Abstract:
A method of mounting and dismounting a smoke alarm from a supporting element mounted to an overhead surface; said method including the steps of, inserting an elongate implement into an opening provided in a body of the smoke alarm, and applying a force via the elongate implement so as to detach the body of the smoke alarm from the supporting element, and wherein the elongate implement is applied by a user standing on a floor surface below the overhead surface.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to arrangements for accessing smoke alarms mounted to an overhead surface and methods for retaining and releasing a smoke alarm from a supporting element, including a vacuum operated locking device for connecting a smoke alarm to the supporting element. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Locking devices are known devices for securing components to one another. The most common use is retaining doors in a closed position, however many other examples exist including securing components of an assembly together. The present invention particularly relates to locking devices used in smoke alarms, either for retaining a protective cover or for retaining the smoke alarm itself to a ceiling, wall, or other mounting point, as well as methods for mounting and demounting a smoke alarm. 
         [0003]    Smoke alarms require periodic access, such as for replacing batteries or for cleaning. As they are generally mounted on ceilings, gaining access can be difficult, particularly in older style homes where ceilings may be very high. This poses a safety risk as inexperienced people using ladders in their homes may fall. An alternative risk is that the smoke alarms will be neglected due to the difficulty of access, resulting in malfunction due to flat batteries not being replaced or dust obstructing required openings. 
         [0004]    It is an object of the present invention to address or ameliorate some of the above disadvantages. 
         [0005]    The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. 
       Notes 
       [0006]    The term “comprising” (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of “having” or “including”, and not in the exclusive sense of “consisting only of”. 
         [0007]    The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0008]    According to one example aspect, there is provided a locking device for releasably securing a first component to a second component, wherein the locking device can be moved to a released position by providing a region of low air pressure proximal to a first opening of the first component. 
         [0009]    According to another example aspect, the first component further includes a second opening, wherein a conduit is configured to provide fluid communication between the first and second openings, and a pin is located at least partially inside the conduit. 
         [0010]    According to another example aspect, the pin protrudes from the second opening when the pin is in an extended position and the locking device is in a locked position. Preferably, the pin is more substantially within the conduit when the pin is in a retracted position and the locking device is in a released position. 
         [0011]    According to another example aspect, the second component includes a recess, wherein the pin is at least partially inside the recess when the locking device is in the locked position. 
         [0012]    According to yet another optional aspect, the pin can be moved from the extended position to the retracted position by providing the region of low air pressure. 
         [0013]    Preferably, the pin can foe moved from the retracted position to the extended position by gravity. 
         [0014]    In accordance with other optional embodiments, provided by way of example only, the pin is biased towards the extended position by a biasing means. 
         [0015]    In other particular, hut non-limiting, example forms: the biasing means includes one or more magnets; the biasing means includes one or more springs. 
         [0016]    Preferably, an outside surface of the first device is configured so that the region of low air pressure can be provided by a vacuum cleaner. 
         [0017]    In another particular, but non-limiting, example form, the first component includes one or more additional said locking devices. 
         [0018]    Preferably, the first component is a smoke alarm. 
         [0019]    In another form, the first and/or second component is a door. 
         [0020]    According to another example aspect, there is provided a smoke alarm that is secured using a locking device substantially as herein described. 
         [0021]    According to yet another example aspect, there is provided a method of releasably securing a first component to a second component using a locking device, the first component including a first opening, wherein the method of releasing the first component from the second component includes placing a vacuum cleaner proximal to the first opening. 
         [0022]    In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of mounting and dismounting a smoke alarm from a supporting element mounted to an overhead surface; said method including the steps of: 
         [0023]    b. inserting an elongate implement into an opening provided in a body of the smoke alarm, 
         [0024]    c. applying a force via the elongate implement so as to detach the body of the smoke alarm from the supporting element, and 
         [0000]    wherein the elongate implement is applied by a user standing on a floor surface below the overhead surface. 
         [0025]    Preferably, the force is a low air pressure force; the elongate implement being a wand or wand attachment of a vacuum cleaner. 
         [0026]    Preferably, the low air pressure force acts to release a retaining mechanism connecting the smoke alarm to the supporting element. 
         [0027]    Preferably, the retaining mechanism includes retractable pins extending from the body of the smoke alarm to engage with corresponding recesses in the supporting element; the pins being retracted into a non-engaging position when the low air pressure force is applied to the opening. 
         [0028]    Preferably, the low air pressure force secures the smoke alarm to an outer end of the wand or wand attachment sufficient to pull the smoke alarm free from a flexible annular retaining ring of the supporting element affixed to the overhead surface by applying a downward force to the wand. 
         [0029]    Preferably, an outer end of the wand or wand attachment is of rectangular cross section; the opening in the body of the smoke alarm being of similar rectangular cross section; the outer end of the wand or wand attachment inserted into and engaging with the opening so as to release the smoke alarm from a bayonet type connection by sequentially applying a turning force and a downward force to the wand. 
         [0030]    Preferably, the force is a downward force; the elongate implement being a handle of a cleaning device provided at an outer end with a threaded stud; the threaded stud engaging with a corresponding thread of a socket accessed through the opening. 
         [0031]    Preferably, the force is a sideways force to disengage a magnetic plate at the upper surface f the smoke alarm from a magnetic plate comprising the retaining element. 
         [0032]    Preferably, the magnetic plate of the retaining element is adhesively secured to the overhead surface. 
         [0033]    In another broad form of the invention there is provided a smoke alarm mounted to an overhead surface; the smoke alarm comprising a retaining element and a body portion; the body portion provided with an opening for insertion of the end of an elongate implement into the body portion. 
         [0034]    Preferably, the opening comprises a cylindrical socket. 
         [0035]    Preferably, the opening comprises a rectangular sectioned socket. 
         [0036]    Preferably, the opening comprises a threaded socket. 
         [0037]    Preferably, the elongate implement is a wand or wand attachment of a vacuum cleaner; a partial vacuum provided by the vacuum cleaner when the wand or wand attachment is inserted into the opening acting to change a retaining mechanism connecting the smoke alarm body to the retaining element from a retaining state to a released state. 
         [0038]    Preferably, the body portion includes at least one conduit in communication with the opening; a pin located in the conduit extending from the conduit to engage with the retaining element when the pin is in the extended state; the pin being retracted into a non engaged state when low air pressure is applied to the opening. 
         [0039]    Preferably, the partial vacuum provides sufficient attachment of the wand or wand attachment to the body portion of the smoke alarm to allow dismounting of the body portion from the supporting element to bring the body portion within reach of a user standing on a floor surface below the mounted location of the smoke alarm. 
         [0040]    Preferably, the body of the smoke alarm is retained by the supporting element through a bayonet connection; rotation and downward movement of the wand of a vacuum cleaner fitted with a rectangular section wand attachment engaged with the rectangular sectioned socket disconnecting the body portion of the smoke alarm from the supporting element. 
         [0041]    Preferably, the elongate implement is a handle of cleaning or other household devices; the handle provided with a threaded stud at an outer end of the handle; the thread of the threaded stud conforming to the thread of the threaded socket. 
         [0042]    Preferably, the body portion of the smoke alarm is provided with an annular flexible ring; the supporting element provided with an outwardly projecting annular flange; the body of the smoke alarm supported by engagement between the annular flexible ring and the outwardly projecting annular flange. 
         [0043]    Preferably, the supporting element is provided with an inwardly projecting annular flexible ring; the body of the smoke alarm provided with a projecting annular flange; the body of the smoke alarm supported by engagement between the annular flexible ring and the outwardly projecting annular flange. 
         [0044]    Preferably, a downward force applied to the elongate element when the threaded stud is engaged in the threaded socket, disengages the smoke alarm body from the supporting element. 
         [0045]    Preferably, the supporting element comprises a magnetic plate affixed to the overhead surface; an upper surface of the body portion of the smoke alarm provided with a magnetic plate conforming to the magnetic plate of the supporting element; the body portion of the smoke alarm supported from the supporting element by magnetic attraction, 
         [0046]    Preferably, the supporting element is affixed to the overhead surface by double sided adhesive tape. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0047]    Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0048]      FIG. 1 , illustrates a cross sectional diagram of a preferred embodiment of a smoke alarm according to the invention. 
           [0049]      FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of a smoke alarm removed from a supporting bracket showing pins of a locking device according to an embodiment of the invention in an extended position, 
           [0050]      FIG. 3  is a perspective of the smoke alarm of  FIGS. 1 and 2  locked to the supporting bracket, 
           [0051]      FIG. 4  illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment in a locked position within a bracket, 
           [0052]      FIGS. 5 and 6  axe perspective and face views respectively of a further embodiment of a smoke alarm according to the invention, 
           [0053]      FIGS. 7 and 8  are perspective and face views respectively of another preferred embodiment of a smoke alarm according to the invention, 
           [0054]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a smoke alarm and release system according to the invention, 
           [0055]      FIG. 10  is a cross section view of the smoke alarm of  FIG. 9 , and 
           [0056]      FIG. 11  illustrates an alternative preferred form of supporting element in the form of a magnetic plate. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0057]    The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments. 
         [0058]    In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures. 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , cross sectional diagrams of a preferred embodiment of a locking device  10  are shown for releasably securing a first component  20  to a second component  30 . The first component  20  includes a first opening  21  and a second opening  22  that are connected by a conduit  23 . The conduit  23  provides fluid communication between the first opening  21  and the second opening  22 . 
         [0060]    In the preferred embodiment the first component  20  is a smoke alarm and the second component  30  is a bracket. In other optional embodiments, the first and second components  20 ,  30  may foe any other components or objects that need to be releasably secured to each other. For example, the components may be cupboard doors being secured to one another, a cupboard door being secured to a door frame, a drawer being secured in a closed position, a fitting such as a light or decoration being secured to a ceiling or wall, or a storage device for securing or hanging items out of the way. 
         [0061]    In the preferred embodiment a pin  25  is located at least partially inside the conduit  23  and protrudes from the second opening  22  when in an extended position as shown in  FIG. 1A . The pin is in the extended position when the locking device  10  in a locked position. The pin  25  can be retracted so that it is more substantially inside the conduit  23 , this being a retracted position of the pin as shown in  FIG. 1B  and may be referred to as a released position of the locking device  10 , In the refracted position the pin  25  may be entirely within the conduit  23 , or may still protrude slightly from the second opening  22 , but to a lesser extent than when in the extended position. 
         [0062]    The second component  30  includes a recess  31 . When the locking device  10  is in the locked position the pin  25  is partially inside the recess  31  as best seen in  FIG. 1B , thereby preventing the first component  20  being removed from the second component  30 . By moving the pin  25  to the retracted position, further into the conduit  23  as is the case in the released position, the pin  25  is removed from the recess  31 . This allows the first component  20  to be removed from the second component  30 . 
         [0063]    The pin  25  can be moved into the retracted position by providing a region of low air pressure  41  at the first opening  21 . Preferably, this region of low air pressure  41  is provided via a vacuum cleaner wand  40  inserted into the opening  21 . The first opening  21  and the second opening  22  are in fluid communication, thereby transferring the low air pressure to an end of the pin  25 , since it is located in the second opening  22 . The low air pressure moves the pin  25  into the conduit  23 , into the retracted position, so that the locking device  10  is now in the released position. 
         [0064]    When the region of low air pressure  41  is removed, such as by turning off the vacuum cleaner  40 , the pin  25  falls back into the extended position due to the force of gravity. If the first component  20  and second component  30  are in the appropriate positions relative to one another at this time this results in the locking device  10  being in the locked position. 
         [0065]    In alternative embodiments, a biasing means may be included to bias the pin  25  towards the extended position. This would allow different arrangements of the locking device  10  where gravity does not cause the pin  25  to move to the extended position, such as a horizontally facing pin  25 . Similarly, it would allow the first component  20  to be mounted at any angle, such as a smoke alarm being mounted to a wall rather than a ceiling. The biasing means could include, but is not limited to, magnets, coil springs, resilient material, or any other suitable spring. 
         [0066]    The biasing means is particularly important if the locking device  10  is being used to retain cupboard doors. The orientation required in such a situation will often mean it is not possible to arrange the locking device  10  so that the pin  25  will return to the extended position under the force of gravity alone. 
         [0067]    The operation of the locking device  10  may be improved by limiting the air flow past the pin  25 . This can be accomplished by for example, but not limited to, providing a bushing, gasket, washer, o-ring or other sealing mechanism between the pin  25  and the conduit  23  or between the pin  25  and the second opening  22 . This will help to ensure that the low pressure region  41  woks to retract the pin  25 . Rather than air simply flowing in from the second opening  22  and past the outside of the pin  25 . 
         [0068]    An advantage of using a vacuum cleaner  40  to release the locking device  10  is that it allows for easy retrieval of the first component  20 . For example, long rigid extension pieces or wands  40 , are common on vacuum cleaners, thereby allowing the first component  20  to be removed even from a high ceiling without the need for a step or ladder. As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the first opening  21  is preferably in the form of a socket adapted for insertion of the end of a vacuum cleaner wand  40  sufficient to support the smoke alarm  20  on the end of the wand. 
         [0069]    In an example embodiment, the locking device  10  is arranged so that an entire smoke alarm is released from a bracket on a ceiling, thereby allowing for a battery in the smoke alarm to be changed or the smoke alarm to be cleaned, inspected and/or tested. The retaining bracket  30 , meanwhile, would be permanently fixed to the ceiling. Preferably, this would he a very simple item that does not require maintenance. 
         [0070]    In another example embodiment, the first component  20  may be a storage device to which clothes or other items can be attached, and the second component  30  may be a bracket. Again, the storage device can be secured to the bracket even in a position that would normally he very difficult to reach, thanks to vacuum cleaner extensions that are commonly available. This allows for items to be stored in positions that would otherwise be very inconvenient, thereby providing a means for utilising extra space in a home or other building. 
         [0071]    Smoke alarms are commonly wired to a source of mains power with a battery provided only as backup. In an example embodiment, this connection may be provided by the pin  25  and a contact in the recess  31 , or alternatively by some other system, of contacts in the smoke alarm and bracket that provide an electrical connection when the smoke alarm is locked in place in the bracket, while not preventing the smoke alarm from being removed. 
         [0072]    When the first component  20  is released from the second component  30 , it will ideally remain attached to the vacuum cleaner wand  40 , thereby allowing the first component  20  to be safely lowered without damage to the first component  20  or the first component  20  failing and injuring a person. The first component  20  can be removed from the end of the vacuum cleaner wand  40  when appropriate by providing sufficient force—or by simply turning off the vacuum cleaner. 
         [0073]    A seal  26  is provided at the opening  21  on the first component  20  that assists in providing the low pressure region  41 . This may include a sealing surface that aids with sealing to a typical vacuum cleaner attachment. It may also include an attachment, such as a cylindrical section, that allows a vacuum cleaner  40  to be connected directly. 
         [0074]    Returning the first component  20  to the locked position can be achieved by turning on the vacuum cleaner  40  and attaching the first component  20  to the wand  40 . This allows the fir at component  20  to be safely raised or moved into position, while also holding the pin  25  in the retracted position. Once the first component  20  is in an appropriate position, the vacuum cleaner  40  can be turned off, allowing the pin  25  to move into an extended position and thereby locking device  10  into a locked position to component  30 . 
         [0075]    Alternatively, the locking device  10  may be arranged so that it can be pushed into place without the need for the low pressure region  41  to retain the pin  25  in the retracted position. In other words, the pin  25  can be pushed into the retracted position by the second component  30  as the first component  20  is inserted towards the locked position. When the appropriate position is reached the pin  25  will automatically move to the extended position due to gravity or the biasing means, such that the pin  25  is in the recess  31  and therefore the locking device  10  is in the looked position. 
         [0076]    Another example embodiment includes a smoke alarm with two or more of the locking devices  10 . Two locking devices  10  will generally be sufficient, however three or more may provide a more secure retention of the smoke alarm and provide backup in the event that one or more of the locking devices  10  fail. In such an embodiment with two or more locking devices  10 , the locking devices may be completely independent, or alternatively may share certain portions. For example, an embodiment may include a single first opening  21  that is connected by a conduit  23  to two separate second openings  22 , where a pin  25  protrudes from each of the second openings  22 . 
         [0077]    In an alternative embodiment, the first component  20  may only be a protective cover of a smoke alarm and the second component  30  may be a permanently fixed main body of a smoke alarm. 
         [0078]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , an example embodiment is shown of a first component  20  that has been constructed by modifying a prior art smoke alarm. Pins  25  can be seen protruding from the sides of the first component  20  and a battery  28  is shown, illustrating that by removing the first component  20  the battery  28  can be easily accessed. 
         [0079]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , an embodiment is shown of a first component  20  in the locked position inside a bracket, or second component  30 .  FIG. 4  shows a different view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . In  FIG. 4 , two instances of the first opening  21  can be seen on the outer surface  26  of the first component  20 . 
         [0080]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in a further preferred embodiment according to the invention, the opening  21  in this instance is of a rectangular cross section. The rectangular section slot of the opening  21  is adapted to receive the rectangular section wand attachment (not shown) commonly provided with vacuum cleaners. 
         [0081]    In this embodiment of the invention, the smoke alarm  20  may be retained in a locked position in bracket  30  by a bayonet type connection, in which the smoke alarm body is provided with at least two, preferably three projections  32  as shown in  FIG. 7 , for inserted and rotated connection with corresponding openings  34  and ledges  36  in the bracket  30  shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0082]    In this arrangement the vacuum cleaner wand and the attachment serve only to allow a user standing on a floor surface below the smoke alarm of this embodiment, to reach and insert the wand attachment into the opening  21 . To release the smoke alarm  30  from the bayonet connection with the bracket  30 , the user need only apply sufficient rotation to the wand (and thus its attachment) to bring the projections  32  into alignment with the openings  34  to release and lower the smoke alarm to within reach. In each embodiment of the invention, the hole in the smoke alarm body accesses a socket of sufficient depth to support a smoke alarm on the end of an elongate implement inserted into the socket to safely lower or raise a smoke alarm body by means of the elongate implement. 
         [0083]      FIGS. 9 and 10  show another preferred embodiment of a smoke alarm release system in which the opening  21  accesses a threaded socket. The thread  38  of the socket conforms to the thread of a threaded stud at the outer end of an elongate implement which is a handle of a household device, such as commonly used on cleaning devices adapted for engagement with interchangeable cleaning heads or other implements. Typical examples are brooms, mops, “turks heads”, window wipers and gardening tools for example. 
         [0084]    The threaded socket allows a user standing on a floor surface below a smoke alarm  20 , retained in a bracket  30  attached to an overhead surface  40 , to screw the threaded end of the elongate implement (not shown) into the socket. In this embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the smoke alarm  20  is provided with an annular flexible ring  42  while the bracket  30  is formed with an annular projecting flange  44 . Alternatively, the flexible ring could be provided in the bracket and the smoke alarm body formed with a projecting flange. 
         [0085]    Flexible ring  42  is of sufficient stiffness to support the weight of smoke alarm  20 , but is also sufficiently flexible to allow the smoke alarm to be pulled through the ring  42  by a downward force applied to an elongate implement, either the handle with threaded end screwed to a threaded socket, or a vacuum cleaner wand applying sufficient vacuum force to pull the alarm body free of the flexible ring. 
         [0086]    Alternatively, the arrangement of a threaded socket shown in  FIG. 9 , could also be used to disconnect a smoke alarm, and bracket assembly interconnected by the bayonet system described above. 
         [0087]    In still a further preferred embodiment with reference to  FIG. 11 , the supporting element or bracket  30  is simply comprised of a magnetic plate  50  substantially conforming in size to the top side of the smoke alarm  20 . The magnetic plate  50  may be attached to the overhead surface by screws, by an adhesive or, more preferably, by means of double sided adhesive tape  52 . The top surface of the smoke alarm  20  is likewise provided with a magnetic plate  54  conforming to the plate comprising the supporting bracket. The adhesive strength of the double sided tape  52  and the magnetic strength of the plates  50  and  54  are such as to securely support the assembly of bracket and smoke alarm at the overhead surface by magnetic attraction. 
         [0088]    A user may disengage the smoke alarm  20  from the bracket  30  of this embodiment, by applying any of the elongate implements described above, that is, the wand of a vacuum cleaner or attachment if the opening is cylindrical or rectangular in section, or the threaded stud end of a handle for a smoke alarm with a threaded socket. The smoke alarm can then be slid sideways off the plate of the bracket and lowered to within reach of a user. 
         [0089]    It will be understood that the use of double sided adhesive tape may equally be used to affix a non magnetic smoke alarm supporting bracket to an overhead surface. Again the double sided adhesive tape is applied to the upper surface of the bracket, the upper adhesive surface of the tape exposed and the bracket mounted to an elongate implement and raised and pressed into contact with the overhead surface. In this case the bracket may employ any of the smoke alarm body retaining arrangements described above, such as the bracket with vacuum actuated pins, the bracket with the flexible annular retaining ring or that with the bayonet type connection. 
         [0090]    Any of the above described embodiments allows for the servicing or inspection of a smoke alarm by a user standing on a floor surface below a smoke alarm attached to a bracket mounted to an overhead surface, without the need to climb up to the smoke alarm. 
         [0091]    The last described embodiment above has an additional advantage in that it permits of the smoke alarm and bracket assembly to be mounted to the overhead surface without the need to climb up to the surface. As noted above, the bracket may be prepared by attaching the first side of the double adhesive tape to the upper surface of the bracket and removing the protective cover from the upper surface of the tape. The bracket is then connected to the body of the smoke alarm and the assembly attached to either the vacuum cleaner wand or the elongate handle, raised to, and pressed against, the desired location on the overhead surface, securing the bracket and smoke alarm to the surface.