GB2126390A - Alarm - Google Patents

Abstract

A security system has a tape recording of a dog barking or a synthesiser capable of producing a similar sound. A means of broadcasting the sound is provided. A timer is provided which activates the system, for a short time, at irregular intervals. The system is also activated by a device which operates when a door bell is operated or a door opened. Furthermore the system is also activated by a noise detecting instrument.

Description

SPECIFICATION Alarm This invention relates to security systems and in particular to timers therefor.

It has been long established that the presence of a dog in a home or factory acts as a substantial deterrent against the intrusion of thieves and vandals. However, in many instances it is inconvenient to have a dog especially if it is to be left unattended for long periods of time.

An object of the present invention is to provide a security system adapted to simulate the presence of a dog.

According to the present invention there is provided a security system comprising a sound emitting apparatus which can emit the sound of a dog barking or the like, electronic detection apparatus adapted to detect a predetermined signal and to utilise that signal to operate the sound emitting apparatus.

Preferably, said signal is at least partiaily controlled by a timer whereby signals issue at regular intervals and on a plurality of occasions in every hour.

The timer may be mechanically, electrically or electronically operable.

Moreover, the signal may additionally be activated by other means such as by a door bell, gate opening, letterbox opening or by a noise detection instrument.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main components of a security system in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 2 shows a typical circuit diagram for the system of Figure 1.

Referring to the drawings, a security system comprises a tape recorder 1 having a tape cassette or tape loop on which is pre-recorded the sound of a dog barking. The tape recorder 1 is connected to a speaker 2 which may be located at any convenient place in premises or a house to be protected against instrusion by thieves or vandals. Alternatively the tape recorder 1 may be replaced by a synthesiser (not shown).

An electronic timer 3 having dimensions of around 102 x 61 x 26 mm is connected to the tape recorder 1 and is programmed to activate the recorder at predetermined intervals preferably irregularly. For example, the recorder may be activated after 3 minutes for a period of thirty seconds then after 8 minutes for a period often seconds etcetera. Thus, to a casual observer a dog is on the premises.

In addition, the timer may itself be activated for say thirty seconds by operation of the door bell-push 4 or by a micro-switch 5 connected to a front gate or any window or door. Furthermore, a noise sensor 6 may be provided which activates the timer in response to footsteps or the like.

In a modified embodiment the electronic timer may be a mechanical clock or the like.

In operation the system is left operational when the premises are unattended. The timer runs continuously and operates the recorder or synthesiser at irregular intervals or when someone calls at the premises thereby giving the impression that a dog is present.

Figure 2 shows a typical example of suitable electronic circuitry for the operation of the security system.

Modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

1. A security system comprising a sound emitting apparatus which can emit the sound of a dog barking or the like, electronic detection apparatus adapted to detect a predetermined signal and to utilise the signal to operate the sound emitting apparatus.

2. A security system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the sound emitting apparatus is a cassette tape or tape loop device.

3. A security system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the sound emitting apparatus is an electronic synthesiser.

4. A security system as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the signal is at least partially controlled by a timer whereby signals are issued at irregular intervals.

5. A security system as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the timer is mechanically, electrically or electronically operated.

6. A security system as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the signal is activated by the operation of a door bell or by the opening of a gate, door or letterbox.

7. A security system as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the signal is activated by a noise detecting instrument.

8. A security system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (8)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Alarm This invention relates to security systems and in particular to timers therefor. It has been long established that the presence of a dog in a home or factory acts as a substantial deterrent against the intrusion of thieves and vandals. However, in many instances it is inconvenient to have a dog especially if it is to be left unattended for long periods of time. An object of the present invention is to provide a security system adapted to simulate the presence of a dog. According to the present invention there is provided a security system comprising a sound emitting apparatus which can emit the sound of a dog barking or the like, electronic detection apparatus adapted to detect a predetermined signal and to utilise that signal to operate the sound emitting apparatus. Preferably, said signal is at least partiaily controlled by a timer whereby signals issue at regular intervals and on a plurality of occasions in every hour. The timer may be mechanically, electrically or electronically operable. Moreover, the signal may additionally be activated by other means such as by a door bell, gate opening, letterbox opening or by a noise detection instrument. An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main components of a security system in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 2 shows a typical circuit diagram for the system of Figure 1. Referring to the drawings, a security system comprises a tape recorder 1 having a tape cassette or tape loop on which is pre-recorded the sound of a dog barking. The tape recorder 1 is connected to a speaker 2 which may be located at any convenient place in premises or a house to be protected against instrusion by thieves or vandals. Alternatively the tape recorder 1 may be replaced by a synthesiser (not shown). An electronic timer 3 having dimensions of around 102 x 61 x 26 mm is connected to the tape recorder 1 and is programmed to activate the recorder at predetermined intervals preferably irregularly. For example, the recorder may be activated after 3 minutes for a period of thirty seconds then after 8 minutes for a period often seconds etcetera. Thus, to a casual observer a dog is on the premises. In addition, the timer may itself be activated for say thirty seconds by operation of the door bell-push 4 or by a micro-switch 5 connected to a front gate or any window or door. Furthermore, a noise sensor 6 may be provided which activates the timer in response to footsteps or the like. In a modified embodiment the electronic timer may be a mechanical clock or the like. In operation the system is left operational when the premises are unattended. The timer runs continuously and operates the recorder or synthesiser at irregular intervals or when someone calls at the premises thereby giving the impression that a dog is present. Figure 2 shows a typical example of suitable electronic circuitry for the operation of the security system. Modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. CLAIMS

1. A security system comprising a sound emitting apparatus which can emit the sound of a dog barking or the like, electronic detection apparatus adapted to detect a predetermined signal and to utilise the signal to operate the sound emitting apparatus.

2. A security system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the sound emitting apparatus is a cassette tape or tape loop device.

3. A security system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the sound emitting apparatus is an electronic synthesiser.

4. A security system as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the signal is at least partially controlled by a timer whereby signals are issued at irregular intervals.

5. A security system as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the timer is mechanically, electrically or electronically operated.

6. A security system as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the signal is activated by the operation of a door bell or by the opening of a gate, door or letterbox.

7. A security system as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the signal is activated by a noise detecting instrument.

8. A security system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.