Telephone call alert device with selectable alert modes

Claim 1

A telephone call alert device comprising: a telephone having a power source; a switch means connected in electrical communication with a ring circuit power source of the telephone; and a vibration means mounted to the switch means for vibrating the telephone to alert an individual to a call on the telephone; wherein the switch means comprises a switch housing having at least one selector member extending therefrom which can be manually manipulated by an individual to operate the switch means, a ringing power wire extending from the switch means and connected into electrical communication with a ring circuit power source of the telephone; an audible ringer wire extending from the switch means and connected into electrical communication with an audible ringer of the telephone, whereby the switch means can be switched into a first orientation to couple the ringing power wire to the ring circuit power source and switched into a second orientation to leave the ringing power wire absent a load and to connect the ring circuit power source to the vibration means; wherein the selector member comprises a plurality of buttons projecting from the switch housing which can be individually depressed to effect operation of the switch means; wherein the vibration means comprises a vibration housing fixedly secured to the switch housing of the switch means; an electric motor mounted within the vibration housing and including a motor shaft projecting therefrom; and an eccentric weight coupled to the motor shaft such that energization of the electric motor will effect rotation of the eccentric weight so as to create a vibration transferred from the vibration housing to the switch housing and subsequently to an outer exterior housing of the telephone when the switch means is secured thereto; wherein the electric motor is connected in electrical communication with a ground of the telephone.