IES59231B2 - A communications device for domestic security - Google Patents

Description

A COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE FOR DOMESTIC SECURITY The present invention relates to communications apparatus particularly for use in securing a home.

Domestic security is often left up to an individual whether they are living in an apartment block or in a house. Aside from self defence the most often used method of defence is to alert the local police force. Where a house or apartment is burgled the burglar may first disconnect the telephone and/or electricity supply leaving the premises and the occupant effectively isolated. This scenario is particularly traumatic for single women and the elderly who 'are general not adapt at self defence. Alerting a neighbour is not always possible and a neighbour is not obliged to stand twenty-four hour guard for anyone. Other emergency services may be required when an individual is trapped by fire, is injured or, in the case of the elderly, is immobilised or critically ill. Where a house or apartment is not fitted with smoke alarms, an alarm cannot be raised until the occupant or an observer has access to a,telephone. If the occupants are trapped and isolated from their own telephone (if fitted), an alarm cannot be raised until· smoke or flames are observed by a neighbour or passer-by. Often this is too late to be of help to the occupants. The elderly are more susceptible to falls and injury and are often unwilling to summon professional help. They may however wish to contact a friend or neighbour but due to immobilisation are unable to do so.

It is an object of the present invention to seek to alleviate the above disadvantages.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a communications apparatus comprising at least two control modules interconnectable with each other, the modules being locatable apart in separate domiciles, each module having at least one activating switch and at least one indication 5 means to show the activated or deactivated status of the communications apparatus whereby, by activating a switch in one domicile, the indication means is activated in at least one other domicile.

Preferably, the indication means comprises audio and/or visual signalling means.

In a preferred embodiment a module may be provided in each one of at least three domiciles to form a network of interconnectable modules, the modules additionally comprising a communication means for alerting emergency services.

Advantageously, the communication means comprises a telecommunications transmitter unit comprising location identifying means and emergency type identifying means.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing which shows, by way of example only, one embodiment of communications apparatus according to the invention. In the drawing a schematic diagram of a communications network provided by the communications apparatus is shown by way of illustration. Domiciles indicated by dotted lines D, D' are shown as part of a network incorporating several domiciles interconnected by communication wires C. Each domicile D, D' is provided with a control module Μ, M' fixed in a secure location within the domicile. The control module Μ, M' is activated by pushing one of a pair of buttons P which are connected in parallel. Each of these push buttons P are located in a different part of the domicile, for example, in the downstairs hall or an upstairs bedroom. When the control module M is activated in, for example, the first domicile D, by pushing one of the buttons P a signal is sent down the communications wire C to an neighbouring domicile in which there is located another control module M', the signal causes the control module M' to power an alarm light L or to sound an alarm bell B. The occupant of the second 10 domicile D1 will then either alert the emergency services or will attend the neighbouring domicile D to assist.

In one arrangement of the present embodiment, when the first control module is activated and in turn activates the 15 second control module M' which sounds it's associated alarm bell B, the user of the second module M' presses one of the activating buttons P to sound the alarm in the first domicile D. This arrangement warns a burglar or attacker that their presence is known by more than one person or 20 reassures a victim that their predicament is known. An adaptation of this arrangement is to provide a delay between the sounding of the alarm bells B in one domicile D1 and in the other o.

In a preferred arrangement a telephone communications system T is also controlled by the control module M. In this embodiment, when a control signal is sent down the communication wire C, the control module M will activate a modem (not shown) which in turn will send a signal through a telephone unit T to the emergency services. In yet another preferred embodiment (not shown), the push buttons P comprise a keypad which send a coded signal to a control module M when pressed. This control signal may be utilized to identify what type of emergency is in progress. Accordingly, the correct emergency services may be alerted.

In each arrangement where there is communication between the domiciles D, D* by a wire connection C, a default alarm activated state occurs if the communication wire C is cut or the communications link between the modules Μ, M' is broken. ’> 0 xt will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (5)

CLAIMS :

1. A communications apparatus for domestic security, the comprising at least two control modules interconnectable 5 with each other, the modules being locatable apart in separate domiciles, each module having at least one activating switch and at least one indication means to show the activated or deactivated status of the communications apparatus whereby, by activating a switch in one domicile, 10 the indication means is activated in at least one other domicile.

2. A communications apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which a control module may be provided in each one of at 15 least three domiciles to form a network of interconnectable modules, the modules additionally comprising a communication means for alerting emergency services.

3. A communications apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in 20 which the communication means comprises a telecommunications transmitter unit comprising location identifying means and emergency type identifying means.

4. A communication apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or 25 claim 3 in which coded signals are sent to the communication means by imputing a coded sequence on a keypad operated activating switch.

5. A communications apparatus for domestic security substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.