GB2392490A

GB2392490A - Security lighting device for burglar deterrence

Info

Publication number: GB2392490A
Application number: GB0220286A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Thomson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-08-31
Filing date: 2002-08-31
Publication date: 2004-03-03
Also published as: GB0220286D0

Abstract

A security device 2 comprising illumination means 4 and at least first and second shadow forming means (Fig 2, 22, 24) adapted to rotate around the illumination means 4, wherein each shadow forming means (Fig 2 22,24) is adapted to cast a shadow upon illumination by the illumination means 4.

Description

1 2392490

Security Device The present invention relates to security devices and particularly, although not exclusively, relates to shadow 5 making security devices.

The illegal entry into a private property by criminals is a common occurrence and results in great financial and emotional damage to the owner of the property. Many ways 10 exist which may be used in an attempt to prevent such illegal entry and these include audible alarms, infra-red sensors, television surveillance and security personnel.

The drawback with each of these include considerable expense, not only in the installation of these systems, 15 but in the ongoing costs of keeping the systems running.-

In addition, in a number of cases, the criminal may often ignore the deterrent and still attempt to gain entry into the property.

20 It is well known that the best prevention for illegal entry into a property is that of occupancy, since the intended criminal is less likely to attempt to gain unauthorized entry into a building that is occupied due to fear of confrontation by an occupant. Unfortunately, home 25 owners and most private business are not always able to ensure that their property is occupied when they have to leave, for example, when leaving their home or shop in the evenings. Hence, such properties, when left unoccupied, run the constant risk of being illegally entered.

30 Therefore, there is a need to create the illusion of an occupied property when that property is in fact empty since this may well provide sufficient deterrent to cause the would-be criminal to go elsewhere.

2. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security device comprising illumination means and at least first and second shadow forming means adapted to rotate around the illumination means, wherein each shadow forming means is adapted to cast a shadow upon illumination by the illumination means.

Advantageously, the device gives the impression or illusion that a room fitted with the device is occupied 10 with persons and is a deterrent effect against a criminal who may consider gaining unauthorized entry.

Preferably, the first and second shadow forming means are adapted to rotate around the illumination means in 15 opposite directions to each other. Preferably, the first and second shadow forming means are adapted to contra-

rotate with respect to each other. The first and second shadow forming means may rotate in the same direction as each other.

Preferably, the first and second shadow forming means rotate at substantially the same speed as each other.

Preferably, the first and second shadow forming means rotate at a speed such that shadows cast by the shadow 25 forming means move at a speed to resemble humans moving.

The first and second shadow forming means may rotate at approximately 1-5 revolutionsper minute, more preferably, 2-4 revolutions per minute. The first and second shadow forming means may rotate at different speeds with respect 30 to each other.

Preferably, the illumination means forms a centre point of rotation around which each shadow forming means rotates.

Preferably, the first shadow forming means rotates in a clockwise direction, and the second rotates in an anti-

clockwise direction around the illumination means.

Preferably, the first shadow forming means is an inner 5 shadow forming means, and the second shadow forming means is an outer shadow forming means. Preferably, the inner shadow forming means rotates along a path defining a circumference of a circle having a first radius, and preferably the outer shadow forming means rotates along a 10 path defining a circumference of a circle having a second radius. Preferably, the radius of the circle of the outer shadow forming means is larger than that of the radius of the circle of the inner shadow forming means.

15 The shadow forming means may rotate in a first direction and be adapted to stop rotating in the said first direction and rotate in a second, opposite direction. For example, the shadow forming means may rotate in a clockwise direction, temporarily stop and then rotate in 20 an anti-clockwise direction. This effect may be carried out for the first and/or second shadow forming means so that they either rotate in the same or opposite directions as each other.

25 Advantageously, a potential intruder would see at various times:- (i) the first shadow forming means rotating in a first direction and the second shadow forming means rotating in a second direction for a period of time; (ii) both the first and second shadow forming means rotating in 30 a first direction for a period of time; and (iii) both the first and second shadow forming means rotating in a second direction for a period of time. This encompasses all possible variations of rotation for the shadow making

means giving the security device even more variability and reflecting even more the natural movements of an occupied room, thereby making the device even more effective.

5 The device may comprise more than two shadow forming means wherein each shadow forming means rotating around the illumination means defines a different path at a different distance from the illumination means. For example, the device may comprise three shadow forming means, two of 10 which rotate in a first direction, and the third rotating in a second (opposite) direction.

Advantageously, the contra-rotating shadow forming means increases the randomness of shadows that are produced 15 thereby increasing the deterrent effect of the device.

The shadow forming means may be carousels. Preferably, the device comprises base- means. Preferably, the illumination means is mounted substantially centrally on 20 the base means. Preferably, the illumination means comprises a light source, preferably a light bulb.

Preferably, each shadow forming means comprises at least one shadow casting means, preferably a plurality of shadow 25 casting means. Preferably, the at least one shadow casting means is substantially opaque and operable to cast a shadow upon exposure to illumination from the illumination means. 30 Preferably, the shadow casting means comprises at least one bar or rod arranged to extend away from the base means. Preferably, each bar or rod is a separate unit from the shadow forming means. Preferably, the shadow casting

means are of various heights to reflect various heights of humans in the room. The shadow casting means may be removeable from the shadow forming means. The shadow forming means may comprise a slot in which the shadow 5 casting means may engage. The shadow casting means may be positioned anywhere around the circumference of the shadow forming means preferably by slotting into the slot.

Advantageously, this allows an operator to actively participate in the process of implementing the device and 10 hence, safeguarding their property. The slotting feature allows the device further variability reflecting the randomness of shadow movement that would be seen in an occupied room, thereby enhancing the device's efficiency.

15 Preferably, the shadow casting means are maintained substantially distant from the illumination means.

Advantageously, the result of having the bars/rods further away from the light source results in shadows having a 20 better defined shape, i.e. they will look more human like, because the further away something is from a light source, edges of a shadow become more defined.

Preferably, the device comprises cover means. Preferably, 25 the cover means comprises a substantially dome-shaped cover over the illumination means and the shadow forming means. Preferably, the cover means is fixed with respect to the base means and preferably, stationary. Preferably, the cover means is substantially transparent. The cover 30 means may be translucent.

Preferably, the device comprises timing means adapted to initiate and terminate rotation of at least one, and preferably both of the shadow forming means.

5 Preferably, the security device is adapted to produce a substantially random pattern of shadows.

Preferably, the security device comprises audio output means adapted to produce sound. Preferably, the audio 10 output comprises a sound recording which is amplified upon receiving a signal. The sounds recording may be on a tape or disc etc. The sound recording may, for example, be a recording of people speaking, laughter, raised voices, pauses, jokes, items being knocked over, the occasional 15 dog bark, music.

The audio output-means may be adapted to come on at random times or on, for example, every 30 minutes. The audio output means may have a plurality of recordings thereon.

20 Each recording may be 30 minutes in duration. Playback by the audio output means may be intermittent or continuous, as desired by the operator. The audio output means may comprise an amplifier which may be adapted to increase/decrease the volume of the recording as desired 25 by the operator. Playback and volume may be randomized.

The timing means may be adapted to control the audio output means.

A potential intruder would expect a room, which is 30 apparently occupied as indicated by moving shadows, that sounds would emanate therefrom. Therefore, incorporation of the audio output means would give an even stronger impression that the room was occupied when it was in fact

empty. The security device thereby becomes a visual and audible deterrent against unauthorized entry.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, 5 there is provided a method of producing shadows, the method comprising providing an illumination means and rotating least first and second shadow forming means around the illumination means to thereby produce shadows.

10 Preferably, the first and second shadow forming means contra-rotate around the illumination means.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a security device; Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the security device 25 from above; Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view of the security device in use in a room; and 30 Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of shadows produced by the security device.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a shadow making device 2 which is used to produce shadows in a property at

night time, to fool potential criminals that the property is in fact occupied, and thereby deter the criminal from illegally entering the property.

5 The device 2 consists of a central light bulb 4 which is mounted into the centre of a base unit 8. The base unit 8 contains wiring 18 which is required to power the light bulb 4 and is connected to a timer switch 20 by which an operator can program the light bulb 4 to come on and off 10 at any time as and when desired.

The -shadow making device 2 is circular in plan view as shown in Figure 2, and the light bulb 4 is centrally mounted therein, The device 2 consists of two shadow 15 forming means 22,24 which rotate around the bulb 4 in opposite directions with respect to each other. The device 2 has an inner shadow forming means 22 which rotates in an anti-clockwise direction as indicated by arrows Y as shown in Figure 2, and an outer shadow forming means 24 which 20 rotates in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrows X as shown in Figure 2. The rotation of the shadow forming means 22,24 is powered by either mains electricity or by battery and the wiring is contained within the base unit Secured to the inner shadow forming means 22 are two shadow making bars 10,12 which are illustrated in Figure 1 as elongate cylinders extending perpendicularly away from the base 8. The bars 10,12 are about three or hour inches 30 away from the light bulb 4. The heights of the bars 10,12 are variable and are normally two to three inches high. It should be appreciated that only two shadow making bars 10, 12 are shown in the Figures for simplicity and it is

envisaged that any number of shadow making bars 10, 12 may be secured to the inner shadow forming means 22, for example, three or four.

5 The shadow making bars 10,12 measure two inches high, one inch wide and 3mm in depth. However, it should also be appreciated that the shape, size and dimensions of the bars 10,12 may be varied. For example, the bars 10, 12 could be in the shape of person, or a human body part.

10 The bars 10,12 are slotted into a slot (not shown) which - is present extending around the inner and outer shadow forming means 22,24.. An operator can slot as many bars 10,12 as desired at various positions around the shadow forming means 22,24.

15 - As can be seen in Figure 1 the outer shadow forming means 24 also has shadow making bars 14,16 and these are shaped And arranged in the same way as for shadow making bars 10, - 12 on.the inner shadow forming means 22. The bars 14,16 20 are about five or six inches away from the light bulb 4.

As with the inner bars 10,12, it is envisaged that at -least three bars 14,16 are firmly secured to the outer shadow forming means 29 such that they.extend upwardly away from the base 8 of the device 2. The entire device 2 25 is covered by a dome-shaped cover 6 which remains stationary at all times when the device 2 is in use and prevents damage occurring to the bulb 4 and shadow forming means 22,24.

30 The figures only show the device 2 having two rotating shadow forming means 22,24. However, it is envisaged that the device can have more than two shadow forming means 22,24 at least two of which rotate in opposite directions

and each with shadow making bars 10,12,14,16. Only two shadow forming means 22,24 are shown as more would increase the complexity of the device 2.

In use, an operator places the shadow making device 2 on 5 the floor of a room 26 as shown in Figure 3. The device can be switched on either manually or under the control of the timer unit 20. When the device 2 is switched on, the bulb illuminates in the centre of the device 2, and the two shadow forming means 22, 24 rotate around the outer 10 circumference of the device 2. The relative speeds of rotation of the two shadow forming means 22,24 may be varied. Normally, the shadow forming means 22, ?4 contra-

rotate at the same speeds, for example 3 revolutions per - minute, however, they can be set up to rotate at different 15 speeds if required.

Figure 3 shows the device 2 having been placed in the centre of the room 26. Rotation of the shadow forming means 22,24 and, hence, shadow making bars 10,12,14,16 20 around the illuminated light bulb 4 results in the formation of shadows 28,30 which will be cast on the walls of the room 26 and over a window 32 which will tend to be covered by curtains or a blind (not shown). As indicated in Figure 3, the shadows 28 cast by the bars 10,12 on the 25 inner shadow forming means 22 rotate in one direction, whereas the shadows 30 cast by the bars 14,16 on the outer shadow forming means 24 rotate in the opposite direction.

Hence, the shadows 28,30 contra-rotate around the room 26 with respect to each other.

Referring to Figure 4, the timer unit 20 can also control the rotation of the two shadow forming means 22,24 so that they rotate in the same direction (clockwise as shown in

Figure 4a) for a period of time and then stop and rotate in the opposite direction (anti-clockwise as shown in Figure 4c). However, normally the two shadow forming means 22,24 will contra-rotate as shown in Figure 4b.

The device 2 may be placed anywhere in the room 26, and particularly in a position where a potential burglar or intruder would see the shadows -28, 38 produced by the device 2 when in operation, for example, near the window 10 32. Therefore, as the bars 10, 12, 14, 16 contrarotate around the light bulb 4, shadows 28, 30 are cast onto.the floor and walls of. the room 26 and will be seen by a perspective burglar through the window 32 in the room 26.

15 Referring to Figure 1, the device. is also. shown having a tape/disc recorder 40 on which various sounds can be recorded, for example, party atmosphere noises, business discussions, normal conversations, people and animals such.

as dogs.etc. The variety of sounds and- length of 20 recordings is endless. The device 2 can be triggered to produce the sounds from the recorder 40 as required by the user under control from the timer unit 20. The volume can be varied via an amplifier (not shown) as and when required to increase the variability of the device to 25 thereby deter a would-be intruder Advantages of the shadow making device 2 reside in the random generation of shadows 28,30 which are cast around the room 26 and which may be viewed through the window 32.

30 The shadow forming means 22,24 and hence, bars 10, 12, 14, 16 are set to rotate around the light bulb 4 at such a speed that the shadows 28,30 move around the room 26 at a speed that would represent the average walking pace of a

person had they been in the room, for example, about 3 revolutions per minute. In addition, the bars 10, 12, 14, 16 are such a height that the shadows 28, 30 approximately represent the shape of adults passing a window 32.

The contra-rotating shadow forming means 22, 24 and their attached shadow making bars 10, 12, 14, 16 give the impression that there are people moving around in a natural manner in the room 26, i.e. that there are people 10 moving back and forth as opposed to a more systematic, fixed and constant movement that a single rotating carousel 22 would generate. In addition, the shadow forming means 22, 24 may be set to rotate at different speeds thereby increasing the randomness of the shadows 15 28, 30 which are cast.

The shadow making device 2 can be used in day time or at night, and with the curtains in the window 32 either open or closes since the shadows 28, 30 can be seen moving 20 across the curtains, or on the walls of the room 26 from outside. In both cases, the shadows 28,30 resemble moving adults in height, width, speed and natural movement, i.e. multi-directional. In addition, the device 2 should be moved around the room 26 in order to provide variability 25 to the sorts of shadows 28,30 produced in any one room such that a would-be intruder could not quickly become accustomed to the device 2 and its effects.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and 30 documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and

which are open to public inspection with this

specification, and the contents of all such papers and

documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification

5 (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including

any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated 15 otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the 20 foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any 25 method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A security device comprising illumination means and at least first and second shadow forming means adapted to 5 rotate around the illumination means, wherein each shadow forming means is adapted to cast a shadow upon illumination by the illumination means.

2. A security device according to claim 1, wherein the 10 first and second shadow forming means are adapted to rotate around the illumination means in opposite directions to each other.

3. A security device according to either claim 1 or 15 claim 2, wherein the first and second shadow forming means rotate at substantially the same speed as each other.

4. A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the illumination means forms a cent re point of 20 rotation around which each shadow forming means rotates.

5. A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first shadow forming means is an inner shadow forming means, and the second shadow forming means is an 25 outer shadow forming means.

6. A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the shadow forming means rotates in a first direction and is adapted to stop rotating in the said 30 first direction and rotate in a second, opposite direction.

7. A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises more than two shadow forming means wherein each shadow forming means rotates around the À illumination means defining a different path at a 5 different distance from the illumination means.

8. A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the shadow forming means are carousels.

10 9. A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises base means.

10. A security device according to claim 9, wherein the illumination means is mounted substantially centrally on 15 the base means.

11. A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the illumination means comprises a light source.

20 12. A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein each shadow forming means comprises at least one shadow casting means.

13. A security device according to claim 12, wherein the 25 at least one shadow casting means is substantially opaque and operable to cast a shadow upon exposure to illumination from the illumination means.

14. A security device according to either claim 12 or 30 claim 13, wherein the shadow casting means comprises at least one bar or rod arranged to extend away from the base means.

15. A security device according to claim 15, wherein each bar or rod is a separate unit from the shadow forming means. 5 16. A security device according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the shadow casting means are of various heights to reflect various heights of humans in the room.

17. A security device according to any of the claims 12 to 10 16, wherein the shadow casting means are removeable from the shadow forming means.

18. A security device according to any of claims 12 to 17, wherein the shadow forming means comprise a slot in which 15 the shadow casting means may engage.

19. A security device according to claim 18, wherein the shadow casting means are positioned anywhere around the circumference of the shadow forming means-by slotting into 20 the slot.

20. A security device according to any of claims 12 to 19, wherein the shadow casting means are maintained substantially distant from the illumination means.

21. A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises cover means.

22. A security device according to claim 21, wherein 30 the cover means comprises a substantially dome-shaped cover over the illumination means and the shadow forming means. -

23. A security device according to either claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the cover means is fixed with respect to the base means.

5 24. A security device according to any of claims 21-

23, wherein the cover means is substantially transparent.

25. A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises timing means adapted lo to initiate and terminate rotation of at least one of the shadow forming means.

26. A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the security device is adapted to produce a 15 substantially random pattern of shadows.

27. A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the security device comprises audio output means adapted to produce sound.

28. A security device according to claim 27, wherein the audio output comprises a sound recording which is amplified upon receiving a signal.

25 29. A method of producing shadows, the method comprising providing an illumination means and rotating least first and second shadow forming means around the illumination means to thereby produce shadows.

30 30. A method according to claim 29, wherein the first and second shadow forming means contra-rotate around the illumination means.

31. A security device substantially as herein described with reference to, and as illustrated by, the accompanying drawings. 5 32. A method substantially as herein described with reference to, and as illustrated by, the accompanying drawings.