GB2464949A

GB2464949A - Portable key safe

Info

Publication number: GB2464949A
Application number: GB0819888A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan BIRCH
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-10-30
Filing date: 2008-10-30
Publication date: 2010-05-05
Also published as: GB0819888D0

Abstract

A portable key safe or security box is mountable on a wall bracket or docking station and is capable of receiving radio frequency signals from either a household burglar or smoke alarm. The safe may be capable of repeating either of the alarms and also displaying additional messages 6. A keypad may be provided to lock the key safe. A key safe may also be fitted with a torch or lamp.

Description

The item to which I refer in these notes is cafled "THE KEEBOX".

Background

It is primarily a box in which to hold and carry door keys during bedtime hours. The last thing that we should ever do when retiring to bed is leave external door keys around that could be picked up by the burglar who has managed to enter through a small window.

Also in the event of fire it is recommended to have keys to hand rather than being unable to find them when in darkness and panic. One of the major drawbacks with smoke alarms is that they have to be placed near enough to the fire to give early warning but not too far away from earshot. All internal doors must be closed so Smoke alarms tend to be placed in hallways and landings. Situated in the rooms they would greatly speed up detection times, but may not necessarily be heard.

Statement of Invention

The "KEEBOX" is a functional box that not only addresses these problems but along with its many electronic functions is able to enhance existing fire and security safeguards.

* The carriage of keys which takes them away from burglars but makes them handy for the resident.

* As a Fire alarm (in conjunction with existing smoke alarms) which could then be placed inside closed rooms for quicker detection and send a signal to the unit in the bedroom which would then activate an audible and visual alarm.

* As an intruder alert (in conjunction with burglar alarms). Particularly outside alarms which wouldn't normally be audible indoors.

* A reminder and instruction device regarding do's and don'ts upon retiring to bed, and also what to do in the event of an emergency when the device is activated.

Advantages * The placement of the invention en-route to ones bedroom would serve as a reminder about the course of action to follow when retiring to bed at night. In the hallway perhaps in close vicinity to a socket so that the "Dock" housing for the invention can be plugged in to allow use of the constant charging facility. This will ensure reliable power to run the electronic functions. Preferably the unit will be a comfortable size to be carried.

* The torch facility will help should a fire trip the electricity supply.

* The coloured LED's will serve as a visual alarm to add to the audible one from the speaker thus helping both visually impaired and audibly impaired people.

* The screen will give valuable instruction about which action to take, for the relevant emergency situation.

Drawings The attached drawings are labelled and shall be referred to several times in the detailed

description of my Invention.

Figure 1 Shows the "Dock". The "KEEBOX" housing where the unit is stored and charged during the daytime. And also the Sensor/Transmitters that fit to the existing alarms.

Figure 2 Shows "THE KEEBOX" Itself. As designed to accommodate all the inventions functions.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 "TI-IE DOCK"! is attached to the wall by means of two fixing screws 6 The wrap around strap 2 is shaped to correspond with the moulded lid in Figure 2.3 The two copper contacts 3 come into contact with a similar two contacts on the KEEBOX unit to enable constant charging when housed.

The charging light 4 illuminates red when under charge, and green to indicate fully charged condition of the unit, whereupon a trickle charge will commence.

The KEEBOX unit remains locked 5 to the "DOCK when housed for security purposes.

The remote sensor 7 is a small stick-on transmitter that is attached to existing smoke/ burglar alarm sensors. These may be placed inside cars, sheds, garages, or on window and door alarms. They also stick on the side of Smoke alarms. When alarms are triggered the sensor picks up the sound and transmits a signal to the "KEEBOX" fig. 2.! A simple DIP switch arrangement will tune the system to the matching R.F frequency.

Not included on the drawing is a simple charger that plugs into a regular l3amp wall socket and connects to the DOCK by means of a thin two core wire.

Figure 2 "THE KEEBOX"! is a Plastic box comprising a base 2 with a lift-up lid 3.

The moulded part of the lid 3 corresponds with the shape of the wrap strap on the "DOCK" fig 1.2 The front of the box has an LED torch comprising 4 different bulbs. Clear, Red, Blue and Green. This is operated by means of a switch 5 on the side of the lid 3 Inside the lid 3 are the electronic circuits that control the functions of the KEEBOX. And the DIP switches for tuning the R.F receiver.

On top of the lid 3 is a speaker 7. An LED display 6, for the showing of simple messages, and a numeric keypad 8 for programming the unit. This may also be used at a later date for incorporating a cell phone 999 only function.