GB2448530A

GB2448530A - A night light with carbon monoxide and smoke detectors

Info

Publication number: GB2448530A
Application number: GB0707572A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Salino
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-04-18
Filing date: 2007-04-18
Publication date: 2008-10-22
Anticipated expiration: 2027-04-18
Also published as: GB0707572D0; GB2448530B

Abstract

The invention provides a potable night light comprising a housing (2) containing a light source (0), a carbon monoxide detector (A), a smoke detector (B), a battery or battery chamber (L), and a means (E) for producing an audible alarm when carbon monoxide or smoke are detected.

Description

A NIGHT LIGHT

This invention relates to a night light and more particularly to a night light provided with a built-in smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.

Background of the Invention

It is known to include smoke alanns in clocks and examples of such devices are disclosed in GB 2029617, GB 2404459, JP 58218675, US 4186389, US 4321591, US 4611200, WO 91/06080 and WO 92/10820.

It is also known from GB 2404459 to incorporate a carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector into a digital alarm clock. In GB 2404459, the alarm clock is provided with a battery power supply, no other power supply being provided or even considered necessary. It is stated that once the battery fails, the clock and alarm functions no longer operate and it is suggested that this would provide the necessary stimulus to change the batteries. However, the digital clock display is : :* provided by an LED array and, in certain lighting conditions and from certain angles, the display may not be readily visible and hence a loss of battery power may go undetected, with potentially serous consequences. *0** p...

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a portable carbon monoxide and smoke detector which is primarily battery powered, but may also use an AC power source. The detectors are incorporated into a night light and an advantage of this arrangement, compared with the device described in GB 2404459 is that the night light provides a much stronger visual indication as to the state of the batteries that power the device.

It is therefore much less likely that the user of the device of the present invention would overlook the need to change the batteries.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides a portable night light comprising a housing containing: (a) a light source (b) a carbon monoxide detector (c) a smoke detector (d) a battery or battery chamber, and (e) means for producing an audible alarm when carbon monoxide or smoke are detected.

The night light of the invention is a portable device and, as such, preferably comprises a compact housing formed from lightweight materials such as plastics.

In order that the night light may be used in locations where access to a power supply may be limited or unavailable, the night light of the invention is provided with a battery or a chamber for holding batteries. For example, the night light may be provided with a rechargeable battery contained within the housing.

Alternatively, disposable non-rechargeable batteries may be used in which case the night light is provided with a chamber for holding the batteries.

The housing preferably further contains a clock, which is typically a digital clock. S...

A display screen (e.g. a liquid crystal display screen or an LED dot matrix display : . 15 screen) may be provided for displaying the time of day and/or the date and/or a visual warning. An LED dot matrix display screen is preferred. S...

The housing may contain means (e.g. control circuitry) linked to the carbon monoxide detector and/or smoke detector for producing a visual warning on the display screen when carbon monoxide or smoke are detected. The visual warning can take the form of symbols or alphanumeric characters or a combination of the two. For example the visual warning can be in the form of an alphanumeric message warning that carbon monoxide has been detected.

In one embodiment, the display screen displays a scrolling alphanumeric message.

The screen may be divided into a plurality of blocks, each block containing a sufficient number of light emitting diodes to form a letter, number or other symbol when illuminated.

The night light is typically constructed so as to provide a large illuminated area.

Thus, if the housing has a total surface area defined by a base and one or more side surfaces and one or more upper surfaces, it is preferred that at least 50% of the area of the side surfaces and upper surfaces is illuminated when the night light is switched on. More preferably, at least 60% or at least 65% or at least 70% of the area of the side and upper surfaces is illuminated when the nightlight is switched on. The illuminated areas may be defined by areas of translucent material (e.g. translucent plastics), behind which are disposed a light source or sources.

In order to protect the display screen when the nightlight is not in use or is being carried, a removable or displaceable cover may be provided for concealing the display screen. For example, the cover may be pivotably mounted on the housing so that it can be moved to reveal the display screen. In a preferred embodiment, the cover can be pivoted into a position in which functions as a stand for the housing.

The cover may be formed from a transparent or translucent material so that the user can see the display screen in either the open or closed configurations. In one I..

s. embodiment, the cover is fonned from a translucent material.

:* 15 Brief Description of the Drawin2s

Figure 1 is a view from above of a night light according to one embodiment of the invention.

S I...

Figure 2 is a front view of the night light of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a view from one side of the night light of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a view from the other side of the night light of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a view from beneath of the base of the night light of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a side view corresponding to Figure 4 but showing the cover pivoted into position to serve as a stand.

Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram showing the main component parts of a night light of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will now be illustrated in greater detail by reference to the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings Figures 1 to 7.

Referring now to the drawings, a night light according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a housing (2) formed from moulded plastics material. The housing (2) comprises a base (4), side walls (6), (8) and (10) and an upper surface (12). The housing (2) is formed from areas of opaque plastics, (the unshaded regions), and areas fonned from a translucent plastics material (the dark shaded areas). A low wattage lighting source (not shown) within the housing illuminates the areas of translucent material to provide a diffuse light suitable for use as a night light.

A front cover (14) formed from a translucent plastics material is pivotably attached to the housing at pivot points (16) and serves to protect the visual display screen (18) during transit. The cover (14) can be rotated about the pivot points (16) into a position in which it functions as a stand (see Figure 6).

The underside of the base (4) is provided with a hatch (20) secured in place by a * fastening screw (22), the hatch (20) serving to conceal the battery chamber. The device may be powered either by conventional disposable batteries or by p...

rechargeable batteries. Alternatively, the housing may contain non-removable rechargeable batteries and an input socket may be provided for connecting the rechargeable batteries to a charger.

The interior components of the night light are shown schematically in the block diagram in figure 7. Thus, the housing contains a carbon monoxide detector (A) and a smoke detector (B). The carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector may be of conventional type and their precise form of construction need not be described here. However, by way of example. the smoke detector can be a photoelectronic detector or an ionisation detector, and the carbon monoxide detector can be a metal oxide semiconductor detector or an electrolytic sensor or electrochemical detector.

In one preferred embodiment, the carbon monoxide detector is an electromchemical detector. Located behind the display screen (18) is an alphanumeric light emitting diode dot matrix display (I)). For example, the dot matrix display can be a five element (5 x 7) display but it will be appreciated that other LED arrays may be used instead.

Also contained within the housing are an 80dB piezo sounder (E) to provide a warning alarm and a clock alarm, and a low voltage night light (G) which is controlled by push button (H). The various components within the night light are linked electronically to the integrated circuit (C) which contains the necessary control circuitry and an electronic clock.

The functioning of the device is controlled by a number of control buttons, namely a snooze and programming button (F) for the clock alarm, a multi function mode button (I) for programming the integrated circuitlclock (C), a multi function test button (J) for the smoke detector (B) and programming the integrated circuit/clock * (C) and a multi function test button (K) for the carbon monoxide detector (A) and w for programming the integrated circuit /clock (C). S... S...

A battery chamber (L) contains batteries that power each of the components of the :.: 15 night light, and an optional AC power supply (M) is provided for charging the batteries or for use in place of the batteries.

*.: Provided that adequately charged batteries are present in the battery chamber, the smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector are permanently in an on-state, but it is necessary to push the button H in order to turn on the night light.

In the event that carbon monoxide or smoke are detected, a signal is sent to the piezo sounder (E) to provide an audible alarm, which is sufficiently loud to awaken the user. At the same time, the night light will flash, thereby providing a visible warning. In addition, the time display on the LED dot matrix display is replaced by a scrolling message informing the user whether carbon monoxide or smoke have been detected. The scrolling message may be accompanied by warning phrases such as Leave the room immediately' or Open the window' as appropriate.

People are most vulnerable to smoke and carbon monoxide whilst they are sleeping.

Prior to going to bed, it is a simple matter for the user to switch on the night light and this will inform him immediately whether or not the battery has sufficient power left or needs replacing.

If carbon monoxide or smoke are detected, the user is provided by both an audible and a visual warning. As is well known, the turning on a light can often cause a person to awaken from sleep and hence the flashing light, together with the audible alarm should ensure that the user does indeed wake up. The scrolling message assists the user in taking the most appropriate action under the circumstances. For example, if carbon monoxide has been detected, an appropriate course of action would be to open a window to let fresh air into the room. Opening a window might not necessarily be the best course of action in the event that a fire is detected.

Accordingly, the invention provides a versatile device in which the night light and visual display enhance the effectiveness of the device in alerting a user to the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide.

Equivalents * * S. * * 15 It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations may be made to the specific embodiments of the invention described above without departing S...

* from the principles underlying the invention. All such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.

Claims

1. A portable night light comprising a housing containing: (a) a light source (b) a carbon monoxide detector (c) a smoke detector (d) a battery or battery chamber, and (e) means for producing an audible alarm when carbon monoxide or smoke are detected.

2. A portable night light according to claim I wherein the housing further contains (f) a clock.

3. A portable night light according to claim 2 wherein the clock is a digital clock. S...

4. A portable night light according to any one of the preceding claims wherein : the housing is provided with a display screen for displaying the time of day *:. 15 and/or the date and/or a visual warning.

5. A portable night light according to claim 4 wherein the display screen is an LED dot matrix display screen.

6. A portable night light according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the housing contains means linked to the carbon monoxide detector and/or smoke detector for producing a visual warning on the display screen when carbon monoxide or smoke are detected.

7. A portable night light according to claim 6 wherein the visual warning is in the form of an alphanumeric message.

8. A portable night light according to claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the display screen displays a scrolling message.

9. A portable night light according to any one of claims 4 to 8 wherein the display screen displays the time of day and optionally the date.

10. A portable night light according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the housing has a total surface area defined by a base and one or more side surfaces and one or more upper surfaces, and wherein at least 50% of the area of the side surfaces and upper surfaces is illuminated when the night light is switched on.

ii. A portable night light according to claim 10 wherein at least 60% or at least 65% or at least 70% of the area of the side and upper surfaces is illuminated when the nightlight is switched on.

12. A portable night light according to claim 4 and any claim dependent thereon wherein a removable or displaceable cover is provided for concealing the display screen.

13. A portable night light according to claim 12 wherein the cover is pivotably : :: :* mounted on the housing so that it can be moved to reveal the display screen.

:

14. A portable night light according to claim 13 wherein the cover can be *. 15 pivoted into a position in which it functions as a stand for the housing.

15. A portable nightlight according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the carbon monoxide detector is an electrochemical detector.

16. A portable nightlight according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the smoke detector is a photoelectronic detector.

17. A portable night light substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.