GB2420899A

GB2420899A - Smoke alarm housing

Info

Publication number: GB2420899A
Application number: GB0426686A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Frost-Gaskin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-12-06
Filing date: 2004-12-06
Publication date: 2006-06-07
Also published as: GB0426686D0; WO2006061575A3; WO2006061575A2

Abstract

An alarm housing 1 comprises two units 2, 3 which may be in a closed position as shown or moved apart into an open position but still mutually attached by a cord 5. The cord is preferably a tape. There is also disclosed a rod and hook arrangement for manoeuvring the unit 2.

Description

ALARM HOUSING

The present invention relates to a housing for an alarm device.

Within the context of the present application, the word "comprises" is taken to mean "includes among other things", and is not taken to mean "consists of only".

Smoke alarm devices play an extremely important role in saving peoples' lives and it is therefore important that they are properly maintained.

However, in use, smoke alarm devices are generally mounted on a ceiling, which is optimal for smoke detection, but where the alarm device is difficult to access. This can make proper maintenance inconvenient and difficult, especially for the elderly and disabled.

Many known smoke alarm devices are powered by a cell or battery which has a limited lifespan and should be replaced when charge is lost.

However, due to the inconvenience of accessing a ceiling mounted smoke alarm device, timely replacement of a cell or battery on loss of charge may not be carried out. This is a potentially life threatening problem.

Furthermore, due to the difficulty of accessing ceiling mounted smoke alarm devices general maintenance may be neglected. For example, dust can collect in the circuitry of a smoke alarm device, compromising sensitivity. It is therefore recommended that regular maintenance should be carried out to ensure that an alarm device remains fully operational.

A need therefore exists for an improved alarm housing that enables a housed alarm device to be easily accessed.

Remarkably, the present invention provides an improved alarm housing which addresses the problems described above.

* S *** Its *s* S * * S S S S 5 S S * S S * 5 S S S 5* S S S 5 * a S a S S 5 a 55 ** * * SsS S * * a a In a first aspect the present invention provides a housing for an alarm device wherein the housing comprises a first unit, a second unit, fastening means for reversible fastening of the first unit proximal to the second unit and a cord, wherein a first end of the cord is attachable to the first unit and a second end is attachable to the second unit. The housing can reside in a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein in the closed configuration the fastening means fastens the first unit proximal to the second unit and in the open configuration the first unit and the second unit are unfastened and can be moved apart from one another.

Within the context of the present invention, a "cord" is taken to mean any elongate material having essentially the same properties as a cord and includes, for example, tape or string.

In a preferred embodiment, the first unit comprises a receiving means for receiving an extraction device, wherein the receiving means is arranged such that the extraction device can fit securely, but releasably, within the receiving means, thereby allowing manoeuvring of the first unit and unfastening of the first unit and the second unit, through manoeuvring of the extraction device.

In a preferred embodiment, the first unit comprises a casing having an outer surface and an inner surface and a skirt extending from the inner surface, wherein the skirt and the inner surface define a cavity.

Preferably, the first unit is arranged to house alarm device circuitry and a power source, for example a cell or battery. More preferably, the alarm device circuitry and the power source can be housed within the cavity.

Even more preferably, the first unit is provided with clips for securing the alarm device circuitry and a power source.

In a preferred embodiment, the second unit comprises a flange for mounting on a ceiling and a wall which extends from the flange and which * . S.. S.. *** * * I S S S S * a * S S I S S S S SI S S S 5 * S S S S S S S 55 55 * S I.. S 5 5 5 I is sized and shaped so as to allow engagement with the skirt of the first unit. Preferably, the wall and skirt are sized and shaped so that they can slot together. For example, the skirt together with the casing and the wall together with the flange each define a volume having the same cross- sectional shape and the cross-sectional shape defined by the wall together with the flange is either marginally smaller or larger than that defined by the skirt and the casing. Thus, when the wall and skirt are slotted together an outer surface of the skirt abuts an inner surface of the wall, or an inner surface of the skirt abuts an outer surface of the wall.

Preferably, the wall extends perpendicularly from the flange.

Preferably, the flange defines at least one fixing hole for mounting to a ceiling, for example by means of a screw, nail or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing comprises a cord retraction device. Preferably, the cord retraction device is attached to the second unit. Preferably, the cord retraction device is a spring loaded cord retraction device.

In a preferred embodiment, the fastening means comprises at least one pin projecting from the skirt of the first unit and at least one slot defined by the wall of the second unit, wherein the at least one slot is arranged for receiving and removably retaining the at least one ifl. Alternatively, the fastening means can comprise at least one pin projecting from the wall of the second unit and at least one slot defined by the skirt of the first unit. Preferably, the at least one slot is substantially L-shaped or a bayonet-type slot.

Preferably, the fastening means comprises from two to four pins and corresponding slots. More preferably, the fastening means comprises three pins/slots or four pins/slots.

* S *S5 *SS *5* S * a S S S S 5 a * * S S S S 5 5 * S. S S S 5 * S S * . . S S *5 S. S * **. S * * S S In a preferred embodiment, the skirt of the first unit and/or the wall of the second unit are tapered.

In a preferred embodiment, the flange of the second unit is circular.

Preferably, the skirt and the flange define a substantially cylindrical volume and the wall and the casing define a substantially cylindrical volume.

Preferably, the wall extends Perpendicularly from the periphery of the flange.

In a preferred embodiment, the second unit is provided with two spring steel connection strips which allow connection to an external power source. Preferably, the strips are arranged to contact the alarm device circuitry housed within the first unit.

In a preferred embodiment the casing of the first unit defines at least one opening through which an LED may project.

In a second aspect the present invention provides an alarm device comprising a smoke alarm device and/or a different type of alarm device, for example a heat alarm device or a carbon monoxide alarm device, housed within a housing as described above.

Preferably, the alarm device additionally comprises a control including a receiver and a remote transmitter wherein the control enables an alarm sounded by the alarm device to be cancelled and also enables the alarm device to be tested. Preferably, the remote transmitter is housed within a remote unit that can be mounted to a wall via a wall-mounted bracket.

More preferably, the remote unit comprises a cancel button and a test button.

* . S.. *** *** S * S S S S S 5 5 * * * . S S S S S S. * S S 5 * S S * S S S S ** 55 * S *S * S S * p In a third aspect the present invention provides a kit comprising a housing or an alarm device as described above and an extraction device.

Preferably, the extraction device comprises a rod and a hook extending from the rod. Preferably, the hook comprises a resilient material, such as a plastics material. More preferably, the hook is sized such that it is necessary for the hook to be compressed for it to be received within the receiving means.

In use, alarm device circuitry and a power source, such as cell or battery, are housed within the first unit of a housing according to the invention and the second unit of the housing is mounted to a ceiling. The first unit can be lowered from the ceiling to enable easy access to the alarm device circuitry and the power source. Lowering of the first unit is achieved by inserting the hook of the extraction device into the receiving means. The length of the extraction device is such that this can be achieved by a user at floor level, On insertion of the hook into the receiving means the hook is compressed and therefore exerts a positive pressure on the receiving means, providing a secure fit within the receiving means. By manoeuvring the rod, the first unit can be lifted and rotated thereby causing unfastening of the first unit and the second unit. Thereafter, the first unit can be lowered. As the first unit is lowered, the cord will extend from the cord retraction device, thereby guiding lowering of the first unit and maintaining a connection between the first unit and the second units.

Lowering of the first unit enables convenient access for replacement of a power source, for example a cell or battery that has lost charge, or any necessary maintenance.

Following completion of any necessary maintenance, the first unit can be raised and fastened proximal to the second unit. Lifting of the first unit, positioning of the skirt of the first unit and the wall of the second unit and manoeuvring of the first unit to enable fastening of the first unit proximal to the second unit is achieved by manoeuvring the extraction device. As * . S.. *** *** S * * * S * * * S * * * * S * * * S I S S * * I * * . * S I II 55 5 5 ISI * * S the first unit is raised, the cord will be retracted into the retraction device.

Once the first unit has been fastened proximal to the second unit, the extraction device can be removed from the receiving means, by applying a pulling force. Due to the shape of the slots of the fastening means, this pulling force will not cause the first unit and the second unit to become unfastened.

Advantageously, the invention provides a housing which enables a ceiling mounted alarm device to be accessed conveniently and easily, without the need to, for example, climb a ladder to reach the alarm device. By providing a housing that enables an alarm device to be easily accessed, maintenance is made more convenient and therefore an alarm device is more likely to be properly maintained. A defective smoke alarm device is as dangerous, if not more so, than having no smoke alarm device, therefore, the present invention clearly provides a significant safety benefit.

Advantageously, the present invention provides a housing for an alarm device that comprises a fastening means for reversible fastening of the first unit proximal to the second unit means and a mechanism by which the first unit can be easily separated from the second unit when the second unit is mounted to a ceiling. The housing has a simple construction and is robust, reliable and easy to use.

Advantageously, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the skirt of the first unit and the wall of the second unit are tapered such that they are narrower distal to the casing and the flange respectively. This facilitates correct positioning of the first and second units for fastening of the first unit proximal to the second unit.

It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to a housing for a smoke alarm device, but could also be applied to, for example, an alarm **. . * * S S S * * * S * * S p * p 5 * ** p p p * * S * * * S * S ** ** * p p.. * * * S S device in which radiation, such as heat or gaseous air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide is detected.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the description of the presently preferred embodiments which are set out below with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a cross sectional view of a preferred embodiment of an alarm device housed within a housing according to the present invention.

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of an alarm device housed within a housing according to the present invention.

Figure 3 shows an exploded view of an alarm device housed within a housing according to the present invention in which both internal and external features can be seen.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an alarm device housed within a housing according to the present invention, in which both internal and external features can be seen.

Figure 5 shows a detail of the connection strips of an alarm device according to the present invention.

A preferred embodiment of an alarm device housed within a housing 1 according to the present invention is shown in figures 1 to 4. The housing 1 comprises a first unit 2 and a second unit 3, fastening means 4 for reversibly fastening the first unit 2 proximal to the second unit 3 and a cord 5, wherein a first end 6 of the cord 5 is attached to the first unit 2 and a second end 7 is attached to the second unit 3.

* * .** I.. ** * * a a S a * * * a * a * * * * S S S. * * * * S S S S S S S S 55 *j * S *65 S p The housing 1 can be in a closed configuration, as shown in figures 1 and 4, or an open configuration. In the closed configuration the first unit 2 is fastened proximal to the second unit 3 via the fastening means 4. In the open configuration, the first unit 2 is not fastened proximal to the second unit 3, and the first and second unit can be moved apart, but are still attached by the cord 5.

The first unit 2 comprises a casing 8 having an outer surface 9 and an inner surface 10. The casing 8 has a circular periphery and, as illustrated by the cross sectional view of figure 1, the overall shape of the first unit 2 is substantially that of a convex disc. A skirt 11 extends from the inner surface 10 of the casing and defines a cavity 12 that is substantially cylindrical, in which alarm device circuitry 13 and a power source, for example a cell or battery, can be housed. Clips 14 are located within the cavity for securing the alarm device circuitry 13 in place. The alarm device circuitry 13, which generally comprises a printed circuit board, defines a centrally located hole 130 through which the cord 5 can extend.

The casing 8 comprises a peripheral portion 80 which extends between the periphery of the casing 8 and the skirt and therefore surrounds the skirt 11. The inner surface 10 of the peripheral portion 80 is generally perpendicular to the skirt 11 and is substantially solid.

The first unit 2 comprises a receiving means 15 for receiving an extraction device 16. In the illustrated embodiments the receiving means 15 comprises an indentation, located centrally in the casing 8. The indentation is shaped so as to define a substantially cylindrical recess.

In addition, the first unit 2 is provided with attachment means 17, located in the cavity 12, to which the first end of the cord 6 can be attached. The attachment means 17 is located adjacent the receiving means 15, distal to the outer surface 9 of the casing 8.

* . 0 *p * . $ * I $ ** * I * p p I,. I * I I I a. p p ** * - p Lap I P In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the attachment means 17 comprises a loop about which the first end 6 of the cord 5 can be secured.

An alternative arrangement of the attachment means 17 is shown in figures 3 and 4. The attachment means 17 comprises a generally cylindrical body 18 and a pin 19. The body 18 surrounds the receiving means 15. A first end 180 of the body 18 is adjacent the inner surface 10 of the casing 8 and the body 18 extends therefrom, to a second end 181.

Adjacent the second end 181, the body 18 defines a slot 182 and holes 183 located either side of the slot 182. The pin 19 extends through the holes 183.

Furthermore the casing 8 defines at least one opening 20 through which an LED 21 can project.

The second unit 3 comprises a circular flange 22 for mounting on a ceiling.

The flange 22 defines at least one fixing hole 23 for mounting the flange 22 to the ceiling, for example by a screw, nail or the like. The flange 22 may also define a hole 24 for allowing cable access. A wall 25 extends Perpendicularly from the periphery of the flange 22. An inner surface 250 of the wall 25, together with the flange 22, defines a cylindrical volume 26. The wall 25 is sized such that it can fit snugly around the skirt 11 of the first unit 2 when the housing is in the closed configuration. In the closed configuration the inner surface 250 of the wall 25 abuts an outer surface 110 of the skirt 11.

In the illustrated embodiment the first end 6 of the cord 5 can be secured to the attachment means 17 of the first unit 2. The second end 7 of the cord 5 is housed within a spring loaded cord retraction device 27, which is attachable to the second unit 3. The second unit 3 comprises retaining clips 28 which enable the cord retraction device 27 to be attached to the second unit 3.

I I *SI Iss *S I * I * S * S S S * S. 5 I I a. S I I * * I S * ** S. I I I.. a * * I * In the embodiment shown in figures 2 to 4 the cord 5 is a tape. The second unit 3 is provided with a roller 29 and clips 290 for retaining the roller 29. The cord 5 extends from the cord retraction device 27, over the roller 29, which acts as a guide for the cord 5. The first end 6 of the cord defines a hole 60 which enables the first end 6 of the cord 5 to be attached to the attachment means 17. The first end 6 of the cord 5 is received within the slot 182 and secured thereto by the pin 19, which extends through the hole 60.

In the closed configuration the majority of the length, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 95%, of the cord 5 is coiled within the spring loaded cord retraction device 27. The cord 5 is preferably between 1.5 and 2 metres in length.

When the housing is in the closed configuration, the first unit 2 is fastened proximal to the second unit 3 and the skirt 11 of the first unit lies partially within the wall 25 of the second unit. In the embodiment shown in figure 1 the peripheral portion 80 of the casing 8 and the skirt 11 define a recess 81 for receiving part of the wall 25 when the housing is in the closed configuration. This recess is not present in the embodiment shown in figures 2 to 4.

The fastening means 4 comprises pins 30 projecting from the skirt 11 of the first unit and the wall 25 of the second unit 3 defines corresponding slots 31. The slots 31 are arranged and shaped so that each slot 31 can receive and removably retain a pin 30.

The wall 25 of the second unit 3 comprises a first edge 32, which adjoins the flange 22 and a second edge 33 distal thereto. Each slot 31 is defined by a shaped segment of the second edge 33 of the wall 25. The shaped segment comprises first and second portions 34, 35 which are generally straight and a third portion 36 which is curved. The first portion 34 has a first end 340 and a second end 341 wherein the first end 340 is adjacent *S. *S. S.. ** *.* * * * . . S * * * S. * * * S * * *.: *S * * :. :. : : S 5 * . the second edge 33 of the wall 25. The first portion 34 is approximately perpendicular to the wall 25. The second portion 35 extends from the second end 341 of the first portion 34 and has a second end 350 distal thereto. The second portion 35 is approximately perpendicular to the first portion 34 and approximately parallel to the second edge 33 of the wall 25. The third portion 36 extends between the second end 350 of the second portion 35 and the second edge 33 of the wall 25 and forms an approximately S-shaped curve.

Each slot 30 IS approximately L-shaped, having a neck 37 and a head 38.

The neck 37 comprises a first end, adjacent the second edge 33 of the wall 25, and is tapered to a second end. The head 38 extends, generally Perpendicularly, from the second end of the neck 37 and widens as it extends therefrom. The slot 31 is therefore comprises a narrow region 39 where the neck 37 and the head 38 meet. The shape of the slot 31, in particular the taper of the neck 37, facilitates location of a pin 30 within the slot 31. A pin 30 can be retained within the head 38 of the slot 31 and the narrow region 39 means that it is necessary for the pin 30 to be raised for it to pass through the narrow region 39 and be removed from the slot 31. The pin 30 can therefore be retained securely, but removably, within the slot 31.

The skirt 11 of the first unit and the wall 25 of the second unit are tapered to facilitate fastening of the first unit 2 proximal to the second unit 3.

The second unit 3 is provided with two spring steel connection strips 40 which allow connection to an external power source. The connection strips 40 comprise a first end 400 that is arranged to contact power tracks 41 on the alarm device circuitry 13 and a second end 401 that can be received by a voltage contact retaining unit 42, that is attachable to the flange 22. The external power source can act as a back up power source.

For safety, the external power source is connected via a 12V transformer to avoid mixed voltages.

*. s's.1: : :1 * S S * * * S *S * * * * S * * * * * *. :. : : * * * * The present invention also provides a kit comprising an alarm housing or an alarm device as described above and an extraction device 16. The extraction device 16 comprises a rod 43 and a hook 44 extending from the rod 43. The hook 44 and the receiving means 15 are illustrated in figure 3. A cap 45 is positioned on the rod 43 and the hook 44 extends from the cap 45. The hook 44 comprises a resilient material, such as a plastics material, and forms an incomplete loop, with a single, small opening 440. The hook 44 is sized such that it is necessary it to be compressed, by closing of the opening 440, for it to be received within the receiving means 15. Due to the size and configuration of the hook 44, when the hook 44 is received by the receiving means 15 it exerts a positive pressure on the receiving means 15, thereby forming a secure hold that enables the first unit 2 to be manoeuvred by manoeuvring of the extraction device 16.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. it is therefore intended that such changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims.

*. *. : *ss * * * * S * * S ** S S * . S * S S * S 5 * 55* * * * .. ** * S S * *

Claims

1. A housing for an alarm device wherein the housing comprises a first unit, a second unit, fastening means for reversible fastening of the first unit proximal to the second unit and a cord, wherein a first end of the cord is attachable to the first unit and a second end is attachable to the second unit.

2. A housing according to claim 1 which is capable of residing in a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein in the closed configuration the fastening means fastens the first unit proximal to the second unit and in the open configuration the first unit and the second unit are unfastened and can be moved apart from one another.

3. A housing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first unit comprises a receiving means for receiving an extraction device, wherein the receiving means is arranged such that the extraction device can fit securely, but releasably, within the receiving means, thereby allowing manoeuvring of the first unit and unfastening of the first unit and the second unit, through manoeuvring of the extraction device.

4. A housing according to any of claim 1 to 3, wherein the first unit comprises a casing having an outer surface and an inner surface and a skirt extending from the inner surface, wherein the skirt and the inner surface define a cavity.

5. A housing according to any preceding claim, wherein the first unit is arranged to house alarm device circuitry and a power source.

6. A housing according to claim 5, wherein the alarm device circuitry and the power source can be housed within the cavity.

*. *. : :. :. ** * S * * * S * S. * * * *.: * * * * *. :. : : * S * *

7. A housing according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first unit is provided with clips for securing the alarm device circuitry and a power Source.

8. A housing according to any preceding claim, wherein the second unit comprises a flange for mounting on a ceiling and a wall which extends from the flange and which is sized and shaped so as to allow engagement with the skirt of the first unit.

9. A housing according to claim 8, wherein the wall and skirt are sized and shaped so that they can slot together.

10. A housing according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the skirt together with the casing and the wall together with the flange each define a volume having the same cross-sectional shape and the cross- sectional shape defined by the wall together with the flange is either marginally smaller or larger than that defined by the skirt and the casing.

11. A housing according to any of claim 8 to 10, wherein the wall extends Perpendicularly from the flange.

12. A housing according to any of claim 8 to 11, wherein the flange defines at least one fixing hole for mounting to a ceiling, for example by means of a screw, nail or the like.

13. A housing according to any preceding claim comprising a cord retraction device.

14. A housing according to claim 13, wherein the cord retraction device is attachable to the second unit.

S. *. .: :. : . * . S * * S S S. * * * S S S S 5 * ** S. S *S. S 5.

15. A housing according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the cord retraction device is a spring loaded cord retraction device.

16. A housing according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastening means comprises: (a) at least one pin projecting from the skirt of the first unit and at least one slot defined by the wall of the second unit, or (b) at least one pin projecting from the wall of the second unit and at least one slot defined by the skirt of the first unit, wherein the at least one slot is arranged for receiving and removably retaining the at least one pin.

17. A housing according to claim 16, wherein the at least one slot is substantially L-shaped or a bayonet-type slot.

18. A housing according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the fastening means comprises from two to four pins and corresponding slots.

19. A housing according to any of claims 8 to 18, wherein the skirt of the first unit and/or the wall of the second unit are tapered.

20. A housing according to any preceding claim, wherein the second unit is provided with two spring steel connection strips which allow connection to an external power source.

21. A housing according to claim 20, wherein the strips are arranged to contact the alarm circuitry housed within the first unit.

22. A housing according to any of claims 4 to 21, wherein the casing of the first unit defines at least one opening through which an LED may project.

*. *. : :. : . * S S * * S * *: :*: :. . *

23. An alarm device comprising a smoke alarm device and/or a different type of alarm device, for example a heat alarm device or a carbon monoxide alarm device, housed within a housing according to any preceding claim.

24. An alarm device according to claim 23, additionally comprising a control including a receiver and a remote transmitter wherein the control enables an alarm sounded by the alarm device to be cancelled and also enables the alarm device to be tested.

25. A kit comprising a housing according to any of claims 1 to 22 or an alarm device according to claim 23 or 24 and an extraction device.

26. A kit according to claim 25, wherein the extraction device comprises a rod and a hook extending from the rod.

27. A kit according to claim 26, wherein the hook comprises a resilient material, such as a plastics material.

28. A kit according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the hook is sized such that it is necessary for the hook to be compressed for it to be received within the receiving means.

29. A housing, an alarm device or a kit substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in any of the figures of the accompanying drawings.

S. *S. .: :. **. * * * * * * * * * * S * * S * * S * S * * * * * ** S. S S S S * *