GB2317984A - House sign lighting and alerting system - Google Patents

Abstract

The system comprises a housing 1, 3 the front of which includes the house number 2. The housing contains a lamp (6, Fig.4), a light sensor (5) and electronic control circuitry (17). The light sensor senses the onset of dusk and causes the circuitry to energise the lamp (battery or mains powered). The system also comprises a manually operable switch (22) remote from the housing. This switch is operable by a person in the house to send a signal (via a cable or wirelessly) to the circuitry which causes the lamp to flash. The housing may also contain an audible alarm, eg a voice alarm, which is also energised by operation of the switch. A smoke or other hazard detector in the house may also cause the lamp to flash and the alarm to sound. An automatic telephone dialler may also be provided. Other features that may be provided are solar cells to charge batteries in the housing, a PIR sensor to cause the lamp to come on when a person approaches and a video camera contained within the housing.

Description

SECURITY WARNING SIGN EIGHTING SYSTEM This invention relates to a security warning sign lighting system which automatically lights up as daylight fails. Also when an external switch, e.g. either a push button or hand-held remote control device is pressed it causes the invention to flash on and off as well as emitting a loud sound, i.e. a siren to go off. The invention could be attached to a smoke, gas detector and telephone ( voice system ). In the event of a disaster ( e.,. fire, gas leak, and flood, or unfortunately tne occupier was fast asleep ), the invention would be activated, e.g. causing it to flash on and off, emitting a siren to go off. This would waken up the house holder and also inform their neighbours telling them to stay well clear and to inform the emergency sevices. Also the disaster would cause the telephoone system to send a voice message to the energency services that there is a disaster ( instructing them of the type of disaster, i.e. fire, gas leak. Informing them of when it happened and location of the particular premises ).

Unfortunately in the envening a visiting friend or the energency services have difficulty locating a particular premises. They approach a persons drive to try and identify the house number causing the occupier to become frightened and worried about it being a prowler. The sound of the emergency services approaching without the occupier having called them could also cause distress.

If the approaching persons was an unwelcome guest now could the householder raise the alarm? If they had a phone they could ring for the police but this could take many minutes and they would still be distressed unfortunately it could be even worse if the occupier was in bed and they heard someone trying to break in their home How could tney call for help?, e.g. if the phone was down stairs, especially if they were an old aged pensioner, or disabled.

They would be panicking upstairs, frightening of losing their ossessions or even their lives, etc.

If they were to nave an accident wnilst at home alone, e.g. during a tire tney may fall to the floor due to inhaling the fumes / being injured, how could they reach for the telephone to call for help? How could they shout out if they are too weak, etc? Every year people die from carbon monoxide, gas poisoning and accidents, e.g. too weak to call for help. Also if the occupier was not in their premises and they had a fire, gas leak or flood, how would they know about the disaster, also it could be too late for the emergency services to save their home.

It is evident that the afore said problems need to be addresed in order to give peace of mind to the housenolder by stopping unwanted visitors approaching their residence and enabling them, to raise the alar should tney be in distress or suffer a disaster. Also they and the emergency services need to be informed that the particular property is on fire, etc.

There are available numerous security products which try to combat such problems e.g. home security devices ( intruder alarms ) which activate a siren ( loud walling noise ) when a uoor is opened / unauthorised persons enter the premises. unfortunately however tnese type of devices could sound off accidentally, e.g. due to lightning, etc. Thus creating ' nuisance' calls for the emergency services and so not only wasting precious resources but tney coulo also cost tie life of a person, e.g. due to the afore mentioned, they might not have enough time to rescue the particular person, etc. Another problem is still the fact of precisely locating the premises in the dark - the activation of a mere siren would not make this as easy as it could be and could only narrow it down than a single one as could be the case with this invention so having precisely second, minutes.....

In tne event of fire, a smoke detector would ue e..litteu, Dut again it could take a long time for the emergency services to come to the occupiers premises, again how could the emergency services quickly locate the house holder who was in times of distress? It is the aim of the security warning lighting system to address the afore mentioned problems by clearly illuminating a sign during both the day and night. It would prevent unwanted visitors e.g. a prowler approaching the persons drive, i.e. stopping them make the excuse of saying they have got the wrong house number. Also, if tne occupier was woken up by a prowler tey could press tne remote control device. This would activate the invention e.. causing it to flash on ana of and also a siren to go off, causing, the prowler to leave. This would also alert tneir neighbours and friends to rinO the police. also if the occupier had a fire, as leak or flood, tne relevant aetector ( as, snore ) would cause the invention light source to flasn on and off and also emit a siren / voice system to go off. This would cause the house holder to be woken up and also alert their neighbours to stay well clear and to call for tne emergency services. Also tne detector would activate tne telephone voice system which would cause the persons telepnone to call for tne emergency services ( voice system ) to inform them that tnere nas been a disaster ( instructing them on tne time anc tne type of disaster, and location of tne particular premises ).

When the system was previously installed the occupier asked their neighbours to come round and watch it being activated, e.g. flashing on and off and the siren emitting a loud noise.

The occupier asked them to call the emergency services if they heard or saw the device being activated day or night. Thus in the future if tne device were activated, tne neighbour would recognise the sound, voice system e.g. no thinking it was a car alarm going off, but their neighbour being in distress calling for help.

Again if the occupier had an accident in their home they would raise the alarm by simply pressing the external switch to activate the device alerting their neighbours. Thus not being in @ain or afraid for hours / days, etc. rie description of the illustrations A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying diagrams comprising the following; Figure 1 lan vie Figure 2 Front perspective view Figure 3 Side view Figure 4 Internal view Figure 5 Rear perspective view Figure 6 Invention connected to various devices (e.g. smoke detector, telephone system ) Referring to figure 1, the lic 1 is illustrated as being oval snap but it could be bases on any shape, size, colour or texture. The lid 1 could De uaoe from a strong robust ( e.g. to withstand vandalism and all weather conditions ) translucent / opaque plastic -laterial whicn would allow light to shine through it. The transfers / sign 2 ( which are high quality, e.g. to withstand UV ( ultraviolet ) rays and all weatner conditions i.e. to not fade or flake / break away ) could feature any colours or theme and De :ade from a variety of different materials, e.g. tney could be waterbased, i.e. applied by dipping them in water and then applying them to tne surface of the lid 1. The surface would them need wiping wit a suitaole cloth to reJove any surplus water, ii, the transfers i sign 2 could be fixed to tne surface of the lid 1 by way of silk screen printing or iii, with a template i.e., applying paint to create tne design of tile template, iv, the transfers / sign 2 could be made from a high quality vinyl material which would have a strong sticky back surface which would be applied to the surface of the lid 1. ine transfers / sign 2 could be applied to the surface of the lid 1 by using a template which has relevant slits when a pencil is placed along the slits / grooves, and the template is removed, there are clearly pencil lines which will enable the user to it tA transfers / sin 2 to the surface of tne lit 1, [ne user would then simply apply a damp cloth to remove the pencil marks.

Referring to figure 2, the lid 1 could bne attached to the device base 3 ( which could take on any shape or design both externally and internally ) by either the lid 1 having an inner rim which fits to the lip of the device base 3 or the lid 1 could also be attached to the device Dose 3 by a number of screws or Dy applying glue.

Once the lid 1is clicked down on to the device base 3, it could be safely secured by the device base 3 having a locking device fitted inside it, e.g. contained in the device base 3 could be either a plastic / brass Rey barrel ( or any othersuitable locking system ) when a key is inserted into which and turned, this will then secure the lid 1 to the device base 3. The lid 1 and the device base 3 could also be connected by any other suitable method ). Attached ( glued or bonded / welded by design j to tne ri.o of tne aevice oas J could be d gasket.

When the lid 1 is connected to the device base 3, the gasket would stop water, dirt and insects getting inside the device base 3. The sensor hole 4 allows light to reach the light sensor 5 and also allows water / condesation to escape from inside the device base 3.

The light sensor 5 detects the light and when there is no more light, i.e. when night falls, the light sensor 5 will cause an internal lamp 6 ( which would be any that was suitable, e.g. a pigmy lamp ) to light up. This will cause the lid 1 and transfers 2 to become illuminated. The speakers 7 will allow sound to be emitted in tne event of the internal siren @ being activated.

The channels 9 allow cable to run through the. The release mechanism 10 allows tne lid 1 to separate from the device base 3, e.g. by utilising a coin or a suitably shaped instrument to prise tne lid 1 open.

Referring to figure 3, the device base 3 could be attached to the wall 11 by a series of screws 12. Tne rubber guards 13 stop the device base 3 from scratching against the surface of tne Wall 14. Ine ruDDer guards 13 also allow the device base C to be firmly secured to the wall 11. Tile channels 9 allow the cable 15 to easily fit in the gromet 16. The gromet 16 prevents water and dirt entering the device base 3.

The device base 3 could be made from a suitable strong robust ( to withstand vandalism and all weather conditions ) plastic / metal material, e.e. brass or from wood, etc. The device base 3 inner surface could be made from a suitable texture / material or sprayed, painted silver or any other suitable colour in or e to uniformly ( evenly ) spread the amouunt of light being generated by an internal lamp 6. Also the texture / material ( e.g. tin or aluminium, etc ) / colour would also dissipate, e.g. reduce the amount of heat being generated by the internal lamp.

Referring to figure 4, the cable 15 which provides electricity from the mains would be fed through the gromet 10 ( the gromet stops water / dirt entering the device base 3 ) to enter inside the device bae 3. The electricity carried in the cable 15 would be connected to the electronics control system 17 housed inside the device base 3. The electronics control system 17 could be either contained within a box or moulded into the device base 3. The cable 15 could be connected to the electronics control system 17 by a strip wire connector 1@ fitted to the electronics control syste:. 17.

The housing of the electronics control system 17 would prevent a fatal accident, e.g. electric shock...

The electronics control syste;. 17 would cause tne electricity traveling through the cable 15 to drop to a safe low voltage ( e.g. perhaps achieved by a typical transistor, i.e. a triac or thyristor, or relay ,etc ) which would drive the light sensor 5. The light sensor 5 would cause the lamp 6 ( e.g. a pigmy lamp or any other suitable form ) to light up in the evening.

The light sensor 5 would cause this by detecting the lack of light as dusk falls and then sending an appropriate voltage signal to tile electronics control system 17 which woulu in turn cause the lamp 6 to become illuminated. The lamp 6 could be fitted to a typical lamp holder 19 ( either plastic or brass bayonet cap / edison screw , etc ). The lamp holder 19 could be connected to the device base 3 by way of the lamp holder bracket 20 or any other from of suitable methods of connection ). The device base holes 21 would allow the user to fit screws through tne.. in order to it the device base 3 to a suitable surface, e.o. a wall.

The external switch device 22 could either be a mechanical switch, e.g. a push button connected to the electronics control system 17 b a cable i wire or a hand-held remote control device, e.g. which was either radio controlled, passive infrared or ultra sonic, etc.

When the external switch device 22 activated e.g. pressed in , this will send a signal to the internal switch control device unit 25.

The internal switch control device unit 23 will then send a signal to the electronics control system 17 and this will then cause the lamp 6 to flash on and off and also the siren / alarm 8 to let out either a pre-recorded voice message, e.g. stating 'the person is in aistress, they need asistance' or 2 contininuos / series of loud bleeps ( high-pitched sounn ) through tne speakers 7.

When the external switch device 22 is pressed in again this will cause tne internal switch control device unit 25 to send a signal ot the electronics control system 17. This will then stop the lamp 8 from flashing on and off and will stop the siren / alarm 8 from sounding, etc.

The invention could be designed so that the sign could be switched on in the evening, e.g. illuminated by the user pressing a mechanical switch, i.e. in order to help the following to easily locate them, visitor / aoctor or taxi, etc.

The invention could be designed so that it contains a battery backup, e.g. in the event of a mains power failure the battery backup would a activated, i.e. providing enough power to JaKe the invention function. When the mains power supply was working again, the associated electronics which controlled the battery backup would notice this, switching the battery backup off.

Connected to the battery backup could be a battery charger, e.g. which would make sure that tne battery backup was fully charged for when it would be needed.

The invention could be designed so that tne light source ( e . strope / fluorescent lap wit associated control year, or lay etc ) is activated in tne evening, e.g. wnen someone approaches the persons crive and was in the same direction and range of the invention sensor, PIR, passive infrared device, this would detect tne persons presence causing the invention light source to come on.

Ine invent ion could be designed so that tne electronics control system 17 could be powered by tne battery source, whicn could contain a sensing device which would monitor the strength of the batteries and thus inform the user, e.g. by either visual for. or / and also switching a series of bleeps and flashing LED(s), e.g. to inform them to charge or replace the batteries.

The invention could be designed so that the electronics control system could be powered by a solar cell source which in the day time charges up a pattery pack. In the day time the battery pack still provides enough power to make the invention function, e.g. to give the user the ability to activate the external switch device 22 if they wished.

Due to the solar cells charging up the battery pacl in the day time, this enables enough power to make the invention function, e.g. to to illuinate t2 sign in tne evening and or tne user to activate tne external switch device 22 if they again so wished.

The device base 3 could be designed so that it contains a powder point which would be inserted e.g. slotted inside an external power source socket which contains a llive mains supply which is fitted to ; solid surface, e.g. a wall. Tn external power source socket and the device base 3 power point connector would each contain protective sleeving so as to stop @irt / water, etc entering and the need for any unslightly and potential nazaraous mains wiring.

The electronics control system 17 could be designed so that it has a series of connectors which allow the external switch device 22, e.g. the push button to be connected to them at a later date as well as tne siren / alar. @ an speakers 7.

The electronics control system 17 could be designed so that it is controlled by a micro-processor / semi conductor, e.g. which could either be already connected to the electronics control systl 17 or there could be a facility for it to be attached at a later date.

The micro-processor / se.ai conductor could consist of the internal switch control device unit 23, which would control the external switch device 22, eg the hand-held remote control device. Thus the user at tile start could purchase toe standard version, e.g. which illuminated a sign in the evening and at a later nate purchase tne micro processor i sei conductor, external switch device 22, e.g. the hand-held remote control device, siren / alarm 8 and speakers 7. Before installation tney would switch of the mains and ten remove tne device lid 1 and insert / slot the micro processor / semi conductor into its appropriate place, e.g. into the IC integrated circuit system PC@, printed circuit board.

Then connecting the siren / alarm @ to the electronics control system 17 and connecting / clicking the speakers 14 in to its appropriate place inside the device base 3 and then connecting it to the siren / alarm @. Once the micro processor is connected to the electronics control system 17, the li@ 1 is connected and the mainsis switched on.

Thr micro processor will re-programme the electronics control system 17 to allow the external switch device 22, e.g. hane-held remote control device to function. Thus when it is activated it will cause the lamp v to flash on and of and also tne siren / alarm ( voice system ) o to be activated.

The invention could be designed so that it is connected to a small security camera which is then fitted into the device @ase 3. The camera would appear through a small hole of the li@ 1. The camera would be connected to a suitable security system ( TV monuitor and controls ). The house hol@er then has the ability to monitor any person approaching their drive.

The unknowing person would not notice the camera, all they qould see is the illuminated domestic house sign.

Referring to figure 5, the rubber guaras surface 13 could be adhesive to enable its casy application to the surface of the device @ase 3. The ca@le 15 could be fed along the device @ase 3 by ways of any of the four channels 5 through the gromet 10 to e@ter the device @ase 3. The rubber guards 13 could be firmly secured to a wall by simply inserting a number of screws through the device @ase holes 21 which are situated inside the surface of the device @ase 3. Then firmly using an appropriate screw driver to drive the screws through the rubber guards 13 to enter inside the surface of a wall.

The invention could be designated so that it is connected to a @uzzer ( @ell ) / chime.

Referring to figure 6, if the house holder was asleep or out of tne property and tney aad a disaster ( fire, gas leak or flood ) at tneir home. tna detector 24 would utect tne disaster and so would cause the invention light to flash on and offg and also cause the invention siren 7 to be activated this ould alert their neighbours that there has been a disaster. Also the detector 24 would activate the telepoone system 25 which would send a voice message ( instructino them of the type of disaster i.e. fire, gas leak, what time the disaster happened, ana location of the premises ) through the telephone 26 to tne emergency services 27 woo would come to tne occupiers assistance.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS 1. A security warning sign lighting system ( known as the system ) which could be powered by various power sources such as ; mains electricity, battery or solar cells. The particular power is applied to the system internal power point. The power point drives the systems internal light sensor whigh in the evening detects the lack of light, causing the internal lamp control unit lamp to illuminate the system lid which applied to it is a transfer / sign. The illuminated transfer / sign enables visitors to identify the property. The transfer / sign applied to the system lid by using a securing procedure. The system @ase is connected to the system lid by using fastening and locking devices. Attached to the system base is a series of rubber guards, they enable the system base to be firmly attached to a typical nard surface such as Z wall. Connected to the system is a external switching system. When switched on ( activated ) it causes tne system internal la.:"p control unit lamp to flas@ on and off also the internal alarm / voice system to emit. Also connected to the system is a smoke detector, and telephone control system. When the detector is switched on ( activatea ) aue to a disaster, e.g. a fire, gas leak it causes the system internal lamp control unit lamp to flash on and off and also the internal alarm /voice system to be activated. Also the detector activates the telephone control system which senus a voice message through the telephone to toe emergency services. o. n internal lamp control unit as claimed in Claim 1 which toe li6at source could be a pygmony lamp or any other lamp tnat can be suitably housed inside the system base.

   3. A internal lamp control unit as claimed in claim 2 which tne lamp is connected to a typical lai holder such as a plastic / @rass bayonet cap or edison screw.

   4. A securing proceure as claimed in claim 1 which tne transfer J sign is attached to the system lid by using' a transfer / sign which is water based. Wetting the transfer / sign and applying it to the system lid, using a clotn to dry the transfer / sign 5. A securing procedure claimed in claim 4 the transfer / sign would be applied to tfle system base Dy silk screen printing.

   6. A securing procedure as claimed in laim 4 the transfer / sign made from a vynl material whiczh has a sticky back surface which would be applied to the surface of the system lid.

   CLAIMS 7. A securing procedure as claimed in claim 4 the transfer / sign is applied to the system lid by using a template and applying paint against the template to create the particular transfer / sign.

   @. A securing procedure as claimed in claim 4 the transfer / sign is applied to the system base by using a template which aas got slots / grooves, when a pencil is placed along the slots / grooves and the template is removed, there are clearely pencil marks. The transfer / sign as claimed in claims 4, 5, 6, 7 would be applies. A cloth would be uscd to remove tne pencil marks.

   9. Fastening devices as claimed in claim 1, the system base is attached to the system lid by using screwes, glue or the inner rim of the system lid by clicking on to the system base surface. The user would use a suitable instrument, e.g. a coin to prise tae system lid away fro; the system base.

   10. locking devices as claimed in claim 1, the system lid would be safely attached to the system base by the locking device fitted insice it. This could eitner be a plastic / brass sey oarrel an when a Key is inserted and turned it causes the System lid to be locked to the system base.

   11. The system base as claimed in claim 1 would have a gasket fitted to it, en the system lid is attached to it, tnis would stop water, dirt and insects getting inside the systenm base.

   12. The rubber guards as claimed in claim 1 when attached by lue to tne system base, allow tne system base to be fIrmly placed against a nard surface such as a wall.

   15. The channels as claimed in clam 1 allow cable / wire to feed in a variety of directions to go through tne gromet to go to tne internal system power source.

   14. Ine external switching systen as claimed in claim 1 could either be a mechanical switch, e.g. a push button connected to tne system by a cable / wire or a hand-held remote control cevice, e.g. which was either radio controlled, passive infrared or ultra sonic.

   15. Tne external switching system as claimed in claim 1 W 14 wnen activated causes the internal alar. / voice system to either emit a siren / alarm or let out a pre-recorded message such as to state that the person is in danger.

   CLAIMS 10. The system as claimed in claim 1 is activated so that when a button is pressed it causes the system lamp to come on, and also the alarm / voice system.

   17. The power source as claimed in claim 1 a battery source e.g. a battery backup is connected to the system, in the event of a power failure the battery backup would be activated to keep the system running.

   1. The power source as claled in clai 17 the battery source would contain a sensing device which would monitor the strength of the batteries and thus visually ( by flashing leds ) and by letting off a series of oleeps to inform tne nous a holder to charge or replace the batteries.

   19. The power source as claimed in claim 1 the system would be powered by batteries which are given energy solar cells.

   20. inc system as claimed in clal 1 contains an internal integrated circuit, P @oard fitted. Ine integrated circuit, P@@ board is connected to a micro processor / semi conductor.

   The micro processor / semi conductor allows the external switching system to function, which controls the flashing of tile internal lamp and alarm / voice system.

   21. The system as claimed in claim 1 @ 20 has an internal integrated circuit, PCB board fitted. A micro processor / semi conductor can be later on connected to it. The micro processor j semi conductor when connected to tne integrated circuit, PCB board programs the system to allow the external switching system to function, whicn controls the flashing of tne internal laup ano alarm / voice system.

   22. The internal lamp control unit as claimed in claim 1 would ca connected to a Fli device. When a person appraches the PIR it will cause the internal lamp control unit laip to come on.

   25. The system as claimed in claim 1 is connected to a security camera which is fitted inside the system base. The security camera appears through a small nole of the system lid. The cacra is fitted to a TV monitor and when switched on, allows the house holder to vie people approaching their drive.

   24. The system as claimed in claim 1 could be connected to a buzzer ( Dell ) / chime.