, the state of the harness lock sensor270, the state of the docking sensor250, and information acquired from the vehicle computer system950. Several different situations may give rise to the alarm condition and the specific response actions taken by the control module300may vary based upon the details of the alarm condition.

As a non-limiting example, one situation that may give rise to the alarm condition is that a child has been left in the car seat200of the vehicle900when the vehicle900has been parked. This may be known as the ‘CHILD LEFT IN VEHICLE’ condition. The microprocessor310in the control module300may determine that the child occupies the car seat200by detecting, via the weight sensor260, that an object heavy enough to be the child is in the car seat200, by detecting, via the harness lock sensor270, that the restraint harness220is closed and locked, or by a combination of the two. The microprocessor310may determine that the vehicle900is parked by detecting, via information obtained from the vehicle computer system950, that the engine is not running, by detecting that the engine is not running and that the vehicle doors are locked, or by detecting some other combination of vehicle subsystem states.

In some embodiments, the microprocessor310may also consider the passage of time into the determination that the alarm condition exists. As a non-limiting example, the microprocessor310may determine that the child occupies the car seat200and that the engine is not running and may then allow the passage of a predetermined amount of time, such as 15 seconds, before taking action responsive to the alarm condition. This may allow time for the driver to remove the child from the car seat200before sounding the horn.

As a further non-limiting example, another situation that may give rise to the alarm condition is that the vehicle900is being driven while the child is improperly restrained. This may be known as the ‘DRIVING WITH UNRESTRAINED CHILD’ condition. The microprocessor310may determine that the child occupies the car seat200by detecting, via the weight sensor260, that an object heavy enough to be the child is in the car seat200, by detecting, via the harness lock sensor270, that the restraint harness220is closed and locked, or by a combination of the two. The microprocessor310may determine that the vehicle900is in motion by detecting, via information obtained from the vehicle computer system950, that the engine is running, that the transmission is in a forward or reverse gear, and that the speed of the vehicle is not zero.

As another non-limiting example, the microprocessor310may detect, using circuitry within the control module300, that the one or more batteries390within the car seat200are low and need to be recharged. This may be known as the ‘LOW BATTERY’ condition. By way of example and not of limitation, the microprocessor310may detect that the one or more batteries390are low by comparing the voltage produced by the one or more batteries390against a predefined threshold voltage. This situation is important to detect and correct because if the one or more batteries390become totally depleted then the protective features of the invention100that are described herein may no longer function.

The microprocessor310of the control module300may direct a response to the specific situation that gave rise to the alarm condition by changing the vehicle subsystem states via the first transceiver350, by communicating with the smart phone930or with the application program920running on the smart phone930via the second transceiver360, or by activating the sound transducer330within the car seat200.

In response to the alarm condition, the microprocessor310may perform the one or more notification actions and/or the one or more remediation actions. As a non-limiting example, in response to the ‘CHILD LEFT IN VEHICLE’ condition, the one or more notification actions may include: sounding the horn of the vehicle900, activating the sound transducer330within the car seat200, sending a text message to the smart phone930at a pre-designated phone number, placing a phone call to a pre-designated number and playing a recorded message followed by a live audio feed from within the vehicle900, or sending an alert message to the application program920running on the smart phone930. The actions may be repeated to using a list of pre-designated phone numbers. As a non-limiting example, the text message and the alert message may be sent to multiple smart phones.

In some embodiments, the control module300may be able to acquire the geographic position of the vehicle900from the vehicle computer system950. In these embodiments, the one or more notification actions may include the geographic position of the vehicle900.

The one or more remediation actions may include: lowering or raising the windows, unlocking or locking the vehicle doors, starting the engine, and running the air conditioner. As a non-limiting example, a specific remedy might be to raise the windows, lock the vehicle doors, start the engine, and run the A/C until the driver returns to the vehicle900to remove the child.

In some embodiments, certain ones of the one or more remediation actions may require approval in the form of a message sent by the application program920running on the smart phone930of the driver. As a non-limiting example, the decision to start the engine and run the A/C may require that the driver approve the action using the application program920.

The one or more notification actions and the one or more remediation actions may each have an alternative action defined. As a non-limiting example, if an attempt to raise the windows, lock the vehicle doors, start the engine, and run the A/C until the driver returns to the vehicle900fails because the control module300senses that the engine will not start, the alternative action may be to lower the windows and stop the engine.

As a further non-limiting example, in response to the ‘DRIVING WITH UNRESTRAINED CHILD’ condition, the one or more notification actions may include: activating the sound transducer330within the car seat200or playing a prerecorded audio message through the sound system of the vehicle900. In this case, the one or more remediation actions may include raising the windows and locking the vehicle doors.

As a further non-limiting example, in response to the ‘LOW BATTERY’ condition, the one or more notification actions may include: activating the sound transducer330within the car seat200or playing a prerecorded audio message through the sound system of the vehicle900and the one or more remediation actions may be omitted.

As used in this disclosure, an “application” or “app” is software that is specifically designed for use with a personal computing device.

Throughout this document the terms “battery”, “battery pack”, and “batteries” may be used interchangeably to refer to one or more wet or dry cells or batteries of cells in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of DC power. References to recharging or replacing batteries may be construed to mean recharging or replacing individual cells, individual batteries of cells, or a package of multiple battery cells as is appropriate for any given battery technology that may be used.

As used herein, the word “child” is intended to include anyone who might ride in a car safety seat and specifically includes newborns, infants, toddlers, and small children.

As used in this disclosure, a “cord” is a flexible piece of string, line, rope, or wire that is at least several times its diameter in length. Cords may be made from threads, yarns, piles, or strands of material that are braided or twisted together, from a monofilament (such as fishing line), or from one or more wires. Cords have tensile strength but are too flexible to provide compressive strength and are not suitable for use in pushing objects. String, line, cable, and rope are synonyms for cord.

As used in this disclosure, an “engine” is a device with moving parts that is used to convert energy into rotational or linear motion.

As used in this disclosure, a “handle” is an object by which a tool, object, or door is held or manipulated with the hand.

As used in this disclosure, a “harness” is an apparatus comprising a plurality of straps and one or more fasteners that is used to fasten or anchor a first person or first object to a second object. The phrase “N point harness” refers to the installation of the harness wherein the harness has N anchor points. As a non-limiting example, a 2 point harness has two anchor points while a 5 point harness has 5 anchor points.

As used in this disclosure, the word “interior” is used as a relational term that implies that an object is located or contained within the boundary of a structure or a space.

As used in this disclosure, a “latch” is a fastening or locking mechanism. The use of the term latch may imply the insertion of an object into a notch or cavity.

As used herein, the terms “processor”, “central processor”, “central processing unit”, “CPU”, or “microprocessor” refer to a digital device that carries out the instructions comprising a computer program by performing basic arithmetic, logical, control, and input/out operations. The term “microprocessor” may additionally imply a level of miniaturization and power reduction that makes the device suitable for portable or battery operated systems.

As used in this disclosure, a “sensor” is a device that receives and responds in a predetermined way to a signal or stimulus.

As used in this disclosure, a “shell” is a structure that forms an outer covering intended to contain an object. Shells are often, but not necessarily always, rigid or semi-rigid structures that are intended to protect the object contained within it. Some shells may only partially cover the exterior surface of the object.

As used in this disclosure, a “transceiver” is a device that is used to transmit and/or receive signals. The signals may be audible, optical, or RF in nature.

As used in this disclosure, a “transducer” is a device that converts a physical quantity, such as pressure or brightness into an electrical signal or a device that converts an electrical signal into a physical quantity.

As used in this disclosure, a “vehicle” is a device that is used for transporting passengers, goods, or equipment.