| United States Patent |
5,760,692
|
|
Block
|
June 2, 1998
|
Intra-oral tracking device
Abstract
An intra-oral tracking device adapted for use in association with a tooth
having a buccal surface and a lingual surface, the apparatus comprises a
tooth mounting member having an inner surface and an outer surface, the
inner surface including adhesive material; a remote transmitter-receiver
assembly including means to transmit and receive electronic signals, the
transmitter-receiver being affixed to the outer surface of the tooth
mounting member, the remote transmitter-receiver assembly positioned
adjacent to the buccal surface of the tooth; and a base
transmitter-receiver device including means to transmit and receive
electronic signals, the device including a transmission button and a
display screen, in an operative orientation a user depressing the
transmission button of the base transmitter-receiver device to activate
the remote transmitter-receiver, activation of the remote
transmitter-receiver device causing the transmission of electrical signals
for receipt by the base transmitter-receiver device, the base
transmitter-receiver device thereby displaying the location of the remote
transmitter-receiver assembly to enable a user to locate a lost
individual.
| Inventors:
|
Block; Douglas A. (69 Sandpiper Dr., Manalapan, NJ 07726)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
730906 |
| Filed:
|
October 18, 1996 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
340/573.1; 340/505; 340/539; 455/575 |
| Intern'l Class: |
G08B 023/00 |
| Field of Search: |
340/573,572,539,505,825.54,825.49,825.19,693
455/100,351,575
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
| 3297021 | Jan., 1967 | Davis et al. | 455/100.
|
| 3985977 | Oct., 1976 | Beaty et al. | 455/351.
|
| 4706689 | Nov., 1987 | Man | 340/539.
|
| 5523745 | Jun., 1996 | Fortune et al. | 340/825.
|
| 5629678 | May., 1997 | Gargano et al. | 340/573.
|
Primary Examiner: Mullen; Thomas
Claims
What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent
of the United States is as follows:
1. A intra-oral tracking device adapted for use in association with a tooth
having a buccal surface and a lingual surface, the apparatus comprising,
in combination:
an orthodontic band fabricated of non-precious crown and bridge alloy, the
orthodontic band being formed in a ring shaped configuration with an inner
surface and an outer surface, the inner surface including adhesive
material;
a remote transmitter-receiver assembly including an outer casing, a
transmitter-receiver unit and a power source, the outer casing being
formed in a hollow generally rectangular configuration, the
transmitter-receiver unit and power source being operatively coupled to
each other and positioned within the outer casing, the
transmitter-receiver unit including means to transmit and receive
electronic signals, the outer casing being affixed to the outer surface of
the orthodontic band, in an operative orientation the orthodontic band
being coupled around a tooth with the remote transmitter-receiver assembly
positioned adjacent to the buccal surface of the tooth; and
a base transmitter-receiver device formed in a generally rectangular
configuration and including means to transmit and receive electronic
signals, the device including a power source, a transmission button, a
liquid crystal display screen, a speaker and an on/off power switch, in an
operative orientation a user depressing the transmission button of the
base transmitter-receiver device to activate the remote
transmitter-receiver assembly, activation of the remote
transmitter-receiver device causing the transmission of electrical signals
for receipt by the base transmitter-receiver device, the base
transmitter-receiver device thereby displaying the location of the remote
transmitter-receiver assembly to enable an adult user to locate a lost
individual.
2. An intra-oral tracking device adapted for use in association with a
tooth having a buccal surface and a lingual surface, the apparatus
comprising:
a tooth mounting member having an inner surface and an outer surface, the
inner surface including adhesive material;
a remote transmitter-receiver assembly including means to transmit and
receive electronic signals, the transmitter-receiver being affixed to the
outer surface of the tooth mounting member, in an operative orientation
the tooth mounting member being coupled to a tooth with the remote
transmitter-receiver assembly positioned adjacent to the buccal surface of
the tooth; and
a base transmitter-receiver device including means to transmit and receive
electronic signals, the device including a transmission button and a
display screen, in an operative orientation a user depressing the
transmission button of the base transmitter-receiver device to activate
the remote transmitter-receiver, activation of the remote
transmitter-receiver device causing the transmission of electrical signals
for receipt by the base transmitter-receiver device, the base
transmitter-receiver device thereby displaying the location of the remote
transmitter-receiver assembly to enable a user to locate a lost
individual.
3. The intra-oral tracking device as set forth in claim 2 wherein the tooth
mounting member is an orthodontic band, the orthodontic band being formed
in a ring shaped configuration and coupled around a tooth in an operative
orientation.
4. The intra-oral tracking device as set forth in claim 3 wherein the
orthodontic band is fabricated of non-precious crown and bridge alloy.
5. The intra-oral tracking device as set forth in claim 4 wherein the
orthodontic band is coupled around a deciduous tooth.
6. The intra-oral tracking device as set forth in claim 2 wherein the tooth
mounting member is a metal wing, the metal wing being acid etched to the
buccal surface of a tooth.
7. A intra-oral tracking device adapted for use in association with a tooth
having a buccal surface and a lingual surface, the apparatus comprising,
in combination:
a metal wing fabricated of non-precious crown and bridge alloy, the metal
wing having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface
including microetchings and resin cement to permit adherence to the buccal
surface of a tooth;
a remote transmitter-receiver assembly including an outer casing, a
transmitter-receiver unit and a power source, the outer casing being
formed in a hollow generally rectangular configuration, the
transmitter-receiver unit and power source being operatively coupled to
each other and positioned within the outer casing, the
transmitter-receiver unit including means to transmit and receive
electronic signals, the outer casing being affixed to the outer surface of
the metal wing, in an operative orientation the metal wing being coupled
to a tooth with the remote transmitter-receiver assembly positioned
adjacent to the buccal surface of the tooth; and
a base transmitter-receiver device formed in a generally rectangular
configuration and including means to transmit and receive electronic
signals, the device including a power source, a transmission button, a
liquid crystal display screen, a speaker and an on/off power switch, in an
operative orientation a user depressing the transmission button of the
base transmitter-receiver device to activate the remote
transmitter-receiver assembly, activation of the remote
transmitter-receiver device causing the transmission of electrical signals
for receipt by the base transmitter-receiver device, the base
transmitter-receiver device thereby displaying the location of the remote
transmitter-receiver assembly to enable a user to locate a lost individual
.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an intra-oral tracking device and more
particularly pertains to locating a lost individual by activating the
apparatus.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of locator devices is known in the prior art. More specifically,
locator devices heretofore devised and utilized for the purpose of
locating lost individuals or articles are known to consist basically of
familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding
the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been
developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,040 to Weaver et al. discloses a
personal locator transmitter.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,021,794 to Lawrence dicloses a personal emergency locator
system.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,072 to Hemingway discloses an apparatus for monitoring
child activity.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,135 to Ghahariiran discloses a child monitoring device.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,580 to Distel discloses a child protector.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,096 to Moore et al. discloses a position locating
device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,245,314 to Kah, Jr. discloses a location monitoring system.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,289,163 to Perez et al. discloses a child position
monitoring and locating device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,041 to Friedman discloses a personal safety guard
system for stray person or pet.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objective and
requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe an intra-oral
tracking device for locating a lost individual by activating the
apparatus.
In this respect, the intra-oral tracking device according to the present
invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs
of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily
developed for the purpose of locating a lost individual by activating the
apparatus.
Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for
new and improved intra-oral tracking device which can be used for locating
a lost individual by activating the apparatus. In this regard, the present
invention substantially fulfills this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In the view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of
locator devices now present in the prior art, the present invention
provides an improved intra-oral tracking device. As such, the general
purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in
greater detail, is to provide a new and improved intra-oral tracking
device and method which has all the advantages of the prior art and none
of the disadvantages.
To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a new and
improved intra-oral tracking device adapted for use in association with a
tooth having a buccal surface and a lingual surface, the apparatus
comprising, in combination: an orthodontic band fabricated of non-precious
crown and bridge alloy, the orthodontic band being formed in a ring shaped
configuration with an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner
surface including adhesive material; a remote transmitter-receiver
assembly including an outer casing, a transmitter-receiver unit and a
power source, the outer casing being formed in a hollow generally
rectangular configuration, the transmitter-receiver unit and power source
being operatively coupled to each other and positioned within the outer
casing, the transmitter-receiver unit including means to transmit and
receive electronic signals, the outer casing being affixed to the outer
surface of the orthodontic band, in an operative orientation the
orthodontic band being coupled around a tooth with the remote
transmitter-receiver assembly positioned adjacent to the buccal surface of
the tooth; and a base transmitter-receiver device formed in a generally
rectangular configuration and including means to transmit and receive
electronic signals, the device including a power source, a transmission
button, a liquid crystal display screen, a speaker and an on/off power
switch, in an operative orientation a user depressing the transmission
button of the base transmitter-receiver device to activate the remote
transmitter-receiver assembly, activation of the remote
transmitter-receiver device causing the transmission of electrical signals
for receipt by the base transmitter-receiver device, the base
transmitter-receiver device thereby displaying the location of the remote
transmitter-receiver assembly to enable an adult user to locate a lost
individual.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features
of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that
follows may be better understood, and in order that the present
contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course,
additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter
and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention
in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the
components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the
drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood
that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon
which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the
designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the
several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore,
that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions
insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent
and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the
scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar
with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a
cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of
the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention
of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to
be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and
improved intra-oral tracking device which has all the advantages of the
prior art locator devices and none of the disadvantages.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved
intra-oral tracking device which may be easily and efficiently
manufactured and marketed.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and
improved intra-oral tracking device which is of durable and reliable
construction.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and
improved intra-oral tracking device which is susceptible of a low cost of
manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly
is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby
making such an intra-oral tracking device economically available to the
buying public.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and
improved intra-oral tracking device which provides in the apparatuses and
methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while
simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated
therewith.
Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and
improved intra-oral tracking device for locating a lost individual by
activating the apparatus.
Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and
improved intra-oral tracking device adapted for use in association with a
tooth having a buccal surface and a lingual surface, the apparatus
comprises a tooth mounting member having an inner surface and an outer
surface, the inner surface including adhesive material; a remote
transmitter-receiver assembly including means to transmit and receive
electronic signals, the transmitter-receiver being affixed to the outer
surface of the tooth mounting member, the remote transmitter-receiver
assembly positioned adjacent to the buccal surface of the tooth; and a
base transmitter-receiver device including means to transmit and receive
electronic signals, the device including a transmission button and a
display screen, in an operative orientation a user depressing the
transmission button of the base transmitter-receiver device to activate
the remote transmitter-receiver, activation of the remote
transmitter-receiver device causing the transmission of electrical signals
for receipt by the base transmitter-receiver device, the base
transmitter-receiver device thereby displaying the location of the remote
transmitter-receiver assembly to enable a user to locate a lost
individual.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various
features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with
particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this
disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating
advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should
be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there
is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set
forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the
following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference
to the annexed drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the intra-oral
tracking device constructed in accordance with the principles of the
present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a child's teeth.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partially broken away perspective view of the
apparatus illustrating the positioning of the transmitter-receiver unit
and power source.
FIG. 4 is a side perspective view taken along section line 4--4 of FIG. 3
illustrating the apparatus coupled to a molar tooth.
FIG. 5 is an isolated perspective view of the base transmitter-receiver
device.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart summarizing the flow of electronic information when
utilizing the apparatus.
FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective illustrations of an alternative embodiment of
the apparatus illustrating a metal wing and transmitter-receiver secured
to a tooth.
The same reference numerals refer to the same parts through the various
Figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference now to the drawings, and in particular, to FIG. 1 thereof,
the preferred embodiment of the new and improved intra-oral tracking
device embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and
generally designated by the reference number 10 will be described.
Specifically, it will be noted in the various Figures that the device
relates to an intra-oral tracking device. In its broadest context, the
device consists of an orthodontic band 12, a remote transmitter-receiver
assembly 14 and a base transmitter-receiver device 16. Such components are
individually configured and correlated with respect to each other so as to
attain the desired objective.
The intra-oral tracking device 10 is adapted for use in association with a
child or adult's tooth. When utilized with children, the apparatus is
preferably coupled to the child's permanent molar tooth 22. The apparatus
can also be coupled to a child's deciduous non-molar tooth 20 if the child
is below the age of six. The apparatus would then be changed with the
eruption of the permanent molar. Each of the child's non-molar teeth 20
and molar teeth 22 have a buccal surface 24, 25 located adjacent to the
cheek, and a lingual surface 26, 27 located adjacent to the child's
tongue. The apparatus is very beneficial in locating people with physical
and mental disabilities. Note FIG. 2.
The orthodontic band 12 is fabricated of non-precious crown and bridge
alloy. The band is formed in a ring shaped configuration with an inner
surface and an outer surface 28. The inner surface includes adhesive
material 30 to permit secure coupling around a child's tooth. In attaching
the band to a tooth it should first be microetched to allow adherence of
the adhesive. Note FIGS. 2 and 4.
The remote transmitter-receiver assembly 14 includes an outer casing 32, a
transmitter-receiver unit 34 and a power source 36. The outer casing 32 is
formed in a hollow generally rectangular configuration with rounded edges
and a height essentially equal to that of the band. Preferably the power
source is a miniature circular battery. The transmitter-receiver unit and
power source are operatively coupled to each other by a plurality of wires
38 and positioned within the outer casing. The transmitter-receiver unit
includes means to transmit and receive electronic signals. In alternate
embodiments of the apparatus the transmitter-receiver can be included in
any oral device such a retainer, fixed bridge, removable denture or any
oral prosthetic device. Note FIG. 3.
The outer casing is affixed to the outer surface of the orthodontic band
12. In the preferred embodiment the orthodontic band is coupled around a
child's deciduous molar tooth 22 with the remote transmitter-receiver
assembly positioned adjacent to the buccal surface 25 of the child's molar
tooth 22. Note FIG. 3.
The base transmitter-receiver device 16 is formed in a generally
rectangular configuration and includes means to transmit and receive
electronic signals. The device includes a power source, a transmission
button 40, a liquid crystal display screen 42, a speaker 44 and an on/off
power switch 46. When the apparatus is activated the liquid crystal
display screen indicates the geographic location of the lost child. Note
FIG. 5.
In an operative orientation a user depresses the transmission button of the
base transmitter-receiver device 16 to activate the remote
transmitter-receiver assembly 14. In one embodiment of the apparatus this
is accomplished by utilizing a satellite relay. Activation of the remote
transmitter-receiver device causes the transmission of electrical signals
for receipt by the base transmitter-receiver device. As mentioned above,
in one embodiment of the apparatus this is accomplished by utilizing a
satellite relay. The base transmitter-receiver device then displays the
location of the remote transmitter-receiver assembly to enable a user to
locate a lost individual. Note FIGS. 5 and 6.
An alternate embodiment 50 of the apparatus is shown in FIG. 7. In such
embodiment an orthodontic band is not included with the apparatus. Rather,
the transmitter-receiver assembly 14 is affixed to a metal wing 52. The
wing is fabricated of non-precious crown and bridge alloy. The metal wing
has an inner surface and an outer surface. The metal wing is
electrolytically treated. The inner surface includes microetchings and
resin cement to permit adherence to the smooth buccal surface of a tooth.
Recent advances in adhesive dentistry have developed very strong bonds
between metal to composite and composite to tooth enamel. Note FIGS. 7 and
8.
As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same
should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further
discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the
optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to
include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and the
manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and
obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to
those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are
intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the
principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modification and
changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and
described, and accordingly, all suitable modification and equivalents may
be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *