AN ALARM APPARATUS

Abstract

An alarm apparatus, in particular an alarm apparatus having at least two separate parts, includes an alarm unit and a user portion for generating a localized alert. The user portion has an attachment means for attaching the user portion about or onto a part of the user's body. The user portion includes a lock which in use is adapted to lock the user portion about or onto a part of the user's body. The alarm unit and user portion in use are located apart one from another and the lock is adapted to unlock upon presentation of the user portion to the alarm unit.

Claims

1-26. (canceled)

27. An alarm apparatus comprising: an alarm unit and a user portion for generating a localised alert, the user portion has an attachment means for attaching the user portion about or around a part of the user's body, the user portion includes: a lock which in use is adapted to lock the user portion about or around the part of the user's body, the alarm unit and user portion in use are located apart one from another, the user portion is programmed to provide a localised alert at a pre-selected time to wake the user and wherein the lock is adapted to unlock upon presentation of the user portion to the alarm unit and/or the alert is disabled upon presentation of the user portion to the alarm unit.

28. An alarm apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the alert is disabled upon presentation of the user portion to the alarm unit.

29. An alarm apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the user portion includes a timer that triggers a means for generating the localised alert and the timer is capable of being set by the alarm unit.

30. An apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the alarm unit emits an alert in dependence of the localised alert.

31. An alarm apparatus according to claim 27 wherein a wireless transmitter transmits a signal which activates the localised alert at the user portion.

32. An alarm apparatus according to claim 31 wherein the wireless transmitter is adapted to be configured by a user to transmit a wireless signal to the user portion.

33. An alarm apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the localised alert is deactivated by unlocking the lock.

34. An alarm apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the user portion includes a snooze button function.

35. An alarm apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the user portion requires temporary physical connection to the alarm unit to disable the localised alert.

36. An alarm apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the user portion requires temporary physical connection to the alarm unit to unlock the lock.

37. An alarm apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the user portion is adapted to disable the localised alert by way of a wireless connection when the user portion is placed within a pre-defined range (user defined zone) from the alarm unit.

38. An alarm apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the user portion is adapted to unlock the lock by way of a wireless connection when the user portion is placed within a pre-defined range (user defined zone) from the alarm unit.

39. An alarm apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the user portion includes at least one data/charging port.

40. An alarm apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the alarm unit includes at least one data/charging port.

41. An alarm apparatus according to claim 27 wherein a data exchange/transfer means is triggered upon presentation of the user portion to the alarm unit.

42. An alarm apparatus according to claim 41 wherein the data exchange/transfer means is triggered upon temporary physical connection of the user portion with the alarm unit.

43. An alarm apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the user portion includes a memory arranged to store data relating to one or more parameters of the alert.

44. An alarm apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the alarm unit includes a memory arranged to store data relating to one or more parameters of the alert.

45. An alarm apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the user portion has terminals which in use contact a user's skin.

46. An alarm apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the user portion is in the form of a wrist band.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0079] FIG. 1 show an exploded isometric view of embodiments of the portion and unit;

[0080] FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the portion shown in FIG. 1B;

[0081] FIGS. 3A to 3A show side views of the user portion as shown in FIG. 1B;

[0082] FIG. 3D shows a plan view of the user portion as shown in FIG. 1B;

[0083] FIG. 4A shows an isometric view of the unit as shown in FIG. 1A;

[0084] FIG. 4B shows a front view of the unit as shown in FIG. 1A;

[0085] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C show views of the unit as shown in FIG. 1a;

[0086] FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show sketch views of a second embodiment of the user portion:

[0087] FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the alarm apparatus;

[0088] FIG. 8 shows a front view of the user portion mounted on the alarm unit;

[0089] FIG. 9 shows a left side view of the user portion mounted on the alarm unit;

[0090] FIG. 10 shows a right side view of the user portion mounted on the alarm unit;

[0091] FIG. 11 shows a top view of the user portion mounted on the alarm unit;

[0092] FIG. 12 shows an under view of the user portion mounted on the alarm unit;

[0093] FIG. 13 shows a front view of the second embodiment of the alarm unit;

[0094] FIG. 14 shows a side view of the second embodiment of the alarm unit;

[0095] FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of the second embodiment of the alarm unit;

[0096] FIG. 16 shows the second embodiment of the user portion; and

[0097] FIG. 17 shows an exploded view of the user portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0098] The alarm apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 shows one embodiment of the apparatus 300 wherein there is provided an alarm unit 100 and a user portion 200.

[0099] The user portion 200 as shown specifically in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D is comprised of a flexible strap 7, with an inflexible housing 6,8 that comprises the user attachment mechanism 1. The user portion 200 is stored and charged on the alarm unit 200 as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B and the alert can be set for the user portion and alarm unit using the control buttons 10 on the alarm unit.

[0100] The flexible strap 7 is inelastic so that once attached it cannot be pulled away from contact with the user. The user portion 200 is therefore able to be sold in different sizes to ensure it is fitted tightly to the desired user, so preventing removal unless the user portion is unlocked to the open configuration. For example the user portion may be provided in small, medium, large and extra-large sizes.

[0101] In other embodiments the flexible strap 7 may include a ratchet strap type attachment mechanism to ensure a tight fit such as a cable tie.

[0102] The housing 6, 8, includes a flexible or curved PCB 17 that has a timer (not shown) which can be set at the alarm unit 100. The desired time is set on the alarm unit 100 and this data is transferred to the user portion 200 so as to generate the localised alert at the pre-set time.

[0103] Two ends of the flexible strap 7 are joined by a locking mechanism 1 so as to form a locked loop, thereby locking the user portion 200 to the user. The flexible strap 7 is formed from a non-elastic silicone band.

[0104] The locking mechanism 1 is in the form of a clasp which is unlocked by swiping or locating the housing 6, 8 in the indentation 11 of the alarm unit 100, above the display screen 15.

[0105] The alarm unit 100 includes a magnetic mechanism (not shown) within the housing 6, 8 to unlock the clasp locking mechanism 1 that is operated by internally displacing catch 5 and loop 4 (see FIG. 6A).

[0106] Typically a sprung pin (not shown) locks the catch 5 and loop 4 together, which a magnetic force from the alarm unit 100 pulls open so as to unlock the mechanism.

[0107] Such magnetic force may only be operated by the alarm unit 100 upon recognition of a variable, such as a time variable or digital signal; wherein the magnet comprises an electromagnet. In some further embodiments Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) may be utilised so as to recognise the user portion 200.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 4A, charging pins 12, 9 locate and connect with points on the user portion 200 for when in non-use so as to permit charging and data transfer. A central recess 11 locates the user portion 200 for unlocking during use. The housing 6, 8 is formed from a rigid polymer and houses electronic components such as the PCB 17, battery 18 and the locking mechanism 1.

[0109] Electrode points 2 issue an electric shock and/or targeted vibration points. The alarm unit 100 includes an on/off button 14 so that they alarm unit can be turned off when not in use or when the apparatus is fully charged.

[0110] Housing for the alarm unit 100 electrical components is made from a synthetic plastics polymer. In some embodiments the alarm unit 100 has a metallic finish, for example brushed stainless steel.

[0111] The alarm unit 100 includes the recess 11 that has a user attachment mechanism override section, comprising an electromagnet (not shown) so as to permit unlocking of the user portion.

[0112] FIGS. 2 and 6C show an inner face of the user portion 200 wherein a port 3 is provided for connecting the user portion 200 to the alarm unit 100 for charging.

[0113] The alarm unit 100 includes a stand 13 in the form of two legs that permit the alarm unit 100 to be positioned on a surface wherein the display 15 can be easily viewed and the user portion 200 readily located on the alarm unit 100. A front face of the alarm unit 100 includes controls 10 (See FIG. 4A) providing a user interface by which the alarm apparatus 300 can be operated, for example wherein parameter settings can be changed.

[0114] Screen 15 displays time and functions of the alarm apparatus, so that for example a user can see the current time and the time at which the alert will be triggers. The screen 15 may also indicate the selection of alerts that are set to be triggered, for example audible, visual and/or haptic.

[0115] FIGS. 7 to 17 show a second embodiment of the alarm apparatus 300. FIG. 7 shows the alarm unit 100 and user portion (wristband) 200 separately. FIGS. 8 to 12 show different views of the user portion 200 mounted on the alarm unit 100. The alarm unit 100 is frusto-conical, having a base 110 that is wider than the top 120. The alarm unit 100 has a recess 130 that is adapted to receive the user portion 200. In this way the user portion can be housed on the alarm unit 100 when not in use. Advantageously this permits the alarm apparatus 300 to be readily packaged for sale and transport.

[0116] The recess 130 also includes a depression 135 for receiving the contact plate of the user portion 200. The top 120 of the alarm unit 100 includes a display in the form of a screen that can display alarm information and the time. An outer face of the alarm unit 100 includes a plurality of control buttons 10 to allow a user to manually set and adjust the alerts. The alarm unit includes a charging port 140.

[0117] FIGS. 13 to 15 show different views of the alarm unit 100 with the user portion removed. FIG. 14 shows a plug 150 that is received by a socket 240 on the user portion. The plug 150 serves to locate the user portion 200 into the recess and prevents the lock from locking whilst on the alarm unit 100, even when the first and second ends 210A and 201B are engaged with one another. The plug 150 prevents the locking plate 202 from engaging with the second end 210B of the user portion.

[0118] FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of the alarm unit 100. The alarm unit has: an upper casing 121, a mask 122, baffles 123, a display and a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) 124. Middle casing 125 has four pogo pins 126 for the PCBA. Lower casing 116 includes a weight 115; a power PCBA 114; a port surround 113; a base casing 112; and a base pad 111. The weight 115 ensures the alarm unit is stable when positioned on a surface. The pogo pins 126 connect with a terminal on the user portion 200 to permit charging and/or data transfer.

[0119] FIGS. 16 and 17 show the second embodiment of the user portion 200. The user portion 200 has a first end 210A and a second end 210B. The ends 201A, 210B are joined in use so as to form a band around the user's wrist. The user portion 200 comprises: an upper casing 201A and a lower casing 201B; a locking plate 202; a magnet 203; a partition 204; a transformer 205; a transformer platform 206; connecting screws 207; a PCBA; a casing for the contacts 221; a battery 208 (typically a lithium battery) and two contacts 220.

[0120] The first end 210A includes a channel 240 (see FIG. 17) into which the second end 210B is received. The second end 210B has a plurality of grooves 211.

[0121] The channel includes displaceable, sprung locking plate 202 that is released to engage with and clamp the second end 210B in position wherein the locking plate 202 is in contact with the second end 210B. In this way the wristband is locked and cannot be removed. Typically the locking plate includes projections (not shown) that correspond with the grooves 211 so as to provide a more secure lock.

[0122] The locking plate 202 is mounted within the channel 240. The locking plate 202 is mounted on a spring 202A. The locking plate 202 includes a magnet 203 that enables the locking plate to be displaced from the second end 210B and spring 202A compressed when the user portion is presented to a second magnet (not shown) located within or on the alarm unit that serves to elevate the locking plate 202 from the second end 210B so that the second end 210B can be pull out of the channel 240.

[0123] The size and proportions of the user portion will be dependent on the required internal components. Unit materials could be a combination of synthetic plastic and metal, for example a high gloss plastic and brushed metal. The user portion 200 is ergonomically designed so as to allow for a comfortable sleep.

[0124] In use the alarm unit 100 may be placed in a different room, forcing the user to get out of bed to the location of the alarm unit so that the alert(s) can be deactivated. Therefore the use must move to the location of the alarm unit 100 so that the magnetic clasp can be opened by unlocking the attachment mechanism through interaction with the alarm unit 100. The user portion 200 must be placed in close proximity, if not touching, the alarm unit 100 so that the magnetic clasp is opened. Typically the user portion 200 is presented within 50 mm and preferably within 30 mm of the second magnet in or on the alarm unit 100. This system ensures the user gets out of bed promptly and avoids continued alerts such as vibrations or electric shocks.

[0125] The user portion 200 is typically stored on the alarm unit 100 when not in use. When the alarm apparatus is in use the user will put on the user portion. The magnetic clasp 1 locks in place and can only be removed by the alarm unit 100.

[0126] A user will set parameters on the alarm unit. Typically a user may also set their standard alarm on their mobile phone, the alarm apparatus 300 is set for the same time and programmed to activate the alerts at a preselected time after the initial alarm time. For example if the phone alarm and alarm apparatus are set for 07.00 the phone alarm sounds at 07.00 and the alerts are triggered to activate from 07.01 allowing a user one minute to make their way to the alarm unit and deactivate the alerts before they start. This delay period can be set by a user. In this way the mobile phone is considered a primary alarm and the alarm apparatus is a secondary alarm.

[0127] Once the input data from the alarm unit has been synced with the user portion the timer is activated, counting down to the alert time.

[0128] The primary alarm signal sounds, giving the user a pre-determined time period to get to the alarm unit and remove the user portion (wristband). The user may choose to ignore the alarm but will then be subject to the local alerts generated by the user portion, or they can get out of bed and unlock/deactivate the user portion by presenting it to the alarm unit 100. Once the user is up the user portion 200 can be located on the alarm unit and commence their day.

[0129] The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.