US-12620307-B2 - Device to warn traffic regarding the presence of children

Abstract

It is important to warn children about the presence of vehicular traffic in an area to protect the child. Children thrive when they are outside but the dangers of vehicles is a real threat. A portable device that can be erected outside but moved from location to location is provided that will have software that will control lights, cameras, and an audible alarm is provided. The device will be linked to the parent's portable electronic device. A link to first responders is also provided.

Inventors

• Jay Vail

Assignees

• Jay Vail

Dates

Publication Date

20260505

Application Date

20240926

Claims (5)

1. 1 . An electronic warning device to alert drivers to the presence of children, which is comprised of: the device, wherein the device has a front side and a back side, a removable sign, wherein the removable sign is secured to the top of the device, a means of illumination, wherein the means of illumination consists of a plurality of lights, wherein the plurality of lights is placed on the front side and the back side of the device, a plurality of cameras, wherein the plurality of cameras is placed on the front side and the back side of the device, wherein the images from the plurality of cameras are configured to be viewed on a portable electronic device, a plurality of audible alarms, wherein the plurality of audible alarms is secured to the device, wherein the noise from the audible alarms varies vary in intensity, wherein the noise from the audible alarms varies vary in frequency, software, power source, parental controls, wherein the parental controls provide an override, wherein the plurality of audible alarms include speakers which carry spoken messages from a parent and provide an audible alarm in the event of oncoming traffic traveling at an excessive speed; a link to first responders, wherein the link to the first responders is a wireless connection; wherein the link automatically dials a number for the first responders based on presets that are contained in the software.
2. 2 . The electronic warning device to alert drivers to the presence of children as described in claim 1 wherein the plurality of lights are flashing.
3. 3 . The electronic warning device to alert drivers to the presence of children as described in claim 1 wherein the plurality of lights are yellow.
4. 4 . The electronic warning device to alert drivers to the presence of children as described in claim 1 wherein the plurality of lights vary in intensity.
5. 5 . The electronic warning device to alert drivers to the presence of children as described in claim 1 wherein the removable sign is connected to the means of illumination of the device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A. Field of the Invention This device is designed to protect children, and specifically when children are playing outside, especially when they may be exposed to traffic. Children may find themselves in roads or streets and may be exposed to danger unwittingly, or unknowingly. The device should be constructed of durable material that can withstand extreme environmental conditions and is primarily used to alert the driver of the vehicle. The device is designed to be portable. B. Prior Art There are many other prior art references that teach to warning devices to alert children who are playing, one is the ubiquitous plastic depiction of a small child with a warning flag. This device does not use any electronics and does not use any modern technology. While it has some advantages, it does not have the full advantage of the current application and does not incorporate or teach the features of the device. Another device that uses wireless technology to detect objects is found at Schuk, U.S. Pat. No. 8,659,414. The Schuk reference teaches a device to detect objects that are in proximity to a given object. This does not specifically use the technology to detect traffic in the area. Another example that can be found in the prior art is found at Adam, U.S. Pat. No. 10,569,707, which is a device that teaches an emergency warning system for warning vehicles. There are many other prior art references that teach warning systems but none incorporate the features that are claimed in the present application. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The device is designed to be portable and moved from place to place depending on the needs of the user. The electronic warning device is likely to be made of durable material that can withstand extremes in temperatures and all environmental conditions. In operation the device will be used to alert drivers of cars in the area that children may be present while at the same time alerting children to the presence of cars and other forms of traffic. While the presence of cars will be discussed in this application, the application can be used in any situation where other types of vehicles (motorcycles, mopeds, bikes) of any kind is present. The device can also be anchored to the ground with stakes and a removable sign can be placed on the top of the device to advertise an event such as “Open House” or “Garage Sale”; the sign that is placed above the device can be connected to the means of illumination if desired. No specific type of stake is claimed in this invention. The device will depict a visual warning such as “Slow, Children at Play” to the approaching traffic. In addition to the visual warning the device will be equipped with a plurality of lights on the device to warn drivers. When traffic is approaching and depending on the presets of the software, the lights may illuminate or flash as an additional warning to the vehicle driver. The lights may different colors to depict different situations; some possible color combinations may include red, amber and green. Cameras are installed on the device to record surrounding events or surrounding traffic movement for later use. The cameras will be linked to a parent's portable electronic device to provide a visual image of the outside environment. A plurality of motion sensors are installed on the device to detect the presence of a moving vehicle. The vehicle can include a car, motorcycle, and bicycle. The sensors will have the ability to distinguish between a moving vehicle such as a car, truck, bicycle, or moped to name a few examples and a stationary object that may sway in the wind, such as a tree limb. Audible alarms are incorporated into the device to alert the driver to the presence of children in the area and at the same time alert the children to the presence of a vehicle in the vicinity. A power source will be provided. This may consist of a cord or solar panel or a rechargeable battery. This maya also be coordinated with the technology involved in the car to alert the driver through the radio or other means. Additionally, this may be monitored by the parent or guardian through an application on someone's portable electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device FIG. 2 is a schematic of the components of the device NUMBERING REFERENCE 1—Device5—Panel10—Lights15—Camera20—Power source21—Battery25—Speaker30—Software35—Portable Electronic Device40—Link to First Responders45—Parental Controls50—Marquee DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS The device 1, will be made of durable material that can withstand all environmental conditions. On the front of the device will be wording which will alert the drivers to the possible presence of children in the area. Phrases such as “slow children at play” are appropriate for this type of device. The device can be in multiple shapes: square, circular, rectangular, or triangular to name a few. The device 1 will have a front surfa