US4538142A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Signal seat for children
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1982-09-30
•
Granted: 1985-08-27
•
Expires: 2002-09-30
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to disciplinary devices to teach young children proper behavior in general, and more specifically to a unique, tamper-proof weight activated signaling mechanism incorporated into a stool, which a child must sit on for disciplinary reasons, whereby the removal of the child's weight from the seat portion of the device, causes the signaling mechanism to be activated.
Inventors
- 👤 Scott B. Hamilton
- 👤 Douglas B. Golden
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 22:17
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47D; A47D1/00; G; G08; G08B; G08B21/00; G08B21/18; G08B21/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
169 words
A signal seat for use in the disciplinary technique known as "time-out"; wherein the signal seat comprises, a stool member provided with: a normally closed first switch projecting above its surface; a recess adapted to receive a battery and a signal device; and an elongated aperture that is in open communication with the recess and the exterior of the stool member; a seat member moveably mounted to said stool member, and having a surface adapted to engage said first switch to open the switch; a battery and signal device operatively connected by electrical leads to said first switch device, whereby the signal device will be activated when the electrical circuit is completed; a second switch operatively connected to the electrical circuit between the battery and the signal device to selectively open and close the electrical circuit; and an elongated removable dowel dimensioned to be received within said elongated aperture, and having a length sufficient to engage said second switch while still projecting a substantial distance beyond said stool member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
169 words
A signal seat for use in the disciplinary technique known as "time-out"; wherein the signal seat comprises, a stool member provided with: a normally closed first switch projecting above its surface; a recess adapted to receive a battery and a signal device; and an elongated aperture that is in open communication with the recess and the exterior of the stool member; a seat member moveably mounted to said stool member, and having a surface adapted to engage said first switch to open the switch; a battery and signal device operatively connected by electrical leads to said first switch device, whereby the signal device will be activated when the electrical circuit is completed; a second switch operatively connected to the electrical circuit between the battery and the signal device to selectively open and close the electrical circuit; and an elongated removable dowel dimensioned to be received within said elongated aperture, and having a length sufficient to engage said second switch while still projecting a substantial distance beyond said stool member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A signal seat as in claim 1: wherein, the seat member is normally spring biased away from engagement with the upper surface of the stool member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A signal device as in claim 1; wherein, the second switch is disposed in the elongated aperture.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
52 words
A signal seat as in claim 3; wherein, the stool member is provided with a plurality of vertical apertures extending thru the stool member; and the seat member is provided with a plurality of threaded downwardly depending projections, which are dimensioned to be received within the vertical apertures in the stool member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A signal seat as in claim 4; wherein, coil springs surround said projections, and bias the seat member away from engagement with the stool member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A signal seat as in claim 5; wherein, a plurality of nuts engage the threaded projection to secure the seat member to the stool member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A signal device as in claim 1; wherein, the second switch is disposed in the said recess in the stool member.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-08-26 | 1989-02-25 | 1989-08-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-08-26 | 1993-02-25 | 1993-08-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-08-26 | 1997-02-25 | 1997-08-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |