Abstract:
An alarm system having means by which unauthorized entrance into an enclosure activates electro-mechanical apparatus which dials a second telephone from a first telephone, thereby informing whomever might be present at the second telephone that a particular location is being burglarized.

Description:
RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
     My copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 506,439, filed Sept. 16, 1974, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,937,891 issued Feb. 10, 1976, of which the instant application is a continuation-in-part. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The progressive breakdown of law and order in the United States has caused an alarming increase in the crime rate. Criminals and dangerous intruders continue to break and enter buildings and other enclosures, with the intent of unlawfully converting the owner&#39;s property into their own illegitimate and devious use. These robbers loot and plunder and maliciously destroy a substantial amount of the national wealth each year. Often these thieves are caught after they have left the robbed premises and following the act of converting stolen property into cash. Hence, it is difficult for the victim to provide law enforcement officers with the excessive high degree of proof required for the courts to punish and discourage the trespasser. Therefore, it is desirable that one be able to provide his premises with an inexpensive signal device by which anyone can be telephoned and advised that his premises are being burglarized. Moreover, it is desirable to be able to attain this attribute by using standard equipment available from most electrical hardware stores. Furthermore, it is desirable that such an expedient be simple to install in a small amount of time and be foolproof and reliable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to an alarm system having means by which unauthorized entrance into an enclosure activates electro-mechanical apparatus which dials a second telephone from a first telephone, thereby informing whomever might be present at the second telephone that a particular location is being burglarized. More specifically, the apparatus comprises circuitry having a plurality of switches which are actuated by movement of a closure member leading into the enclosure to be protected. One of the switches deactivates a relay, which actuates a motor-driven cam means. The cam means is arranged to sequentially rotate into contact with and move a pair of switches. One of the switches actuates a solenoid which releases the telephone switch button. This activates the telephone so that a dial tone is received. The cam means subsequently moves a switch button located on an automatic dialing apparatus. The dialing apparatus is arranged to connect the first telephone to any selected second telephone. 
     Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is the provision of an electro-mechanical apparatus which dials a second telephone from a first telephone in response to unauthorized entrance into an enclosure. 
     Another object of the present invention is the provision of simple, inexpensive electrical and mechanical apparatus arranged into the form of a burglar alarm. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide switch actuated apparatus connected to various closure means associated with an enclosure so that unauthorized entrance thereinto causes an automatic telephone dialing device connected to a first telephone to dial a second telephone. 
     The above objects are attained by the provision of a plurality of switches series connected to a solenoid actuated relay which energizes a motor-driven cam with the cam being arranged to actuate automatic dialing apparatus so that energization thereof causes a first telephone to dial a second telephone. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a part diagrammatical, part schematical view of one arrangement of apparatus made in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an enlarged, exploded view of part of the apparatus disclosed in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a part cross-sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, part cross-sectional top view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3 which discloses part of the apparatus seen in the foregoing figures; 
     FIG. 5 is a part diagrammatical, part schematical view of another arrangement of apparatus made in accordance with the present invention; and, 
     FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of part of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In FIG. 1, the numeral 10 indicates an ordinary dial-type telephone having connected thereto means 12, representative of an automatic dialing apparatus, by which any predetermined telephone number can be called by merely energizing the apparatus in a well-known manner. 
     Numeral 14 indicates a motor-driven, cam-actuated assembly for engaging and depressing a plurality of switches, 16 and 18. Switch means 18 is associated with the automatic dialing apparatus. 
     The motor-driven cam device comprises an induction motor 20 having a reduction gear assembly 22 connected thereto for rotatably driving a shaft 24. The shaft has a cam means 26 and 28 affixed to the marginal free depending end thereof. Electrical conductors 30 and 32 provide a suitable source of current for the motor, as for example, 110 v. AC. 
     As seen illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the cam means is seen to be positioned in superimposed relationship respective to a solenoid switch 16 and a call switch 18 so that as the cam means is rotated by the shaft of the motor-driven gear reducer, it sequentially engages and depresses the two switches; thereby actuating the automatic dialing apparatus. The switch 16 is first moved to its alternate position, followed by actuation of switch 18. 
     In the illustration of FIG. 1, the primary winding of a transformer T is connected to the 110 volt line voltage with the illustrated switch 34 being interposed therebetween for disconnecting the entire circuitry therefrom. The secondary of the transformer is connected by lines 36 and 38 to the low voltage part of the circuitry, which includes the solenoid of a solenoid-actuated, normally closed switch assembly 40, a first switch means which includes a plurality of conducting elements 42, and a plurality of normally closed switches 44. 
     Solenoid-actuated switch 40 is series connected by electrical lines 46, 48, and 50 to the 110 volt or primary of the transformer to provide the motor 20 with a source of electricity. A normally opened switch 52 enables the motor to be actuated for the purposes of test at any time by short circuiting legs 46 and 50 of the circuitry. 
     Elements 42 preferably are small strips of foil attached to windows and the like in a serpentine manner, so that when the glass thereof is moved, as by breakage, the normally closed circuitry comprised of the series connected strips of foil will cease to conduct electricity. 
     The normally closed switches 44 are connected to be moved to the open position by a closure means associated with an enclosure means to be protected against unauthorized entry. For example, closed doors and the like. When one of the doors are opened, one of the series connected, normally closed switches associated therewith will be moved to the open position, thereby preventing current flow through the two current conducting legs 36 and 38. This action moves the N.C. switch of the solenoid actuated switch apparatus to the conducting configuration. 
     The motor preferably is a low torque, stallproof motor connected to a 450:1 gear reducer so that the cam means is rotated 4 rpm. This arrangement enables the cam to be set to cause the apparatus 12 to dial a second telephone about 15 seconds following energization of the switch contacts at 40. 
     One source of a motor such as described herein is Ingram Manufacturing Company, series 75, 3 watt, 115 volts, 60 cycle. 
     In the figures of the drawing, it will be noted that the telephone 10 is of convention construction and includes the usual cradle 54, which supports a handset in the usual manner. The handset conventionally holds the spaced receiver buttons 56 depressed by the weight thereof when the telephone is not in use. Outwardly opening cavity 58 is closed at the top by an upper wall surface 60. The cavity is provided by the telephone manufacturer so that the telphone can be easily held in a person&#39;s hand. 
     Solenoid actuated interrupter 62 is removably affixed to the receiver cradle by means of the platform 64, together with a spring clip 66 which is affixed to the lower side thereof so that wall 60 of the telephone can be received between the clip and the platform in the illustrated manner of FIGS. 1 and 3. 
     The interrupter includes a coil 68 having a metal core, or armature, 70 reciprocatingly received therein, so that when the coil is energized, the armature moves thereinto. The armature is slidably received within the axial bores formed within the spaced coil holders 72 and 74. Blade 76 has a longitudinally extending rear edge portion rigidly affixed to end 78 of the armature. The forward edge portion 80 of the blade is preferably curved so that it forms a nose which easily passes over and depresses the buttons of the telephone. Block 82 is seated within a groove 84 of the platform. The block includes a slot 86 within which there is reciprocatingly received the before-mentioned blade. Opposed ends 88 and 90 of the block are freely received between the two spaced telephone switch buttons. 
     As best seen in FIG. 4, the blade is of a length which enables it to simultaneously engage and hold depressed each of the telephone switch buttons. The slot 86 extends past the buttons in a direction away from the solenoid so that when the blade is extended, the buttons are held depressed at an elevation which renders the switch attached thereto inactive. Stated differently, when the blade is extended into the slot, the buttons are depressed into the &#34;off&#34; position. 
     Electrical wires 92 and 94 provide the solenoid with a source of current. Electrical wiring connects solenoid wire 94 to junction 96; while electrical wire 97 connects junction 92 to one of the terminals of the switch 16. The switch 16 is connected to the other leg of the 110 volt circuitry at junction 98 and 99. 
     The automatic dialing apparatus 12 is available from Bell Telephone Company, and is referred to as a &#34;Magicall&#34;. The apparatus is programmed with a multiplicity of predetermined telephone numbers, each being indexed with indicia appearing in the illustrated viewing window 100. Any selected number displayed in the window is automatically dialed when the call button 18 is depressed. 
     The apparatus is placed into operation by programming the device so that a selected telephone number will alert a person at a second telephone 101. It is preferable that the party at the second telephone be knowledgeable of the burglar alarm system, or it will otherwise be necessary to send a transcribed message to the listener in order to appraise him of the unlawful act which is being carried out at that moment. 
     The cam means is superimposed above call switch in illustrated manner of FIGS. 1-5, with the cam normally being disengaged or spaced from the switches. The foil strips 42 are each series connected together, and to the series connected door switches, so that a current flow path is formed through the series connected foils, switches, transformer, and the solenoid. The switch 34 is closed to energize the transformer T with a suitable source of current, as for example, 110 volts AC. The apparatus is now in the standby configuration. Energization of the transformer moves switch 41 to the open position. Cams 26 and 28 are left clear of switches 16 and 18. The interrupter device is clipped onto the telephone cradle in a position whereby the receiver buttons each freely extend upward beside the block 82. Blade 76 is forwardly positioned against wall 87 of slot 86; and accordingly, the blade depresses the telephone switch buttons, since the shaft 70 is in the illustrated position of FIG. 4 when coil 68 is deenergized. 
     Prior to leaving the alarm device in the standby configuration, it is advantageous to close the N.O. switch 52 for a few seconds while observing the cam as it makes one revolution; thereby actuating each of the switches for test purposes. During this time, the telephone switch buttons may be held depressed with a finger, if desired. 
     When the operator must exit through one of the doors 42, it is advantageous that the switch 34 be actuated by a lock and switch device having a key therefore, so that the switch can be opened or closed from without the enclosure. 
     The present apparatus provides a foolproof burglar alarm system which is low in cost, easy to assembly, and foolproof in operation. For example, should one program the device 12 to telephone his home, and should a burglar intrude into his enclosure, one of the elements 42 or 44 would open, causing the solenoid 40 to become de-energized, thereby closing the switch 41, which in turn energizes motor 20, causing cam 26 to close switch 16, and thereafter causing cam 28 to actuate the call button. This action results in telephone 10 ringing the telephone 101. 
     Closure of switch 16 actuates solenoid 68, causing the armature thereof to retract blade 76 into the illustrated position of FIG. 4. Retraction of the blade releases the telephone switch buttons so that a &#34;dial tone&#34; is achieved. As shaft 24 continues to rotate, the cam 28 is brought into engagement with call button 18, causing the apparatus 12 to connect telephone 10 to telephone 101. 
     After the telephone 101 rings, the cam means continues to engage switches 16 and 18 each 15 seconds. This action continually dials the telephone 101 with the listener thereof hearing the &#34;clicks&#34; as the number is dialed over and over again. This action assures the listener that his alarm device has been actuated, and he should immediately telephone the proper authorities and appraise them of the situation. 
     In the embodiment of the invention disclosed in FIG. 5, wherein like or similar numerals refer to like or similar parts found in FIGS. 1-4, the circuitry is energized by closing contact 34 to energize the transformer and the solenoid coil of the solenoid actuated switch assembly 40. This action causes the N.O. switch contacts at 41 and 116 to assume an open position. 
     Test switch 52 can be closed to test the motor 20, as in the before-described manner. 
     Upon unauthorized entry into the enclosure means, one of the switch means, 42 or 44, will be moved to the open circuit position, thereby disrupting the current flow through the solenoid at 40, whereupon the two N.C. switch contacts at 41 and 116 close. 
     Current now can flow from junction 35, through conductor 48, contact 41, and along conductor 50 to the motor at junction 32, through the motor to the junction 30 which is connected to junction 99, to thereby complete the motor circuitry. Hence, the motor commences rotating the cam means into sequential engagement with the switch 16 and the call button. 
     Closure of switch 16 causes the blade to be retracted by the solenoid at 54, thereby releasing the telephone receiver switch buttons in ample time for a dial tone to be received prior to the automatic dialing apparatus being actuated. 
     A tape player 105, such as an ordinary tape recorder and player combination, is connected to be energized by closure of the electrical contacts at 116 so that a taped message commences to be audible over the speaker 106 concurrently with the energization of the motor 20. The speaker is positioned in close proximity of the ear piece of the telephone handset so that the taped message can relate the address of telephone 10 to the listener at telephone 101. 
     The Magicall is a Bell System Dialer Unit, manufactured by DASA Corporation, Andover, Mass., U.S.A., for Western Electric. The apparatus is described in Bulletin P/N 8021. 
     In each embodiment of the invention, the free marginal end 70 of the shaft 78 can be engaged and pushed with the finger to force the blade into engagement with the telephone receiver switch buttons, thereby reseting the apparatus into the standby configuration.