US1952079A - Burglar and fire alarm - Google Patents

Description

J. l.. KRAUs, 2D, Er AL 1,952,079

BURGLAR AND FIRE ALARM Filed July 1. 1952 2 sheets-sheet 1 March 27, 1934.

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BURGLAR AND FIRE ALARM Filed July l. 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 JACK Ew/3 K12/zus Fkfp, SAu/vpE/as /N l/ENTORS www@ A 'ITO/(NE V15 Patented Mar. 27, 1934 UNETED STATES BURGLAR AND FIRE ALARM Jack Lewis Kraus, 2d,

New York, and Fred.

Saunders, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Application July 1, 1932, Serial No. 620,460

12 Claims.

. This invention relates generally to improvements in alarm-actuating structures, and more specifically to that type of structure regulated to detect disturbances from any one of several critical positions of movable bodies. The alarm proper brought into actuation by the above-mentioned actuating structure may be of a mechanical, chemical and/or of an electrical nature.

The main object of the invention is to provide an alarm actuating structure wherein any unauthorized disturbance from one of several critical and predetermined positions of movable bodies is transmitted to any known mechanical, chemical and/or electrical alarm for purposes of detection of the said disturbance and/or apprehension of the perpetrators of the same.

Another object of the invention is provision of means in the actuating structure permitting the adjustment of any one of several critical positions of movable bodies toward detecting unauthorized tampering therewith.

. A further object of the invention is to provide means for detecting any unauthorized tampering with the accompanying alarm mechanism.

A further object of the invention is to provide an alarm-actuating structure applicable to all bodies adjusted to a critical relative position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mechanism which ancillary to the main object serves in a limited way asa fire-alarm. Y

An additional object is the provision of a device or mechanism of the character described which will be simple and inexpensive to manufacture and install and, at the same time, will be highly efficient in use, durable in service and easy to adjust.

These objects and other incidental ends and advantages will appear hereinafter in the progress of the disclosure. The accompanying drawings show an adaptation of the invention for use on window-sashes, it being understood that the invention may be applied as above-mentioned to all movable bodies adjustable to critical relative positions, such as doors, doors to safes, and the like. In the drawings, corresponding reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 1

Figure 1 is a front view in elevation showing all the concomitants of the ordinary window-frame with a preferable embodiment of the invention shown in conjunction therewith;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of Figure 1, partly in section;

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view of Figure 1 along the line 3-3 thereof. 1

In accordance with the invention and in accordance with the accompanying drawings, the ordinary and known window-frame and sash elements are now to be set forth. 10 represents the frame of an upper window-sash, while 11 is a windowpane secured therein by the-known method, as by puttying. 12 is the corresponding frame of a lower window-sash, having secured therein window-pane 13. 14 represents awindow-frame with oneof the uprightmembers thereof containing pulley-wheel 15, sash-cord 16 and sash-weight 17, while the vother upright member thereof is similarly provided with pulley-wheel 18, sash-cord 19 and sash-weight 2G. 21, as seen by a reference to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings, shows a sash-weight accompanied by a sash-cord 22 for the window-sash not contemplated or controlled by 15, 16, 17 land 18, 19 and 20, respectively. 23 represents one of the sash-weight compartments of window-frame 14, being situated along one of the upright and vertical members of the said window-frame.

As a feature of the invention herein, 24 represent a series of spaced and countersunk depressions, preferably inr vertical alignment and along an upright member of the frame of window-sash 10. Afri-Xed in these countersunk depressions are swinging eyelets 25, which, when in inoperative condition, lie in a plane parallel to and spaced inwardly from the plane of the outer surface of the frame of the said Window-sash,all as best shown in Figure 2.0i the accompanying drawings. The purpose of such construction is to afford unhampered relative movement of the windowsashes when the alarm mechanism is inoperative.

On the inner surface of the upright member of window-frame 14 is afiixed an eyelet 26 suitably spaced above the top of the frame of lower window-sash 12 and being preferably in transverse alignment with the lowermost of the countersunk depressions 24, each provided with swinging eyelets 25. .Y

It is seen by a reference to Figure l, and in conjunction with matters hereinafter to be disclosed, that the horizontal line passing through eyelet 26 determines the maximum distance that lower window-sash 12 can be raised.

The position of eyelet 26 secured to face 5) therefore becomes a matter of choice limited only by the desired and maximum open position of lower window-sash 12.

Attention is now directed to an ordinary and mechanical bellringing mechanism, which serves as a cooperating structure of the invention. 27 represents a casing, preferably rectangular and Y trat-ing the under surface of casing 27.

closed in on all sides. The said casing is preferably arxed to the outer surface of the upright portion of window-frame 14 and near the top thereof, as shown in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings. The bell ringing mechanism comprises a main or driving gear 28 surrounding a main gear shaft 29, the said shaft 29 being journaled between the upper and lower members of casing 27. 29*L is a winding member for 29 and protrudes from the lower surface of casing 27. 30 is a ratchet wheel keyed to the shaft 29 and situated below gear 28. 31 is a pawl pivoted to the end surface of gear 28 and engaging with the teeth of the said ratchet wheel` 30. 32 is a clock spring, one end of which is affixed to shaft 29, while the other end is axed to shaft 33, the latter being suitably spaced from the main gear shaft 29 and similarly journaled. 34 is a small gear keyed to shaft 35 and being provided with a concentric and toothed hub 36 thereabove to engage with the teeth of the main or driving gear 28. Shaft 35 is suitably spaced from shaft 29 and similarly journaled.

37 is any known and usual escapement used in mechanically ringing bell mechanisms and is pivoted to rock about pin 38 when the said escapement is in a condition to engage with the teeth of gear 34. 39 is an arm affixed to escapement 37 and terminates in a bell hammer 40.

When escapement arm 39 is set into vibration,

bell hammer 40 is similarly actuated into lvibration and strikes bell or gong 4l aixed to an end face of casing 27. 42 is a vertically slidable lever within collar 43, the said lever pene- The 42 is provided with an orice, as best shown in Figure 2 o-f the accompanying drawings, to engage actuating arm 44, the downward movement of which unlocks arm 39 and thus eifectuates the ringing of the bell.

The bell -ringing mechanism above-described operates according to the usual and known physicaland mechanical principles. From Figure 3 ofthe accompanying drawings, it is seen that when shaft 29 is wound up, spring 32 is put into tension and is prevented from unwinding by reason of ratchet wheel 30 and pawl 3l. In the winding of shaft 29, main driving gear 28 is kept in locked position by reason of the fixed position of gear wheel 34 brought about by the locked 'i position 'of escapement 37. When lever 42 is lowered by reason of downward pressure on arm 44, escapement arm 39 permits escapement 37 to rock by the alternate engagement and disengagement with the teeth` of wheel 34.

' lowering of the window-sashes and in turn actuating the bell alarm comprises preferably a vertically slidable Vbar 48 sliding up and down along an enclosed track 47. 45 is a plate affixed preferably to the outer surface of thefu'pright portion of window-frame 14and proximate-to the' side of the aforementioned located mechanisms, while plate 46 superimposing plate 45 provides vertically and centrally thereof the enclosed track 47, as shown best by a reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.

Vertically slidable bar 48 proximate to its upper terminal is provided with an orice to receive a screw to engage the lower terminal of actuating arm 44, while the said bar 48 near its lower terminal is provided with convergent excavated portion 50. Enclosed track 47 is provided with a corresponding excavation 49. 5l is a pivotal and preferably U-shaped latch, which is adapted to penetrate excavation 50 through excavation 49, when it is desired to keep vertically slidable bar 48 in locked and in non-actuating condition. 5la is an ear used for the positioning of pivotal latch 5l., pivoting about transversely arranged screws 52. By a reference to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings, it is seen that the lower portion of vertically slidable bar 48 extends beyond the bottom of enclosed track 47, when bar 48 is in non-actuating and locked condition.

58 are a pair of transversely arranged ears projecting out perpendicularly from plate 46 and being provided with horizontal and aligned orifices to serve as the bearings fora latching arm 54.

is a collar surrounding latching arm 53 and being in fixed engagement therewith by reason of set screw 56. The upper surface of collar 55 is preferably flat and supports the bottom of vertically slidable bar 48 when the latter is in locked and nonactuated condition, as best shown by a reference to Figure l of the accompanying drawings. arm 54 and being journale-:l between a side of collar 55 and one of the ears 53 proximate to eyelet 26. 58 is a cable made of either metallic or nonrnetallic material, which is affixed at one terminal to the outer end of latching arm 54, while the other terminal is attached preferably to a hook 59, which engages with swinging eyelet 25.

Before describing the modus operandi of the complete system, we wish itdistinctly understood that the intermediate mechanism just described deriving actuation by the movement of the window-sashes and, in" turn, actuating the alarm mechanism hasbeen described for .purposes of disclosure only and that minor variations and in- 57 is a helical spring surrounding latching tegrations of the several parts and locations l j thereof may all be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention and without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The foregoing statement equally applies to the series of aligned structures represented by numerals 24 and 25.

As shown on Figure l of the accompanying drawings, 'cable 58 is adjusted to the critical position ofthe upper wlndow-sashwhen closed. It

is easily seen `that upon lowering window-sash i 19, pressure is brought on cable 58, thereby withdrawing latching arm 54. The withdrawing of latching arm 54 withdraws collar 55 until vertically slidable bar 48 `no longer rests on the upper surface of the said collar. action .of gravity operating on the weight of the bar 48 causes the samev to fall and thereby creating a `downward. tension on actuating arm 44. The downward tension on actuating arm 44 lowers lever 42, the upper portion of which being conical releases escapement arm V39, thereby causing theV alarm" mechanism, whether it be electrical or mechanical, to operate.

lAlthough Fbar 48, as described,` operates by its own weight in drawing .actuating arm 44 down- At such time the wardly, the invention contemplates also the use of a spring bearing against the top of the said arm to substitute for the action of gravity. This spring structure has not been deemed necessary to be shown on the accompanying drawings.

The mode of operation just described ispossible only when U-shaped latch 51 is altogether Withdrawn from the position shown in Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings for it is readily seen that with U-.shaped latch 51 in the excavated portions of bar 48 and track 47, bar 48` cannot lower itself through the action of gravity. The locking devices of the intermediate mechanism represented by numerals 49, 50 and 5l should be in locking position only when cable 58 is detached from any one of swinging eyelets 25.

If it is desired that the critical position of the upper Window-sash be other than at maximum height, locking latch 51 is put into the position shown in Figure 2, hook 59 is detached from swinging eyelet 25 andupper Window-sash 10 is lowered to the desired critical position. At this new position, hook 59 is attached to one of the upper of swinging eyelets 25. Thereafter locking latch 5l is Withdrawn from excavations 49 and 50. l

The purpose of helical spring 57 is to provide protection in the event that cable 58 is unlawfully tampered with, as by cutting. In such event, tension of spring 57 will cause collar 55 to go outwardly and from beneath the bottom of vertically slidable bar 48, thus actuating the ringing of an alarm. And in addition, in the event that cable 58, if it be composed of fireperishable material, should be broken by reason of accidental re, an-alarm would be setl into operation. y

As has been-mentioned in the beginning, the lower Casement or the lower Window-sash, in accordance with the present invention has a predeterminably adjustable critical position. This positionis defined by the height of cable 58 above the upper surface of the frame of the lower Window-sash.

By referring to Figure l, actuating arm 44 and bar 48 may be considered the elements of a suspended Weight supported on collar or rest 55. The translocation of by the disturbance of the critical position of any movable body such as sash 1l is effectuated by leverage means or any coil, leaf or other spring means. The translocation of rest 55 releases weight or bar 48, thereby causing a downward pressure on lever 42 through the interaction of lever arm 44.

We claim:

1. In combination with an alarm, an alarmactuating structure for relatively movable bodies comprising, a gravity-acting controlling member for the alarm and depending therefrom, a reciprocable rest for the said controlling and depending member, and connecting means between the said reciprocable rest and the said movable body in any critical and relative position arranged such that upon change in tension on the said connecting means, the gravity-acting controlling member is released to actuate the alarm.

2. In combination with an alarm, an alarmactuating structure for relatively movablebodies comprising, a downwardly-directed controlling member for the alarm and depending therefrom, a reciprocable rest normally supporting the said controlling and depending member, and connecting means between the said reciprocable rest and the said movable body in any critical and relative position arranged such that upon change in tension on the said connecting means, the downwardly-directed controlling member is released to actuate the alarm.

3. In combination with an alarm, an alarmactuating structure for relatively movable bodies comprising, a downwardly-directed controlling member for the alarm and depending therefrom, a movable rest normally adapted to support the said controlling and depending member, locking means to render the said rest immovable, and connecting means between the said movable rest and the said movable body when in any critical and relative position arranged such that upon change in tension on the said connecting means, the downwardly-directed controlling member is released to actuate the alarm.

4. In combination with an alarm, an alarmactuating structure for relatively movable bodies comprising, a downwardly-directed controlling member for the alarm and depending therefrom, a movable rest normally adapted to support the said controlling and depending member, and connecting means between the said movable rest and the said movable body when in any critical and relative position arranged such that upon change in tension on the said connecting means, the downwardly-'directed controlling member is released to actuate the alarm.

5. An alarm attachment for windoW-sashes comprising in combination, an alarm mechanism, alarm-controlling elements therefor and depending therefrom, a reciprocable rest for the said alarm-controlling elements and normally adapted to prevent the alarm from actuation, and connecting means between the said rest andany predetermined critical and relative position of a Window-sash arranged such that upon movement of the said window-sash, the alarm-controlling elements are released to actuate the said alarm mechanism.

6. An alarm attachment for window-sashes comprising in combination, an alarm mechanism,

alarm-controlling elements therefor and depending therefrom, a member provided with a spring and having a support for the said alarm-con- 1 trolling elements and normally adapted to prevent the alarm from actuation, connecting means between the said member and any predetermined critical and relative position of a Windowsash arranged such that upon change in tension on the said connectingineans, the alarm-controlling elements are released to actuate the said alarm-mechanism.

"1. An alarm attachment for upper and lower WindoW-sashes comprising in combination, an alarm mechanism, alarm-controlling elements therefor and depending therefrom, a movable member having a reciprocable rest for the said alarm-controlling elements and normally adapted to prevent the alarm from actuation, and connecting means between the said rest and any predetermined critical and relative position of the said Window-sash such that upon the movement of the Window-sash from its critical position and/or any movement of the complementary Window-sash, the alarm-controlling elements are released to actuate the said alarm mechanism.

8. An alarm attachment for relatively movable bodies comprising in combination an alarm mech- 1 anism, alarm-controlling elements therefor and depending therefrom, a reciprocable rest for the said alarm-controlling elements and normallyY adapted to prevent the alarm from actuation, locking means for the alarm-controlling elements, and connecting means between the said rest and any predetermined critical and relative position of a body such that upon change in tension on the said connecting means, the alarmcontrolling elements are released to actuate the said alarm mechanism.

9. In an alarm attachment for relatively movable bodies and in combination with an alarm mechanism having a controlling member therefor, an actuating mechanism for the said controlling member comprisinor a downwardly-directed member depending from the said controlling member, a supporting body for the said downwardly-directed member, and connecting means between the said supporting body and any predetermined critical and relative position or" a movable body such that upon change in tersion on the said connecting means, the downwardly-directed member depresses the controlling member of the alarm mechanism setting the same into actuation.

10. In an alarm attachment for window-sashes having an alarm-mechanism with a controlling member therefor, an actuating mechanism for the said controlling member comprising, a slidable Weight and bearing therefor, the said slidable weight at the upper portion thereof being connected to the said controlling member, a latching member and 'bearings therefor, the said latching member being provided with a supporting lug for the support of the above-said slidable weight, a spring for the said latching member journaled between the said supporting lug and one of the bearings, and connecting means between the said latching member and a predetermined and critical position of a window-sash arranged such that upon change in tension of the connecting means, the slidable weight is released to actuate the alarm mechanism.

1l. In an alarm attachment for window-sashes having an alarm-mechanism with a controlling member therefor, an actuating mechanism for the said controlling member comprising, a slidable weight and bearing therefor, the said slidable weight at the upper portion thereof being connected to the said controlling member, locking means for the said slidable weight, a latching member and bearings therefor, the said latching member being provided with a supporting lug for the support of the above-said slidable weight, and connecting means between the said latching member and a predetermined and critical position of a window-sash arranged such that upon any change in tension of the connecting means, the slidable weight is released to actuate the alarm mechanism.

12. In an alarm attachment for window-sashes having an alarm-mechanism with a controlling member therefor, an actuating mechanism for the said controlling member comprising, a slidable weight and bearing therefor, the said slidable weight at the upper portion thereof being connected to the said controlling member, locking means for the said slidable weight, a latching member and bearings therefor, the said latching member being provided with a supporting lug for the support of the above-said slidable weight, a spring ier the said latching member journaled between the said supporting lug and one of the bearings, and connecting means between the said latching-member and a predetermined and critical position of a window-sash arranged such that upon any change in tension of the connecting means, the slidable weight is released to actuate the alarm mechanism.

JACK LEWIS KRAUS, II. FRED. SAUNDERS.

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