US3641540A - Wireless alarm system - Google Patents

Abstract

A double-hung window mounted alarm actuating unit comprises a transmitter for generating wireless signals, a relative constant voltage power source connected to the transmitter, and switch means mounted to the bottom and top windows operable upon the opening of either the bottom or top window for actuating the transmitter to generate a wireless signal for a relatively short period, whereby the transmitter draws power from the power source only during the relatively short period. Switch means closing for relatively short period via magnetic decoupling of spring biased armature.

Description

United States Patent [151 3,641,540

Cutler et al. [451 Feb. 8, 1972 [s41 WIRELESS ALARM SYSTEM 2,899,674 8/1959 Sierer .340/224 [121 Imam Mew-198 Remmmw- 3:323:23; 35-1322 E$;.;:::::.........................::::::3Z8l

Glickmln, 812 Red Barn Lane, both of Huntingdon, Pa. 16652 [22] Filed: MI!- 3), 1970 211 Appl. No.: 23,577

Related US. Appflcatlon Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 848 ,258, Aug. 7,

[52] US. Cl. 350/224, 2(11/6134, ZOO/61.81, 325/64, 325/392, 340/274, 343/225 [51] InLCI. Goal/08 [58] Field of Search ..340/224, 274, 276; 325/169, 325/185; 335/128, 172-174 [56] Refer-antes Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3'544987 1 1 70.-- MSW!!!@Qlfitititflfl g ..l 1' I" l I Primary Examiner-Donald J. Yusko Assistant Examiner-J. Michael Bobbitt Attorney-Robert F. Conrad and Kurt Shaffert [57] ABSTRACT A double-hung window mounted alarm actuating unit com prises a transmitter for generating wireless signals, a relative constant voltage power source connected to the transmitter, and switch means mounted to the bottom and top windows operable upon the opening of either the bottom or top window for actuating the transmitter to generate a wireless signal for a relatively short period, whereby the transmitter draws power from the power source only during the relatively short period. Switch means closing for relatively short period via magnetic decoupling of spring biased armature.

6 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures on off RECEIVER w ALARM 28 Z 1 24 30 ash/.540,

PATENTEDFEB 8 I972 SHEET 1 BF 2 ALARM RECEIVER INVENTORS JOEL L. CUTLER JOEL l. GLICKMAN WIRELESS ALARM SYSTEM CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of our U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 848,258, filed Aug. 7, 1969.

This invention relates to alarm systems. More particularly, this invention relates to a window mounted alarm system.

Generally, a window mounted alarm system comprises a plurality of units so disposed as to detect the opening of the windows of a dwelling. Thus, the movement of the window away from the upper or lower window frame causes the displacement of a switch thereby detecting the opening of the window. In prior art window alarm systems, it has been the practice to provide conventional electrical wiring for transmitting the signal from the window mounted alarm unit to the apparatus for sounding the alarm. The use of this electrical wiring has presented certain problems.

Usually the window mounted alarm actuating unit is located a relatively far distance from the alarm. Thus, it is necessary that a large amount of wiring be done in order to connect the window mounted actuating unit to the alarm. Unfortunately, this results in a great deal of unsightly wiring which detracts from the general appearance of the surrounding. Furthermore, as efforts have been made to conceal this unattractive wiring, the cost of installation has risen appreciably. In fact, with many present day window mounted burglar alarm systems, a large portion of the cost of the entire system may be attributed to the cost of installation. This large cost of installation is made up in large part by the lengthy time period required to wire the system.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a window mounted alarm system wherein there will be no unsightly wiring to detract from the general appearance of the surroundings.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a window mounted alarm system having a very low cost of in stallation.

Furthennore, it is another object of the present invention to provide a window mounted alarm system which will be completely hidden from view when in use or, in the altemative, occupy only a small amount of space.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a window mounted alarm actuating unit that will not be affected by exterior contaminants such as dust, dirt or moisture.

In addition, it is still another'object of the present invention to provide a window mounted alarm actuating unit wherein the power source therefore need be replaced only at lengthy intervals.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

The above-mentioned objects and many others are achieved by the present invention which includes a window mounted alarm actuating unit which is connected to a receiver by a wireless transmission path. The receiver is connected to an alarm. Thus, there are not unsightly wires to detract from the general appearance of the surroundings. Furthermore, costs of installation are greatly reduced as there is no necessity for expensive time-consuming wiring. Furthermore, when the windows are closed and the alarm is set, the alarm system of one embodiment of the present invention is completely out of si t.

l fi accordance with the present invention, it is desired that the transmitter generate a wireless signal to the receiver whenever the window is opened. Since it is not desired to actuate the alarm every time the window is opened, it is necessary to provide some means to disconnect the alarm. This may readily be done by providing the receiver with an on-off switch.

If the window mounted actuating unit continuously generates a wireless signal in response to the open condition of the window, a continuous signal will be generated whenever the window is open irrespective of whether the receiver is in its on or off position. Thus, although no alarm will be generated when the receiver is in its off position, there will be a continuous drain upon the power source.

In accordance with the present invention, means are provided for allowing the actuating switch of the window mounted alarm actuating unit of .the present invention to generate a signal for only a short period of time during the actual opening of the window. Thus, the power source for the transmitter will not be appreciably drained after the window is positioned in an open position.

In many window mounted alarm actuating units in use today, it is possible for dust, dirt, moisture and other contaminants to collect within the actuating unit. If these contaminants collect upon the electrical contacts of the actuating unit, electrical flow therethrough may be prevented resulting in a failure of the unit. This is particularly undesirable because there will be no warning as to when the alarm will fail. Thus, the failure of the window alarm actuating unit will be detected only after an unauthorized entry into the dwelling through a window has been completed.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are show in the drawings two preferred embodiments, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a functional representation of the alarm system of the present invention, employing a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the window mounted alarm actuating unit of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a second embodiment of the present invention taken on line 33 of FIG. 3A, with the cover member cut away for clarity.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a second embodiment of the present invention mounted on a window with the window in the closed position.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4A is a side view similar to FIG. 3A with the window in the open position.

Referring now to the drawings in particular, wherein like numerals designate like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a functional representation of a first embodiment of the alarm system of the present invention.

A window mounted alarm actuating unit designated as 18 in FIG. 1 is mounted in awindow frame 16 containing upper window I2 and partially raisedlower window 14. The window mounted alarm actuating unit contains a transmitter therein which allows the unit to generate a wireless signal wheneverlower window 14 is raised allowingplunger 20 to rise. This wireless signal is detected byreceiver 24. The wireless transmission path is designated as 22 in FIG. 1.Receiver 24 is operatively connected to alarm 30 by connection 28.Alarm 30 may be mounted within the dwelling to be protected by the alarm system or may be mounted upon one of the exterior walls of the dwelling as is commonly done. The connection fromreceiver 24 to alarm 30 designated as 28 in FIG. 1 may be by conventional electrical wiring or may be by wireless transmission.

As will be explained more fully hereinafter,plunger 20 of the window mounted alarm actuating unit is displaced downwardly by the closedlower window 14. Upon the opening oflower window 14, bias means causes the upward movement ofplunger 20 thereby causing the window mounted alarm actuating unit to generate a wireless signal. This wireless signal is detected byreceiver 24. Since it is desirable that the alarm not be actuated every timelower window 14 is opened, on-off switch 26 is provided atreceiver 24 for insuring that every signal generated by window mountedalarm actuating unit 18 will not actuatealarm 30.

FIG. 2 shows in greater detail the interior mechanism of an embodiment of a window mountedalarm actuating unit 18 of the present invention. The alarm actuating unit is contained withincasing 72.Casing 72 has a diameter of less than 3 inches and a length of less than 18 inches. Thus, casing 72 may be entirely submerged withinwindow frame 16.Plunger 20 is slidably mounted withincasing 72. When completely installed, onlytop plate 46 ofcasing 72 and the top portion ofplunger 20 will be visible whenlower window 14 is in an opened position. Whenlower window 14 is in a closed position, the actuatingunit 18 of this embodiment of the present invention will be completely out of sight.

Pressure plate 32 is rigidly connected to plunger 20 or alternatively may be formed integrally therewith. Electricallyconductive sphere 36 is rigidly connected tocentral portion 34 ofplunger 20 or alternatively may be formed integrally therewith. Spring 50 is operatively disposed withincasing 72 so as to bias pressure plate 32 in an upwards direction.Transmitter 42 andbattery 44 are disposed in the bottom portion ofcasing 72.Electrical contacts 38 and 40 are conductively connected totransmitter 42.Transmitter 42 is conductively con nected tobattery 44.

In order to installalarm actuating unit 18, it is necessary to drill an opening inwindow frame 16 to receivecasing 72. This opening designated as 70 in FIG. 2 is of a la larger diameter than the main portion ofcasing 72 but is of a smaller diameter thantop plate 46 ofcasing 72.

In order to insure efficient and reliable operation ofalarm actuating unit 18, it is necessary to prevent contaminants such as dust, dirt and moisture from enteringcasing 72. Thus,ring 52 provides an effective seal between the top of plunger andtop plate 46 ofcasing 72 in order to prevent contaminants from entering the top of the alarm actuating unit. In a similar manner, O-ring 54 is mounted about the periphery of pressure plate 32 to further prevent the deposition of contaminants oncontacts 38 and 40 andsphere 36. O-ring 56 is disposed aboutextension 48 ofcasing 72 in order to effectively control the path ofplunger 20.

If pressure plate 32 were of solid construction, the depression of pressure plate 32 with O-ring 54 mounted thereabout would compress the air within the upper portion ofcasing 72. This is undesirable because the upward movement ofplunger 20 must be slow enough to allowsphere 36 to make sufficient electrical contact withcontacts 38 and 40 for a predetermined period. Thus, if compressed air under high pressure were contained within the upper portion ofcasing 72,sphere 36 would movepast contacts 38 and 40 too rapidly to allowvfor proper electrical contact to be made. Therefore, vents 62 and 64 are provided to vent compressed air beneath pressure plate 32 to the region above pressure plate 32. In a similar manner, the lower portion ofcasing 72 is vented to the upper portion ofcasing 72 byvents 66 and 68 contained withinextensions 48. Thus, actuatingunit 18 is sealed off from external contaminants without creating any undesirable pressures withincasing 72.

A second embodiment of a window mounted alarm actuating unit is designated as 118 in FIG. 3. This unit is mounted on the top surface ofinside window 114 and, as visible in FIG. 3A, is horizontally aligned withmagnet 110.Magnet 110 is mounted on the bottom portion ofoutside window 112. As is apparent from an inspection of FIG. 3A, when bothoutside window 112 and insidewindow 114 are closed, the alarm actuating unit and the magnet are juxtaposed to each other.

Alarm actuating unit 118 is comprised of a protective housing or cover 172 which fastens towindow 114 by any convenient' means such as the illustrated screws. Mountingplate 174 is positioned inside ofcover 172 and both are made of a material that will not impede magnetic flux, such as plastic.

below, is also mounted on mountingplate 174.Magnet 110 is aligned with that portion ofcover 172 that surrounds switch I With particular reference to FIG. 4,switch assembly 200 is 7 described in greater detail.Switch member 216 is rigidly attached to mountingplate 174 and haspin 213 extending from its surface in a direction away from mountingplate 174. At

one end ofmember 216 is a pivotal connection wherebysecond switch member 217 is pivotally attached thereto.

Mounted on one side ofswitch member 217 is magneticallyattractive block 211, made from a material that is attracted by a magnet, and mounted on the other side, or integrally formed therewith, isspring anchor 212. The end ofswitch member 217 opposite that ofpivot 214 is'formed into a curvedelectrical contact 136.

Contact 136 is electrically connected to one terminal ofbattery 144. This may be accomplished, for example, by formingswitch members 216 and 217 of an electrically conductive material and connectingmember 216 to one terminal ofbattery 144.

Spring 215 is a coil spring with hook members on both ends, one hook being attached to pin 213 and the other hook being attached tospring anchor 212. When attached to both, the bias of the spring is such to tend to pivotswitch member 217. in a clockwise direction as seen by the arrow in FIG. 4.

Electrical contact member 138 is attached to one end of mountingplate 174, is electrically insulated fromcontact 136, and is electrically connected to the other terminal ofbattery 144. Contact 128 is positioned relative to contact 136 such thatcontact 136 will briefly touchcontact 138 asswitch member 217 pivots on its pivot point.

With particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 3A, when bothwindows 114 and 112 are closedmagnet 110 will be aligned withswitch 200 and, more particularly, be aligned withblock 211. As the mounting means onmagnet 110,cover 172, and mountingplate 174 are all formed of material that will not impede magnetic flux,magnet 110 will attract block 211 and holdswitch 200 in a position that opposes the bias of spring 215 (FIG. 3).Contacts 136 and 138 will be spaced one from the other.

Alarm actuating unit 118 is mounted on the top ofinside window 114 andmagnet 110 is mounted on the inside facing part ofoutside window 112 so that there is no exposure to outside contaminants such as dust, dirt and moisture. If desired, a sealing gasket may be positioned between thecover 172 and the frame ofwindow 114.

Transmitter 174 is electrically connected in. the circuit between one terminal of the battery and either contact 136 or 138. Thus, whencontacts 136 and 138 touch each other, a closed circuit will be made between the battery, the transmitter, the switch and back to the battery.

The operation of the alarm system of the present invention is as follows. In the first described embodiment,alarm actuating unit 18 is inserted into opening inwindow frame 16 so that only the top ofplunger 20 protrudes therefrom.Plunger 20 is depressed by the closing oflower window 14.Receiver 24 is usually maintained in an off position through the use of on-off switch 26. Thus, any signals generated byalarm actuating unit 18 will not be effective to actuatealarm 30. Each timelower window 14 is raised or lowered,sphere 36 will bridgecontact 38 and 40 causingalarm actuating unit 18 to generate a wireless signal. However, this bridging ofcontacts 38 and 40 will last for only a short period during normal opening of the window. Thus, eachtime plunger 20 is raised or lowered, only a small amount of power will be drawn frombattery 44. Therefore, even iflower window 14 is left open all day, the only drain onbattery 44 will occur during the short period as the window is opened.

The depressed position ofplunger 20 is shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2. Although occasional contact is made betweencentral portion 34 ofplunger 20 andcontacts 38 and 40, no signal will be generated byalarm actuating unit 18 sincecentral portion 34 ofplunger 20 is comprised of nonconductive material. 3

If it is desired to set the alarm system,lower window 14 will obviously be placed in its closed position and locked. Then switch 26 ofreceiver 24 is switched to its on position. If an unauthorized opening oflower window 14 is effected, plunger causesalarm actuating unit 18 to generate a wireless signal toreceiver 24.Receiver 24 will actuatealarm 30. Once actuated,alarm 30 will continue sounding until the alarm is manually disconnected.

Transmitter 42 is entirely conventional. Thus, transmitters utilized to open garage doors may be utilized.Battery 44 is also conventional. Although many different batteries may be utilized, it has been found that a B battery having a long shelf life gives satisfactory results.Casing 72 is comprised of a nonconducting material. Plastic has been found to be quite acceptable. Similarly,plunger 20 and pressure plate 32 are comprised of a nonconductive material. In this regard, plastic has been found to be a suitable material. The various O-rings utilized in the invention are also conventional.Contacts 38 and 40 are comprised of electrically conductive resilient material. The material must be such thatcontacts 38 and 40 will maintain a predetermined distance therebetween whensphere 36 is not disposed therebetween. Thuscontacts 38 and 40 will spring back to their original position aftersphere 36 has passed therethrough.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, actuatingunit 118 replaces actuatingunit 18 of the first embodiment but all other elements such asreceiver 24 andalarm 30 remain the same.

When bothwindow 114 and 112 are closed,magnet 110 is aligned withblock 211 ofswitch 200 and holds contact 136 against the bias ofspring 215. if either the top or the bottom window is opened,magnet 110 will no longer be aligned with the switch. The force generated by the bias of theextended spring 215 will causeswitch member 217 and its attachedcontact 136 to pivot around 214 and, during the course of this movement, contact 136 will make a brief, physical contact withcontact 138. The circuit will be closed,transmitter 142 will send a signal toreceiver 24 andalarm 30 will sound.

It is of course apparent that the attractive strength ofmag net 110 and the strength ofspring 215 will be chosen so that the magnet may overcome the bias of the spring when aligned withblock 211. When the magnet is displaced, as seen in FIG. 4A, the strength ofspring 215 must be sufficient to rotatecontact 136 into and then out of contact withcontact 138 to generate a signal but avoid undue current drain onbattery 144.

Receiver 24 may be a conventional receiver utilized to actuate garage door openers. For example,transmitters 42 and 142 may generate a wireless signal of a certain frequency having a characteristic modulation applied thereto. Thus,receiver 24 will be tuned to receive that particular frequency and will have means therein to demodulate the characteristic modulation and to actuate the alarm in response thereto.

in many instances, it is desirable to mountalarm 30 upon the exterior of the building to be protected by the alarm system of the present invention. Sincereceiver 24 may be placed anywhere in the building, it is a relatively easy matter to disposereceiver 24 at a position closely adjacent to the exterior wall upon which the alarm is mounted. Thus, no difficulties are encountered by connecting the receiver to the alarm by conventional electrical wiring. However, if it were not desired to connect the receiver to the alarm by wire, it is possible to utilize the receiver to generate a wireless signal to actuate the alarm.

A building protected by the alarm system of the first embodiment of the invention should include an alarm actuating unit for each upper and lower window. Furthermore, this alarm actuating unit of the present invention may be disposed in each door frame adjacent to the hinged side of each door in order to detect an unauthorized opening thereof.

The alarm system of the second embodiment of the invention may also be employed with doors or hinged windows by placing thealarm unit 118 on the door or window jamb away from the hinged side of the door and mounting themagnet 110 on the door or window itself. if desired the placement ofelements 118 and 110 may be reversed on the door and jamb. It is only necessary to have the two elements juxtaposed to each other so that the magnetic attraction of the magnet may hold the switch against the bias of the spring. As an alternative to the magnet, mechanical lock means may be employed on both windows to releasably position the switch in its inactive position. Such a means would permit motion of either window to release the lock means, thereby releasing the switch.

it is to be understood that although mechanical means have been illustrated to permit the wireless signal to be generated for only a short period of time, the momentary contact of the electrical contacts of the instant invention could be employed to trigger a separate, self-contained circuit. Such a circuit may be designed to energize the transmitter for a short, predetermined period of time which would, in turn, actuate the alarm.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof.

We claim:

1. An alarm system for detecting the movement of the top window or the bottom window of a double-hung window which in its closed position closes anopening comprising: a transmitter for generating a wireless signal; a relatively constant voltage power source; switch means; said switch means being disposed so as to detect movement of the top window or the bottom window; said switch means being actuated upon the movement of the top window or the bottom window a predetermined amount; said switch means being automatically deactuated during normal opening of the top or bottom window after a relatively short period of time after actuation; means electrically interconnecting said transmitter, said relatively constant voltage power source and said switch means so that actuation of said switch means during normal opening of the top or bottom window causes said transmitter to draw power from said relatively constant voltage power source for said relatively short period of time and to thereby transmit a wireless signal for said relatively short period of time; said transmitter, said relatively constant voltage power source and said switch means being electrically interconnected so that upon the expiration of said relatively short period of time said switch means prevents said transmitter from drawing power from said relatively constant voltage power source and further prevents said transmitter from generating a wireless signal; means for receiving said wireless signal; alarm means; means connecting said receiving means to said alarm means so that reception of said wireless signal by said receiving means causes actuation of said alarm means for a period of time longer than said relatively short period of time; means for disconnecting said alarm means so that generation of said wireless signal does not function to actuate said alarm means; said switch means comprising a first switch unit mounted to either the bottom or the top window; a second switch unit mounted to the other of the bottom or the top window; said first switch unit being comprised of such a material as to be displaced by a magnetic field; said second switch unit comprising magnetic field generating means whereby displacement of the top window or displacement of the bottom window said predetermined amount causes actuation of said transmitter.

2. An alarm system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first switch unit is mounted to either the upper portion of the bottom window or the lower portion of the top window and said second switch unit is mounted to the other of the upper portion of the bottom window or the lower portion of the top window.

3. An alarm system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said first and said second switch units are mounted to the inside portions of the top and bottom windows.

4. An alarm system in accordance withclaim 3 wherein said first switch unit comprises a first contact member and a second contact member, said first contact member being comprised of a magnetic material so as to be displaced in a first direction by said magnetic field generating means of said second switch unit when the top and bottom windows are in their closed positions, means biasing said first contact member in a second direction so that when either the top or bottom when the top or bottom window is displaced said predetermined amount said biasing means causes said first contact member to be displaced in said second direction causing said first contact member to be successively out of contact with said second contact member, in contact with said second contact member, and out of contact with said second contact member after being in contact with said second contact member for said relatively short period of time.

Claims (6)

1. An alarm system for detecting the movement of the top window or the bottom window of a double-hung window which in its closed position closes an opening comprising: a transmitter for generating a wireless signal; a relatively constant voltage power source; switch means; said switch means being disposed so as to detect movement of the top window or the bottom window; said switch means being actuated upon the movement of the top window or the bottom window a predetermined amount; said switch means being automatically deactuated during normal opening of the top or bottom window after a relatively short period of time after actuation; means electrically interconnecting said transmitter, said relatively constant voltage power source and said switch means so that actuation of said switch means during normal opening of the top or bottom window causes said transmitter to draw power from said relatively constant voltage power source for said relatively short period of time and to thereby transmit a wireless signal for said relatively short period of time; said transmitter, said relatively constant voltage power source and said sWitch means being electrically interconnected so that upon the expiration of said relatively short period of time said switch means prevents said transmitter from drawing power from said relatively constant voltage power source and further prevents said transmitter from generating a wireless signal; means for receiving said wireless signal; alarm means; means connecting said receiving means to said alarm means so that reception of said wireless signal by said receiving means causes actuation of said alarm means for a period of time longer than said relatively short period of time; means for disconnecting said alarm means so that generation of said wireless signal does not function to actuate said alarm means; said switch means comprising a first switch unit mounted to either the bottom or the top window; a second switch unit mounted to the other of the bottom or the top window; said first switch unit being comprised of such a material as to be displaced by a magnetic field; said second switch unit comprising magnetic field generating means whereby displacement of the top window or displacement of the bottom window said predetermined amount causes actuation of said transmitter.

2. An alarm system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first switch unit is mounted to either the upper portion of the bottom window or the lower portion of the top window and said second switch unit is mounted to the other of the upper portion of the bottom window or the lower portion of the top window.

3. An alarm system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said first and said second switch units are mounted to the inside portions of the top and bottom windows.

4. An alarm system in accordance with claim 3 wherein said first switch unit comprises a first contact member and a second contact member, said first contact member being comprised of a magnetic material so as to be displaced in a first direction by said magnetic field generating means of said second switch unit when the top and bottom windows are in their closed positions, means biasing said first contact member in a second direction so that when either the top or bottom window is displaced from its closed position, said first contact member is displaced in said second direction so as to make an electrical connection with said second contact member causing actuation of said switch means.

5. An alarm system in accordance with claim 4 wherein said biasing means comprises a spring and wherein said first contact member is displaceable about a pivot under the force of said biasing means.

6. An alarm system in accordance with claim 5 wherein when the top or bottom window is displaced said predetermined amount said biasing means causes said first contact member to be displaced in said second direction causing said first contact member to be successively out of contact with said second contact member, in contact with said second contact member, and out of contact with said second contact member after being in contact with said second contact member for said relatively short period of time.

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