Improvements in and relating to Automatic Mechanical Alarums.
Year: 1899

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Automatic Mechanical Alarums.
I, JAMES WILLIAM BOYCE, of Ebenezer Villa, Cheltenham, in the County of
Gloucester, Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention. to be
as follows:-
This invention relates to automatic mechanical alarums, and the object thereof
is to construct a device which shall be adapted for adjustment in reference to
any aperture or opening where a door or window is inserted, particularly bedroom
doors or windows, between which and the jambs, or sashes, or frames thereof
the device may be instantly adjusted in a self sustaining position; so that in
the event of such doors, or windows being opened however gently or suddenly
from the outside the alarum will be immediately released from its position and
thereupon by means of the action of a spring, or springs so arranged as to ensure
automatic action of the device, whereby a blank cartridge is exploded with a
report sufficiently loud to arouse persons in any house of ordinary size; or by
increasing the size of the alarum a report sufficiently loud may be ensured as
to be heard throughout an extensive building.
The ordinary device may be small enough to be carried in any ordinary waist-
coat pocket without inconvenience to the wearer, and is therefore particularly
adapted for the use of commercial travellers, or persons travelling at home or
abroad.
The device may, if desired be connected to the doors or window frames, or to
the jambs or sashes thereof by means of a simple screw or pin, or by means of
a link, or a length of chain, or string or the like; and said device may be con-
structed in two, or more parts as desired; the same, as to one end thereof,
preferably tapering to a point and being likewise jointed, or hinged at any
suitable part of their length.
The base portion of the device may be provided with a well or receiver, for
the purpose of accomodating a cartridge; and the upper or striking portion
may be provided with a disc, or stud, or pin of desirable form, the said upper
portion being operated by means of a spring or springs of any desired form
or section, in such a manner as to cause the striking part or parts to come into
contact with the base portion, with such degree of force as to explode the
cartridge.
The device may be of any desirable form, that is to say, a straight base portion
may be provided with suitable lugs or ears, or with links at, or near its centre
for the purpose of the adjustment of the striking arm, lever, or pivotted link,
and the spring or springs or it may be constructed so that each of two portions,
provided with a spring adjustment between them, or so adjusted to them that
the portions clasp in striking and are of such a character that the parts when
in the operative position lodge back to back, and in striking are brought face
to face.
A further modification consists of a base piece carrying the cartridge and a
suitable spring provided with a hammer or striking stud, disc, or pin. And a

page_text: further modification is that of a base block provided with a horizontally adjusted
lever, or levers, or a sliding bolt, said lever, or levers, or bolt being operated
preferably by means of a spring or springs.
In the accompanying drawings which represent one form of the device like
letters and figures indicate like or equivalent parts.
Fig. 1, is representative of a side elevation of the alarum in the operative
position.
Fig. 2 is representative of a side elevation of the alarum in the inoperative
position.
Fig. 3 represents a plan of the last preceding figure.
A, is the striker.
a, the stud or pin thereon.
33, the base plate or bed.
b, the lugs or ears thereon.
bi, the spindle.
62, the spring base stud, rivet, or screw.
BB, the cartridge.
C the spring.
Dated this 21st day of October 1899.
Improvements in and relating to Automatic Mechanical Alarums.
I, JAMES WILLIAM BOYCE, of Ebenezer Villa, Cheltenham, in the County of
Gloucester, Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to automatic mechanical alarums, and the object thereof
is to provide a device of this class which shall be adapted for adjustment to any
aperture or opening where a door, or window is involved, and between which
and the jambs, or sashes, or frames thereof, the device may be instantly adjusted
in a self sustaining position, so that in the event of such doors, or windows, or
other closures being opened, however quietly or suddenly from the outside, the
device will be immediately relieved from its position, and the alarm element-
similar to that of a fire arm-will at the same instant be automatically operated.
The invention consists in the construction and arrangement of parts, and in
the method of applying them in use as hereinafter specified.
Hitherto this class of device has generally been attached to the jambs, frames,
or floor, so that only one or more portions of the device have been disturbed
and not the device as a whole.
In such cases the alarums have occupied more space, and invariably required
a mechanical tool to fix them in position, whilst occasionaly there has been an
element of uncertainty in their action.
My invention affords the following advantages namely:-
-
1st. It is portable, not necessarily requiring tools in order to adjust it.
2nd. It is compact, the smallest may be carried in an ordinary waistcoat
pocket.
3rd. It is of light weight, the smallest being about 1½ ounces.
4th. Its action is instantaneous upon the closure being interfered with.
5th. Its striking parts cannot readily get out of order, and its response is
certain

page_text: 6th. It cannot be tampered with from the opposite side of the closure to that
on which it is fixed.
7th. It can be manufactured at a moderate price.
In the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters denote
corresponding parts in the several views.
Fig. 1, is a side elevation-partly in section-of an alarum in the operative
position.
Fig. 2, is a like elevation of the device in the inoperative position.
Fig. 3, is a plan view thereof.
Fig. 4, is a side elevation of a modified form of the device in the operative
position.
Fig. 5, is a like elevation of the device in the inoperative position.
Fig. 6, is a like elevation of a modified form of device in the operative position.
Fig. 7, is a like elevation of a modified form of device in the operative position.
Fig. 8, is a like elevation-partly in section--of a further modification, in the
operative position.
Fig. 9 is a like elevation-partly in section-of a further modification in the
operative position.
Fig. 10 is a plan view-partly in section-thereof.
Fig. 11 is a plan view of a further modification in the operative position.
In the practice of my invention, referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, 1 provide an
alarum comprising a body member A, and a striker member B said body
member embodying an open loop shaped portion C, from the end of which pro-
jects an arm 1 carrying a head E, which is recessed to receive the cartridge or
cap F, which in the operation of the device as hereinafter described, is detonated,
thereby sounding an alarm.
The arm D projects from one end of the loop shaped portion C of the body
member, whilst from the other end thereof projects a pointed arm G, the purpose
of which is hereinafter described.
The loop shaped portion of the body member, is provided with a pair of
oppositely arranged lugs H, in which is journal a shaft J, and the striker
member B is fixed to said shaft at its inner or bifurcated end, and is provided
with a striker pin K, which operates in connection with the cap or cartridge F
to detonate the same in the manner hereinafter described.
One end of the coiled spring L is fixed to the shaft J,. the other end M, being
fixed to the body member A at N, and the tendency of said spring L is to
depress the striker B into position, wherein the striker pin K may engage the
cap, or cartridge F.
The striker member B is pointed at its outer end as clearly shewn in the
drawings, and in the use of the device, the pointed ends of the striker member B,
and the arm C of the body member A, are passed between the door jamb and
door, window frame and sash; or the corresponding portions of different
closures, in connection with which the device is used. The tapered parts may
be burred, whereby as the door window or other closure is moved, either the
body member A, or the striker member B will be freed to bring the striker
pin K into contact with the cap, or cartridge, thereby detonating the same, and
thus sounding an alarm suitable for the purpose in view.
The pointed end of the arm G of the body member A may, if desired, be
provided with an eye for the reception of a nail or screw; or it may, if desired,
Le provided with a vertical spike for the purpose of being forced into the top
of the door, or into a window frame; and the door or window is in closing,
caused to maintain the pointed end of the striker member B in position relative
to the arm G of the body member A shewn in the drawings in Fig. 1 whereby
upon movement of the door, or window the striker arm is freed to engage. the
cap or cartridge, and detonate the same.
Figs. 4, 5 shew a modified form of construction embodying a body member O,
and a striker member P which are tensionally connected at Q, or at Q and R

page_text: respectively, whereby a tendency exists to force a striker pin K imposed upon
the striker arm P into engagement with a cap, or cartridge F connected with
the body member O. Each of the members and P is sharpened at one end,
as at T and U respectively; and in the use of the device said sharpened ends
are passed between the door, which is shewn in section at V, and the door
frame shewn in section at W, or between the corresponding parts of suitable
closures whereby as the door is swung or moved away from the door frame
the alarm device will be freed, and the body member will be brought into
engagement with the striker member, whereby the striker pin will detonate the
cap or cartridge.
In reference to Fig. 6, the body member A' may be bent to the form shewn,
and the curved guide rod X carrying the spiral spring L¹ may be shortened at
each end, and be rivetted in position; or the ends may be threaded and be
secured by nuts. The striker arm B may be pivotted to the body member by
piercing the last named at the elbow shewn, and thereafter placing the pierced
or bent end of the striker arm in position, and passing a pin J¹ therethrough
as shewn; or either or both members may be provided with ears by turning up
a portion of the metal, or otherwise. The striker arm is provided with a pin
as shewn, and the body member is likewise provided with a receiver for the
cartridge.
Referring to Fig. 7 the body member A¹ may be bent, and likewise slotted,
if desired for the purpose of receiving and having secured thereto the end of
the plain, tapered, laminated, or equivalent spring striker member B2, and in
providing the last named with the pin K the base of said pin may be provided
with a pronounced head so that it may obtain lodgment on the body member,
which may be suitably recessed for that purpose; the end of the spring may
likewise be slightly bent, if desired, in order to overlap the end of the body
member A¹.
The
Fig. 8 shews a modified form of construction, the barrel, or body member A³
being formed as shewn or in longitudinal sections rivetted, or screwed together;
or the body member may consist of a plain bar bent at one end to a right angle,
and having curved ears, or flanged pieces rivetted or otherwise secured
thereto. The bent end may, if desired, be formed and rivetted on to the barrel;
and the same method may likewise apply to the plunger or striker B.
crosspin Y may work through slots in the barrel, if desired, and the said barrel
may be provided with a pierced disc to form a bearing for the spring L2, and
to admit the striker rod to work through; or a crosspin Y₁ may be secured to
the barrel transversely, and in that event the striker rod may be slotted to
admit of said pin moving therein. When the barrel is formed in longitudinal
sections there would not be any necessity to slot it inasmuch as the slots could
be formed by allowing the desired space between the flanges of the sections when
rivetting them together; the rivets being shouldered for that purpose.
The receiver may be part of a portable plug a screwed into position as shewn
Figs. 8, 9, and 10. As to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the modification is similar to the
device shewn in the last preceding fig. Except in so far that a spring clip Z
is provided and is carried by the striker rod or plunger B, the sides of the
clip sliding in guides or slots formed in the barrel A4 for this purpose.
In placing the device in position the arms of the clip are brought together
and inserted between the door and jamb, or other closure so that when the door
or the like is opened, the arms of the clip spring apart to the edges of the slots
whereupon the pressure spring L³ instantly forces the striker or plunger into
engagement with the detonating device. Conical shape pieces of metal or the
like may, if desired, be secured by means of rivetting or otherwise at, or near
the top of the arms; or the arms may be burred by piercing them as shewn
in Fig. 9.
In Fig. 11 the receiver E is enlarged shewing three recesses, and the striker
arm B is provided with a link B B, which is pivotted thereto as shewn, or in any

page_text: equivalent manner; each arm of the link or its equivalent carrying a striker
pin K, similar to that on the fixed arm of the striker. Any desirable number
of striker pins may be connected to the fixed arm B, either by lengthening the
arm, or by widening it; the receiver being modified accordingly.
The arm of the striker B, may be provided with a vertical flange on each edge
for the purpose of forming a guide for a spring steel, or other metallic, or like
strip, which is slotted for part of its length, in order to be drawn forward, or
to be forced backward when desired. The striker arm is in this event gradually
tapered forward of the forked portion thereof. The inner or rear end of the
strip may be slightly bent downwards in order to catch on to the bend of the
fork when desired, and thereby prevent the strip being drawn forward when
not required or a boss or the like may be formed in front, or at the rear of
the striker pin for the purpose of having a piece of string or its equivalent
passed over the head thereof, in order that after the body member has, by means
of a screw passed through its eyelet or the like, been secured in position on the
door, the striker arm may, by means of the string be pulled down and held in
position until the door is closed from the outside, when the projecting portion
of string may be cut off close to the door. The head of the striker pin may be
formed so as to serve the purpose of the boss referred to. Any suitable means
may be employed for suspending the alarum hereinbefore described, from the
door, window or other closure, whereby the same may, when out of use be main-
tained in a convenient position. I do not limit myself to the specified construc-
tion, and arrangement of parts herein specified but reserve the right to vary
the same within the scope of the invention.
Having now described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and
in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is:-
Firstly. The herein before described automatic mechanical alarum comprising
a body member A, and a striker member B movably and tensionally connected
therewith said body member being adapted to receive a detonating device which
is operated upon by said striker member when tensionally actuated, substan-
tially as specified, and as illustrated by means of the accompanying drawings.
Secondly. The herein before described automatic mechanical alarum comprising
a body member A; a striker member B, pivotally and tensionally connected
therewith, said body member being adapted to receive a detonating device; said
body member, and said striker member, being adapted to be held in a pre-
determined position by a suitable closure, whereby when said members are
relatively released, said detonating device will be operated upon by said striker
member, substantially as specified and as illustrated by means of the accompany-
ing drawings.
Thirdly. The herein before described automatic mechanical alarum comprising
a body member A provided at one end with a pointed arm, and being adapted
at its opposite end to receive a detonating device; a striker member B pivotted
to said body member, and tensionally connected therewith, and pointed at its
outer end whereby when said pointed end of said striker member is brought
into engagement with said painted arm of said body member, said pointed
portions may be passed between a door, and the frame thereof, whereby when
said striker member is released, said detonating device will be operated on thereby,
substantially as specified and as illustrated by means of the accompanying
drawings.
Fourthly. The herein described automatic mechanical alarum, comprising a
body member O, adapted to receive a detonating device; a striker arm Ppivotally
connected therewith, tensional means for forcing said striker arm into engage-
ment with said detonating device; said body member, and said striker arm being
adapted to be folded together, and passed between a door, and door jamb, or
similar structure, substantially as specified, and as illustrated by means of the
accompanying drawings.

page_text: Fifthly. Forming the striker arm, and the body member with tapered extremi-
ties, so that on being brought together they form a sort of cone shape, and serve
as a wedge for the purpose of being placed between a door, and door frame or
any other suitable closure, substantially as, and for the purpose herein before
specified, and as illustrated by means of the accompanying drawings.
Sixthly. The herein described automatic mechanical alarum, comprising a
curved body or frame member A¹, provided with the curved guide rod X, and
adapted to receive a detonating device; a striker arm B pivotally connected
therewith; means for forcing said striker arm into engagement with said
detonating device; the points of said body member, and said striker arm being
adapted to be brought together, and passed between a door, and door jamb, or
similar structure, substantially as and for the purpose specified, and as illustrated
by means of the accompanying drawings.
Seventhly. The herein described automatic mechanical alarum, comprising a
curved body or frame member A2 adapted to receive a detonating device: a spring
striker member 13ª connected therewith; said body member, and said striker
member being adapted to be held in a pre-determined position by a suitable
closure, whereby when said members are relatively released, said detonating
device will be operated upon by said striker member, substantially as and for
the purpose specified, and as illustrated by means of the accompanying drawings.
Eighthly. The herein described automatic mechanical alarum, comprising an
angle ended body member, barrel or sleeve A³ adapted to carry a detonating
device an angle ended striker rod or plunger B3 adapted to slide therein, means
for forcing said plunger into engagement with said detonating device, the upper
or angle end of said plunger and of said body member being adapted to come
into engagement with each other, and thereafter to be passed between a door
and door jamb, or other desirable closure, substantially as and for the purpose
specified, and as illustrated by means of the accompanying drawings.
Ninthly. The herein described automatic mechanical alarum comprising a
slotted barrel or body member A, adapted to receive a detonating device; a
striker rod or plunger B adapted to slide therein: means for forcing said
plunger, or striker into engagement with said detonating device; said plunger
or striker carrying the spring clip Z, the ends of which are adapted to be folded
together, and to be passed between a door and door jamb, or similar closure,
substantially as and for the purpose specified, and as illustrated by means of
the accompanying drawings.
Tenthly. Forming the spring clip Z so that its free ends may be brought
together, and be passed between a door, and door frame, or a window frame and
sash, or any other desirable closure, so that the said clip becomes portably con-
nected therewith, and effects the purpose of holding the alarum in the operative
position, substantially as specified, and as illustrated by means of the accom-
panying drawings.
Eleventhly. The herein before described automatic mechanical alarum comprising
a body member provided at one end with a pointed arm, and being adapted at
its opposite end to receive a number of detonating devices: a composite striker
member B, BB, pivotted to said body member and tensionally connected there-
with, and pointed at its outer end, whereby when said pointed end of said
composite striker member is brought into engagement with the pointed arm of
the body member, said pointed portions may be passed between a door and the
frame thereof, or other desirable closure, whereby when said striker member is
released the detonating device will be operated on thereby substantially as
specified, and as illustrated by means of the accompanying drawings.