SELECTIVELY CONTROLLED ALARM
United States Patent 3599201
Switch means selectively energizes one of two parallel circuit branches. The first branch includes a lighting lamp and photocell switch connected in series and housed within a lamp post for providing general illumination when ambient light conditions are lowered to a predetermined range. Upon actuation of the switch means, the first branch is opened and the second branch is closed to operate an emergency colored lamp, an audio alarm and a flasher.
US Patent References:
Combination audible and visible signal for ships
Marr - October 1961 - 3007135
Fireman's hat with siren and flashing light mounted thereon
Bosley et al. - July 1964 - 3142833
Light controlled signal system
Beguin - September 1965 - 3207948
Lighting standard
Pfaff, Jr. - June 1967 - 3325950
Combination audible and visible signal for ships
Marr - October 1961 - 3007135
Fireman's hat with siren and flashing light mounted thereon
Bosley et al. - July 1964 - 3142833
Light controlled signal system
Beguin - September 1965 - 3207948
Lighting standard
Pfaff, Jr. - June 1967 - 3325950
Inventors:
Clardy, Lewis L. (Montgomery, AL)
Stubblefield Deceased., Joe C. (late of Montgomery, AL)
Stubblefield Deceased., Joe C. (late of Montgomery, AL)
Application Number:
04/723440
Publication Date:
08/10/1971
Filing Date:
04/23/1968
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
340/331, 340/332
International Classes:
G08B7/06; G08B7/00; G08B23/00
Field of Search:
340/326,331,228S,332,84 307/116
Primary Examiner:
Caldwell, John W.
Assistant Examiner:
Slobasky, Michael
Claims:
What I claim as new is as follows
1. A combined illuminating and emergency signalling device comprising a tubular post anchored in the ground having an upper end portion provided with circumferentially spaced openings, light sensing control means mounted on the post above said openings, a transparent enclosure mounted on the post above the light sensing means, a pair of lamps mounted within the transparent enclosure, audio alarm means mounted within the post for emitting audio signals through said openings, circuit means operatively interconnecting the lamps and alarm means for simultaneous energization of the alarm means with one of the lamps and remote control means connected to the light sensing means and the circuit means for selectively rendering the other of the lamps operative under control of the light sensing means while said one of the lamps and the alarm means is held inoperative.
2. A selective audiovisual alarm apparatus having a first series branch comprising first and second input terminals, first switch means, photocell switch means for monitoring ambient light, first lamp means energized in response to a predetermined ambient light and closing of said first switch means, said apparatus further having a second series circuit connected across said first and second input terminals and including second switch means, audio alarm means, flasher means and secondary emergency lamp means, said audio alarm and emergency lamp means being energized in response to closing of said second switch means, a tubular post being anchored in the ground, an upper end of the post having openings formed therein adapted to allow passage of an alarm signal therethrough, said signal being generated by the alarm means, and a transparent enclosure mounted on the post for enclosing the first and second lamp means, the photocell switch means being mounted to the post for exposure to ambient light.
3. The apparatus set forth in claim 2 wherein said first and second switch means are oppositely ganged for simultaneous closing of said first switch means and opening of said second switch means, said first and second switch means operating in reverse upon manual actuation thereof.
4. The apparatus set forth in claim 2 wherein said first lamp means emits substantially white light for lighting a surrounding area and said second lamp means emits a colored signal light signifying an emergency.
5. The apparatus set forth in claim 2 wherein said audio alarm means includes a siren.
6. The apparatus set forth in claim 2 wherein said audio alarm means includes a bell.
1. A combined illuminating and emergency signalling device comprising a tubular post anchored in the ground having an upper end portion provided with circumferentially spaced openings, light sensing control means mounted on the post above said openings, a transparent enclosure mounted on the post above the light sensing means, a pair of lamps mounted within the transparent enclosure, audio alarm means mounted within the post for emitting audio signals through said openings, circuit means operatively interconnecting the lamps and alarm means for simultaneous energization of the alarm means with one of the lamps and remote control means connected to the light sensing means and the circuit means for selectively rendering the other of the lamps operative under control of the light sensing means while said one of the lamps and the alarm means is held inoperative.
2. A selective audiovisual alarm apparatus having a first series branch comprising first and second input terminals, first switch means, photocell switch means for monitoring ambient light, first lamp means energized in response to a predetermined ambient light and closing of said first switch means, said apparatus further having a second series circuit connected across said first and second input terminals and including second switch means, audio alarm means, flasher means and secondary emergency lamp means, said audio alarm and emergency lamp means being energized in response to closing of said second switch means, a tubular post being anchored in the ground, an upper end of the post having openings formed therein adapted to allow passage of an alarm signal therethrough, said signal being generated by the alarm means, and a transparent enclosure mounted on the post for enclosing the first and second lamp means, the photocell switch means being mounted to the post for exposure to ambient light.
3. The apparatus set forth in claim 2 wherein said first and second switch means are oppositely ganged for simultaneous closing of said first switch means and opening of said second switch means, said first and second switch means operating in reverse upon manual actuation thereof.
4. The apparatus set forth in claim 2 wherein said first lamp means emits substantially white light for lighting a surrounding area and said second lamp means emits a colored signal light signifying an emergency.
5. The apparatus set forth in claim 2 wherein said audio alarm means includes a siren.
6. The apparatus set forth in claim 2 wherein said audio alarm means includes a bell.
Description:
The present invention relates to alarms and more particularly to an audiovisual alarm housed within a lamp post which normally serves a lighting function.
The prior art includes a large number of diversified alarm apparatus. Certain of these constructions include lamp means which become actuated when detection of fire or intrusion occurs. Certain other devices couple an audio alarm means with a visual signalling means thereby emphasizing an emergency situation. Generally, these special purpose devices are unesthetic to a viewer's eyes so that they are not well received in a residential environment.
The present invention includes audio and visual alarm components arranged in a novel and useful circuit which is housed within an exterior lamp post structure normally adapted to light a surrounding area. Actuating controls are disposed within an adjacent house and is preset to automatically establish illumination when ambient lighting conditions fall below a predetermined level. To signify an emergency situation, the control located within the house is actuated so that the aforementioned lighting lamp turns off and audio visual alarms are generated. Therefore, the present invention incorporates an electrical alarm system in a lamp post structure which decoratively conceals the electrical alarm components from view. Thus, the present invention satisfies a long felt need for homeowners and others in providing a combination utilitarian structure and remotely actuated alarm signalling means.
These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a view in perspective illustrating a lamp post for housing electrical components of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an electrical schematic representation of a circuit including electrical alarm components.
Referring specifically to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a lamp post 10 for housing electrical alarm components therein. The lamp post structure includes a glass dome 12 enclosing a lighting lamp 14 and a colored emergency signal lamp 16. A lamp post shade or cover 17 is disposed in overlying relations to the glass dome thereby protecting the interior thereof from the elements of weather. The lamp post includes a cylindrical collar section 18 disposed underneath and coaxial with the glass dome 12 for enclosing a photoelectric cell switch 20 including a light sensor which is exposed to ambient light conditions. A main vertical post section 22 supports the collar 18 and is firmly anchored into the ground. The upper portion of the post section 22 includes circumferentially spaced apertures or slits 24 therein through which audio signals are emitted from a suitable audio alarm means 26 contained within the lamp post section 22. The audio alarm means 26 may be a siren, bell or the like.
An intermediate section of the lamp post includes a rodlike sign carrier portion denoted by 28. This includes a first carrier section 30 appending perpendicularly from the lamp post section 22 and suitably attached thereto. For rigidification, a suitable decorative bracket 32 is connected between the first carrier section 30 and the post section 22. A second longer carrier section 34 similarly attached to the post section 22 is rigidified by a decorative bracket 36 suitably connected between the upper surface of the carrier section 34 and the section 22. The lower surface of the second carrier section 34 includes two laterally spaced hook and eye fasteners 38 or the like for properly attaching a sign 40 denoting an address or name.
The electrical components are controlled by a suitable switch located within a residence as explained hereinafter. Electrical cables are connected therebetween.
Referring to FIG. 2 of the drawing, the electric circuit for actuating the aforementioned electrical components is denoted by reference numeral 42. Control of this circuit is accomplished by a ganged dual section single pole, double-throw switch denoted by 44, the switch being located within a residence. Electrical power is provided to the circuit through input leads 46 and 48. In the normal switch position, contacts 50 of a first pole of the switch are shorted thereby applying power through lead 46 to serially connected photocell switch means 20 which is of a conventional type utilized in electric eye applications. A lighting lamp 14 is serially connected with the photocell switch means and then returned to input terminal 48. It is noted that switch 44 is normally positioned to energize the lamp 14 upon closing of photocell switch means 20 which occurs during low light conditions. The second pole contacts 52 of switch 44 include one contact thereof which is jumped to the input terminal 46. The other contact thereof is connected to the aforementioned audio alarm 26. The latter is in turn serially connected to an emergency lamp 16 through a conventional lamp flasher 54 which causes the emergency lamp to flash when energized. The series audiovisual alarm circuit is completed by connecting the emergency lamp 16 back to input terminal 48.
In operation of the device, the switch 44 is positioned to cause automatic lighting of the regular lighting lamp 14 when a predetermined level of darkness occurs. Should an emergency situation arise, the switch 44 is actuated so that the lighting lamp is no longer energized but instead, energization of the aforementioned series audiovisual alarm circuit occurs. As will be appreciated, the present invention permits a resident to alert outsiders to an emergency situation occurring within the house by merely flipping switch 44. Although the lamp 14 operates during darkened light conditions, the audio visual alarm circuit may be actuated at anytime during the day because the input terminals thereof are connected across the power input terminals 46 and 48.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.
The prior art includes a large number of diversified alarm apparatus. Certain of these constructions include lamp means which become actuated when detection of fire or intrusion occurs. Certain other devices couple an audio alarm means with a visual signalling means thereby emphasizing an emergency situation. Generally, these special purpose devices are unesthetic to a viewer's eyes so that they are not well received in a residential environment.
The present invention includes audio and visual alarm components arranged in a novel and useful circuit which is housed within an exterior lamp post structure normally adapted to light a surrounding area. Actuating controls are disposed within an adjacent house and is preset to automatically establish illumination when ambient lighting conditions fall below a predetermined level. To signify an emergency situation, the control located within the house is actuated so that the aforementioned lighting lamp turns off and audio visual alarms are generated. Therefore, the present invention incorporates an electrical alarm system in a lamp post structure which decoratively conceals the electrical alarm components from view. Thus, the present invention satisfies a long felt need for homeowners and others in providing a combination utilitarian structure and remotely actuated alarm signalling means.
These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a view in perspective illustrating a lamp post for housing electrical components of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an electrical schematic representation of a circuit including electrical alarm components.
Referring specifically to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a lamp post 10 for housing electrical alarm components therein. The lamp post structure includes a glass dome 12 enclosing a lighting lamp 14 and a colored emergency signal lamp 16. A lamp post shade or cover 17 is disposed in overlying relations to the glass dome thereby protecting the interior thereof from the elements of weather. The lamp post includes a cylindrical collar section 18 disposed underneath and coaxial with the glass dome 12 for enclosing a photoelectric cell switch 20 including a light sensor which is exposed to ambient light conditions. A main vertical post section 22 supports the collar 18 and is firmly anchored into the ground. The upper portion of the post section 22 includes circumferentially spaced apertures or slits 24 therein through which audio signals are emitted from a suitable audio alarm means 26 contained within the lamp post section 22. The audio alarm means 26 may be a siren, bell or the like.
An intermediate section of the lamp post includes a rodlike sign carrier portion denoted by 28. This includes a first carrier section 30 appending perpendicularly from the lamp post section 22 and suitably attached thereto. For rigidification, a suitable decorative bracket 32 is connected between the first carrier section 30 and the post section 22. A second longer carrier section 34 similarly attached to the post section 22 is rigidified by a decorative bracket 36 suitably connected between the upper surface of the carrier section 34 and the section 22. The lower surface of the second carrier section 34 includes two laterally spaced hook and eye fasteners 38 or the like for properly attaching a sign 40 denoting an address or name.
The electrical components are controlled by a suitable switch located within a residence as explained hereinafter. Electrical cables are connected therebetween.
Referring to FIG. 2 of the drawing, the electric circuit for actuating the aforementioned electrical components is denoted by reference numeral 42. Control of this circuit is accomplished by a ganged dual section single pole, double-throw switch denoted by 44, the switch being located within a residence. Electrical power is provided to the circuit through input leads 46 and 48. In the normal switch position, contacts 50 of a first pole of the switch are shorted thereby applying power through lead 46 to serially connected photocell switch means 20 which is of a conventional type utilized in electric eye applications. A lighting lamp 14 is serially connected with the photocell switch means and then returned to input terminal 48. It is noted that switch 44 is normally positioned to energize the lamp 14 upon closing of photocell switch means 20 which occurs during low light conditions. The second pole contacts 52 of switch 44 include one contact thereof which is jumped to the input terminal 46. The other contact thereof is connected to the aforementioned audio alarm 26. The latter is in turn serially connected to an emergency lamp 16 through a conventional lamp flasher 54 which causes the emergency lamp to flash when energized. The series audiovisual alarm circuit is completed by connecting the emergency lamp 16 back to input terminal 48.
In operation of the device, the switch 44 is positioned to cause automatic lighting of the regular lighting lamp 14 when a predetermined level of darkness occurs. Should an emergency situation arise, the switch 44 is actuated so that the lighting lamp is no longer energized but instead, energization of the aforementioned series audiovisual alarm circuit occurs. As will be appreciated, the present invention permits a resident to alert outsiders to an emergency situation occurring within the house by merely flipping switch 44. Although the lamp 14 operates during darkened light conditions, the audio visual alarm circuit may be actuated at anytime during the day because the input terminals thereof are connected across the power input terminals 46 and 48.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.