US 2014/0111329 A1 · Use Privacy Indicator Method and Apparatus

Abstract

A privacy indicator is disclosed that uses a controller on an inside of a door with an indicator on the outside of the door, thereby optionally indicating a “busy” or “in use” state, or privacy request inside the door. A vertical-orientation-adjustable magnetic or acceleration sensitive switch may be used to cancel the “in use” state. An initial adjustment circuit is used to adjust the vertical position of the switch to allow for vertically misaligned mounting surfaces. The latched “in use” condition serves as a privacy request, reducing embarrassment when used in toilet stalls or bathrooms, or when other potentially embarrassing activities are being performed. Upon opening of the door, a radial acceleration is induced on a pendulum switch, whereupon the latched condition is cancelled, and the indicator no longer indicates the latched privacy request condition.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A privacy indicator apparatus for inter-connection with a door comprising a controller and an indicator connected to the door, said controller including a motion detector for detecting movement of the door, said motion detector comprising:

(a) a detector housing having an internal chamber;
(b) an electrically conductive base mounted within said internal chamber of said housing, said base having a concave surface;
(c) an electrical conductor mounted within said internal chamber of said housing proximate said electrically conductive base, said electrical connector having first and second spaced apart conductive portions;
and
(d) a spherical member disposed in rolling engagement with said concave surface of said base, said spherical member being movable along said concave surface between a first central position, a second position in engagement with said first conductive portion of said electrical conductor and a third position in engagement with said second conductive portion of said electrical conductor.

2 more elements

A privacy indicator apparatus comprising:

(a) a controller including:
(i) a controller housing having an internal controller chamber;
(ii) an electrical circuit board disposed within said internal controller housing, said electrical circuit board comprising a battery, a single pole single throw switch connected to said battery and a push button four pole double throw switch operably associated with said batteries;
(iii) a motion detector disposed within said internal controller chamber and operably associated with said electrical circuit board;
said motion detector comprising:
a. a detector housing formed from a non-electrically conductive material, said detector housing having an internal chamber and including a substantially transparent top viewing window;
b. an electrically conductive metal base mounted within said internal chamber of said detector housing, said base having a concave surface and being electrically interconnected with said electrical circuit board;
c. a generally “U”-shaped electrical conductor mounted within said internal chamber of said detector housing proximate said electrically conductive base, said electrical connector being electrically interconnected with said electrical circuit board and having first and second spaced apart conductive portions;
and
d. a nickel plated brass spherical member disposed in rolling engagement with said concave surface of said base, said spherical member being movable along said concave surface between a first central position, a second position in engagement with said first conductive portion of said electrical conductor and a third position in engagement with said second conductive portion of said electrical conductor;
and
(b) an indicator operably associated with said motion detector, said indicator including an indicator housing and a controller light emitting diode connected to said indicator housing and being operably associated with said electrical circuit board.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Use Privacy Indicator Method and Apparatus

Life of this patent

Use Privacy Indicator Method and Apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20