WO2017200544A1

WO2017200544A1 - Electronic rotating chapel oratory

Info

Publication number: WO2017200544A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/033262
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sattam Humood ALRAWAILI
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-05-19
Filing date: 2016-05-19
Publication date: 2017-11-23
Anticipated expiration: 2018-11-19

Abstract

An apparatus for worshipping is provided. The apparatus includes a lower base and an upper base. The upper base includes a front end and a rear end and is rotatable attached to the lower base. A motor is operable to rotate the upper base relative to the lower base about a vertical axis that runs through a center of both the upper base and the lower base. The present invention further includes a directional indicator and a computer having a microprocessor and a memory. The memory includes stored data including a geographic location. The microprocessor receives data from the directional indicator, determines a direction of the geographic location relative to the portable apparatus based on the received data, and activates the motor to rotate the upper base to point the front end towards the geographic location.

Description

ELECTRONIC ROTATING CHAPEL ORATORY

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a praying and, more particularly, to a rotating chapel oratory.

Muslims constitute the world's second largest religious group. According to a 2015 study, Islam has 1 .7 billion adherents, accounting for more than 22% of the world's population. Muslims perform up to five prayers as duty at different times each day and night. During the prayers, Muslims must face the Kaaba building located in the center of Grand Mosque in Mecca; this direction is called "Qibla" or "Qiblah" in Arabic. Qibla, the direction of Kaaba, and the direction of Mecca all have the same meaning, making it easy for Muslims, who according to Islamic law must face Qibla during prayer from start to finish. Meanwhile, Jews pray toward a specific worship place: Jerusalem. Some other religions focus on a specific worship place as well.

The problem is that Muslims are having problems when they want to do their prayers while they are on a board of transports like planes, ships, motor homes, yachts, trains etc. especially during the long travel. Those transports keep moving so it's difficult for Muslims to keep facing the right direction of Qiblah while they are praying. Also, it may be difficult to determine a Qiblah direction in an unknown area.

As can be seen, there is a need for a praying oratory that changes direction towards a preprogrammed location.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for worshipping comprises: a lower base; an upper base comprising a front end and a rear end, wherein the upper base is rotatably attached to the lower base; a motor operable to rotate the upper base relative to the lower base about a vertical axis; a directional indicator; and a computer comprising a microprocessor and a memory, wherein the memory comprises stored data comprising a geographic location, wherein the microprocessor receives data from the directional indicator; determines a direction of the geographic location relative to the apparatus based on the received data; and activates the motor to rotate the upper base to point the front end towards the geographic location.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in an exemplary initial configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in an exemplary second configuration;

FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in an exemplary initial configuration;

FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in an exemplary second configuration;

FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in use;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in use; FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in use;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in use;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a section view of an embodiment of the present invention taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 1 1 is a section profile view of the present invention illustrating the portability;

FIG. 12 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in use;

FIG. 13 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in use; and

FIG. 14 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

The present invention includes an electronically rotating chapel oratory. The electronically rotating chapel oratory determines a proper direction by GPS or by compass and changes direction to a face a predetermined location. A user may place the present invention on the floor and turn it on. The present invention automatically turns toward a location such as the Qiblah direction, Jerusalem or any worship places and then the worshiper can stand on the electronic moving chapel and performs his/her prayer. If the user is on a moving transport, such as a plane, the electronic moving chapel automatically redirects itself to the geographical location's direction by slowly moving the upper base in a circular motion which in turn also moves the whole body of the worshiper towards the specific direction.

Referring to Figures 1 through 1 1 , the present invention includes an apparatus for worshipping. The apparatus includes a lower base 12 and an upper base 10. The upper base 10 includes a front end and a rear end and is rotatable attached to the lower base 12. A motor 18 is operable to rotate the upper base 10 relative to the lower base 12 about a vertical axis that runs through a center of both the upper base 10 and the lower base 12. The present invention further includes a directional indicator 20, 34, 36 and a computer having a microprocessor and a memory. The memory includes stored data including a geographic location 42. The microprocessor receives data from the directional indicator 20, 34, 36, determines a direction of the geographic location 42 relative to the apparatus based on the received data, and activates the motor 18 to rotate the upper base 10 to point the front end towards the geographic location 42.

In certain embodiments, the upper base 10 and the lower base 12 each include a disc shape having substantially flat upper and lower surfaces. The bases 10, 12 may be in a variety of different sizes and shapes to accommodate different sized users 40. The bases 10, 12 may be made of a durable and light material, such as reinforced plastic, fiberglass and the like. A plurality of wheels 16 may be disposed in between the upper base 10 and the lower base 12. In certain embodiments, the wheels 16 may be secured to the lower surface of the upper base 10. The wheels 16 may aid in the rotation of the upper base 10 as well as increase durability of the apparatus. The front end and/or the rear end of the upper base 12 may be marked so that the user 40 knows how to position themselves on the upper surface of the upper base 12. For example, the front end of the upper base 12 may be marked with a colored line 30. The colored line 30 is may also be used for muslims as they believe it should put something called "Satrah" between the place of prostration and the people who pass by. The colored line 30 may include a length of 15cm and a width of 2cm. The rear end of the upper base 10 may be marked to show where the user 40 should stand. For example, the rear end of the upper base 12 may include an outline of feet 32 indicating where the user 40 may place their feet.

The present invention may further include a layer of woven fabric 14.

The layer of woven fabric 14 may be in the form of a thick rug so that it is comfortable for a user 40 to stand or kneel on the upper base 12. Further the layer of woven fabric 14 may act as a cushion and prevent injury of the user 40.

The motor 18 and the computer may be powered by a battery 22 or a plug operable to plug into an outlet. The battery 22 may allow the present invention to be used anywhere regardless of whether an outlet is available. In certain embodiments, the present invention may include a digital display 26. The digital display 26 may indicate a level of power within the battery 22 so that users 40 know when the present invention needs to be recharged. The digital display 26 may be disposed near the outline of feet 32 so that the user 40 is not distracted while praying.

The directional indicator 20, 34, 36 may include at least one of a magnetic compass 34, a gyroscopic compass 36 and a global positioning system 20. In certain embodiments, the present invention may include all three working together to determine a location of the apparatus. The directional indicator 20, 34, 36 may constantly provide updated coordinates to the computer so that the present invention immediately adjusts if user 40 is on a moving transport. The upper base 10 may adjust slowly so that the user 40 does not fall off of the apparatus. For example, the motor 18 may rotate gears, which provides for a slower and more controlled rotation.

The present invention may include power button 24 operable to turn the computer and the motor 18 on and off. Therefore, when the present invention is not in use, the upper base 10 does not automatically rotate. When the user 40 is ready to use the present invention, the lower base 12 may be placed on a surface and the power button 24 is turned on. Once the power button 24 is turned on, the upper surface automatically adjusts and rotates to point the front end to the geographic location 42.

The present invention may include a support rod 44 and a hand rail 46.

The hand rail 46 may extend vertically from the upper surface of the upper base 10. The hand rail 46 may allow the elderly or disabled to hold onto and help them stand on the present invention. The support rod 44 may act as a hook and may be used to attach a wheelchair to the upper surface of the upper base 10. Therefore, disabled individuals in a wheel chair may be secured to the upper base 10.

In certain embodiments, the present invention is portable so that users 40 may travel with the apparatus. The present invention may include handles 28 protruding from an outer edge of the upper or lower base 10, 12. Further, the present invention may be made in two halves hinged together. Therefore, the user 40 may fold the present invention into a compressed state for storage or transport. However, in certain embodiments, the present invention may be stationary. For example, the present invention may be part of a floor of a building, such as a Mosque, Temple or Church. As illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, the present invention may be large enough to fit a plurality of users 40.

A method of using the present invention may include the following. The present invention may be powered by battery or electrical plug. The device automatically by GPS determines the selected geographic location, such as the Qiblah or any required worship places. The present invention than rotates the upper base toward Qiblah, while the lower base stays in place. After the GPS determines the direction of Qiblah or any worship place, the computer will turn and move the gears which are will move the upper based toward the Qiblah direction or Jerusalem or any worship destination, whether the worshiper or worshipers are standing on the device or not. The GPS provides updated coordinates and it immediately adjusts itself. Thus, the present invention ensures that the upper base is facing towards the right direction continuously. The wheels are moving very slowly so the worshiper does not fall. There may be an indicator such as an arrow towards to the Qiblah or other worship places direction. Otherwise, the present invention may include feet imprints to ensure that the worshiper is standing and facing the Qiblah or other worship places direction.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

A apparatus for worshipping comprising:

a lower base;

an upper base comprising a front end and a rear end, wherein the upper base is rotatably attached to the lower base;

a motor operable to rotate the upper base relative to the lower base about a vertical axis;

a directional indicator; and

a computer comprising a microprocessor and a memory, wherein the memory comprises stored data comprising a geographic location, wherein the microprocessor

receives data from the directional indicator;

determines a direction of the geographic location relative to the portable apparatus based on the received data; and

activates the motor to rotate the upper base to point the front end towards the geographic location.

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the lower base and the upper base each comprise a disc shaped comprising a substantially flat upper and lower surface.

The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the front end of the upper base is marked.

The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the front end of the upper base is marked a colored line.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the rear end of the upper base is marked by an outline of feet.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a layer of woven fabric

disposed on an upper surface of the upper base.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a battery powering at least the motor and the computer.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a digital display indicating a level of power of the battery.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the directional indicator comprises at least one of a magnetic compass, a gyroscopic compass and a global positioning system.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a power button operable to turn the computer and the motor on and off.

1 1 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising handles protruding from an outer edge of the lower base, wherein the apparatus is portable.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of wheels disposed in between the upper base and the lower base.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a handle rail secured extending vertically from an upper surface of the upper base.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a support rod secured to the upper surface of the upper base, wherein the support rod comprises a hook shape.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the lower base and the upper base are part of a floor of a building.