Article With Wireless Signal Alerting Device

Abstract

An article for personal, vehicular or household use provides a visual alert for the presence of a mobile communication signal from a nearby but not physically connected communication device. The article includes a signaling assembly for providing a visual signal when a mobile communication signal is detected within a defined distance, an antenna connected to the signaling assembly and extending from it. The signaling assembly may include a circuit module with an LED providing a visible signal when an adjacent mobile communication device is transmitting a signal within the defined distance. The defined distance is selected so as to make the article responsive only to signals from a mobile device within a user's personal space.

1 - 20 . (canceled)  
   
   
       21 . An article operative to provide a visual alert for the presence of a mobile communication signal from a mobile communication device located within a personal space of a user, the article comprising: 
 a signaling assembly for providing a signal when a mobile communication signal is detected within a defined distance from the signaling assembly;    an portable housing enclosing at least a portion of the signaling assembly, the portable housing configured as a component of an article for personal, vehicular, or household use; and    an antenna connected to the signaling assembly and extending for a distance from the signaling assembly, wherein the article is not connected to the mobile communication device.    
   
   
       22 . The article of  claim 21 , wherein the defined distance is in the range of about one to four feet.  
   
   
       23 . The article of  claim 21 , wherein the defined distance is in the range of about four to twelve feet.  
   
   
       24 . The article of  claim 21 , wherein the signaling assembly comprises a circuit module, that when placed on or adjacent to a user, is operative provide the signal when generally any operative GSM or TDMA mobile communication device located within a personal space of the user receives an incoming signal, and to not respond when like mobile communication devices located outside the personal space of the user receive an incoming signal.  
   
   
       25 . The article of  claim 24 , wherein the circuit module further comprises a sensor chip operative to sense activation of the antenna by a mobile communication signal, a light-emitting diode connected to the sensor chip, and a battery connected to the sensor chip.  
   
   
       26 . The article of  claim 24 , wherein the antenna extends from the circuit module for a length of at least about one inch and not greater than about four inches.  
   
   
       27 . The article of  claim 24 , wherein the antenna extends from the circuit module for a length of at least about four inches and not greater than about twenty inches.  
   
   
       28 . The article of  claim 21 , wherein the portable housing comprises a tubular member encasing the antenna for at least a portion of the distance extending from the signaling assembly.  
   
   
       29 . The article of  claim 21 , wherein the portable housing comprises at least a portion of a bracelet.  
   
   
       30 . The article of  claim 21 , wherein the portable housing comprises at least a portion of a necklace.  
   
   
       31 . The article of  claim 21 , wherein the portable housing comprises at least a portion of a wristwatch.  
   
   
       32 . The article of  claim 21 , wherein the portable housing comprises at least a portion of an animal-shaped toy.  
   
   
       33 . The article of  claim 21 , wherein the portable housing comprises at least a portion of a beverage receptacle.  
   
   
       34 . The article of  claim 21 , wherein the portable housing comprises at least a portion of a keychain.  
   
   
       35 . The article of  claim 21 , wherein the portable housing comprises at least a portion of a mini-light.  
   
   
       36 . The article of  claim 21 , wherein the portable housing comprises at least a portion of a pendant.  
   
   
       37 . The article of  claim 21 , wherein the portable housing comprises at least a portion of a brooch.  
   
   
       38 . The article of  claim 21 , wherein the portable housing comprises at least a portion of an article of clothing.  
   
   
       39 . The article of  claim 38 , wherein the article of clothing comprises a cap.  
   
   
       40 . The article of  claim 21 , further comprising an attachment laver covering at least a portion of a surface of the portable housing, the attachment layer configured for attaching the article to another object.