Communications: electrical – Condition responsive indicating system – Specified indicator structure
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-10
2001-09-04
Wu, Daniel J. (Department: 2632)
Communications: electrical
Condition responsive indicating system
Specified indicator structure
C340S691300, C340S571000, C340S541000, C340S545100, C340S545300, C340S545700, C340S328000, C340S326000, C340S384100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06285294
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to door knockers and, more particularly, to a door knocker that senses the proximity of an individual to a door and commences knocking and simultaneously playing a recorded message without any other involvement by the individual.
2. Description of Related Art
Although user-operated door knockers are well known, a novelty type door knocker is needed, particularly for festive, holiday or seasonal use, that is fully automated and that combines the knocking function with the playing of a prerecorded greeting, message, music or other sound effect or sequence.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to door knockers and, more particularly, to a door knocker that senses the proximity of an individual to a door and commences knocking and simultaneously playing a recorded message without any other involvement by the individual approaching the door. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, a novelty type door knocker is provided, particularly for festive, holiday or seasonal use, that is fully automated or seemingly animated and that combines a simulated knocking function with the playing of a prerecorded knocking sound, greeting, message, music or other sound effect or sequence. The automated “self-knocking” feature is desirably achieved by means of a battery-powered, motor-driven linkage inside the knocker housing. The motor is controlled by a circuit that is activated by a signal from a photocell which detects variations in light intensity as an individual approaches a door on which the device is mounted or supported. The sound generation device is also preferably controlled by the circuit to play prerecorded sounds while the knocker is moving. The subject door knocker is desirably supported on a door by an over-the-door hanger but can also be attached to a door by any other similarly satisfactory attachment device.
According to another embodiment of the invention, an automated and seemingly animated door knocker is disclosed that includes a housing with a pivotably connected knocking member, the housing being releasably supported on the door by an over-the-door hanger or other similarly satisfactory attachment device, and the knocking arm being reciprocated by a battery-powered, motor-driven linkage that is controlled by an integrated circuit board and activated by a difference in light intensity as sensed by a photocell when someone approaches the door. A sound generator controlled from the circuit board is also desirably activated contemporaneously with the motor-driven linkage to play a prerecorded sound sequence.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3938120 (1976-02-01), O'Connell
patent: 4100581 (1978-07-01), Slack et al.
patent: 4236147 (1980-11-01), Calvin
patent: 5900802 (1999-05-01), Segan
Gary Products Group, Inc.
Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP
Nguyen Tai T.
Ross Monty L.
Wu Daniel J.
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