GB2510923A - Semi-permanent alarm system - Google Patents

Semi-permanent alarm system Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2510923A
GB2510923A GB201304261A GB201304261A GB2510923A GB 2510923 A GB2510923 A GB 2510923A GB 201304261 A GB201304261 A GB 201304261A GB 201304261 A GB201304261 A GB 201304261A GB 2510923 A GB2510923 A GB 2510923A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
outlet
frame
housing
alarm system
snap
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB201304261A
Other versions
GB201304261D0 (en
GB2510923B (en
Inventor
James Michael Savage
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Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
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Priority to GB201304261A priority Critical patent/GB2510923B/en
Publication of GB201304261D0 publication Critical patent/GB201304261D0/en
Publication of GB2510923A publication Critical patent/GB2510923A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2510923B publication Critical patent/GB2510923B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
    • G08B13/189—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems
    • G08B13/19—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using infrared-radiation detection systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/16—Actuation by interference with mechanical vibrations in air or other fluid
    • G08B13/1609—Actuation by interference with mechanical vibrations in air or other fluid using active vibration detection systems
    • G08B13/1618—Actuation by interference with mechanical vibrations in air or other fluid using active vibration detection systems using ultrasonic detection means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
    • G08B13/181—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using active radiation detection systems
    • G08B13/187—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using active radiation detection systems by interference of a radiation field
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/639—Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap
    • H01R13/6395—Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap for wall or panel outlets

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)

Abstract

A semi-permanent alarm device is disclosed for use with an electrical outlet 103. The device comprises: a housing 102; at least one motion sensor 106; at least one alarming means 108; and at least two electrical contact pins for inserting into said outlet 103. The device further comprises means for impeding removal from the outlet. The housing of the device 102 may fully surround the electrical outlet 103. The means for preventing removal may comprise a thin frame 100 installed behind the outlet 103, and a means 110,104 for attaching the housing of the device to the frame. The means for attaching the housing to the frame may be at least one bolt or a snap-fit member (210,fig.2).

Description

Semi-Permanent Alarm System
Background of the Invention
[1] The present invention relates to semi-permanent motion detecting and alarming systems.
[2] Semi-permanent motion detecting and alarming systems which insert into a main outlet are known in the art.
[3] For example, EP0353646 to Drager discloses a passive infrared intrusion detector for monitoring spaces, which can be operated without a supply cable, from a mains sccket or by battery. To this end, the housing is of modular design, the upper housing part containing the infrared detector, the analytical electronics and the alarm, while a first lower housing part contains a power unit and a mains plug and/or a second lower housing part contains a battery chamber and an appropriate power supply unit.
[4] Similarly, GB2239742 to Gough discloses a plug-in sensor and switch assembly comprising a body having protruding pin connectors for insertion into an electrical power socket, and slotted terminals to receive an appliance plug. A PIR sensor is connected internally to a switching circuit to make or break a connection between the connectors and the terminals. Also included is a photoelectric cell, a timer control and a manual override switch. The device permits an appliance such as a lamp to be switched on for a predetermined period in response to the
II-
presence or movement of a person within the vicinity of the device.
[5] Furthermore, GB2315326 to Shalvi discloses a security alarm system including an infrared sensor arranged to respond to changes in infrared radiation within a protected region to provide an audible alarm when an intruder enters that region. The alarm system is armed and disarmed by external stimuli, such as selected clapping, ultrasonic or radio signals. The system includes a delay arrangement to allow the authorised user to arm and disarm the system as required without initiating an alarm.
The system is mounted in a housing arranged to be mechanically and electrically connected to a domestic power supply outlet socket, for example, being enclosed in a screw-in light bulb type base housing so that it can be easily installed and is generally unobtrusive and therefore unnoticeable by an intruder. The system may incorporate a rechargeable power pack to power the system in the event of a mains power disruption.
Brief Summary of the Invention
[6] Tt can be seen from the forgoing that a need has arisen for a motion sensing and alarming means which inserts into a domestic mains outlet. It would be advantageous to provide such a device further comprising means for securing to said outlet. It would be further advantageous if the means for securing further impeded removal from the outlet by an intruder.
[7] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a motion sensing and alarming means which inserts into a domestic mains outlet, further comprising means for impeding removal from said outlet.
[8] To this end, a semi-permanent alarm system is disclosed for use with an electrical outlet. The system comprises: a housing; at least one motion sensor; at least one alarming means; and at least two electrioal oontaot pins for inserting into said outlet. The system further comprises means for impeding removal from the outlet.
[9] An advantage of the present invention is that it can be installed guickly and easily, with minimal interference to the mains outlet and without specialist tools or skill. A further advantage is that it can be removed by the user easily. A still further advantage is that an intruder is impeded from removing the device.
Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawing [10] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings, in which: [11] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention using screws; and [12] Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the present invention using a snap-fit mechanism.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[13] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 1 and 2, a semi-permanent alarm system is disclosed for use with an electrical outlet. The system comprises: a housing; at least one motion sensor; at least one alarming means; and at least two electrical contact pins for inserting into said outlet.
[14] The housing may comprise polypropylene or other suitable material, and is preferably shaped as shown in the figures, although it may also comprise any shape capable of housing and protecting the abovementioned components while allowing protrusion of the pins sufficiently to be inserted into the electrical outlets and of the motion sensor sufficiently to sense motion.
[15] The at least one motion sensor may be any motion sensor known in the art which is capable of sensing the motion of a person, and preferably able to distinguish between persons and small animals such as pets. The notion sensor may use infrared, ultrasonic, mioroware, tomograpgio or any other type of technology known in the art for sensing motion.
[16] The at least one alarmIng means is preferably an audible alarm such as a siren or any sound-creating alarm, and preferably comprises a loudspeaker to amplify the sound created.
Alternatively or additionally, the alarming means may comprise lights, vibration, means for telephoning, sending an SNS message, or sending an email to a user, or any other alarming means known in the art.
[17] The at least two electrical contact pins for inserting into said outlet are preferably electrical plug contact pins as known in the art, and are preferably live and neutral such pins, arranged such that inserting the pins into an electrical outlet will provide power to the device. In some embodiments, an earth pin may be provided. Internal wiring, contacts, fuses, insulation, and the like may also be provided as known in the art, as well as any other accompanying features necessary to provide safe electrical contact as known in the art.
[18] The system further comprises a PCB or other electrical connections as known in the art, to connect the motion sensor to the alarming means and to connect both to the pins and thereby to the power source. The pins, sensor and alarm are connected such that when the system is switched on and the motion sensor senses motion, the alarm is raised. Preferably, the PCB or electrical connections are arranged such that there is a time delay between motions sensing and raising of the alarm, as known in the art, to allow the user to deactivate the alarm.
[19] The device may further comprise an internal battery such that in case of a power failure to the outlet, the device can continue working for some amount of time.
[20] The device may further comprise a key, nuniber pad, or other means of user identification to permit deactivation as known in the art for alarm systems.
[21] Preferably, the housing comprises means for securing to the electrical outlet, and impeding removal therefrom. Although the pins would hold the system in place on the socket, an advantage of having means for impeding removal is that an intruder wishing to deactivate the alarm would be unable to remove the system from the socket. It is assumed in the following that the electrical outlet is mounted to a wall and is a standard electrical outlet as known in the art. The figures show standard 01K electrical outlets but the device may egually be shaped and manufactured to fit on other types of electrical outlets for example shaving outlets, or outlets standard in the US or in other countries. The system is intended to be used on a double socket outlet although in some embodiments it may equally be shaped and sized to fit a single socket outlet or an outlet of more than two sockets.
[22] Preferably, the housing fully surrounds the outlet, that is, it surrounds the top, bottom and two sides of the outlet, an advantage of this being that the device is harder to remove from the wall. Most preferably the housing surrounds the outlet such that the housing lies adjacent to the wall on which the socket is mounted, such that a finger or device cannot easily be inserted between the housing and the wall, further impeding an intruder from removing the system from the wall.
[23] A number of embodiments of the invention, comprising a variety of means for impeding removal of the system from the outlet, will now be disclosed. It should be noted that other means for impeding removal may be used and although the disclosed embodiments do feature technical advantages over other designs within the scope of the invention, they are not intended to be limiting.
[24] In a first embodiment of the invention, shown in Figure 1, the means for impeding removal of the system from the electrical outlet 103 comprises: a thin frame 100 for installation behind said outlet, and means for attaching said housing 102 to said frame. The thin frame is preferably as shown in the figure, being preferably approximately 2mm in thickness and constructed from an ADS and polycarbonate blend, although other thicknesses and materials may be used. The frame preferably comprises three sides (a top side, a left side and a right side) such that the frame can be slid behind the outlet from above without entirely removing the faceplate from the outlet. With this arrangement, a screwdriver is used to slightly loosen the outlet faceplate, the frame is slid behind the faceplate, and then the faceplate is tightened over the frame, again using a screwdriver. However, alternatively it may further comprise a bottom side and the faceplate may be removed entirely, the frame inserted and the faceplate returned to install the frame.
Furthermore the frame may be of a different thickness sufficiently thin to be slid behind most mains outlets and thick enough to maintain its shape. The frame preferably further comprises a thicker portion featuring the means for attaching the housing to the frame. An advantage of the means for attaching the housing to the frame being constructed from thicker material is that it will therefore be stronger.
[25] The means for attaching the housing to the frame may be at least one female bolt-receiving means 104, that is, a hollow cylinder featuring an internal screw thread such that it can securely receive a screw or bolt. This may be any shape or size to correspond with any screw or bolt known in the art. With this arrangement, the housing features an orifice 105 for admitting a screw or bolt therethrough, such that a screw or bolt inserted in the orifice is aligned with the hollow cylinder and can be securely screwed therein. Preferably there are at least two such orifices and two such aligned hollow, internally threaded cylinders, to securely affix both sides of the housing to the frame and thereby to the outlet. Screws or bolts 110 may be provided with the device or may alternatively be obtained independently thereof.
[26] Also shown in Figure 1 are the motion sensor 106 and alarming means 108 as previously described.
[27] Alternatively, the housing may feature at least one female bolt-receiving means, that is, a hollow cylinder featuring an internal screw thread such that it can securely receive a screw or bolt. With this arrangement, the means for attaching the housing to the frame is an orifice in the frame for admitting a screw or bolt therethrough, such that a screw or bolt inserted in the orifice is aligned with the hollow cylinder and can be securely screwed therein. Nuts may be provided to secure the screws or bolts since, in this arrangement, the screw heads will be facing away from the user and towards the wall on which the outlet is mounted. Preferably there are at least two such orifices and two such aligned hollow, internally threaded cylinders, to securely affix both sides of the housing to the frame and thereby to the outlet. Screws or bolts may be provided with the device or may alternatively be obtained independently thereof.
[28] Tn a second and preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in Figure 2, a snap-fit mechanism is used. The means for impeding removal of the system from the electrical outlet comprises: a thin frame 200 for installation behind said outlet 203, and means for attaching said housing 202 to said frame. The thin frame is preferably as shown in the figures, comprising three sides (a top side, a left side and a right side) such that the frame can be slid behind the outlet from above without entirely removing the faceplate from the outlet. With this arrangement, a screwdriver is used to slightly loosen the cutlet faceplate, the frame is slid behind the faceplate, and then the faceplate is tightened over the frame, again using a screwdriver.
However, alternatively it may further comprise a bottom side and the faceplate may be removed completely, the frame inserted and the faceplate returned to install the frame.
[291 The frame is preferably approximately 2mm in thickness.
Furthermore the frame may be of a different thickness sufficiently thin to be slid behind most mains outlets and thick enough to maintain its shape. The frame may be constructed from an ABS and polycarbonate blend or other suitable material. The frame preferably further comprises a thicker portion featuring the means for attaching the housing to the frame. An advantage of the means for attaching the housing to the frame being constructed from thicker material is that it will therefore be stronger.
[30] In this embodiment, the frame preferably further comprises at least one protruding snap-fit member 210, and most preferably two protruding snap-fit members arranged opposingly as shown in the figure. These snap-fit members are the means for attaching the housing to the frame. With this arrangement, the housing features at least one orifice 212 for admitting a snap-fit meniber therethrough. The orifice or orifices are aligned with the snap-fit members such that, when the housing is placed over the outlet, the snap-fit member or members protrude through the orifice or orifices and become non-retractably affixed therethrough.
[31] Alternatively, the housing may feature at least one protruding snap-fit member. With this arrangement, the frame features at least one orifice for admitting a snap-fit member therethrough, and this orifice is therefore the means for attaching the housing to the frame.
[32] In either case, preferably there are at least two such orifices and two such aligned snap-fit members, to securely affix both sides of the housing to the frame and thereby to the outlet.
Alternatively, there may be one, or more than two orifices and snap-fit members.
[33] In either of the two previous arrangements concerning snap-fit members, the snap-fit members are shaped such that they readily slide through the orifice in one direction (towards the outlet, in Figure 2), and do not slide through the orifice in the opposite direction (away from the outlet in Figure 2) An advantage of this is that the device is securely held to the outlet and cannot be removed easily. The snap-fit members may be shaped as shown in the figures, or may alternatively be a more complex or different shape as known in the art.
[341 Also shown in Figure 2 are the motion sensor 206 and alarming means 208.
[351 An advantage of using snap-fit members over screws is that no screwdriver is required to install the devioe. A releasing tool 214 may be required to release the snap-fit members, although it may be possible to do so by hand or with non-purpose-built tools. A releasing tool may be provided for disengaging the snap-fit mechanism as shown in Figure 2.
[36] An overall advantage of the present invention is that it can be installed quickly and easily, without interference with the mains outlet and without specialist tools, or in some embodiments, any tools. A further overall advantage is that it can be removed by the user easily. A still further overall advantage is that means are provided for impeding an intruder from removing the device.

Claims (9)

  1. Claims l.A semi-permanent alarm system for use with an electrical outlet comprising: a housing; at least one motion sensor; at least one alarming means; at least two electrical contact pins for inserting into said outlet; and means for impeding removal from said outlet.
  2. 2. The alarm system of claim 1, the outlet being mounted to a wall, wherein said housing fully surrounds said outlet and lies adjacent to said wall.
  3. 3. The alarm system of claim 1 wherein said means for impeding removal comprises: a thin frame for installation behind said outlet, and means for attaching said housing to said frame.
  4. 4. The alarm system of claim 3 wherein said means for impeding removal comprises: a thin frame for installation behind said outlet, the frame comprising at least one female bolt-receiving means; at least one orifice in said housing to admit a bolt therethrough.
  5. 5. The alarm system of claim 3 wherein said means for impeding removal comprises: a thin frame for installation behind said outlet, the frame comprising at least one orifice to admit a bolt therethrough; and at least one female bolt-receiving means in said housing.
  6. 6. The alarm system of claim 4 or 5 further comprising at least one bolt for inserting through said orifice into said bolt-receiving means.
  7. 7. The alarm system of claim 3 wherein said means for impeding removal comprises: a thin frame for installation behind said outlet, the frame comprising at least one orifice for receiving a snap-fit member; at least one snap-fit member attached to said housing.
  8. 8. The alarm system of claim 3 wherein said means for impeding removal oomprises: a thin frame for installation behind said outlet, the frame comprising at least one snap-fit member; the housing comprising at least one orifice for receiving a snap-fit member.
  9. 9. The alarm system of claim 7 or 8 further comprising a tool for disengaging said at least one snap-fit meohanism.
GB201304261A 2013-03-08 2013-03-08 Semi-permanent alarm system Expired - Fee Related GB2510923B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201304261A GB2510923B (en) 2013-03-08 2013-03-08 Semi-permanent alarm system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201304261A GB2510923B (en) 2013-03-08 2013-03-08 Semi-permanent alarm system

Publications (3)

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GB201304261D0 GB201304261D0 (en) 2013-04-24
GB2510923A true GB2510923A (en) 2014-08-20
GB2510923B GB2510923B (en) 2015-01-07

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Family Applications (1)

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3811104A (en) * 1972-03-08 1974-05-14 T Caldwell Safety device for electrical outlets
EP0353646A2 (en) * 1988-08-01 1990-02-07 DIEHL GMBH & CO. Passive infrared intrusion detector for monitoring spaces
US5015994A (en) * 1989-12-28 1991-05-14 Grh Electronics Security light controlled by motion detector
GB2303257A (en) * 1995-07-07 1997-02-12 Bridisco Ltd Security socket outlet
US20040009700A1 (en) * 2002-07-11 2004-01-15 Patel Jitendra Ambalal Motion activated plug-in outlet
US8258949B1 (en) * 2009-05-27 2012-09-04 Ronald Jaynes Intruder detection alarm and deterrent device
CN202423719U (en) * 2011-12-05 2012-09-05 雷杰 Socket capable of preventing detachment of plug

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3811104A (en) * 1972-03-08 1974-05-14 T Caldwell Safety device for electrical outlets
EP0353646A2 (en) * 1988-08-01 1990-02-07 DIEHL GMBH & CO. Passive infrared intrusion detector for monitoring spaces
US5015994A (en) * 1989-12-28 1991-05-14 Grh Electronics Security light controlled by motion detector
GB2303257A (en) * 1995-07-07 1997-02-12 Bridisco Ltd Security socket outlet
US20040009700A1 (en) * 2002-07-11 2004-01-15 Patel Jitendra Ambalal Motion activated plug-in outlet
US8258949B1 (en) * 2009-05-27 2012-09-04 Ronald Jaynes Intruder detection alarm and deterrent device
CN202423719U (en) * 2011-12-05 2012-09-05 雷杰 Socket capable of preventing detachment of plug

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201304261D0 (en) 2013-04-24
GB2510923B (en) 2015-01-07

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PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20170308