GB2206467A

GB2206467A - Telephone warning device

Info

Publication number: GB2206467A
Application number: GB08715588A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Glynn John Hawkins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-07-02
Filing date: 1987-07-02
Publication date: 1989-01-05
Anticipated expiration: 2007-07-02
Also published as: GB8715588D0; GB2206467B

Abstract

In order to provide a warning that a telephone 14 or other communications apparatus is on-line, an on-line warning device 18 is provided which comprises a lead 19 and plug 19A for connection to the telephone line, an on-line detection circuit for detecting a change in voltage in the telephone line and for supplying an output signal in response to such a change in voltage indicating that the telephone 14 is in an operating mode, and a visual and/or audible warning device for providing a warning in response to such an output signal. The audible warning device is preferably actuated after a time delay. This on-line warning device 18 serves to reliably alert the user to the fact that the telephone 14 has inadvertently been left in the operating mode. <IMAGE>

Description

"Telephone Warning Device" This invention relates to a warning device which is intended to provide a warning when a telephone, telex, facsimile machine, or other communications apparatus, is in operating mode.

After a telephone has been used to make a call, failure to return the instrument to cancel the open line connection results in continued charge attracting time being spent. Such failure to cancel the open line connection is in general, inadvertent, and the time and consequent charge which is wasted may be substantial, continuing until the error is observed. During any period in which the telephone is in operating mode, incoming calls cannot be received. There are other circumstances in which a telephone or other communications apparatus may be placed in operating mode. Children sometimes remove a handset of a telephone from its rest position, in play. A responsible parent or other person may not notice that it has not been replaced. During the intervening period, no incoming calls can be received.

Many modern telephones or other apparatus must be positively switched off to cancel the open line connection by pressing a button or other operation. Some instruments have warning lights which are illuminated when the instrument is in operating mode, but often such lights are unobtrusive. Failure to take an appropriate action, or to observe a light, also generally results in failure to cancel the open line connection.

It is the object of this invention to provide a warning device for a telephone or other communications apparatus which substantially reduces risk that the apparatus is inadvertently left in operating mode.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a warning device comprising a unit connectible in a circuit, in which an operation to place the apparatus in operating mode results in a voltage change, the unit including a means for translating a change in voltage in said circuit resulting from said operation, into a signal to actuate a visual or other warning device.

Preferably the visual warning device is in the form of a light. An audible warning device may also be incorporated to operate in conjunction with the light, or possibly after a time interval.

Conveniently the unit comprises a housing containing a light, and said means for translating a change in voltage into a signal to actuate said light, the unit having a lead for external connection to the circuit which is influenced by the operation of the apparatus.

In a convenient arrangement, the lead has a connector to engage in a standard telephone socket.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which, Figure 1 shows a conventional telephone installation, including a standard socket and releasable plug connected to the telephone instrument, Figure 2 is a view of an installation in accordance with the invention, and Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the telephone warning device constructed in accordance with the invention.

The most common telephone installation includes a wall socket 10 with an aperture 11, usually having a shutter, into which can fit a plug 12 to make appropriate electrical connection within the socket 10. The plug 12 is at the end of a lead 13 connected to a telephone instrument 14.

Figure 2 shows a similar installation, but in which the wall socket 10 has an adaptor 16 engaged in it.

The adaptor has two apertures 17. Into one of these apertures 17, the telephone instrument 14 is connected through its lead 13 and plug 12. Into the other aperture is connected a device 18, by means of a lead 19, and a plug 19a similar to the plug 12. In the adaptor 16, the two apertures 17 contain electrical connectors which are connected to a common plug part which is engaged in the socket aperture 11.

The device 18 comprises a unit in the form of a box 20, in which is housed a light having a lens 21, and an audible warning device from which the sound is emitted through a grill 22. The box contains appropriate electrical circuits controlling the light 21 and audible warning device. On the rear face of the box, remote from the light 21, is a fixing pad 23 which may be a magnetic strip or a self-adhesive strip, by means of which the unit is attached to an appropriate surface.

Through the adaptor, the circuit to which the telephone instrument 14 is connected is also connected with the device 18. It is well known that when a telephone instrument is placed in operating mode, there is a change in voltage in the circuit to which it is connected. This voltage change is sensed in the device 18. Electronic circuits are included whereby the change in voltage which may be very small, is used to trigger a means for actuating the light 21 and the audible warning device 22, though a time circuit may be incorporated so that the audible warning does not occur until after a predetermined interval.

In use, the telephone instrument may be placed in operating mode when required to make a call, and at once the change in voltage is sensed by the device 18 to actuate the light 21. When the telephone call comes to an end, the open line connection is normally cancelled by returning a handset or equivalent to its rest, or by switching off in another manner. If this does not occur, through forgetfulness or other reasons, the light will remain illuminated and will serve as a visual warning.

For this to be effective the light must be fairly bright, and also the position in which the unit is mounted should be such that the line is easily noiced. Siir;-ilarl7, after a predetermined time interval, the audible warning may sound to attract attention to the fact that the open line connection has not been cancelled.

Similarly if the telephone instrument is placed in operating mode inadvertently, or by a child, the light will appear and after a predetermined interval, the audible warning will sound.

The device can be used in combination with telex or facsimile machines, or other communications apparatus.

The visual warning may incorporate a message or symbol to indicate that the telephone is in operating mode. The audible warning may be a buzzer sound, or a recorded message, or other appropriate sounds.

Claims

1. An on-line warning device for connection to a telecommunications line, the device comprising connector means for connecting the device to a telecommunications line socket, on-line detection means for detecting a change in voltage in the telecommunications line and for supplying an output signal in response to said change in voltage indicating that telecommunications apparatus connected to the line is in an operating mode, and warning means for providing a warning in response to said output signal.

2. A device according to Claim 1, wherein the warning means comprises a visual warning device.

3. A device according to Claim 2, wherein the visual warning device comprises a light and a lens.

4. A device according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the warning means comprises an audible warning device.

5. A device according to Claim 4, wherein the audible warning device is adapted to operate after a time interval following receipt of said output signal.

6. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the on-line detection means and warning means are accommodated in a housing.

7. A device according to Claim 6, wherein a magnetic strip is provided on the housing for attachment of the housing to an appropriate surface.

8. A device according to Claim X, whr a self- adhesive strip is provided on the housing for attachment of the housing to an appropriate surface.

9. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector means comprises a lead having a connector at its end to engage within the socket.

10. A device according to Claim 9, wherein the connector is adapted to engage within a standard telephone socket.

11. An on-line warning device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.