Abstract:
A smoke detector test device comprising a stamped plate. Combustible elements are positioned and retained on the stamped plate which, when ignited smolder to provide smoke of sufficient volume to actuate a properly functioning smoke alarm without requiring or causing an open flame. The stamped plate has an aperture and inwardly projecting flanges that allow the plate to be effectively attached to a broom handle to give a user extended reach to place the device, and smoke generated thereby, in close proximity to the smoke detector. A method for forming the smoke detector test device is also disclosed.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a portable device for testing the operation of a smoke detector by safely producing smoke in close proximity to a smoke detector to be tested. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The number of fires in residences and businesses and the destruction caused thereby have resulted in the pervasive use of smoke detectors and smoke detection systems that provide early warning of a fire or dangerous condition by sensing smoke and sounding an audible alarm. Since 1969, when the first commercial smoke detectors became readily available, the number and type of smoke detectors have increased exponentially. While the vast majority of residences and commercial buildings are, in fact, now equipped with some kind of smoke detectors, that alone has not eliminated the problems or destruction resulting in fires, even in buildings in which smoke detectors are installed. Fire remains the second leading cause of death in the home, with over 3,500 deaths and billions of dollars in property damage attributable thereto annually. 
     In the last 30 years, smoke detector design and functioning have improved, and the latest incarnation of smoke detectors now are guaranteed by the manufacturer to be effective for 10 years on the condition that the batteries are properly maintained, while previously only a 3 year warranty was available. Most of the smoke detectors presently in use have outlived their warranties and useful life, however, and may be defective, although the homeowner is unaware of the defect. The confirmation and ramifications of the gradual failure of smoke detectors is underscored by a trend indicating that, while the number of total fire damage and death is decreasing, probably due to the use of smoke detectors, the instances of fires in which smoke detectors failed is increasing. That is, the National Fire Data Center, a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has determined that the number of instances of fires where an alarm was present but did not operate is increasing. The present invention is dedicated to reversing this trend by making the testing of smoke detectors less expensive and easier and safer to accomplish. 
     The operation of most smoke detectors relies upon the life of a battery installed therein. Generally, smoke detectors work in one of two ways. Some smoke detectors work by sensing the presence of particulates in smoke by detecting an interruption in photoelectric energy, i.e. a beam of light is interrupted, while others employ the use of an ionization of an air sample to detect smoke. In both the photocell and ionization smoke detectors, an audible alarm mounted within the smoke detector housing is triggered upon the detection of smoke. Because the photoelectric/ionization detection circuit and the audible alarm circuit require a power supply for operation, the power supply generally supplied by an on-board battery, the operation and effectiveness of the smoke detector is completely dependent upon the integrity and life remaining in the battery. While other defects in the detection and alarm circuits could still prevent effective operation of the smoke detector, as discussed in more detail below, the failure of the battery would render the smoke detector useless. Thus there is defined a need for a device that tests the operation of a smoke detector, including the integrity and life left in the battery providing power to the smoke detector. 
     One method for testing smoke detectors and particularly for testing the life of the battery therein is to bypass the photoelectric detection circuit to test the audible alarm circuit. Most often this test is done by pressing a button mounted on the smoke detector itself which, effectively, bypasses the detection circuit and triggers the alarm to sound. For a number of reasons this method for testing a smoke detector is disadvantageous. First, smoke detectors are generally mounted high on walls or on a ceiling, away from the floor, and they are not readily accessible for a user to test in this manner. To operate the test button on a smoke detector a user often must elevate himself and reach up to push the test button. Climbing on a ladder or chair or using other means for elevation or to reach the button on a high mounted smoke detector presents an increase risk of injury from falling, is inconvenient and requires the user to have a ladder or other device on which he can elevate himself available. 
     In addition, the test of a smoke detector by depressing the on-board button merely tests the operation of the audible alarm circuit by bypassing the photoelectric/ionization detection circuit. It does not test the sensitivity or operation of the photoelectric/ionization detection circuit. A problem in the photoelectric/ionization detection circuit, such as a bad photoelectric sensor or ionization chamber, or one that is not operating properly due to dust accumulated thereon, would not be evident by operation of the test button. That is, the test button could still close the circuit and trigger the audible alarm even if the photoelectric/ionization sensor was completely defective, and the user would mistakenly believe that the smoke detector was operating properly. 
     It is desirable to provide a device for testing the operation of a smoke detector, including the life of the battery and the operation of the detection and alarm circuits, by simulating the conditions under which the detector is designed to operate. The controlled creation of smoke in close proximity to the smoke detector is effective as a means to test a smoke detector, but it is desirable to do so without requiring the use of an open flame near the smoke detector since a flame presents an increased risk of damage or injury if the flame is positioned too close to the smoke detector or the wall or ceiling on which it is mounted. Preferably a smoke detector test device would generate smoke in the vicinity of the smoke detector by causing a combustible substance to smolder for a very short period of time without creating a flame, thereby creating smoke in sufficient volume to be perceived by the smoke detector which then triggers audible alarm to be activated. To make the use of such a test device safe, the user should be able to place it in close proximity to the smoke detector without requiring the user to position himself near the smoke detector, as on a ladder or stool, which is inconvenient and presents an increased risk of falling and injury. 
     Most manufacturers recommend testing of smoke detectors every 30 days. Recently government sponsored programs have sought to encourage testing of smoke detectors one to two times per year. With the use of a smoke detector test device as infrequently as once or twice a year, it would be advantageous to provide a smoke detector test device that is inexpensive to manufacture and operate so that a one time use of the device is reasonable. An inexpensive device with a combustible element affixed thereto that smolders when ignited, without creating or resulting in an open flame being present, and one which is readily attached to a broomstick or other extended handle commonly found around the home, would serve such purpose effectively and inexpensively. Such device would also be a true test of the operation of the smoke detector and thereby overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. A goal of a simple and inexpensive test device is to make the testing of smoke detectors every 30 days feasible. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,271,693 to Bute provides a telescoping smoke detector test device which includes a smoldering tip that is ignited by an electric supply mounted thereon. The telescoping arm can be extended so that the smoldering tip is sufficiently near the smoke detector to trigger its operation if the detector is working properly. The &#39;693 Bute device is disadvantageous, however, because of the complexity of the manufacturing and assembly of the device. The inclusion of a telescoping extensible arm and an electric source wired to ignite the smoldering tip can be dramatically simplified by merely providing a combustible element on a carrier that can then be quickly and easily attached to a rod, such as a broomstick or mop handle, without requiring the need for a telescoping extensible arm or battery operated ignition. 
     There is thus identified a need for a smoke detector test device that is simple to manufacture and assemble and that provides means for smoke generation without requiring or resulting in an open flame. The device is utilized by first attaching it to a broomstick or other rod to provide greater reach for the user, then igniting the combustible material mounted on the device which smolders to create the desired smoke, and then positioning the device near the smoke detector. Such device is simple and inexpensive and provides a means for completely testing the operation of a smoke detector, including the photoelectric/ionization sensor and the audible alarm, without requiring the user to climb a ladder to get close to the detector. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a smoke detector test device that provides a complete test of a smoke detector by creating the conditions under which the smoke detector is designed to operate. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a smoke detector test device that creates smoke to trigger the smoke detector without requiring or resulting in the presence of an open flame. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a smoke detector test device that is inexpensive to manufacture and operate. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a smoke detector test device that is attached to an extended rod to allow a user to position the device near a smoke detector without requiring a ladder or stool or other device to elevate the user. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a smoke detector test device having combustible elements secured thereto and an ash tray for retaining ashes from the consumed combustible elements. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a smoke detector test device having a simple and effective means for attachment to a broomstick or other extended rod commonly found in the home. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a simple and inexpensive method for manufacturing a smoke detector test device that is readily attached to a rod and which securely retains a combustible element therein. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for forming a smoke detector test device by stamping thin sheets of metal to form means for attaching to a rod, means for securely retaining combustible elements thereon, and means for capturing and retaining ashes of the consumed combustible elements. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a review of the following specification and accompanying drawings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The smoke detector test device of the present invention comprises a plate on which at least one combustible element is held, the plate having means for holding the combustible element thereon. The plate also has means for attaching the plate to a rod. The present invention, which merely comprises the plate, is used in conjunction with an extension rod routinely found in the home, such as a broomstick or mop handle, so that a user can position the plate in close proximity to the smoke detector being tested without requiring the user to climb a ladder or stand on a chair or stool. 
     The present smoke detector test device also includes an ash tray for retaining ashes as the combustible element is consumed. The means for holding the combustible element, comprising at least one cup formed in the plate, is positioned within the ash tray so that waste material comprising consumed portions of the combustible element are retained in the ash tray. 
     The means for attaching the smoke detector test device to a rod preferably includes inwardly projecting flanges that assist in securing the plate to a specific position on the rod. In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention the plate is an elongated strip and the attaching aperture is near one end of the plate while the ash tray is near the other end. 
     The smoke detector test device utilizes at least one short length of incense as the combustible element that is retained in the cup formed in the plate. In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention two short lengths of incense are provided and secured to the plate and are ignited simultaneously to ensure that sufficient smoke is produced to be detected by the smoke detector. 
     The most preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes a cap that can be positioned over the ash tray to extinguish the smoldering combustible elements. The cap also will prevent ashes from the combustible elements retained in the ash tray from spilling. Replacement lengths of combustible elements are attached to the plate, being secured thereto by raised teeth. When the combustible elements positioned within the ash tray are fully consumed, the replacement combustible elements are immediately available so it is not necessary to go looking for replacements. 
     The principles of the present invention also contemplate the method for forming the smoke detector test device described above. A generally elongated and flat plate is stamped to, first, form an aperture which provides a means for attaching the plate to a rod, and, second, to form an ash tray, as well as at least one cup within the ash tray to securely hold the combustible element. The smoke detector test device is also stamped to provide means for retaining replacement combustible elements to be utilized when the combustible elements positioned in held in the cups are fully consumed. In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aperture for attaching the plate to the rod includes inwardly projecting flanges that engage the rod and function to hold the plate in place. 
     The stamping of the plate of the smoke detector test device of the present invention may be effected in a single step, as in a metal stamping press, to transform a sheet of thin, flat metal, such as tin, into a plate having an aperture having inwardly projecting flanges, an ash tray and at least one cup formed within the ash tray which securely holds the length of combustible material. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the smoke detector test device of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is an illustration of the smoke detector test device of the present invention attached to a rod. 
     FIG. 3 is an illustration of the smoke detector test device of the present invention as used to verify the operation of a ceiling mounted smoke detector. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The most preferred embodiment of the smoke detector test device  10  of the present invention comprises a plate  11  having various provisions formed therein to facilitate its use to check the operation of battery operated smoke detectors in a house or other building. The smoke detector test device  10  tests the operation of a smoke detector by providing a source of smoke in close proximity to a smoke detector. The use of the smoke detector test device  10  of the present invention is advantageous compared to the typical test button found on a smoke detector which merely triggers an audible alarm to operate but does not test the functioning of the smoke detector to sense the presence of smoke. The smoke detector test device  10  is a device which fully tests the function of a smoke detector by creating the conditions, a smoky environment, that should trigger the smoke detector alarm when it is working properly. 
     The smoke detector test device  10  of the present invention has combustible elements  12 ,  14  mounted thereon. When ignited, the combustible elements  12 ,  14  smolder rather than flaming to create smoke which, when the smoke detector test device  10  is positioned near a smoke detector  16  (FIG.  3 ), triggers the operation and activation of the alarm on the smoke detector  16 . 
     The combustible elements  12 ,  14  each comprise a short length of incense that are retained in cups  18 , 20  that are formed in the plate  11 . In addition to providing a combustible substance that smolders to create smoke rather than flaming, the incense has the added benefit of providing a pleasing odor during the testing of the smoke detector. The cups  18 , 20  comprise hollow cylinders formed from the plate  11 . The combustible element retaining cups  18 ,  20  are formed so that the inside diameter is slightly smaller than the incense comprising the combustible elements  12 ,  14  so that the combustible elements  12 ,  14 , which are slightly compressable, can be pushed into the cups  18 ,  20  and will be securely retained therein. This allows a user to position the smoke detector test device  10  near a smoke detector without requiring the user to keep the smoke detector test device  10  level to avoid spilling of the combustible substance. 
     The plate  11  of the smoke detector test device  10  is used in conjunction with an extension rod  22 , such as a broomstick or mop handle, that is commonly found around the house. The plate  11  includes an aperture  24  located near one end  25  of the plate, the aperture  24  being engaged by the rod  22  as shown in FIG.  2 . The smoke detector test device  10  is maintained in a fixed position on the rod  22  by frictional flanges  26  formed in the plate  11 . In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention four flanges  26   a , 26   b , 26   c , 26   d  are formed in the plate around a central aperture  24  and are separated by slots  28   a , 28   b , 28   c , 28   d . When engaged by the rod  22 , the flanges  26   a , 26   b , 26   c , 26   d  spread out and engage the rod  22  as shown in FIG.  2 . The flanges  26   a , 26   b , 26   c , 26   d  are initially flat and coplanar with the plate  11 . As the rod  22  is extended through the aperture  24 , causing the flanges  26   a , 26   b , 26   c , 26   d  to separate around the rod  22 , resilience to bending causes the flanges  26   a , 26   b , 26   c , 26   d  to exert an inward force on the rod  22 , and the friction between the flanges  26   a , 26   b , 26   c , 26   d  and the rod  22  thereby prevents translation of the plate  11  on the rod  22 . While the preferred embodiment contemplates the use of four flanges separated by four slots, more or less flanges that operate to close on and around an extension rod are specifically contemplated and do not depart from the principles After the testing is complete, the smoke detector test device  10  is removed from the rod  22  by over-bending the flanges  26   a , 26   b , 26   c , 26   d  outwardly so that the smoke detector test device  10  easily slides off the rod  22 . After removing the smoke detector test device  10  from the rod  22 , the flanges  26   a , 26   b , 26   c , 26   d  are folded back in to again be coplanar with the plate  11  to restore its resilience that creates the frictional contact with the rod  22  that allows it to be held in place on the rod  22 . 
     An indentation functioning as an ash tray  30  is formed in the smoke detector test device  10  near the end  31  opposite the aperture  24 . The ash tray  30  surrounds the cups  18 , 20  that hold the combustible elements  12 , 14  so that, as the combustible elements  18 , 20  are consumed, the ashes fall into and are retained in the ash tray  30 . To prevent any spillage of the ashes from the ash tray  30 , a removably positioned cap  32  is provided that locks into the ash tray  30 . When the ashes have cooled, the smoke detector test device  10  is turned upside down so that the ashes fall into the cap  32 , from which they may be disposed. The cap  32  provides the further benefit of cutting off air to the combustible elements  12 , 14  so that application of the cap  32  extinguishes the burning consumption of the combustible elements  12 , 14 . 
     Because the combustible elements  12 , 14  are consumed during the use of the smoke detector test device  10 , the principles of the present invention contemplate the inclusion and mounting of replacement combustible elements  34  on the plate  11 . Teeth  36  provide a means for retaining replacement combustible elements on the plate  11 . The teeth  36  extend from the plate  11  and are spaced such that they hold the combustible element  34  securely between them. When either combustible element  12 , 14  is fully consumed, the replacement combustible element  34  is readily inserted into the cups  18 , 20  so that no search is necessary to locate replacement elements. While FIGS. 1 and 2 show a single replacement element  34 , it is specifically contemplated by the principles of this invention that multiple replacement elements may be provided and positioned on the plate  11  without departing from the principles of this invention. 
     The smoke detector test device  10  of the present invention comprises a simple device that is formed from a plate  11  that is, in the most preferred embodiment, a sheet of thin, solid metal. The plate  11  is stamped to form an aperture  24  through which an extension rod can be inserted to allow a user to position the smoke detector test device  10  near a smoke detector without requiring the user to be in close proximity thereto. 
     The plate  11  is also stamped to form the cups  18 , 20  in which combustible elements  12 , 14  are secured. The cups  18 ,  20  are formed within the ash tray  30  so that consumed ashes from the combustible elements  12 , 14  fall into and are retained in the ash tray  30 . 
     The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.