Specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to alarm clock methods and systems for effectively waking up users.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [002] Alarm clocks are an important device in today's world, utilized for waking people up or alerting people at pre-selected times. Alarm clocks typically wake up users by emitting a loud sound, such as a buzzer sound, or by playing music from a selected radio station, at a time that is set by a user. For example, a user can set the alarm clock to go off at 7: 00 a. m. When the alarm goes off, the typical way to stop the alarm sound is to push a button, move a switch, or to hit a snooze button to obtain a few more minutes of sleep. Since typical alarm clocks have simple turn off mechanisms that enable easy shutting off of buzzer sounds or radios etc. , often the wake up signals will be turned off by a user prior to the user being genuinely being woken up. As such, many people are not effectively woken up, and may habitually sleep through their alarms.

[003] It would be highly advantageous to have an alarm clock that can only be turned off by a user who is substantially awake.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [004] There is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus, system, and method for deactivating an alarm, such that the alarm can only be turned-off by forcing a user to carry out a series of complicated actions that require a relatively concentrated effort. According to some embodiments of the present invention, an alarm clock is provided that may include one or more non-fixed components, operated by a separate mechanism. In order to turn off the alarm the user must perform a series of relatively complicated actions that require a level of concentration typically characterized by wakeful states. These actions cannot typically be done while"half asleep", and may thereby ensure substantial wakefulness of a user.

For example, in order to deactivate the alarm, various non-fixed components that may have been ejected from the alarm clock upon being activated may need to be placed in the specific locations, only after which time the alarm can only be turned-off.

[005] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the non-fixed parts may be released from the clock's main body by gravitational force.

[006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the non-fixed parts may be released from the clock's main body by applying an external force such as, for example, a tensed spring.

[007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the alarm unit may be a non-fixed part with its own power source that may stop ringing only upon being attached to the clock's main. body.

[008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the alarm clock's main body may move locations upon ringing, requiring the user to locate the clock to deactivate the alarm.

[009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the clock alarm may be deactivated by repeating a random code created by the clock's electronics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] The principles and. operation of the system, apparatus, and method according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings, and the following description, it being understood that these drawings are given for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be limiting, wherein: [0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of the components of an alarm clock system, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a graphical illustration of a method for activating an alarm clock signal, according to some embodiments of the present invention; [0013] Fig. 3 is a graphical illustration of a method for turning off an alarm clock signal, according to some embodiments of the present invention; [0014] Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of an alarm clock system electric scheme, according to some embodiments of the present invention; [0015] Fig. SA is a graphical illustration of a mechanical dissemble mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present invention; [0016] Fig. 5B is a graphical illustration of an electrical dissemble mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present invention; [0017] Figs. 5C-5E illustrate graphical examples of alarm clock systems that may extract non-fixed components using gravity, according to some embodiments of the present invention; [0018] Fig. 5F is a graphical illustration of an electromagnetic dissemble mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present invention; [0019] Fig. 5G is a graphical illustration of a Magnetic Reed Switch dissemble mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present invention; [0020] Figs. 6A-6D illustrate various views of alarm clock systems, according to the present invention, that may extract non-fixed components using external forces ; [0021] Fig. 6E-6L illustrate some embodiments of alarm clock systems wherein external forces enable extraction of non-fixed components; [0022] Figs. 7A-7E illustrate alarm clock systems wherein at least part of the alarm unit is a non-fixed component, according to some embodiments of the present invention; and [0023] Figs 8A-8C illustrate examples of alarm clock systems wherein gaming challenges may be created by an alarm clock system's electronics, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements throughout the serial views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0025] The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention as provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the described embodiments will be apparent to those with skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments shown and described, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features herein disclosed. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0026] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0027] The phrase"alarm clock"or"alarm clock system"etc. as used herein may encompass analog devices and digital devices, and may encompass mechanical mechanisms, electronic mechanisms, and electro-magnetic mechanism. "Alarm clock"<BR> may refer to any timing devices, such as clocks, timers, watches etc. , that may be used to wake up or otherwise alert users at selected times. The phrase"non-fixed components"as used herein may encompass one or more components that may be independent of the main clock body, and/or may encompass one or more components that are a part of the main alarm body. For example, these components may be objects such as egg-shaped objects, balls, parts of the alarm clock, or may be any other suitable objects etc.

[0028] Specifically, embodiments of the present invention enable apparatuses, systems, and methods for deactivating an alarm, such that the alarm can only be turned-off by forcing a user to carry out a series of relatively complicated actions that require a relatively concentrated effort. According to some embodiments of the present invention, an alarm clock is provided that may include one or more non-fixed components, operated by a separate mechanism. In order to turn off the alarm the user may need to perform a series of relatively complicated actions that require a level of concentration typically characterized by wakeful states. According to some embodiments of the present invention, parts of the alarm unit may be a non-fixed component that may exit the main alarm clock system body upon ringing, requiring the user to locate the alarm unit and optionally return it to the alarm clock system body, in order to deactivate the ringing. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the alarm clock body with the alarm unit may move or change location upon ringing, so that the user is required to locate the alarm clock in order to deactivate the alarm signal. These actions cannot typically be done while"half asleep", and may thereby ensure substantial wakefulness of a user. For example, in order to deactivate the alarm, various non-fixed components that may have been ejected from the alarm clock upon being activated may need to be placed in the specific locations, only after which time the alarm can be turned-off.

[0029] Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which is a block diagram illustration of an alarm clock systemlO, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The alarm clock system 10 may include: a timepiece unit 11, which may provide the main body for the system; an alarm unit 12, which may include an alarm setting mechanism, an alarm signal mechanism and the alarm signal ON/OFF switch 13 etc.; a dissemble mechanism 14, which may include non-fixed element (s), relevant mechanisms to operate the non-fixed element (s), the bypass switch 15, and a mechanical mechanism to move a part or the whole alarm clock system 10, to make it difficult for the user to deactivate the alarm while in a"sleepy"status. A delay circuit 16 may also be provided, to enable engagement or disengagement of the bypass switch after a pre-determined time period. Timepiece 11 may be analog or digital. The alarm signal mechanism may be a buzzer, a radio signal, a pre-recorded audio track or any other relevant audio output they may function as an alarm signal. The non-fixed element (s) may be detached from the main timepiece body, or may be attached to the main timepiece body. All or part of alarm unit 12 may be a non-fixed element that may optionally have an independent power supply.

[0030] The alarm clock system of Fig. 1 may be implemented, according to some embodiments of the present invention, according to the operation flow illustrated in figures 2 and 3. As can be seen in Fig. 2, alarm clock system 10 may implement a wakeup routine as follows: Alarm unit 12 may be set 21 to alert a user at a required time, and alarm signal ON/OFF switch 13 may be set to"ON"22. When the timepiece or clock mechanism 11 reaches the set alarm time, the alarm unit 12 is activated, and the alarm signal may be activated 23. The alarm signal may activate dissemble mechanism 14, thereby initiating disassembly 24 of the non-fixed element (s) as well as operation of bypass switch 25 (15), and/or a clock movement mechanism to move the alarm clock system 10. When dissemble mechanism 14 is activated, bypass switch 15 may change its position and be activated, thereby overriding 26 alarm ON/OFF Switch 13. In this way alarm signal mechanism may continue to be activated and may not be turned off 27 using ON/OFF Switch 13.

[0031] As can be seen in Fig. 3, alarm system 10 may implement an alarm signal deactivation routine as follows: dissemble mechanism 14 may be manually restored 31 by a user, by, for example, returning one or more non-fixed elements to the main timepiece body, optionally in determined locations etc. Bypass switch 15 may revert to default position 32, by for example, being opened and thereby no longer affecting the alarm clock system circuit. The alarm signal ON/OFF Switch 13 may therefore be operated (turned off) 33 by the user, and the user may turn off 34 the alarm signal. Any combination of the above steps may be implemented. Further, other steps or series of steps may be used.

[0032] The alarm clock system of Fig. 1 may be further described with reference to Fig. 4, which provides a schematic illustration of an alarm clock system electric scheme 40, according to some embodiments of the present invention. As can be seen in Fig. 4, alarm unit 12 (of Fig. 1) may be set to initiate an alarm signal a selected time, using, for example, element SW 41. Upon the alarm time being reached by timepiece 11, the alarm clock system 10 may initiate a signal (such as a pulse) that causes an alarm signal element, such as a buzzer 42, speaker etc. to generate a wake-up signal.

Buzzer 42, for example, may further activate a mechanical device or electro-mechanical device 43, such as electric motor, electromagnet, etc. , of dissemble mechanism 14 to operate, thereby dissembling one or more non-fixed items. The disassembly process may close a mechanical or electrical mechanism 44 that triggers bypass switch (SW3) 15, thereby overriding or deactivating the alarm ON/OFF switch 45. A delay circuit 46 may be integrated into the alarm clock electric scheme 40, to enable the bypass switch 15 to disengage after a selected time period. Delay circuit 46 may help prevent premature deactivation of the bypass switch 15, possibly resulting from brief closures of the electronic sensor, mechanical carriage etc. of the dissemble mechanism (which may be caused, for example, by returning less than all non-fixed elements into the main clock body).

[0033] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a system and method are provided for waking up a user using gravity to extract non-fixed objects <BR> <BR> (items, components etc. ) from an alarm clock system 10. Reference is now made to Fig.

5A, which provides a graphical illustration of components that may be added to a standard alarm clock device, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

These components may include a gravity based dissemble mechanism, a mechanical bypass, and/or a delay circuit etc. As can be seen in Fig. 5C, an alarm unit (which may be an analog or digital alarm clock, or ant other alarm clock type etc. ) may be set to a desired wake-up time by a knob, such as 502. The alarm clock ON/OFF switch may be set to"ON"mode, as can be seen by switch 501 in Fig. 5C.

[0034] Non-fixed components, such as 515, which may be any items or objects, such as, for example, toys, eggs, balls, figurines, drops, eyeballs, leaves snowflakes, parts of the alarm clock, or any other suitable objects (can be any number of parts), may be inserted into a storage compartment such as 520, typically through an upper opening such as 525 of the storage compartment 520. The non-fixed items, such as 515, may be <BR> <BR> placed one above the other or side-by-side etc. , while the lowest or first in item, such as<BR> 530 etc. , may lie at the storage compartment's exit, such as 535. The storage compartment's exit 535 may be blocked by a movable cover such as 540, which may prevent the non-fixed objects, such as 515, from falling outside of the alarm clock system's main body. The top or last-in component in the storage compartment 520, such as item 545, may lie on a mechanism for determining when items are stored in the storage compartment 520. This mechanism may be, for example, a mechanical cradle such as 550, which may be, for example, a movable part of the storage compartment's 520 structure, an electric sensor, an electromagnetic mechanism or any other suitable mechanism. In the case of a mechanical cradle, as seen in Fig. 5A, the other end of the cradle 550 etc. may be harnessed with a locking mechanism, such as a fixed pin 555.

This pin 555 may be configured on a fixed axis to the clock's main body and may prevent the cradle 550 from moving in any direction other than, for example, up and down. The upper non-fixed component, such as 545, may normally (when non-fixed objects such as 515,545 etc. are in storage compartment 520) push on cradle 550, optionally exerting a downward force against a circuit mechanism such as switch 560, thereby closing switch 560. In this way, while the storage compartment 520 is filled with non-fixed objects such as 515, switch 560 may be closed and the electric circuit alarm signal ON/OFF switch 501 may operate normally. The alarm signal ON/OFF switch 501 may be set to the"ON"position, as can be seen in Fig. 5C. Alarm clock system 10, according to some embodiments of the present invention, may be operated by electric circuit 528, and may be powered by batteries in battery compartment 522, or by an electrical, solar or atomic source, or any other suitable source.

[0035] When timepiece 11 reaches the pre-set alarm time, an electric current may be initiated that may flow from a main power source through the ON/OFF switch 501, and may activate an alarm signal mechanism, such as a speaker, piezo material 565, radio, etc. ) that may trigger a wake-up sound. An electric current may also flow through normally closed switch 570 to an electric motor 575 that may operate for a determined time period. During this time period, a mechanism such as a pinion gear 581, which may be connected to the electric motor shaft, and which may be engaged to a gear 585, may engage an additional gear 580. A mechanism such as a pin 590 may be attached to gear 580, for example off center to both sides of the surface of gear 580.

Each time the electric motor 575 is operated, pin 590 may open switch 570 after one full revolution of gear 580. Switch 570 may stop motor 575 and make pin 590 stop each time at the same or a similar position. When gear 580 turns, pin 590 may move inside groove 595, which may be located within movable cover 540. When gear 580 turns, pin 590 may pull and/or slide movable cover 540 (for example, to the right during the first half of the turn). Exit 535 of storage compartment 520 may open, and one or more of the non-fixed components such as 515 may fall outside of the clock's main body 500.

[0036] At the completion of the full turn of gear 580, pin 590 may push and/or slide cover 540 back into place (for example, to the left during the second half of the turn), thereby covering exit 535 of storage compartment 520. Since non-fixed items such as 515 may not be filling storage compartment 520, not enough or no force may be applied to the mechanism such as cradle 550. Cradle 550 may therefore move upwards or in a direction away from switch 560, optionally using a spring, for example, of switch 560, thereby opening switch 560. The opening of switch 560 may open or break the electric circuit, or otherwise generate a bypass mechanism that may disable ON/OFF switch 501. In this way, ON/OFF switch 501 may be prevented from shutting off the alarm, even when placed in"OFF"position.

[0037] According to some embodiments of the present invention, as can be seen with reference to Fig. SF, an electromagnet 541 may be placed in the dissemble mechanism 14 (of Fig. 1), attached via a connecting element 543, such as a rod, to movable cover 540, such that when an alarm signal or pulse is received by the electromagnet 541, electromagnet 541may exert a force, using connecting element 543, on movable cover 540, thereby moving movable cover 540. This may enable one or more of the non-fixed components such as 515 to fall outside of the clock's main body.

Electromagnet may be configured to retain movable cover 540 open for a selected time period, to provide time for all or a selected number of non-fixed components to fall outside of the clock's main body. Following deactivation of such a signal or pulse, for example, electromagnet 541 may release movable cover 540, thereby covering storage compartment 520.

[0038] Reference is now made to Fig. 5B, which provides a graphical illustration of an alarm clock with a gravity based dissemble mechanism and an electronic bypass switch, according to some embodiments of the present invention. As can be seen in Fig. 5B, the top non-fixed object in the storage compartment 520, such as object 545, may block the space between transmitter 551 and detector photo transmitter switch 552. In this way a bypass switch, such as 552, may normally be open (for example, does not operate), and may be activated by being closed, when there is no non-fixed item placed in between transmitter 551 and detector 552.

[0039] When timepiece 11 of alarm clock system 10 reaches. the pre-set alarm time, an electric current may flow from a main power source through transmitter 551, which may, for example, generate a light beam 553 that may be detected by detector photo transmitter switch 552. Photo transmitter switch 552 may be operated, bypassing and thereby disabling the alarm signal's ON/OFF switch 501. In this way, ON/OFF switch 501 may not enable shutting off the alarm, even if placed by a user in the"OFF" position.

[0040] According to some embodiments of the present invention, as can be seen with reference to Fig. SG, a Magnetic Reed Switch 571, for example, may be attached to the dissemble mechanism. In this case, for example, non-fixed components such as 515 and 545 may include one or more magnetic elements 573, such that the presence of magnetic non-fixed components such as 545 may exert a force on Magnetic Reed Switch 571, thereby activating the bypass switch 15.

[0041] Fig. 5D illustrates an example, according to some embodiments of the present invention, of objects 563 falling out of a storage unit exit 567, from an alarm clock system 562. Fig. 5E illustrates an example, according to some embodiments of the present invention, of entering objects 563 into a storage unit inlet 569, within an alarm clock system.

[0042] Of course, other types of switches, gears, sensors, motors, non-fixed objects, storage compartments, power sources, bypass mechanisms, alarm signal units etc. may be used.

[0043] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a system and method are provided for enabling user wake up using extraction of non-fixed components external forces. For example, one or more non-fixed components, which may be independent or combined in a certain order, such as a puzzle, may be ejected from their appropriate positions upon an alarm signal being initiated. In order to enable the alarm signal to be turned off, a user should return all the necessary objects to their appropriate positions. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the non-fixed objects may be ejected by a pressure mechanism such as a spring or alternative mechanical mechanism.

[0044] Reference is now made to Figs. 6A-6L, which illustrate various embodiments of the present invention wherein non-fixed elements are removed from a main clock alarm body by a mechanical force. During an initial phase, an alarm clock system may be set to ring or play music etc. at a desired wake-up time. As can be seen with reference to Fig. 6A, there may be any number of non-fixed components, such as 608A and 608B of Fig. 6A, Fig. 6C, Fig. 6G and Fig. 6H. These components may be independent, such as 678 in Fig. 6H and 6J, or combined in a certain order, for example a puzzle, as can be seen in Fig. 6G. Components or objects such as 608A may be placed into an appropriate position by inserting each non-fixed component (s) into an appropriate storage or holding compartment, for example by inserting rod 627 into opening 607A in Fig 6A, on the alarm clock base 620 (in Figs 6A, 6G and 6K). The openings may be located anywhere on a clock alarm surface 688. A spring such as 624 in Figs. 6A and 6K may be forced under the rod's bottom surface 621, in Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C, and a trigger ledge such as 633 in Fig. 6A may be inserted in the rod's slot 623 to lock the rod in its place.

[0045] At the bottom of each storage compartment, such as 607A, there may be a normally opened switch 655. All the normally opened switches 655 may be connected, in line with the alarm clock system's main ON/OFF switch 650 in Fig. 6L, in a way that in order to activate the clock alarm's main ON/OFF switch 650, all switches 655 must be closed, and therefore all non fixed components may need to be perfectly located in their storage areas. When all the non fixed components are located in their storage areas, and the switches 655 are closed, the alarm clock's main switch 650 may be set to the"ON"position as can be seen in Fig. 6L and Fig. 6C, to normally activate the alarm clock system to wake up a user at a selected time.

[0046] When timepiece 11 reaches the pre-set alarm time, an electric current may flow from a main power source through the alarm ON/OFF switch (650 in Fig.

6L), and may activate the alarm signal mechanism 665 (in Fig. 6L), such as a speaker, piezo material, radio, etc. , that may trigger a wake-up sound. As described above, an electric current may also flow through normally closed switch 609 to an electric motor 603 that may operate for a determined time period. A pinion gear 618 may be connected to the electric motor shaft and may be engaged to a gear 604 ; [0047] A pin 605 may be attached off center to the surface of gear 604. Each time the electric motor 603 is operated, pin 605, which may be attached to gear 604, may open switch 609 after, for example, one full revolution, as can be seen with reference to Fig. 6B. The switch 609 may stop the motor and make pin 605 stop each time, in a similar or same position. When gear 604 turns, pin 605 may move and push the trigger ledge's movable housing 617, for example, to the right during the first half of the turn. After having trigger ledge 633 within rod slot 623 in Figs. 6A and 6C, the trigger ledge 633 may slide out of the rod's slot 623, as can be seen in Fig. 6B, thereby tensing the spring 616 and releasing spring 624. The non-fixed component (s) may hereby be wholly or partially forced out of the alarm clock body, as can be seen in Fig 6A or Fig 6B. At the completion of the full turn of gear 604, pin 605 may disengage from the trigger ledge's movable housing 617. The trigger ledge's movable housing 617 may then move back left into its original position by the force generated by the expansion of spring 616. In the case where all non-fixed components are not in their appropriate places, one or more switches, such as 655, may be open, thereby bypassing and disabling the alarm clock system's main ON/OFF switch 650 in Fig. 6L. In this way, a user may be prevented from shutting off the alarm, even if placed in the"OFF" position. Fig. 6D provides a graphic illustration of some of the components, according to some embodiments of the present invention, normally closed switch 609, gear 604, pin 605, timepiece unit 625, pinion gear 618, time setting knob 635, electric motor 603, clock alarm surface 688, storage compartment 607A, movable housing 617, and alarm clock base 620.

[0048] In order to shut off the alarm, all non-fixed components must once again be placed in the storage compartments, and the main clock's alarm on/off switch 650 must be set to the"OFF"position, as can be seen in Fig 6L.

[0049] Any other shapes, pressure mechanisms, fastening mechanisms, hole types, etc. may be used. Examples of shapes and mechanisms may be seen with reference to Figs. 6E-6L, wherein various examples of dissemble mechanisms and objects are shown. Additionally, alternative dissemble mechanism may include electromagnetic switches, Magnetic Reed Switches or any other suitable mechanisms.

[0050] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a system and method are provided for enabling user wake up using extraction of at least part of the alarm unit, which must be integrated into the alarm clock main body to deactivate the alarm signal. During an initial phase the alarm clock system's alarm unit may be set to a desired wake-up time. As can be seen in Fig. 7A, non-fixed alarm unit such as 791 may be inserted into an appropriate storage compartment, such as cannon 741 or any other type of storage compartment, through a compartment opening such as 740 that may be located anywhere on the alarm clock body surface 771. Alarm unit 791 may include an alarm-signaling unit 716, an independent power supply 794, and a normally closed switch 796 etc.

[0051] When alarm unit 791 is placed appropriately within opening 740, a spring such as 749 or equivalent mechanical or electronic pressure mechanism may thereby be forced under a surface of alarm unit 791, and a trigger ledge 748 may be inserted into an alarm device component slot such as 792 (in Fig. 7B). The trigger ledge 748 may lock the alarm unit 791 into the slot 792, thereby disabling the spring 749. The trigger ledge 748 may also push down the normally closed switch arm 796 and open or disable switch 795. Alarm unit signal 716 may hereby be disabled, therefore remaining silent when placed appropriately inside opening 740. The clock alarm's main switch may be set to the"ON"position.

[0052] When timepiece 11 reaches the pre-set alarm time, an electric current may flow from a main power source through the ON/OFF switch, through normally closed switch 746 to electric motor 742 that may operate for a determined time period.

A mechanism such as a pinion gear 743 may be connected to the electric motor shaft and may be engaged to, for example, a gear such as 744. A pin 745 may be attached off center to the surface of gear 744. Each time the electric motor 742 is operated, pin 745 which may be attached to gear 744 may open switch 746 after, for example, one full revolution. The switch 746 may stop the motor and make pin 745 stop each time, at a similar or the same position. When gear 744 turns, pin 745 may move, and may push against trigger ledge's movable housing 748. This force may move, for example, movable housing 748 upwards during the first half of the turn. Such a movement, for example, may stretch spring 747. In the case where trigger ledge 748 is ejected from alarm device slot 792, as can be seen in Fig 7B, spring 749 may be released, and may force the non-fixed alarm unit 791 out from the alarm clock system body 771. The normally closed switch arm 796 may then move up, and close switch 795. As a result <BR> <BR> the alarm device signal 716 (such as a speaker, piezo, radio, etc. ) may be activated and may generate noise.

[0053] At the completion of the full turn of gear 744, pin 745 may disengage from trigger ledge's movable housing 748. Trigger ledge's movable housing 748 may move back into its original position by the force of spring 747, as can be seen in Fig 7C.

The non-fixed alarm unit 791 may be located out of the alarm clock system's main body 771, generating an alarm signal independently using its own internal power source 794, as can be seen in Figs. 7C and 7D. In order to shut off the alarm, the non-fixed alarm unit 791 must once again be placed in its storage compartment 741. Upon engagement with trigger ledge's movable housing 748, non-fixed alarm unit 791 may be deactivated and the alarm signal may cease.

[0054] Any other shapes, pressure mechanisms, fastening mechanisms, hole types, etc. may be used. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the alarm clock main body, with or without alarm unit 791, may move or change location etc. For example, the alarm clock system may be placed on wheels or on springs etc., such that upon ringing, the alarm clock main body may move, thereby requiring the user to locate the alarm clock main body to deactivate the alarm.

[0055] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a system and method are provided for enabling user wake up using a challenge or gaming mechanism, such as, for example, a random code of tones and/or light pulses created by the clock's electronics. According to some embodiments of the present invention, different alarm signals or combinations of signals may be generated and/or recalled from memory by an alarm signal mechanism, thereby emitting different signals to wakeup or alert a user on a random or other irregular basis. As can be seen with reference to Figs. 8A-8C, during an initial phase the alarm clock system's alarm unit may be set to a desired wake-up time, and the alarm clock's main ON/OFF switch may be set to the"ON"position.

[0056] When the set alarm time is reached, the alarm unit may generate a signal that may further generate one or more events or challenges. Such challenges may include, for example, a series of short interval alarm signals and/or lighting up of one or more light panels etc. Each audio signal, for example, may have a different tone, where each tone corresponds to a transparent push button (which can be in the same or different colors) 883 in Fig 8A, on the alarm clock's surface 890. During each tone sound, for example, a light may light up in the base of the relevant push-button, and the light may stop when the tone stops. The generation of the various challenges, such as one or more tones, one or more light signals or any other suitable challenges may be implemented by a gaming mechanism that may include, for example, a computer chip, processing module, or other suitable challenge generator. The alarm signal may further activate a bypass switch that may disable the usage of the alarm ON/OFF switch. In this case, the bypass switch may be connected to the alarm clock's electronic circuit, such as the gaming mechanism, such that the bypass switch can only be deactivated by successfully responding to a challenge provided.

[0057] In order to shut off the alarm, after the series of challenges, such as tones has stopped, the push buttons may need, for example, to be pushed in the same order in which they previously lit up and/or were previously heard etc. If the push buttons, for example, are pushed in a different order than they previously appeared, (within a determined time limit), or the user otherwise incorrectly responded to the challenge provided, a new series may start, optionally with a louder noise or alternative characteristics. In this way, the alarm signal may only deactivate the bypass switch, thereby enabling disabling of the alarm signal by the user, after the user has successfully responded to the challenge provided by the alarm clock system. The alarm may be configured to stop automatically after a determined number of unanswered series.

[0058] Any other game generator may be utilized, including other electronic mechanisms providing various game types, tone types, lighting types and any other suitable challenges.

[0059] The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that many modifications, variations, substitutions, changes, and equivalents are possible in light of the above teaching. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.