Method for detecting motion of an electrical device or apparatus

Abstract

A method for providing an alert to a person to unplug an electrical power cord of an electrical device or equipment includes an alarm device that is activated upon separation of a first portion from a second portion. The first and second portions of the alarm device are secured proximate opposite sides of a loop provided in the power cord. The first and second portions, when engaged, maintain a switch of an electrical circuit in an open position. If the equipment is moved prior to unplugging the power cord, the loop will be straightened, causing the first and second portions to separate. The switch closes, completing the electrical circuit and activating the alarm device. The alarm alerts the person to unplug the power cord. A first alternate method includes the alarm device as a part of newly manufactured equipment. A second alternate method includes a motion detector or sensor in the alarm device of the newly manufactured equipment. A third alternate method includes an add-on alarm device with the motion detector or sensor.

Claims

1. A method for activating an alarm in response to detecting a change in motion of an electrical device or apparatus away from an initial resting position and away from an electrical outlet that an electrical plug of the electrical device or apparatus is electrically connected to when said change in motion is detected, wherein the electrical plug is electrically connected to an end of an electrical cord and wherein an opposite end of the electrical cord is attached to the electrical device or apparatus, wherein activation of the alarm occurs prior to a sufficient straightening of the electrical cord to attempt to pull the electrical plug out from the electrical outlet, wherein such activation of the alarm is useful in timely alerting a person that is attempting to move the electrical device or apparatus away from the initial resting position when the electrical device or apparatus is electrically connected by the electrical plug to the electrical outlet, thereby helping to prevent possible damage from occurring to the electrical plug or helping to prevent possible toppling of the electrical device or apparatus, comprised of the steps of: (a) receiving an activation signal at an alarm device that is attached to said electrical device or apparatus and wherein said alarm device activates an audible or visible or audible and visible alarm upon receiving the activation signal; and (b) providing means for detecting a change in motion of said electrical device or apparatus from said initial resting position, wherein said means for detecting said change includes at least one sensor attached thereto that is able to detect said change in motion, and wherein subject to the detection of said change in motion of said electrical device or apparatus away from said initial resting position by said means for detecting a change in motion of said electrical device or apparatus when the electrical cord of said electrical device or apparatus is connected to the electrical outlet, said means for detecting said change in motion of said electrical device or apparatus supplies said activation signal to said alarm device, and wherein when the electrical cord of said device is not connected to the electrical outlet, said means for detecting a change in motion of said electrical device or apparatus does not supply said activation signal to said alarm device; and wherein receiving said activation signal by said alarm device and the subsequent activation of said audible or visible or audible and visible alarm occurs prior to a sufficient straightening of the electrical cord to attempt to pull the electrical plug out from the electrical outlet, and wherein such timely receipt of said activation signal is useful in timely alerting the person that is attempting to move the electrical device or apparatus away from the initial resting position and thereby lessening the possibility of continuing motion of the electrical device or apparatus by the person and thereby lessening the possibility of causing damage to the electrical plug or of toppling over the electrical device or apparatus.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a method for detecting motion of an electrical device or apparatus with a strain relief alarm attached to an electrical power cord of a piece of equipment and the power cord attached to an electrical outlet.

(2) FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 2-2 in FIG. 1 of the strain relief alarm.

(3) FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the method for detecting motion of a electrical device or apparatus of FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 4a is a side view of the strain relief alarm of FIG. 1 shown in an active state

(5) FIG. 4b is a side view of the strain relief alarm of FIG. 1 shown in an inactive state.

(6) FIG. 5 is a first modified embodiment of providing the method for detecting motion of an electrical device or apparatus of FIG. 1 attached to a newly manufactured equipment.

(7) FIG. 6 is a second modified embodiment of providing the method for detecting motion of an electrical device or apparatus of FIG. 1 including a motion detector located in an interior of a newly manufactured equipment.

(8) FIG. 7 is a third modified embodiment of providing the method for detecting motion of an electrical device or apparatus of FIG. 1 including an add-on alarm device attached to the equipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(9) Referring on occasion to all of the FIGURE drawings and now, in particular to FIGS. 1 and 3, is shown a method for detecting motion of an electrical device or apparatus, identified in general, by the reference numeral 10. All of the drawing figures illustrate a device for detecting motion (i.e., a strain relief alarm or a motion detector) and it's intended method for use.

(10) The reader will notice that reference is occasionally made throughout the DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION suggesting that the reader refer to a particular drawing FIGURE. The suggestion is at times made when the introduction of a new element requires the reader to refer to a different drawing FIGURE than the one currently being viewed and also when the timely viewing of another drawing FIGURE is believed to significantly improve ease of reading or enhance understanding. To promote rapid understanding of the instant invention the reader is encouraged to periodically refer to and review each of the drawing FIGURES for possible cross-referencing of component parts and for other potentially useful information.

(11) Certain examples are shown in the above-identified FIGURES and are described in greater detail below. In describing these examples, like or identical reference numerals may be used to identify common or similar elements.

(12) The method for detecting motion of an electrical device or apparatus 10 includes an alarm device, identified in general by reference numeral 12. The alarm device 12 is shown in a rectangular shape but any preferred shape such as an “egg-like” oval shape, as shown in FIG. 4, may be included. The alarm device 12 includes a thin plastic housing 12a, which can include any preferred color. Operation of the alarm device 12 will be described in greater detail, hereinafter.

(13) The alarm device 12 is used to provide notification to a medical staff member (or other person, not shown) that is transporting a type of equipment 14 (i.e., blood pressure monitor or other monitoring equipment) from one location to another. The staff member may be rushed in their duties and proper procedure for the transportation of the equipment 14 may easily be overlooked.

(14) The equipment 14 may be in high demand if only a limited quantity of that particular type of equipment 14 is available. This can also occur for non-medical electrical equipment. If the equipment 14 is located at a hospital, multiple patients (not shown) located in different hospital rooms may share use of the same piece of equipment 14.

(15) The equipment 14 includes an electrical power cord 16 to receive electricity to power operation of the equipment 14. A first end 16a of the electrical power cord 16 is directly attached to the equipment 14. A plug 16b is included on an opposite second end of the electrical power cord 16. The plug 16b is inserted into a standard duplex receptacle 120-VAC power outlet 18 to supply electrical power to the equipment 14.

(16) As previously mentioned, the staff member is likely to be very busy. There is exists potential risk of the staff member not remembering to unplug the plug 16b of the electrical power cord 16 from the outlet 18 prior to moving the equipment 14 to a different location (i.e., different hospital room).

(17) The alarm device 12 used with the method for detecting motion of an electrical device or apparatus 10 serves as a reminder to alert the staff member to unplug the electrical power cord 16 from the outlet 18 prior to further movement of the equipment 14.

(18) The method for detecting motion of an electrical device or apparatus 10 used to alert the staff member to remove the plug 16b from the outlet 18 provides an important benefit. The method for detecting motion of an electrical device or apparatus 10 prevents severe and expensive damage from occurring to the either the equipment 14, or damage to the electrical power cord 16 or the outlet 18 should the staff member forget to unplug the equipment 14 prior to transport.

(19) If the staff member continues pulling the equipment 14 away from the outlet 18, as shown by arrow 15, the electrical power cord 16 can serve as a leash and hold the equipment 14 in place. The equipment 14 will be held in place by the electrical power cord 16, which quickly stops a portion of the equipment 14 from continuing to move in the direction of arrow 15. However, inertia can continue motion of another portion of the equipment 14 in the direction of arrow 15.

(20) For example, when the end of the electrical power cord 16 is suddenly reached, an upper portion of the equipment 14 where the electrical power cord 16 is attached, can stop moving in the direction of arrow 15. However, a lower portion of the equipment 14 (i.e., where the castor's are located) is apt to continue its motion in the direction of arrow 15. This can result in an imbalance, which may cause the equipment 14 to fall to the floor. The equipment 14 may be damaged or broken, which may then need to be repaired or replaced at considerable cost. The falling equipment 14 may even injure the staff member, the patient, or others in proximity of the equipment 14.

(21) Referring now in particular to FIG. 2, is shown an interior of the alarm device 12 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

(22) The alarm device 12 includes a first portion 20 and a second portion 22. The first portion 20, according to a first embodiment, includes a recess 24. The recess 24 receives a protrusion 26 that is included on the second portion 22.

(23) The protrusion 26 enters and cooperatively engages with the recess 24 to help secure the first portion 20 to the second portion 22.

(24) A pair of magnets 28 may also be included in the first portion 20 or in the second portion 22 as another possible means for securing the first portion 20 to the second portion 22. The pair of magnets 28 engage with a pair of steel plates 30 that are disposed in an interior of the opposite portion (20, 22).

(25) Also included in the interior of the first portion 20 is an electrical circuit 32. A first end of the electrical circuit 32 terminates at a first contact 32a, and an opposite second end of the electrical circuit 32 terminates at a second contact 32b. As shown, the first contact 32a and the second contact 32b are located on opposite sides of the recess 24. Electrical power is supplied to the electrical circuit 32 from a battery 34 that is housed within a compartment located on the first portion 20.

(26) A normally closed switch 36 is disposed between the first contact 32a and the second contact 32b. The switch 36 controls the flow of electrical power supplied to the electrical circuit 32. If the switch 36 is disposed in an open position, as shown in FIG. 2, the electrical circuit 32 is not complete and the alarm device 12 is not activated.

(27) The protrusion 26 of the second portion 22 pushes against a lower portion of the switch 36 and positions an upper portion of the switch 36 away from the first contact 32a. A spring 38 located proximate the switch 36 provides tension against the switch 36. The spring 38 supplies a force that attempts to urge the switch 36 into a normally closed position. The protrusion 26 prevents the switch 36 from being closed. Accordingly, the protrusion 26 holds the switch 36 in the open position. As previously mentioned above, while the switch 36 is in the open position, the electrical circuit 32 is not complete.

(28) Once the protrusion 26 has been removed from the recess 24, the spring 38 is able to urge the switch 36 against the first contact 32a, as shown by arrow 40, and into the normally closed position. The switch 36 connects with the first contact 32a to complete the electrical circuit 32.

(29) Electrical power supplied from the battery 34 is able to traverse through the electrical circuit 32 to activate an alarm 42. The alarm 42 is disposed along the path of the electrical circuit 32. The alarm 42 includes any desired audible or visual indication or both.

(30) Accordingly, whenever the second portion 22 is urged away from (i.e., out of cooperative engagement with) the first portion 20, the alarm 42 is activated. To silence (i.e., stop) the alarm 42, the second portion 22 must be disposed adjacent to the first portion 20 and cooperatively engaged (i.e., properly oriented) with the first portion 20.

(31) The pair of magnets 28 in addition to helping secure the first portion 20 to the second portion 22 can also be used to control activation of a normally closed magnetic proximity switch (type well known in the alarm industry, not shown). If the proximity switch is included, it replaces the switch 36. The proximity switch is controlled by a magnetic field generated by the magnet(s) 28 in the second portion 22.

(32) The magnets 28, when proximate the proximity switch, retain a switch contact inside the proximity switch in an open position. Therefore, the electrical circuit 32 is not complete and the alarm 42 is silent. When the second portion 22 is urged away from the first portion 20 the magnetic field that holds the proximity switch in the open position is removed. The proximity switch closes, thereby completing the electrical circuit 32 and activating the alarm 42 until the second portion 22 is adjacent to the first portion 20.

(33) Referring momentarily to FIGS. 4a and 4b, is shown the alarm device 12 in both an active (FIG. 4a) and a quiescent non-active state (FIG. 4b).

(34) In the quiescent non-active state as shown in FIG. 4b, the first portion 20 and the second portion 22 of the alarm device 12 are engaged. The alarm 42 is silent. To engage the first portion 20 with the second portion 22, the protrusion 26 is placed into the recess 24. Or, alternately if included, the alarm 42 is silenced by placing the pair of magnets 28 located in the second portion 22 adjacent to the steel plate 30 that is located in the first portion 20.

(35) The alarm 42 is not activated (i.e., silent) while the first portion 20 and the second portion 22 are engaged. Upon disengagement of the first portion 20 with respect to the second portion 22, as shown by arrows 44 and 46 (FIG. 4a), the alarm 42 will be activated. The alarm 42 will produce an alarm sound 42a, or if preferred, the alarm 42 may also include an activation of a light to provide the visible indication of the alarm 42.

(36) The alarm sound 42a will continue to be present until the first portion 20 and the second portion 22 are again cooperatively engaged.

(37) The first portion 20 and the second portion 22 include an attachment cord 48 on either side, thereof. Each opposite end of the attachment cord 48 includes a clip 50, which allows the first and second portions 20, 22 to be attached to the electrical power cord 16 of the equipment 14. If preferred, one or both of the clips 50 may be omitted and the attachment cord 48 can be attached to the electrical power cord 16 by any other preferred means (i.e., tying a knot, or use of a hook and loop fastener, or by use of tape).

(38) The first portion 20 of the alarm device 12 is secured by the clip 50 proximate a loop 52 (See FIG. 1) provided in the electrical power cord 16. As used herein, the term “loop” refers to an area of the electrical power cord 16 that includes an area of slack. The slack forms a curved portion, as shown. The loop 52 does not need to form a complete circle. The clip 50 is placed at a first location 54 along a longitudinal length of the electrical power cord 16 proximate the loop 52. If desired, the first location 54 may also be a predetermined location disposed on the equipment 14 (See FIG. 5).

(39) The second portion 22 of the alarm device 12 is secured proximate the loop 52 at a second location 56 by the clip 50. The second location 56 is located a predetermined distance away from the first location 54 on the electrical power cord 16.

(40) When the equipment 14 is moved prior to removal of the plug 16b of the electrical power cord 16 from the outlet 18, tension is applied along the longitudinal length of the electrical power cord 16.

(41) As the equipment 14 is being moved in the direction of arrow 15, the tension applied to the electrical power cord 16 will begin to straighten the loop 52 to a more linear orientation.

(42) As the loop 52 straightens to a longer, and more linear orientation, a distance between the first location 54 and second location 56 increases. The increased distance between the first location 54 and second location 56 on the electrical power cord 16 pulls on each of the attachment cords 48. Once the attachment cords 48 are taught, the tension supplied disengages the first portion 20 from the second portion 22 of the alarm device 12.

(43) Upon a separation of the first and second portions 20, 22 (i.e., removal of the protrusion 26 from the recess 24 or the magnets 28 away from the proximity switch), the alarm 42 is activated. The alarm 42 produces the alarm sound 42a and provides an alert to the staff member. The staff member (or person) ceases moving the equipment 14 and is reminded to remove the plug 16b from the outlet 18 before continuing to move the equipment 14 any further.

(44) Now referring to FIG. 3, is shown a flow chart of the method for detecting motion of an electrical device or apparatus 10.

(45) A first method step 58 is to provide the alarm 42 that activates if the first portion 20 is separated apart from the second portion 22 of the alarm device 12.

(46) A second method step 60 is to attach (i.e., secure) the first portion 20 to the first location 54, wherein the first location 54 includes a first location of the electrical power cord 16 or a predetermined location on a type of equipment 14 that the electrical power cord 16 is attached to.

(47) A third method step 62 is to provide the loop 52 in the electrical power cord 16 beginning proximate the first location 54 and extending to the second location 56, wherein the second location 56 is located on the electrical power cord 16 a predetermined distance away from the first location 54 at an opposite end of the loop 52.

(48) A fourth method step 64 is to attach (i.e., secure) the second portion 22 to the second location 56.

(49) A fifth method step 66 is to attach (i.e., secure) the first portion 20 to (or proximate) the second portion 22, wherein when the first portion 20 is cooperatively engaged with the second portion 22, no audible or visual alarm 42 is provided, and wherein if the electrical power cord 16 is sufficiently straightened, the loop 52 will be progressively removed which will cause the first portion 20 to separate apart from the second portion 22 and the alarm 42 to sound 42a before the electrical power cord 16 has been fully extended.

(50) Referring now to FIG. 5, is shown a first modified alarm device, identified in general by the reference numeral 100. The modified alarm device 100 may also be included with the method for detecting motion of an electrical device or apparatus 10.

(51) The modified alarm device 100 is included as a part of a newly manufactured equipment 14a. The modified alarm device 100 operates similar to the alarm device 12.

(52) The modified alarm device 100 is detachably-attachable with respect to a portion of the newly manufactured equipment 14a.

(53) The electrical circuit 32 and the switch 36 (or the magnetic proximity switch) are included in an interior of the newly manufactured equipment 14a. Operation of the electrical circuit 32 is identical as to what has been previously described for the alarm device 12.

(54) Power supplied to the electrical circuit 32 may be supplied by electricity from the newly manufactured equipment 14a or, if desired, the battery 34 may be included in an interior compartment (not shown) of the modified alarm device 100.

(55) A modified attachment cord 48a extends from the modified alarm device 100 and attaches to the electrical power cord 16 at an opposite end of the loop 52. The clip 50, or any other preferred means of attachment, may be used for securing the modified alarm device 100 to the electrical power cord 16.

(56) As the newly manufactured equipment 14a is moved away from the outlet 18 in the direction of arrow 15, the modified attachment cord 48a is pulled taught. Tension provided by the moving newly manufactured equipment 14a removes the modified alarm device 100 from the portion of the newly manufactured equipment 14a before the loop 52 has been fully extended and the end of the electrical power cord 16 has been reached.

(57) The removal of the modified alarm device 100 triggers activation of the alarm 42. The staff member (or person) is then reminded to unplug the plug 16b from the outlet 18. The alarm 42 will continue to sound 42a until the modified alarm device 100 is again engaged with the newly manufactured equipment 14a.

(58) Referring now to FIG. 6, is shown a second modified alarm device (dashed lines), identified in general by the reference numeral 200. The second modified alarm device 200 provides an alternate method or means for detecting motion of an electrical device or apparatus 10 relative to the ground surface upon which it is disposed. In particular, a change in motion from stationary (i.e., being at rest or static) to being moved is what is being detected.

(59) The modified alarm device 200 is included in an interior of the newly manufactured equipment 14a. The second modified alarm device 200 includes a motion detector 202 and a microcomputer 204. The motion detector 202 and the microcomputer 204 are located in an interior of the second modified alarm device 200.

(60) The microcomputer 204 and/or any other preferred type of circuitry monitors if the electrical power cord 16 of newly manufactured equipment 14a is plugged into the outlet 18. Whenever the newly manufactured equipment 14a is plugged into the outlet 18, the second modified alarm device 200 is active.

(61) The motion detector 202 includes a ball 206 suspended from a pendulum 208. This variation is one indication on how to provide a vibration or g-force detector for the motion detector 202. The motion detector 202 may also include a conventional motion sensor such as infrared (IR) or other technology.

(62) If the newly manufactured equipment 14a is moved, the ball 206 and pendulum 208 swings toward a conducting ring 210, which closely surrounds the ball 206. Both the ball 206 and the pendulum 208 are electrically charged. As the ball 206 makes contact with the conducting ring 210, a circuit is completed and the second modified alarm device 200 is activated.

(63) If desired, a motion sensor 212 may be included on a bottom panel of the newly manufactured equipment 14a instead of the motion detector 202. The motion sensor 212 monitors a ground surface (not shown) disposed below the newly manufactured equipment 14a. If the motion sensor 212 detects movement of the newly manufactured equipment 14a relative to the ground surface, the second modified alarm device 200 is activated.

(64) It is preferred that the second modified alarm device 200 is electrically latched when activated, although it does not have to be latched. It is additionally preferred that the second modified alarm device 200 will continue to sound from a speaker 214 until the newly manufactured equipment 14a is unplugged from the outlet 18.

(65) When the newly manufactured equipment 14a is unplugged from the outlet 18, electrical power is removed from the newly manufactured equipment 14a. The alarm provided through the speaker 214 is silenced as no electrical power is present in the second modified alarm device 200. Even if battery backup power is available, the second modified alarm device 200 will silence the alarm when the electrical power cord 16 is unplugged from the outlet 18.

(66) If desired, a reset button 216 may be included on the newly manufactured equipment 14a to silence the second modified alarm device 200 instead of unplugging the electrical power cord 16 from the outlet 18.

(67) Referring now to FIG. 7, is shown a third modified alarm device, identified in general by the reference numeral 300. The third modified alarm device 300 provides another alternate method (or means) for detecting motion of an electrical device or apparatus 10.

(68) The third modified alarm device 300 is an add-on device that is attached to the equipment 14 by any preferred means including VELCRO™, an adhesive, or the third modified alarm device 300 may be screwed in place to the equipment 14.

(69) The third modified alarm device 300 includes an integral outlet 301 that the plug 16b of the electrical power cord 16 of the equipment 14 (or the newly manufactured equipment 14a) is plugged into. The third modified alarm device 300 includes a secondary electrical power cord 302 which is plugged into the outlet 18 to receive electrical power.

(70) The third modified alarm device 300 operates similarly to the second modified alarm device 200. The motion detector 202 is included in an interior of the third modified alarm device 300.

(71) It is noted that any current or future technology that can be used to detect motion of the equipment 14 or the newly manufactured equipment 14a is possible for use as the motion detector 202 and is included in the scope of the invention.

(72) As mentioned previously, the motion detector 202 includes the ball 206 and the pendulum 208. When the equipment 14, 14a is moved, the ball 206 and pendulum 208 swings toward the conducting ring 210, which closely surrounds the ball 206. Both the ball 206 and the pendulum 208 are electrically charged. As the ball 206 makes contact with the conducting ring 210, a circuit is completed and the third modified alarm device 300 is activated.

(73) The third modified alarm device 300 produces an alarm sound that is provided through the speaker 214 that is attached to the third modified alarm device 300.

(74) When the secondary electrical power cord 302 is unplugged from the outlet 18, electrical power is removed from the equipment 14, 14a. The alarm provided through the speaker 214 is silenced as no electrical power is present in the third modified alarm device 300 or is silenced even if battery backup is available for the third modified alarm device 300.

(75) If desired, the reset button 216 may be included on the third modified alarm device 300 to silence the alarm instead of unplugging the secondary electrical power cord 302 from the outlet 18.

(76) The third modified alarm device 300 allows retrofitting of this technology and method to any existing or currently manufactured type of the equipment 14, 14a.

(77) Other methods of detecting motion of the equipment 14, 14a are also possible for inclusion with the method for detecting motion of an electrical device or apparatus 10. For example, circuitry to detect a very slight increase in tension between the electrical power cord 16 and the equipment 14, 14a may be used to detect initial movement of the equipment 14, 14a. The movement of a spring or other component can also be used to detect movement or vibration of the equipment 14, 14a. When the stationary equipment 14, 14a is moved, the inertia and the state of equilibrium of the equipment 14, 14a are changed and any means for detecting that change are possible for inclusion with the method for detecting motion of an electrical device or apparatus 10.

(78) The invention has been shown, described, and illustrated in substantial detail with reference to the presently preferred embodiment. It will be understood by those skilled in this art that other and further changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined by the claims appended hereto.