Patent Description:
Smoke detectors are commonly used to detect room or other space conditions, such as smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, and other potentially hazardous conditions. Many smoke detectors include a replaceable battery, e.g., at least for providing backup power if a mains power source is interrupted. <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose smoke detector arrangements.

The invention provides a smoke detector according to claim <NUM>.

Thus, the tamper indicator and intermediate component/cover can provide a convenient indication to a user that a battery is required, e.g., because a user can learn that a battery has not been suitably placed at a battery location before the user attempts to mount the detector to a ceiling or wall. For example, in configurations where a tamper indicator prevents engagement of a detector body with a base that is mounted to a ceiling, the user will only learn that a battery is required after the user tries (and fails) to mount the detector body onto the ceiling-mounted base. This can be inconvenient, e.g., because the user may have climbed a ladder to mount the detector body to the base, only to learn that a battery is required for mounting. In contrast, in embodiments of the invention, the user can learn that a battery is required prior to climbing a ladder or otherwise acting to mount the detector body because engagement of the intermediate component with the detector body is performed (or attempted) before the detector body is mounted to a wall or ceiling. With a battery suitably provided at the battery location of the detector body, the intermediate component can be first engaged with the detector body, e.g., before climbing a ladder, and then the combined detector body and intermediate component mounted to the base.

In some embodiments, the tamper indicator is configured to pivot between the first and second positions about a pivot axis that is oriented along a direction in which the battery is received at the battery location. For example, the detector body can have an upper surface arranged in a plane and the tamper indicator can be configured to pivot between the first and second positions about a pivot axis that is oriented perpendicular to the plane. In some cases, the detector body and the detector mount can be configured to engage by relative rotation about an engagement axis, and the tamper indicator can be configured to pivot between the first and second positions about a pivot axis that is oriented along a direction parallel to the engagement axis. In some embodiments, the tamper indicator can be configured to both pivot about a pivot axis and slide along the pivot axis in movement between the first and second positions. For example, the tamper indicator can be configured to pivot within the battery location about the pivot axis between the first and second positions and to have a portion that extends out of the battery location when the tamper indicator is in the second position. In some embodiments, the tamper indicator can move along a spiral ramp between the first and second positions. The tamper indicator can be resiliently biased to move toward the second position and be configured such that a battery at the battery location holds the tamper indicator at the first position.

The tamper indicator can prevent engagement of the detector mount and the detector body in different ways. For example, the tamper indicator in the second position can be configured to prevent positioning of the detector mount suitably adjacent the detector body for engagement of the detector body with the detector mount. In some cases, the tamper indicator in the second position can be configured to prevent rotation of the detector mount relative to the detector body for engagement of the detector body with the detector mount, e.g., the tamper indicator can prevent rotation of the intermediate component relative to the detector body for engagement. For example, the detector mount and the detector body can be configured to engage by relative rotation about an engagement axis and the tamper indicator can be configured to prevent relative rotation suitable for engagement of the detector mount and detector body when in the second position.

In some examples, a cover can be configured to at least partially cover the battery location, e.g., by movement relative to the detector body. The tamper indicator and the cover can be configured to prevent the cover from at least partially covering the battery location with the tamper indicator in the second position and to permit the cover to at least partially cover the battery location with the tamper indicator in the first position. In some cases, the tamper indicator can be configured to move both pivotally and along a linear path between the first and second positions.

In some embodiments, the cover can be part of a detector mount configured to be secured to a surface and to support the smoke detector on the surface. For example, the cover can be the intermediate component. In some cases, the cover can be required for engagement of the detector body with the base. The cover can be configured to engage with the detector body via rotation about an engagement axis and the tamper indicator can be configured to pivot about a pivot axis that is parallel to the engagement axis. In some cases, the tamper indicator can be configured to prevent rotation of the cover about the engagement axis for engagement with the detector body when in the second position.

In some examples, a smoke detector includes a mount that has two parts, which can provide for more flexible configurations of the detector and/or easier use of the detector, such as by allowing for easier attachment of the base to a ceiling and/or configuration of the detector for different operating conditions. For example, since the base need not include functional or other components included with the intermediate component (such as fins or other air movement influencing parts), the base can include larger, additional or otherwise more conveniently accessed features to secure the base to the surface. This can allow the base to be more easily mounted to a wider variety of different mounting surfaces. Also, since the base can be interconnected with the detector body by the intermediate component, a single base construction can be employed with differently configured detector bodies or intermediate components. This can allow for the flexible configuration of the detector for different environments, e.g., which may require different air flow requirements and/or detection features. As an example, the intermediate component can function as an adapter to permit use of the detector mount with different detector body arrangements, e.g., that may be required to provide different sensor functions. In addition, functional features such as fins or other elements to guide air flow can be provided with the intermediate component, and so different intermediate component arrangements can be exchanged to provide different air flow or other functional effects. Thus, by interchanging intermediate components, a smoke detector can be configured for different operating environments. Moreover, since the intermediate component need not include features for mounting to a ceiling or other surface, functional features can be provided on the intermediate component in any suitable way without concern for ceiling or other surface mount limitations.

In some cases, the intermediate component includes fins or other features to direct air flow toward a detector component of the detector body. For example, the intermediate component can include an opening through which the detector component receives air and the fins can be configured to direct air flow toward the opening. In some embodiments the opening is located at a center of the intermediate component and a portion of the detector body can extend through the opening, e.g., so the detector body can receive air through the opening.

In some embodiments, the intermediate component and the detector body are configured to engage by rotation of the intermediate component relative to the detector body. For example, the intermediate component can include a periphery having one or more tabs, e.g., that extend radially outwardly from the periphery, configured to engage with a corresponding hook on the detector body. In some cases, the detector body can include one or more hooks configured to engage with a corresponding slot of the intermediate component, e.g., by positioning a hook in a corresponding slot and rotating the intermediate component so the hook engages a portion of the intermediate component at an end of the slot. In some embodiments, the one or more hooks can each include a ramp configured to engage with and move the intermediate component away from the detector body in response to rotation of the intermediate component in a direction opposite to that in which the intermediate component and detector body can engage with each other. Such an arrangement can positively disengage the intermediate component from the detector body and signal to a user that disengagement is complete.

In some embodiments, the intermediate component and the base can be configured to engage by rotation of the intermediate component relative to the base. For example, the intermediate component can include a periphery having one or more tabs, e.g., equally spaced around the periphery, configured to engage with a corresponding hook on the base.

The detector body and intermediate component can be removed together from the base, and then the intermediate component removed from the detector body to replace a battery. With the battery replacement complete, the intermediate component can be re-engaged with the detector body, and the combined detector body and intermediate component mounted to the base.

In some cases, the base can define a cavity or other space into which air can be received for delivery to a detector component of the detector base and/or into which a portion of the intermediate component or detector body can be received. In some embodiments, the base can include a sidewall with openings to permit air flow into a space defined by the base. The space can be at least partially enclosed by the base and the intermediate component, and/or a portion of the intermediate component or detector body can be received into the space.

Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures and claims.

Aspects of the systems and methods described herein are described with reference to the following drawings in which numerals reference like elements, and wherein:.

Aspects of the systems and methods described herein are described below by way of one or more illustrative embodiments. It should be understood that the illustrative embodiments described are not intended to limit the aspects, but rather to help show how one or more aspects can be implemented in particular examples. Also, aspects can be implemented alone and/or in combination with other aspects. For example, some features below relate to a detector with a two-part mount having a base and intermediate component, whereas other features relate to a tamper indicator that is movable based on whether a battery is received at a battery location and if not received, can prevent engagement of the detector body with a mount. The detector mount can define a cavity into which air can be received and transmitted to a detector component of the detector body.

The smoke detector includes a body (e.g., housing one or more detector components for detecting smoke, fire, heat, carbon monoxide, fine particulates and/or other environmental conditions) and a detector mount that includes two parts - a base that can be secured to a ceiling or other surface on which the detector is supported and an intermediate component that is positioned between the base and the detector body. The base can engage with the detector body via the intermediate component. The intermediate component can provide various benefits, particularly where the base engages with the detector body via the intermediate component. For example, since the intermediate component need not be configured to be secured to a ceiling, wall or other surface, the intermediate component need not have openings or other features to accommodate fasteners. Instead, the base alone may be configured with such features to allow securing of the base to a ceiling or other surface. This permits the intermediate component to be configured in any suitable way, e.g., for performing various functions, without concern for enabling the intermediate component to be secured to a ceiling or other surface. For example, in some embodiments the intermediate component can include fins, openings or other features to direct or otherwise have an effect on air flow to one or more components of the detector body. Since the intermediate component need not be configured to be secured to a ceiling, the intermediate component can have larger fins, more fins, more closely spaced fins, larger openings, etc. for interacting with air flow than would otherwise be possible. In addition, or alternately, having a separate intermediate component from a base of a detector mount can allow for the exchange of one intermediate component for another, e.g., to configure a detector for different conditions. As an example, one location may require the intermediate component to restrict air flow in comparison to another location that requires less restricted air flow. By exchanging an intermediate component for another with different functional features, the detector can be configured for different operating conditions and/or to provide other functional features. In some cases, an intermediate component and base of a detector mount can define a cavity into which air can enter and be received by one or more detector components of the detector body. Different intermediate components can allow for the configuration of different cavity features, such as enlarging or reducing the size of the cavity, providing more or less air flow restriction, etc..

<FIG> show bottom and top perspective views of a smoke detector <NUM> in some embodiments. As used herein, a smoke detector can be configured to detect any suitable environmental condition, such as smoke, fire, heat, carbon monoxide, and/or fine particulates and so is not limited to detecting smoke. According to the invention, the detector <NUM> includes a mount <NUM> that is configured to be secured to a surface, such as a ceiling or wall, and to support the smoke detector <NUM> on the surface. According to the invention, the detector mount <NUM> includes two separable parts, namely a base <NUM> configured to be secured to the surface and an intermediate component <NUM>. A detector body <NUM>, e.g., that includes components to detect an environmental condition such as smoke, fire, heat, carbon monoxide, etc. at the smoke detector <NUM>, can be secured to the mount <NUM> and thus is secured to a surface. According to the invention, the intermediate component <NUM> is configured to removably engage with both the base <NUM> and the detector body <NUM> such that the base <NUM> is engaged with the detector body <NUM> via the intermediate component <NUM>. That is, the intermediate component <NUM> is configured to engage with the detector body <NUM>, and to engage with the base <NUM> so the base <NUM> and body <NUM> can be secured together.

<FIG> shows an exploded view of the <FIG> embodiment with the base <NUM> separated from the intermediate component <NUM> and body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the base <NUM> is configured to be secured to a ceiling, wall or other surface, and may have suitable features to enable such engagement, e.g., one or more openings <NUM> to receive fasteners that are secured to the surface, adhesive and/or hook and loop fasteners, hooks, etc. Thus, the base <NUM> can be secured to the ceiling or other surface separate from the intermediate component <NUM> and body <NUM>, and thereafter the intermediate component <NUM> and body <NUM> can be engaged with the base <NUM> to secure the detector <NUM> to the surface. In some embodiments, the intermediate component <NUM> and the base <NUM> can be configured to engage by rotation of the intermediate component <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>. Thus, if the intermediate component <NUM> is engaged with the body <NUM>, the body <NUM> and intermediate component <NUM> can be engaged with the base <NUM> by rotating the body <NUM> and intermediate component <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>. In some embodiments, the intermediate component <NUM> includes a periphery having one or more tabs <NUM> configured to engage with a corresponding hook <NUM> on the base <NUM>. As an example, the periphery of the intermediate component <NUM> can include a notch 34a adjacent a corresponding tab <NUM> configured to receive the hook <NUM> of the base <NUM> when the base <NUM> and intermediate component <NUM> are positioned adjacent each other. With a hook <NUM> positioned in a corresponding notch 34a, the intermediate component <NUM> (and attached body <NUM>) can be rotated relative to the base <NUM> to position a portion of the hooks <NUM> below a corresponding tab <NUM> and thereby engage the intermediate component <NUM> (and body <NUM>) with the base <NUM>. Other arrangements can be used to engage the intermediate component <NUM> with the base <NUM>, such as keyhole slot and cleat engagement features, bayonet connectors, spring tabs, threads, a cam and cam follower engagement, etc..

<FIG> also illustrates that in some embodiments the base <NUM> can be configured to define a cavity, e.g., into which a portion of the intermediate component <NUM> and/or a portion of the body <NUM> can be received. The base <NUM> can also be configured to permit air flow into the cavity, e.g., via one or more openings <NUM> at the sidewall of the base <NUM>. That is, the base <NUM> can include an upper wall (e.g., that is positioned against a ceiling or other surface) and a sidewall that extends downwardly from the upper wall. The sidewall can define the cavity with the upper wall and can include the openings <NUM> to permit air flow into the cavity. Air that enters the cavity or other space (e.g., defined by the base <NUM> and intermediate component <NUM>) can be received by one or more detector components of the detector body <NUM>, which may be at least partially positioned in the cavity or other space. In some embodiments, the intermediate component <NUM> can be configured to interact with air in the cavity, e.g., to direct air flow to a portion of the detector body <NUM> where a detector component is located. For example, the intermediate component <NUM> can include one or more fins <NUM> or other features to direct air flow toward a detector component of the detector body <NUM> or other portion <NUM> of the detector body <NUM> that is configured to receive air from the cavity or space defined by the base <NUM> and intermediate component <NUM>. The fins <NUM> can be equally spaced around the intermediate component <NUM> and extend radially outward, e.g., from an opening <NUM>. The intermediate component <NUM> can include other air flow influencing features, such as baffles, diffusers, turbulence inducing elements, restrictors, etc. depending on the desired effect on air in the cavity, and different intermediate components <NUM> can be employed to have different effects on air in the cavity. One or more portions of the base <NUM> can include air flow features as well, e.g., to direct air flow, create turbulence or mixing effects, etc. In some embodiments, the base <NUM> can include fins, ribs or other features that are arranged counter or transverse to fins or other air flow features <NUM> of the intermediate component <NUM>. <FIG> shows an option where the base <NUM> includes concentric rings, ribs or fins, e.g., that have a center at about a center of the opening <NUM> of the intermediate component <NUM>. These concentric ribs can be generally perpendicular to a nearby fin <NUM> and can disrupt or cause turbulence in air flow along the direction of the fin <NUM>. Of course, other air flow feature arrangements on the base <NUM> can be provided.

In some embodiments, the fins or other air flow features <NUM> can be configured to direct air flow radially inward toward a center of the intermediate component <NUM> or other location where the detector body <NUM> can receive air. For example, <FIG> shows an exploded view of the intermediate component <NUM> and detector body <NUM> and illustrates that in some embodiments the intermediate component <NUM> can include an opening <NUM> through which a portion <NUM> of the detector body <NUM> can extend and/or receive air. In some cases, the fins <NUM> can be configured to direct air flow toward the opening <NUM>, and the opening <NUM> can be located in a center of the intermediate component <NUM>. In some embodiments, a portion <NUM> of the detector body <NUM> can extend through the opening <NUM>, e.g., when the intermediate component <NUM> is engaged with the body <NUM>. The portion <NUM> can be configured to receive air from the cavity and/or to position at least a part of a detector component in the cavity. In some embodiments, the portion <NUM> can include one or more openings <NUM> through which air can enter the body <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the intermediate component <NUM> can be removably engageable with the detector body <NUM>, and can be engaged/disengaged by rotation of the intermediate component <NUM> relative to the detector body. In some cases, the intermediate component can have a periphery with one or more tabs <NUM> configured to engage with a corresponding hook <NUM> on the detector body <NUM>. <FIG> show top perspective and top views of the intermediate component <NUM> and illustrate how the tabs <NUM> can extend radially outwardly from an outer periphery of the intermediate component <NUM>. In some embodiments, the intermediate component <NUM> can have three tabs <NUM> spaced <NUM> degrees apart around the periphery of the intermediate component <NUM>. The hooks <NUM> on the detector body <NUM> can be similarly positioned and configured so that the periphery of the intermediate component <NUM> can be received into an area between the hooks <NUM> so long as the tabs <NUM> are positioned away from the hooks <NUM>. With the intermediate component <NUM> in the area between the hooks <NUM>, the intermediate component <NUM> can be rotated, e.g., clockwise, relative to the body <NUM> so that the tabs <NUM> are received and captured by a corresponding hook <NUM>. The tabs <NUM> and/or hooks <NUM> can include a stop so that rotation of the intermediate component <NUM> beyond a certain point is prevented, e.g., when the tabs <NUM> are suitably engaged by the hooks <NUM>, further rotation of the intermediate component <NUM> can be prevented by the stops. In some embodiments, the hooks <NUM> can function as stops for engagement of the base <NUM> with the intermediate component <NUM>. For example, with the hooks <NUM> of the base <NUM> received into the notches 34a and the intermediate component <NUM> rotated so the hooks <NUM> engage with the tabs <NUM>, the hooks <NUM> may move into contact with the hooks <NUM> on the detector body <NUM>. At that point, further rotation of the base <NUM> relative to the intermediate component <NUM> and body <NUM> can be stopped by the hooks <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the intermediate component <NUM> can engage with the detector body <NUM> in other, or additional, ways than by the hook and tab engagement at the periphery of the intermediate component <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments the detector body <NUM> can include one or more catches <NUM> that are configured to engage with a corresponding slot <NUM> on the intermediate component <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the detector body <NUM> can include three catches <NUM> positioned at circumferentially equidistant positions on the body <NUM> so the catches <NUM> all engage with a corresponding slot <NUM> of the intermediate component <NUM>. For example, the intermediate component <NUM> can be positioned on the body <NUM> so that an upper portion of the catches <NUM> is received into a corresponding slot <NUM> of the intermediate component <NUM>. With each catch <NUM> received in a corresponding slot <NUM>, the intermediate component <NUM> can be rotated, e.g., clockwise, relative to the body <NUM> so that a portion of the intermediate component <NUM> at an end of each slot <NUM> is captured in a hook or recess of the catch <NUM>. This can secure the intermediate component <NUM> to the detector body <NUM>, e.g., so the intermediate component <NUM> cannot be removed from the body <NUM> without counterclockwise rotation.

In some embodiments, the catches <NUM> can include a ramp at an upper surface as shown in <FIG> that is configured to engage with and move the intermediate component <NUM> toward and away from the detector body <NUM> in response to rotation of the intermediate component relative to the body <NUM>. For example, the intermediate component <NUM> can be positioned on the body <NUM> so an upper portion of the catches <NUM> that forms a ramp is received into a corresponding slot <NUM> of the intermediate component <NUM>. As the intermediate component <NUM> is rotated, a first end of each slot <NUM> will ride along a corresponding ramp surface of a catch <NUM> and thus move the intermediate component <NUM> toward or away from the body <NUM> depending on the direction of rotation. If the intermediate component <NUM> is rotated in a clockwise direction, a first end of each slot <NUM> will ride downwardly along the ramp surface of the catches <NUM>, allowing the intermediate component <NUM> to move gradually toward the body <NUM> as the intermediate component <NUM> is rotated and until the intermediate component is fully seated on the body <NUM>. Further clockwise rotation of the intermediate component <NUM> once it is seated will cause a portion of a second end of each slot <NUM> opposite the first end to be received into a hook or recess of a corresponding catch <NUM>, thereby engaging the intermediate component <NUM> with the body <NUM>. Counterclockwise rotation of the intermediate component <NUM> will disengage the second end of each slot from the catch <NUM> and cause the first end of each slot <NUM> to ride upwardly along the ramp surface of a corresponding catch <NUM> as the intermediate component <NUM> is rotated. This upward riding of the first end of each slot <NUM> along the ramp surface of the catch <NUM> will gradually move the intermediate component <NUM> away from the detector body <NUM>. Thus, the intermediate component <NUM> and the detector body <NUM> can be configured to engage by rotation of the intermediate component <NUM> in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) relative to the detector body <NUM>, and the ramp on a catch <NUM> can be configured to engage with and move the intermediate component <NUM> toward the detector body <NUM> as the intermediate component <NUM> is rotated in the first direction toward engagement with the body <NUM>. The ramp engagement can help ensure proper alignment and engagement of the intermediate component <NUM> with the body <NUM>, e.g., by controlling movement of the intermediate component <NUM> toward the body <NUM> during rotation as first ends of the slots <NUM> follow the contour of a corresponding ramp during rotation of the intermediate component <NUM>. In addition, the intermediate component <NUM> and the detector body <NUM> can be configured to disengage by rotation of the intermediate component <NUM> in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite the first direction such that the intermediate component <NUM> moves away from the detector body <NUM> in response to rotation of the intermediate component <NUM> in the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). This arrangement can help ensure that the intermediate component <NUM> is suitably disengaged from the body <NUM> in response to rotation of the intermediate component <NUM> relative to the body <NUM>. Note that engagement of the intermediate component <NUM> with the body <NUM> can be achieved by the catches <NUM> and slots <NUM> only, and without any engagement features at the periphery of the intermediate component <NUM>.

Another feature of the intermediate component <NUM> is that the intermediate component <NUM> can operate to at least partially cover a battery location <NUM> where a battery <NUM> (a battery <NUM> is at the battery location <NUM> on the right in <FIG>) can be received and held for use by electronic components of the smoke detector, e.g., to receive power from the battery <NUM> and/or to charge or maintain a state of charge of the battery <NUM>. For example, the intermediate component <NUM> can help hold the battery <NUM> in the battery location <NUM>, e.g., so the battery <NUM> maintains proper electrical contact with components of the detector <NUM>. In some cases, the intermediate component <NUM> can be exposed to contact with the battery <NUM> to help hold the battery <NUM> at the battery location <NUM>.

According to the invention, the battery location <NUM> includes a tamper indicator <NUM> configured for movement between a first position in which the tamper indicator <NUM> is positioned when a battery <NUM> is held in the battery location <NUM> and a second position in which the tamper indicator <NUM> is positioned when no battery <NUM> is held in the battery location <NUM>. The tamper indicator <NUM> and the intermediate component <NUM> or other part of the detector mount (such as the base <NUM>) or another cover arranged to at least partially cover the battery location <NUM> can be configured to prevent engagement of the detector body <NUM> with the intermediate component <NUM> (or other part of the detector mount) if the tamper indicator <NUM> is in the second position. This can help ensure that a battery <NUM> is provided with the smoke detector <NUM> during operation because the detector <NUM> can be prevented from being mounted to a ceiling or other surface if a battery <NUM> is not at the battery location <NUM>. For example, where a detector mount includes an intermediate component <NUM>, the tamper indicator <NUM> in the second position can prevent portions of the intermediate component <NUM> (such as tabs <NUM> or slots <NUM>) from being positioned suitably adjacent portions of the detector body <NUM> (such as hooks <NUM> or catches <NUM>) for engagement. As described above, in embodiments where the intermediate component <NUM> is required to mount the detector body <NUM> to the base <NUM>, failure of the intermediate component <NUM> to engage with the body <NUM> will prevent mounting of the body <NUM> to the base <NUM> as well. Conversely, the tamper indicator <NUM> can permit engagement of the detector body <NUM> with the detector mount (e.g., the intermediate component <NUM> and/or base <NUM>) if the tamper indicator <NUM> is in the first position. For example, the tamper indicator <NUM> in the first position can permit engagement of the intermediate component <NUM> with the body <NUM>, and thus engagement of the body <NUM> with the base <NUM>. However, in some embodiments the tamper indicator <NUM> can prevent another type of cover arrangement, such as a lid hingedly attached to the detector body <NUM> or other component completely separate from a detector mount, from moving to at least partially cover the battery location <NUM> if no battery <NUM> is present. Such a cover, if not in a suitable position to at least partially cover the battery location <NUM>, or simply the tamper indicator <NUM> itself can operate to prevent engagement of the detector body <NUM> with a detector mount <NUM>, such as the base <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the battery location <NUM> on the left does not hold a battery <NUM> and so the tamper indicator <NUM> is in the second position. In the second position, a portion of the tamper indicator <NUM> extends upwardly from an upper surface of the detector body <NUM> (e.g., positioned around the battery location <NUM>) and/or from a corresponding battery location <NUM> and so prevents engagement of the intermediate component <NUM> (or other detector mount portion or other cover for the battery location <NUM>) with the detector body <NUM>. For example, as described above, the intermediate component <NUM> can be configured to engage the detector body <NUM> by fitting tabs <NUM> underneath a portion of a corresponding hook <NUM> as the intermediate component <NUM> is rotated relative to the body <NUM>. However, when in the second position, the tamper indicator <NUM> can hold the intermediate component <NUM> suitably far away from the detector body <NUM> so that one or more tabs <NUM> cannot engage with a corresponding hook <NUM>, thus preventing engagement of the intermediate component <NUM> with the detector body <NUM>. In addition, or alternately, the tamper indicator <NUM> can hold the intermediate component <NUM> suitably far away from the detector body <NUM> so that the catches <NUM> cannot engage the intermediate component <NUM> at a corresponding slot <NUM>. As a result, by inability of the intermediate component <NUM> to engage with the detector body <NUM> a user can receive an indication that a battery <NUM> is missing from a battery location <NUM>. The same is true where the tamper indicator <NUM> prevents another cover arrangement, such as a hinge-mounted door on the detector body <NUM> that can be used to cover the battery location <NUM>, from moving to engage over the battery location <NUM>.

The tamper indicator <NUM> is not limited to preventing engagement of the intermediate component <NUM> (or other detector mount <NUM> element or cover) with the body <NUM> by preventing components from being positioned suitably adjacent each other. For example, when the tamper indicator <NUM> in the second position, the tamper indicator <NUM> can engage the intermediate component <NUM> (or other detector mount part or other cover arrangement) so as to prevent rotation relative to the body <NUM>, e.g., so as to prevent engagement of the intermediate component <NUM> with the body <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments the intermediate component <NUM> can include one or more engagement features <NUM> such as ribs, tabs, notches, grooves, fins, etc., that extend from or into a lower surface of the intermediate component <NUM> and are configured to engage with the tamper indicator <NUM> in the second position to prevent rotation of the intermediate component <NUM> relative to the body <NUM>. With this type of arrangement, the tamper indicator <NUM> need not necessarily hold the intermediate component <NUM> suitably far away to prevent engagement of the tabs <NUM>/hooks <NUM> or catches <NUM>/slots <NUM>. Instead, the intermediate component <NUM> may be permitted to be positioned adjacent to the body <NUM> (e.g., suitably close for engagement), but the engagement features <NUM> can prevent relative rotation of the intermediate component <NUM> (or other detector mount or cover part) and the body <NUM> needed for engagement of the two.

In some embodiments, the tamper indicator <NUM> can be configured to pivot about a pivot axis <NUM> between the first and second positions. In some cases, the pivot axis <NUM> can be oriented along a direction in which the battery <NUM> is received at the battery location <NUM>. In some embodiments, the detector body <NUM> can have a rear surface arranged in a plane, e.g., around the battery location <NUM>, and the pivot axis <NUM> can be oriented perpendicular to the plane. In some embodiments, the detector body <NUM> and at least a portion of the detector mount, such as the intermediate component <NUM>, are configured to engage by relative rotation about an engagement axis <NUM>, and the tamper indicator <NUM> can be configured to pivot about a pivot axis <NUM> that is oriented along a direction parallel to the engagement axis <NUM>. As can be seen at the left tamper indicator <NUM> in <FIG>, the tamper indicator <NUM> can have a portion that extends upwardly out of the battery location <NUM> when in the second position, whereas the tamper indicator <NUM> can be positioned within or flush with an entrance to the battery location <NUM> when in the first position as shown at the right tamper indicator <NUM> in <FIG>.

To achieve this type of movement between the first and second positions, the tamper indicator <NUM> can be configured to both pivot about the pivot axis <NUM> and slide along the pivot axis <NUM> or other linear path, e.g., so as to move out of and/or into the battery location <NUM> during pivoting between the first and second positions. For example, as can be seen in <FIG>, the tamper indicator <NUM> can be configured to pivot within the battery location <NUM> about the pivot axis <NUM> between the first and second positions and to have a portion that extends out of the battery location <NUM> when the tamper indicator <NUM> is in the second position. For example, the tamper indicator <NUM> can be resiliently biased to move toward the second position and configured such that a battery <NUM> at the battery location <NUM> holds the tamper indicator <NUM> at the first position. In <FIG>, the battery location <NUM> on the left has no battery <NUM> positioned at the location <NUM> and so the tamper indicator <NUM> is in the second position. In this case, the tamper indicator <NUM> pivots within the battery location <NUM> about the pivot axis <NUM> from the first to the second position. When in the second position, the tamper indicator <NUM> can not only prevent engagement of the intermediate component <NUM> with the body <NUM>, but also prevent a battery <NUM> from being placed at the battery location <NUM> unless the tamper indicator <NUM> is moved. To place a battery <NUM> in the battery location <NUM> on the left, a user can pivot the tamper indicator <NUM> in a clockwise direction (as seen in <FIG>) to the first position by hand against a spring bias that urges the tamper indicator <NUM> to move to the second position. While holding the tamper indicator <NUM> at the first position, the battery <NUM> can be placed at the battery location <NUM> as can be seen at the right battery location <NUM> in <FIG>. Alternately, a user can use the battery <NUM> to move the tamper indicator <NUM> to the first position as the battery <NUM> is placed at the battery location <NUM>. For example, a user can slide the battery <NUM> into the battery location <NUM> from one end of the location <NUM> so that a leading end of the battery <NUM> contacts the tamper indicator <NUM> and pivots the indicator <NUM> to the first position as the battery <NUM> is further inserted into the battery location <NUM>. When received at the battery location <NUM>, the battery <NUM> can hold the tamper indicator <NUM> at the first position as shown on the right in <FIG>, thereby enabling engagement of the intermediate component <NUM> with the body <NUM> (provided a battery <NUM> is at both battery locations <NUM> so both tamper indicators <NUM> are at the first position; in some embodiments only one battery location <NUM> and/or one tamper indicator <NUM> need be employed).

The tamper indicator <NUM> can be configured to move between first and second positions in any suitable way. In some embodiments, the tamper indicator <NUM> moves along a spiral ramp between the first and second positions. For example, <FIG> shows a lower perspective view of a portion of the detector body <NUM> where the tamper indicator <NUM> is mounted. In this embodiment, the tamper indicator <NUM> is mounted on a shaft <NUM> of the detector body <NUM> that includes a pair of spiral ramps <NUM> (only one ramp <NUM> is shown in <FIG>; a second ramp <NUM> is on a rear side of the shaft <NUM>). As can be seen in <FIG>, the tamper indicator <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> that receives the shaft <NUM> so the tamper indicator <NUM> can pivot about the pivot axis <NUM> on the shaft <NUM>. A pair of cam followers <NUM> are configured in a portion of the opening <NUM> (e.g., a counterbore portion of the opening <NUM>) to engage with a corresponding spiral ramp <NUM> at a base of the shaft <NUM>. The spiral ramps <NUM> and cam followers <NUM> are configured so that when the tamper indicator <NUM> pivots to the first position, the tamper indicator <NUM> moves downwardly on the shaft <NUM> as well as pivoting about the pivot axis <NUM>. Conversely, when the tamper indicator <NUM> pivots to the second position, the spiral ramps <NUM> and cam followers <NUM> are configured so that the tamper indicator <NUM> moves upwardly on the shaft <NUM> as well as pivoting about the pivot axis <NUM>. A torsion spring <NUM> or other resilient element can be provided to bias or otherwise urge the tamper indicator <NUM> to move to the second position and/or upwardly on the shaft <NUM>. Thus, if no battery <NUM> is at a battery location <NUM>, the tamper indicator <NUM> will tend to move to the second position. However, with the tamper indicator <NUM> in the first position, a battery <NUM> can be placed at the battery location <NUM> and can hold the tamper indicator <NUM> in the first position so long as the battery <NUM> is at the battery location <NUM>. The tamper indicator <NUM> and/or detector body <NUM> can include one or more stops to determine where the tamper indicator <NUM> is located at the first and second positions. For example, the tamper indicator <NUM> can include a stop <NUM> that can contact a corresponding stop <NUM> on the detector body <NUM> when the tamper indicator <NUM> is at the second position. To define the position of the tamper indicator <NUM> at the first position, a pin <NUM> of the tamper indicator <NUM> can contact a portion of the body <NUM> at the battery location <NUM>. The pin <NUM> can also function to contact the intermediate component <NUM> to prevent engagement of the intermediate component <NUM> with the detector body <NUM> when the tamper indicator <NUM> is in the second position. As described above, the intermediate component <NUM> engages with the detector body <NUM> by rotation in a clockwise direction about the engagement axis <NUM> relative to the detector body <NUM>. The pin <NUM> can engage with the intermediate component <NUM>, e.g., at the engagement features <NUM>, to prevent rotational movement of the intermediate component <NUM> relative to the detector body <NUM>. The stops <NUM>, <NUM> can resist movement of the tamper indicator <NUM> beyond the second position (e.g., counterclockwise rotation of the tamper indicator <NUM> about the pivot axis <NUM> past the second position) and so help prevent engagement of the intermediate component <NUM> with the body <NUM>.

Operation of the smoke detector components, such as one or more sensors to detect smoke, fire, heat, carbon monoxide, fine particulates, etc. can be controlled by a controller, which can include a programmed processor and/or other data processing device along with suitable software or other operating instructions for performing desired functions, one or more memories (including non-transient storage media that can store software and/or other operating instructions), sensors, input/output interfaces (such as a user interface on the housing), communication modules (e.g., for wired and/or wireless communication), buses or other links, a display, switches, relays, triacs, a speaker or other noise making device, a battery or other power source or supply, or other components necessary to perform desired input/output, control or other functions. A user interface can be arranged in any suitable way and include any suitable components to provide information to a user and/or receive information from a user, such as buttons, a touch screen, a voice command module (including a microphone to receive audio information from a user and suitable software to interpret the audio information as a voice command), a visual display, one or more indicator lights, a speaker, and so on.

Claim 1:
A smoke detector (<NUM>) comprising:
a detector body (<NUM>) including a battery location (<NUM>) configured to receive and hold a battery (<NUM>) for use by electronic components of the smoke detector (<NUM>);
a detector mount (<NUM>) configured to be secured to a surface and to support the smoke detector (<NUM>) on the surface, the detector mount (<NUM>) being configured to releasably engage the detector body (<NUM>) so as to at least partially cover the battery location (<NUM>), the detector mount (<NUM>) including a base (<NUM>) configured to be secured to the surface; and
a tamper indicator (<NUM>) configured for movement between a first position in which the tamper indicator (<NUM>) is positioned when a battery (<NUM>) is held at the battery location (<NUM>) and a second position in which the tamper indicator (<NUM>) is positioned when no battery (<NUM>) is held at the battery location (<NUM>), the tamper indicator (<NUM>) and the detector mount (<NUM>) being configured to prevent engagement of the detector body (<NUM>) with the detector mount (<NUM>) with the tamper indicator (<NUM>) in the second position and to permit engagement of the detector body (<NUM>) with the detector mount (<NUM>) with the tamper indicator (<NUM>) in the first position;
characterized in that the detector mount (<NUM>) includes an intermediate component (<NUM>) configured to engage with the detector body (<NUM>), the base (<NUM>) being configured to engage with the detector body (<NUM>) via the intermediate component (<NUM>) and the tamper indicator (<NUM>) prevents engagement of the intermediate component (<NUM>) with the detector body (<NUM>) if the tamper indicator (<NUM>) is in the second position.