Angularly Adjustable Balancing Device

Abstract

A balancing device which includes a plate which can be affixed to an object to be balanced, a balance member to be removably affixed to the plate, a support, and both the balance member and support having each one of a pointed spike and concave depression which receives the pointed spike. A user affixes the plate to an object to be balanced and attaches the balance member to the plate. Thereafter, a user places the object on top of the support resting on a surface so that the pointed spike is inserted into the concave depression. The object balances upon the support at an angle which can be adjusted by moving where the balance member is attached on the metal plate.

Claims

1. A portable wireless remote monitoring system, said system comprising: a base unit including a microphone, said base unit being capable of receiving and executing oral commands from a user via said microphone; at least one sensor unit, wherein said sensor unit and said base unit include means for two-way communications, so that said base unit and said sensor unit may wirelessly communicate with one another; said sensor unit including a remotely controllable motion sensor, a remotely controllable camera, and at least one remotely controllable electrical outlet, each operationally connected to one another; and a remote control including means for two-way wireless communication with said base unit; wherein said motion sensor, upon detecting motion, is configured to activate said camera to record a digital image, and wherein said sensor unit wirelessly transmits said digital image to said base unit, which then wirelessly transmits said digital image to a user's remote control, a monitoring service, or to law enforcement authorities; and wherein said base unit is configured to receive voice commands to control said electrical outlet and to transmit an emergency distress signal to a monitoring service or to law enforcement authorities.

2. The portable wireless remote monitoring system set forth in claim 1, wherein said remote control is configured to wirelessly operate said remotely controllable electrical outlet between an on and off position, and wherein said remote control is further configured to activate and deactivate said motion sensor and said camera.

3. The portable wireless remote monitoring system set forth in claim 1, wherein said remote control is configured to receive and simultaneously display real time streaming video imagery generated by said camera on command by a user.

4. The portable wireless remote monitoring system set forth in claim 1, wherein said base unit includes means for providing a data connection to a global computer network, and wherein communication between said base unit and said remote control occurs via said global computer network.

5. The portable wireless remote monitoring system set forth in claim 4, further including a remote computer server connected to said global computer network; wherein said base unit and said remote control unit are operationally connected to said remote computer server; and wherein said base unit is configured to wirelessly transmit said video image and said security alert to said remote computer server for recording, storage, and later access and retrieval.

6. The portable wireless remote monitoring system set forth in claim 1, wherein said sensor unit further includes a microphone for detecting and recording sound.

7. The portable wireless remote monitoring system set forth in claim 6, wherein said sensor unit is configured to wirelessly transmit oral commands to said base unit for execution by said base unit.

8. The portable wireless remote monitoring system set forth in claim 6, wherein said microphone may be accessed at will simultaneously with said camera via said remote control, so that a user may view video footage and hear corresponding sound detected by said microphone in real time on command by said user.

9. The portable wireless remote monitoring system set forth in claim 1, further including at least one door monitor for monitoring whether a door is in an open or closed position; said door monitor having a wireless transmitter that communicates with said base unit, so that when a door is in an open position, said transmitter wirelessly transmits an alert to said base unit, and said base unit then wirelessly transmits an alert to said remote control.

10. The portable wireless remote monitoring system set forth in claim 1, wherein said system further includes a monitoring device selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a smoke detector, a toxic gas detector, a standing water monitor, a water flow monitor, and any combination thereof; said monitoring device including a wireless transmitter that communicates with said base unit, so that when said monitor detects a programmed condition, said transmitter wirelessly transmits an alert that identifies said programmed condition to said base unit, and said base unit then wirelessly transmits said alert to said remote control.

11. The portable wireless remote monitoring system set forth in claim 1, wherein said base unit is configured to wirelessly communicate with and remotely control home appliances having wireless communication capabilities, said home appliances selected from the group consisting of thermostats, refrigerators, home entertainment systems, televisions, speakers and lights, so that said home appliances may be operated by a user by said remote control or by issuing voice commands that are received by said base unit and transmitted to said selected home appliance.

12. The portable wireless remote monitoring system set forth in claim 1, wherein said system further includes a wearable monitoring device; said wearable monitoring device including at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, a blood pressure sensor, an accelerometer, a heart rate sensor, and any combination thereof; said wearable monitoring device being powered by a rechargeable battery and including a wireless transmitter to communicate with said base unit so that when said wearable monitoring device detects a programmed condition, said transmitter wirelessly transmits an alert that identifies said programmed condition to said base unit, and said base unit then wirelessly transmits said alert to said remote control.

13. The portable wireless remote monitoring system set forth in claim 1, wherein said sensor unit includes a plurality of remotely controllable electrical outlets; wherein said remotely controllable electrical outlets may be controlled individually, together, or in any combination, either by said remote control or by oral commands received by said base unit; and wherein said remote control is configured to allow a user to program said system to switch on or off said remotely controllable electrical outlets by using a timer to turn on said outlets at a specific time and to turn off said outlets at a specific time, either individually, together, or in any combination; and wherein said remote control is configured to allow a user to program said system to switch on or off said remotely controllable outlets in response to detection of motion by said motion detector, either individually, together, or in any combination.

14. The portable wireless remote monitoring system set forth in claim 4, wherein said means for providing a data connection to a global computer network includes at least two separate connections; wherein one of said connections to said global computer network is via a wifi network connection, and wherein another of said connections to said global computer network is through a cellular data internet connection, independently of said wifi network connection, so that if either connection fails or becomes disrupted, said system can use the other connection to said global computer network to send an alarm to said user, alerting said user that one of said connections to said global computer network is not functional.

15. The portable wireless remote monitoring system set forth in claim 1, wherein said system further includes a remote touchscreen unit that is configured to operate said system; wherein said touchscreen unit includes means for wirelessly communicating with said base unit, so that a user may input commands and instructions into said touchscreen unit, and said touchscreen unit relays said input commands and instructions to said base unit to be carried out; and wherein said touchscreen unit is configured to receive alerts and other data from said base unit, and to display said alerts and other data thereon.

16. The portable wireless remote monitoring system set forth in claim 15, wherein said touchscreen unit further includes a camera, a microphone, and a speaker, so that a user may use said touchscreen unit to communicate in real time with another user who is using a remote control unit, and wherein said real time communications include both streaming audio and video signals.

17. The portable wireless remote monitoring system set forth in claim 1, further including a remote computer server that is in wireless communication with said base unit; wherein said remote computer server receives and records data sent from said base unit in response to any alerts generated by said base units; and wherein said remote computer server receives and records data generated by said base unit in response to instructions sent to said base unit by said remote control or by verbal command.

18. The portable wireless remote monitoring system set forth in claim 1, wherein said base unit includes an audio speaker that is activated upon detection of motion by said motion sensor to emit an audible alarm.

19. The portable wireless remote monitoring system set forth in claim 1, further including a plurality of sensor units; wherein said remote control is configured to display an icon representing each said sensor unit said remotely controlled electrical outlet, and wherein said remote control is configured so that a user may program a name or identifier for each sensor unit and each remotely controlled electrical outlet, and wherein said name or identifier is displayed on said remote control.

20. The portable wireless remote monitoring system set forth in claim 1, wherein said base unit is configured to be programmed to recognize a specific user's voice, and is further configured to only accept oral commands from a recognized user, so that said base member will not execute oral commands from unrecognized and unauthorized people.

21. A portable remote monitoring system, said system comprising: a base unit including a microphone, said base unit being capable of receiving and executing oral commands from a user via said microphone; a sensor array, wherein each sensor included in said sensor array and said base unit include means for two-way communications, so that said base unit and said sensors may wirelessly communicate with one another; said sensor array including a remotely controllable motion sensor, a remotely controllable camera, and at least one remotely controllable electrical outlet, each operationally connected to said base unit; and a remote control including means for two-way wireless communication with said base unit; wherein said motion sensor, upon detecting motion, is configured to activate said camera to record a digital image, and wherein said camera wirelessly transmits said digital image to said base unit, which then wirelessly transmits said digital image to a user's remote control, a monitoring service, or to law enforcement authorities; and wherein said base unit is configured to receive voice commands to control said electrical outlet and to transmit an emergency distress signal to a monitoring service or to law enforcement authorities.

22. The portable remote monitoring system set forth in claim 21, wherein said sensor array includes at least one microphone, which transmits oral commands to said base unit.

23. The portable remote monitoring system set forth in claim 21, wherein said sensor array includes at least one system monitor selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an electrical usage sensor, a standing water sensor and a laser sensor.

24. The portable remote monitoring system set forth in claim 21, wherein said base unit is programmable by a user to accept specific oral commands to control said remotely controllable electrical outlets, either individually, as a user selected group, or all remotely controllable electrical outlets.

25. The portable remote monitoring system set forth in claim 21, wherein said base unit is programmable by a user to accept specific oral commands to send security alerts to a monitoring service, another party, or to law enforcement authorities.

26. The portable remote monitoring system set forth in claim 21, wherein said base unit is programmable by a user to recognize one or more specific individual user voices, so that said base unit may only accept verbal commands from authorized users.

27. The portable remote monitoring system set forth in claim 21, wherein said base unit is programmable by a user to require and recognize specific passwords in order to execute verbal commands.

28. A portable remote monitoring system, said system comprising: a base unit; a sensor array, wherein each sensor included in said sensor array and said base unit include means for two-way communications, so that said base unit and said sensors may wirelessly communicate with one another; said sensor array including a remotely controllable motion sensor, a remotely controllable camera, and at least one remotely controllable electrical outlet, each operationally connected to said base unit; and a remote control including means for two-way wireless communication with said base unit; wherein said motion sensor, upon detecting motion, is configured to activate said camera to record a digital image, and wherein said camera wirelessly transmits said digital image to said base unit, which then wirelessly transmits said digital image to a user's remote control, a monitoring service, or to law enforcement authorities.

29. The portable remote monitoring system set forth in claim 28, wherein said base unit includes a microphone, said base unit being capable of receiving and executing oral commands from a user via said microphone.

30. The portable remote monitoring system set forth in claim 29, wherein said sensor array includes at least one remote microphone, said remote microphone being in communication with said base unit, so that voice commands received by said remote microphone may be transmitted to said base unit for execution.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a balancing device balancing a U-shaped board at an angle including a ferrous metal plate affixed by clamp to the U-shaped board and attached to the magnet of a cylindrical shaped body member which has a protruding pointed spike inserted into and held up by a concave recess in an inverse funnel shaped support:

[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a balancing device including a ferrous metal plate underneath and vertically in line with the center of gravity of a bar shaped object, a balance member with a magnet, a cylindrical shaped body and a removable pointed spike, and a support with a concave recess:

[0019] FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of a balancing device balancing a bar shaped object where a plate is affixed by hook and loop fastener to a object at a point vertically in line with the center of gravity of the object;

[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a balancing device balancing a rectangular block shaped object wherein a plate is threaded to screw into a recess in the object and thereby able to allow removal of the plate and adjustment of the distance between the object and the support;

[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a balancing device balancing a rectangular block shaped object wherein the pointed spike of the balance member is threaded to screw into a recess in the body thereof and thereby able to allow removal of the pointed spike and adjustment of the distance between the object and the support;

[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a balancing device balancing a rectangular block shaped object and including a support with a pointed spike which is inserted into the concave recess in the body of the balance member thereby supporting the balance member, plate, and object:

[0023] FIG. 7 is a side view of one embodiment of a balancing device balancing a bottle at an angle having a plate shaped to receive and support a bottle and where the angle the bottle is balanced at is influenced by where the balance member is attached along the plate with respect to the center of gravity of the bottle and plate; and

[0024] FIG. 8 is a side view of one embodiment of a balancing device balancing a bottle at an angle where the plate is removably affixed to the bottle through hook and loop fasteners and the angle the bottle is balanced at is influenced by where the plate, and thereby the balance member, is disposed on the bottle with respect to the center of gravity of the bottle and plate.

[0025]

TABLE-US-00001 REFERENCE NUMERALS 10 Balancing Device 12 Plate 14 Clamp 16 Balance Member 18 Body 20 Magnet 22 Pointed Spike 24 Support 26 Flat Base 28 Concave Recess 30 Object 32 Center of Gravity 40 Threaded Plate 42 Threaded Pointed Spike

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] With reference now to the drawings, a new balancing device 10 and method of use for balancing an object at an adjustable equilibrium balancing angle without adjusting, changing, or combining counterweights are herein described.

First Embodiment of the Balancing Device

[0027] As in FIG. 1, the present invention includes in a first embodiment, a balancing device for balancing an object 30 having a ferrous metal plate 12 to be affixed to the object 30, a balance member 16 to magnetically and adjustably attach to the ferrous metal plate 12 and with a pointed spike 22 at an end thereof, and a support 24 which can rest on a surface and has a concave recess 28 to receive and support the pointed spike 22 of the balance member and thereby support the object 30. Further in accordance with the first embodiment, the balance member 16 magnetically and adjustably attaches to the ferrous metal plate 12 through a magnet 20 affixed to an end of a cylindrical shaped body 18 opposite the pointed spike 22. Also, in accordance with the first embodiment, the support 24 has an inverse funnel shape terminating at one end in a flat base 26 to rest on a flat surface and at another end in a smaller tubular end with a concave recess 28 which supports the balance member 16 and object 30 above the resting surface and facilitates a wide range of angular motion. Lastly in accordance with first embodiment, the ferrous metal plate 12 thereof is affixed to the object 30 through a clamp 14, as in FIG. 1, so that the ferrous metal plate 12 can be located near a point vertically in line with the object's center of gravity 32 even though such center of gravity 32 is located outside of the object 30, like with the U-shaped board.

First Embodiment of the Method of Use

[0028] In a first embodiment, a method of utilizing a balancing device 10 includes a user selecting an object 30 to be balanced. Objects 30 may include one of a number of articles, includingbut not limited toa shaped flat sheet, dish, or even a bottle. Once selected, a user may then affix the ferrous metal plate 12 to the object 30 so the ferrous metal plate 12 is disposed near a point vertically in line with the object's center of gravity 32. For example, if a user selected a U-shaped board 30as in FIG. 1the user may clamp 14 the ferrous metal plate 12 to the board 30 so that the plate 12 is located between the legs and base of the board 30, at a point corresponding to the center of gravity 32 of the board 30.

[0029] Once the ferrous metal plate 12 is affixed to the object 30, the user may then attach the balance member 16, through its magnet 20, to a point on the surface of the ferrous metal plate 12. Upon attaching the balance member 16, the user may then place the balance member 16, and object 30, on top of the support 24 so that the pointed spike 22 rests within the concave recess 28 thereof, just as in FIG. 1. After placing the object 30 and balance member 16 on the support 24, the user may then let the object 30 naturally come to rest at an equilibrium balancing angle based on the location of the balance member 16 with respect to the ferrous metal plate 12 and center of gravity 32 of the object 30. As desired, a user may then adjust the equilibrium balancing angle by shifting the location of the balance member 16 on the surface of the ferrous metal plate 12 and may also freely rotate the object 30 about the support 24. Also, an object 30 may thereby remain balanced on a particular point at a particular angle as long as the spike 22 and concave recess 28 remains vertically in-line with the center of gravity 32.

VariationsBalancing Device

Plate

[0030] While in the first embodiment, the ferrous metal plate 12 is affixed to the object 30 via a clamp 14, it is foreseen that in alternative embodiments the plate 12 may be affixed in a number of ways temporarily or permanently. For example, the plate 12 may be affixed through adhesives, fasteners (as in FIG. 3), or being integrally formed with the object 30. Further, in alternative embodiments, the plate 12 may also be affixed to an object 30 by being threaded to screw into a threaded recess in the object 30 directly, as in FIG. 4, or in an intermediary connecting element affixed to an object 30. Such a threaded plate 40 and recess may also, depending upon their dimensions, allow adjustment of the distance between the pointed spike 22 and object 30. In a further example, the plate 12 may be affixed to an object 30 by being shaped to receive such object 30, as in the plate 12 and bottle 30 of FIG. 7.

[0031] In further embodiments, the plate 12 may also allow for adjustment of the distance between the spike 22 and the object 30 by being affixed to an end of a threaded screw which is adjustably affixed to the object 30 directly or through an intermediary connecting element, such as a clamp 14. It is also foreseen that, in lieu of a threaded screw, alternative means for affixing the plate 12 to the object 30 which allows for the distance therebetween to be adjusted may be utilized. There are many means for providing such adjustment, and one skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable means for providing such adjustment may be employed.

[0032] Also, while the plate 12 of the first embodiment is described as being made of ferrous metal, it is foreseen that other types of plates may be utilized in the present device 10, as long as they allow for removable attachment of a balance member 16 thereto. For example, the plate 12 may comprise a hook and loop fastener (e.g. VELCRO) layer or region along a surface to which the balance member 16 may be affixed.

[0033] Furthermore, while the ferrous metal plate 12 of the first embodiment includes no specific counterweights, it is foreseenas in FIGS. 7 and 8that such counterweights may be attached to a plate 12 to adjust the location of the relevant center of gravity 32, thereby creating a more stable balancing arrangement. Since both the plate 12 and object 30 are balanced, the addition of counterweights to the plate 12 or the use of a plate 12 with integrated counterweights influences the center of gravity 32 by averaging it between both the counterweighted plate 12 and the object 30 instead of just the object 30. It is also foreseen that, in addition to or in lieu of the plate 12, counterweights may additionally be affixed to the object 30 itself, to also influence the relevant center of gravity 32.

[0034] Lastly, while FIGS. 2 and 4-6 show the plate 12 as a disk, it is foreseen that the plate 12 may be any suitable shape. For example, the plate 12 may be flat or tubular, with a square, rectangular, oval, circular, or other shape surface upon which the balance member 16 may be positioned.

Balance Member

[0035] While in the first embodiment, the balance member 16 has a cylindrical body 18, in alternative embodiments, it is also foreseen that the body 18 of the balance member 16 may be any desired shape. For example, the body 18 may be a square, rectangle, or prism shape. Further, it is also foreseen that the magnet 20 may be removably affixed to the body 18, thereby allowing substitution of different magnets 20, such as those of different strengths.

[0036] Also, while the balance member 16 is affixed to the plate 12 through a magnet 20 in the first embodiment, in alternative embodiments it is foreseen that the balance member 16 may be affixed to the plate 12 by other means, particularly if such plate 12 is not composed of ferrous metal. For example, the balance member 16 and plate 12 may be affixed together through hook and loop fasteners (such as VELCRO), thereby allowing the balance member 16 to be adjustably affixed upon the plate 12. However, there are many other means for providing such adjustable attachment, and one skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable means for providing such attachment may be employed.

[0037] Moreover, in particular embodiments, the pointed spike 22 may also be removable from the body 18. For example, the pointed spike 22 may be threaded to screw into a threaded recess in the body 18, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. Thereby, the threaded pointed spike 42 may be removed from the body 18 and, depending upon the dimensions of the pointed spike 42 and the recess in the body 18, may allow adjustment of the distance between the pointed spike 42 and the object 30 by being screwed in and out. Also, the pointed spike 22 may be removably affixed to the body 18 through hook and loop fasteners (such as VELCRO). There are many other means for providing such removable attachment, and one skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable means for providing such attachment may be employed.

[0038] Lastly, while in the first embodiment, a user can manually adjust the position of the balance member 16 with respect to the plate 12, it is also foreseen that the balancing device 10 may also include an additional mechanism which can independently adjust the position of the balance member 16 automatically or in response to a user's demand. For example, the balance member 16 may include a controller device which can receive commands from a remote and adjust the position of the balance member 16 on the plate 12 in response to those commands. For example, such a controller device may include a wireless signal receiver connected to a battery and rotor or arm assembly which, upon reception of a wireless signal may move the rotor or arm to engage the plate 12 or balance member 16 itself to thereby adjust the balance member's position.

Support

[0039] Also, while in the first embodiment the support 24 is described as being an inverse funnel shape, it is foreseen that in alternative embodiments the support 24 may be any desired shape. For example, the support 24 may be tubular, rectangular, or square shaped. Further, in additional embodiments, it is also foreseen that the support 24 may be adjustable in length or width, to highlight the operation and enhance entertainment and enjoyment of the balancing device 10. While it is preferred that the support 24 be freely movable, it is also foreseen that the support 24 may be affixed or include means to be affixed to a surface in a temporary or permanent manner to enhance the stability of the support 24 and balancing device 10.

Spike/Concave Recess Arrangement

[0040] Further, while in the first embodiment the pointed spike 22 protrudes from the body 18 and rests in a concave recess 28 formed at an end of the support 24 (as in FIGS. 1 and 3-5), it is also foreseen that in an alternate embodiment, this arrangement may be amended so that the concave recess 28 is formed into the body 18 while an end of the support 24 may terminate in the pointed spike 22, as in FIG. 6. Thereby, the concave recess 28 and body 18 rests upon and is supported by the pointed spike 22.

VariationsMethod of Use

[0041] Moreover, while the equilibrium balancing angle is adjusted in a first method of use by altering the location of the magnet 20 and the balance member 16 upon the surface of a plate 12 (as in FIG. 7), in alternative embodiments, a user may adjust the equilibrium balancing angle by altering where the plate 12 is affixed in relation to the center of gravity 32 of the object 30, as in FIG. 8. Such alteration may be done in place of or in addition to movement of the balance member 16 on a plate 12. Thereby, the range of the equilibrium balancing angle of an object 30 may be extended and the angle itself may be influenced without adjusting, changing, or combining counterweights.

[0042] Also, while the relevant center of gravity 32 in the first embodiment is that of the object 30 itself, it is foreseen that such center of gravity 32 may be influenced by an initial choice of counterweights. As in FIGS. 7 and 8, a user may select or be provided with a plate 12 that has counterweights attached specifically designed to create a stable balancing angle for a particular object 30. Alternatively, a user may select or be provided with counterweights that may be affixed directly to an object 30 which are similarly designed to create a stable balancing angle for a particular object 30. Thereby, use of the device 10 may include a user choosing a particular plate 12 having counterweights, counterweights to affix to an adaptable plate 12, or counterweights to affix directly to an object 30, to influence the center of gravity 32 and stability of the balancing arrangement.

[0043] In further alternative embodiments, a user may also adjust the distance of the pointed spike 22 with respect to the object 30 being balanced by extending or retracting the pointed spike 22 itself from the body 18 of the balance member 16 or the plate 12 from the object 30. Thereby, the magnitude of an adjustment of the equilibrium balance angle by movement of the balance member 16 on the surface of the plate 12 may be influenced and the range of the equilibrium balancing angle may be extended.

[0044] It is also foreseen that, in an embodiment, a user may adjust the height of the object 30 from a surface by adjusting the length of the support 24. Thereby, a user may highlight the operation and enhance the entertainment and enjoyment of the balancing device 10.

[0045] The term comprises and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps. etc. are optionally present. For example, an article comprising (or which comprises) components A. B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A. B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B. and C but also one or more other components.

[0046] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with possible reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. All features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. Further, it is not necessary for all embodiments of the invention to have all the advantages of the invention or fulfill all the purposes of the invention.

[0047] In the present description, the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a claim, that feature can also be employed, to the extent possible, in aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

[0048] Also, although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of several embodiments. Thus, the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.