Abstract:
An accessible smoke/carbon monoxide detector (combustion gas detector) apparatus and system aids in preventing alarm system failures and easing maintenance by providing a system that includes a ceiling mounted smoke/carbon monoxide detector and a wall mounted battery compartment including a test switch and a battery charge indicator. Both the wall mounted battery compartment and ceiling mounted smoke/carbon monoxide detector are provided in rated housings that conform to standard electrical box dimensions and specifications. The boxes include apertures for passing wires behind the surface of the ceiling and the wall, providing a permanent installation that does not required unsightly or easily damaged external wiring. The alerting mechanism may be a strobe light or an audible alarm or both, and a separate strobe light fixture is provided for mounting near the ceiling but on the wall where code requirements specify high wall mount installation.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates generally to smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and alarms, and more specifically, to a smoke/carbon monoxide detector and alarm having a battery and controls accessible by persons having a physical disability.  
           [0003]    2. Background of the Invention  
           [0004]    Ceiling mounted smoke/carbon monoxide detectors (combustion gas detectors or combustion product detectors) are required in all single/multi-family residential buildings. The detectors include an alerting mechanism, which is typically an audible alarm wired to the AC residential power system. For operation in case of a power failure, smoke/carbon monoxide detectors include battery back-up, typically in the form of a 9-volt rectangular battery.  
           [0005]    The battery and smoke/carbon monoxide detector are tested by depressing a test switch provided on the smoke detector housing, which causes the alerting mechanism to be activated. Some smoke/carbon monoxide detectors include a strobe light for alerting persons who are deaf or have reduced auditory function to the activation of the smoke detector.  
           [0006]    However, the installation of smoke/carbon monoxide detectors at the ceiling level (desirable for detection since heated smoke rises) makes it difficult to activate the test button and/or replace the battery. Installation on cathedral ceilings or ceilings that are higher than 8 feet, make testing and battery replacement impossible without the use of ladders. Furthermore, physically disabled and elderly persons in general are prevented from testing and maintaining smoke/carbon monoxide detectors without special modification.  
           [0007]    Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors can be modified to accommodate the physically disabled and elderly persons, but this is typically accomplished by adding unsightly and easily damaged wiring from the smoke/carbon monoxide detector along the interior surface of the ceiling and wall. In general, smoke/carbon monoxide detector designs are packaged in much the same manner as the original add-on devices were packaged, before their installation became a requirement in residences. There has long been a need for an easily maintainable and unobtrusive smoke detector system.  
           [0008]    Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a smoke/carbon monoxide detector system and apparatus for which maintenance and testing functions are easily accessed. It would further be desirable to provide a smoke/carbon monoxide detector in a package that is unobtrusive and easily installed during the construction of a new building. It would further be desirable to provide a smoke/carbon monoxide detector system having controls and batteries accessible by physically disabled and elderly persons.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    The above objective of accessible maintenance, unobtrusive packaging and ease of installation for a smoke/carbon monoxide detector system are achieved in an enhanced access combustion gas detector system and apparatus for installation in new construction of single and multi-family residential installations.  
           [0010]    The system includes a ceiling mounted combustion gas detector that is installed inside the ceiling and includes an aperture for passing wires above the ceiling and within a wall to a wall mounted battery compartment where the backup battery is contained. The battery compartment may also include a test switch that is also wired to the ceiling mounted combustion gas detector by wires passing within the wall and above the ceiling, for activating the smoke detector from an easily accessible height in conformity with American Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The battery compartment may also include a battery charge indicator for indicating the charge state of the backup battery.  
           [0011]    Additionally, the altering mechanism of the combustion gas detector may be a strobe light and/or the standard audible alarm and the strobe light may be located at the ceiling location, the battery compartment or within a separate wall mounted strobe light fixture for mounting on the wall at a height close to the ceiling where code requires and in conformity with American Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.  
           [0012]    Finally, the wall mounted battery compartment unit may serve multiple combustion gas detectors, containing the backup battery for each detector and optionally a battery charge indicator and test switch for each combustion gas detector unit.  
           [0013]    The foregoing and other objectives, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 is a pictorial diagram depicting an installed smoke/carbon monoxide detector system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIGS. 2A and 2B are pictorial diagrams depicting a smoke/carbon monoxide detector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3 is a pictorial diagram depicting a battery compartment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 4 is a pictorial diagram depicting a strobe light assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0018]    The present invention concerns a smoke/carbon monoxide detector system (combustion gas detector system) for permanent new single and multi-family residential installation in conformity with the American Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA generally concerns the design of facilities so that where possible, a physically disabled or elderly person is not disadvantaged in their use and maintenance. Smoke/carbon monoxide detector and alarm systems generally are mounted at ceiling height and require periodic maintenance in that the backup batteries employed have a limited lifetime. When a person cannot reach the ceiling mounted alarm, they cannot replace the battery. Also, the test switches for testing the detector and alarm circuitry are typically mounted on the smoke/carbon monoxide detector housing. In most installations, a typical ceiling-mounted smoke/carbon monoxide detector can only be tested by a person using a ladder. For cathedral or high ceiling mounted smoke/carbon monoxide alarms, a ladder is generally required. The present invention provides an alternative to traditional smoke/carbon monoxide alarms in that all controls and maintenance requirements can be met at a height at which they can be accessed by a standing person or a person in a wheelchair.  
         [0019]    Referring now to the figures and in particular to FIG. 1, a smoke/carbon monoxide alarm system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown installed as a part of new residential construction. A smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10  is encased in a housing that conforms to the dimensions and code specification for a standard plastic or metal electrical wiring box. Smoke/carbon monoxide detector is shown affixed to a ceiling rafter or ceiling joist  12  (depending on ceiling type) and may provide nailing sheaths on the outside of the housing for insertion of mounting nails. Smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10  housing includes an opening or aperture  16  on the top side of the housing through which electrical wiring  14 ,  18  can be extended above the interior surface of ceiling  20  (which is generally wallboard), providing electrical connections that are hidden from view and potential damage. Aperture  16  may be a opening in the electrical wiring box, conduit fastening aperture or cable-clamp attachment aperture in conformity with the National Electric Code (NEC) or other code requirement, and one or both of electrical wiring  14  and/or  18  may be extended through the opening, conduit or clamped at aperture  16 .  
         [0020]    Smoke detector  10  also includes a cover  22 , with details thereof shown in balloon  24 . Cover  22  is shown as a round cover having perforations  26  for the entry of smoke/carbon monoxide, whereby smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10  can detect the presence of smoke/carbon monoxide gas via an internal detector. Cover  22  is generally a thin cover mounted to the housing of smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10 , as all of the electronics of smoke/carbon monoxide detector as well as the alarm and detection device are located above the interior surface  20  of the ceiling. Perforations  26  also provide for the exit of sound from the smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10  housing if the alerting mechanism is an audible alarm mounted within smoke/carbon monoxide detector housing  10 . Wiring  18  is connected to a household AC power supply circuit and to a power supply input of smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10  for supplying power to smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10  when power is available. Wiring  14  is connected to internal terminals of smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10  and provide connection to terminals for supplying battery backup power for operating smoke/carbon monoxide alarm in the absence of sufficient voltage at AC power supply wiring  18 .  
         [0021]    The smoke/carbon monoxide detector system of FIG. 1 also includes a wall mounted battery compartment  30  that is mounted at a height at or below  48  inches, as specified for access in compliance with the ADA. Battery compartment  30  includes a cover  32  generally conforming to standard wall-switch cover dimensions and may be detachably or hinge-mounted to battery compartment, whereby battery compartment  30  may be opened for replacing battery. Battery compartment  30  extends behind the interior surface  34  of the mounting wall and the housing of battery compartment  30  includes an opening or aperture  36  on the back side of a standard plastic or metal electrical wiring box. Electrical wiring  14  can thereby be extended through aperture  36  behind the interior surface  34  of the mounting wall (which is generally wallboard), providing electrical connections that are hidden from view and potential damage. Electrical wiring  14  extends from the battery connections of smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10  to the battery terminals of a battery installed within battery compartment  30 . Electrical wiring  14  may also include connections from test connections of smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10  to terminals of a test switch within battery compartment  30 .  
         [0022]    Aperture  36  may be a opening in the electrical wiring box, a conduit fastening aperture or a cable-clamp attachment aperture in conformity with the National Electric Code (NEC) or other code requirement, and a portion of or all of electrical wiring  14  may be extended through the opening, conduit or clamped at aperture  36 . Multiple apertures may be used to provide exit points for different portions of electrical wiring  14 .  
         [0023]    Details of cover  32  are shown in balloon  38 . Cover  32  includes a test switch surface  42  permitting activation of a test switch coupled to smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10  test terminals via wiring  14 . Cover also may include a battery charge state indicator  40  for indicating to a resident the state of the battery enclosed in battery compartment  30 .  
         [0024]    An alternative cover  32 A for use with an alternative embodiment of the invention is depicted in balloon  38 A. Multiple test switches  42 A for activating multiple smoke/carbon monoxide detectors  10  are included on the face of cover  30 A and multiple battery charge state indicators  40 A are included to indicate the state of multiple batteries installed within battery compartment  30 . Alternative cover  32 A is used with an associated alternative battery compartment containing multiple batteries and wiring  14  includes connections to multiple smoke/carbon monoxide detectors  10 , so that the each test switch  42 A has terminals connected to test connections of an associated smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10 , each battery has terminals connected to battery connections of the associated smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10  and each battery charge state indicators  40 A are coupled to an associated battery to show the state of the battery associated with a particular smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10 .  
         [0025]    An alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a strobe light subsystem to provide a visible indication of an alarm condition at smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10  to persons who have a hearing disability. The strobe light subsystem (or the strobe light itself with driver electronics located within the smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10 , although that is not generally desirable due to the high voltages present) may be located either in the smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10 , the wall mounted battery compartment  30  or a separate strobe light housing including a strobe light subsystem having an electrical connection to smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10  for activating the strobe light in response to an alarm condition.  
         [0026]    Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is depicted. Smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10  includes a housing  11  in a shape conforming to a standard deep plastic or metal octagon box, and composed of materials suitable for electrical box applications. Mounting holes  12  are provided for the attachment of cover  22  and also can be molded to secure within housing  11 , a printed circuit board  50  on which various electronic components are mounted. A detector unit  54  provides detection of smoke/carbon monoxide, an audible alarm  52  (generally a piezoelectric element) and optionally a strobe light  56  are mounted on printed circuit board  50 , which includes components of a strobe light subsystem, such as a high voltage transformer. Note: if a strobe light is included with housing  11 , a transparent window will generally be required in cover  22 , although perforations  26  may provide sufficient transmission of light.  
         [0027]    Battery, test switch, battery charge state indicator and external strobe light connections  58  are provided on printed circuit board  50  and may take the form of a connector whereby wiring  14  may be detached. Wires  18  are not shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, but may be provided through a second aperture or may be introduced through aperture  16 , depending on code requirements. Wires  18  may also be provided as stubs protruding through housing  11 , providing an AC connection that does not require internal connection within housing  11 . Within aperture  16  an cable clamp  51  is installed to secure wiring  14 , but conduit connectors can be used for conduit applications, or an attachment device may not be required, depending on installation requirements. Alternatively, wiring may be molded through housing, or a rubber grommet used.  
         [0028]    Referring now to FIG. 3, a battery compartment  30  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Battery compartment includes a housing  31  conforming to the dimensions as a plastic electrical switch box and fabricated from a material suitable thereto, and a cover  32  also formed with dimensions and a material similar to a standard switch box cover plate. Cover  32  provides mounting for test switch  42 , battery charge state indicator  40  and optionally a transparent window  58  if battery compartment includes a strobe light  56 A. A strobe light subsystem may be mounted on a printed circuit board  50 A within housing  31 . A cable clamp  51 A is mounted through an aperture  16 A in housing  31  for securing wiring  14 . Alternatively, a conduit connector or wiring grommet may be used or an attachment device may not be required, depending on installation requirements.  
         [0029]    A battery  33  is mounted to housing  31  by a battery clamp  35  and has terminals connected to wiring  14  by battery connector  37 . Test switch  42 , battery charge state indicator  40  and strobe light subsystem  50 A are also connected via wiring to smoke/carbon monoxide detector  10 .  
         [0030]    Referring now to FIG. 4, a strobe light assembly  60  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. Strobe light assembly includes a housing  62  including a transparent window  58 A and is depicted as a housing  62  that may be mounted within a wall, whereby window  58 A is set flush to or slightly beyond the surface of the wall. A cable clamp  51 B is mounted through an aperture  16 B in housing, whereby wiring  14 A is extended to smoke detector  10  terminals  58 . A strobe light subsystem  50 B is provided, including a strobe light  56 B, for activation in response to a smoke/carbon monoxide detector alarm condition.  
         [0031]    While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form, and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.