Invention that senses "OVERHEATED CABS IN" HOT VEHICLES"

Abstract

When a vehicles cab temperature reaches 120 degrees Fahrenheit (the medically designated point when heatstroke occurs), our invention monitors the temperature and on reaching 120 F, actuates either/or, interior or exterior, audible and visual warnings to summon help. Can control electric doors, windows and with an added on remote engine starter, start the car and turn on the air conditioner. Our invention meets the USPTO rules for being new, useful, unique and non-obvious.

Claims

1. A device with two primary repurposed components, an auto solenoid and bimetallic fan temperature switch, when actuated by a vehicles interior cab temperature, turns on audible and visual warning devices to summon help and save humans and animals trapped in hot cars.

2. A bimetallic fan temperature switch on sensing a vehicles cab temperature reaching 120 degrees Fahrenheit doses the contacts and actuates/powers the automotive solenoid.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0009] The FIGURE shows the power flow and actuation of the components of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] On the issuance of our provisional patent, we progressed from bench testing to a fully operable prototype. It was built to demonstrate and prove that our invention would perform at manufactured costs offering affordable sales prices to the vehicle owners. If our invention is not affordable, it will not make it to market regardless of the benefits. The two main components, a common vehicle relay and a bimetallic fan heat sensor cost a market list price of $15.00 total for both. A cost so inexpensive, the need to repair would cost more than to replace and the operating sequence illustrated in the FIGURE show and explain the control/actuation of power and continuity to components.

[0011] A prototype is used to test different components to power/actuate audible and visual alarms and act as continuity devices. Optional temperature sensors, wiring sizes carrying volts/amps for both in vehicle and portable external warning products are being tested. Included have been external visual and audible devices in lieu of connecting to the vehicles existing hazard warning systems. An external strobe flasher for visual warnings and 110 decibel siren are considerations. Existing vehicles hazard warning systems, horns and flashers, have a limited warning potential. There are so many false horn warnings, the public has become immune to investigating the causes.

[0012] Our goal is and has been to reduce the cost of our invention, producing lifesaving warning and control device, costing about the same as an installed new car radio. An even lower cost battery operated model to be hung on the vehicle window is being considered, sounding audible and visual warnings. It is under development to provide a low cost warning device that all vehicle owners could afford the safety. Some two years into attempting to come up with affordably market priced product, in the middle of one of my many drawings of control schematics, in 2019, my hobbies in rebuilding cars and electronic devices, had me realize that the standard automotive relay, common to all vehicles, could possibly provide current and continuity controls to turn on visual and audible warnings (our original goal). In our initial bench tests, from a 12 volt source, we wired the bimetallic fan thermostat to the relay and connected a 120 decibel siren and strobe flasher. On raising the temperature to 120 F, the solenoid normally open contacts dosed, actuated the relay, powering the alarms which worked on the first try and ever since. The basic relay control schematic which I drew in 2019, is the same base configuration used for all tests to date. The design with only two primary components is the essence of simplicity, low cost/maintenance yet, it will provide the needed functions to help save lives. With an added optional remote engine starter, our invention when actuated, will start the engine and turn on the vehicle air conditioning. It was shortly after that we applied for and was granted a provisional patent that we used the remote engine starter on my car and hardwired the continuity contacts of the engine auto start component to the continuity contacts of the solenoid. The solenoid was powered and the engine and air conditioner started immediately. Normally a remote engine starter is normally actuated by a hand operated wireless remote control. Another application is using our device with a remote engine starter for a dual purpose. In hot climates, the owner may wish to keep the interior cool to keep food or related from spoiling or to avoid blistering heat on entering the vehicle when the vehicle is parked for short periods. In cold climates, our thermostat could be changed to turn on the heat for a period. Both applications, cold or hot, are set by the cars heating and cooling controls when the engine starts.

Conclusion

[0013] Five years ago, a friend who almost lost her pets in an overheated car, asked me to find a device that would provide both visual and audible warnings to summon help if a vehicle cab became overheated, endangering both human and animal life. I could not find one for sale or on the net. I retained a patent attorney to locate existing granted patents. He provided 20 out of the category, “Deaths in Hot Cars”. On review and Internet search, there were none of the issued patents that either produced or had a product for sale. This was fact five years ago and remains the same today. A needed lifesaving product to save human and animal lives urgently needed.

[0014] Long retired and at age 87, I cannot afford a patent attorney to enter this request for a patent. I obtained a provisional patent and did the testing as covered in the specifications to prove our product meets an important need, one that saves lives. When ready to submit for a formal patent, I bought the Nolo book on DIY patent writing and with the support of one of your examiners providing information on pertinent forms and protocols, it is my hope that this this submittal adheres to the rules of the Patent Office as closely as possible. Deaths in overheated vehicles are still occurring daily and will continue until a solution is provided. Any monies that would be generated from my efforts will be donated to a charitable fund. My reward will be to know I left something behind that saved lives.

[0015] A patent is required to attract reps to take our invention nationally. They will be spending time and money starting what is a new concept. They require the legal protection of a patent to protect their interests. The need is national in scope, requiring the manpower and capital to bring our invention to market and save lives. Even with approval, bringing our invention to market will take time. We require USPTO approval to turn our testing efforts into reality.