Cartridge loaded alarm device

[57] ABSTRACT

An alarm device for use in buildings, automobiles or the like which is adapted to be actuated in the event an electrical circuit is energized, the device having a spring loaded firing means which is adapted to strike a cartridge containing tear gas, chemical dye or the like. The firing means is normally retained in a cocked condition by a frangible envelope which shatters to release the firing mechanism in the event the electrical circuit is completed. The device may be of an elongated cylindrical configuration that may be inserted within clips in a manner similar to the installation of conventional cartridge fuses.

Claims, 5 Drawing Figures

<img file="US3676945A_D0001.tif" />

PATENTED JUL 18 is??

3,676,945

SHEET 1 OF 2

<img file="US3676945A_D0002.tif" />

<img file="US3676945A_D0003.tif" />

<img file="US3676945A_D0004.tif" />

e. ak^a'/zuzatk', sfT'Z&amp;RWE'W.

PATENTED JUL 181972

3,676,945

SLEET 2 Or 2

<img file="US3676945A_D0005.tif" />

/V/cm r. ΛΤΕ/Μ/ζαΜ/ζ', /7ZU£W£KP.

3,676,945

CARTRIDGE LOADED ALARM DEVICE

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to alarm and protective devices, and particularly to electrically actuated alarm devices for use in automobiles, buildings, or the like.

As the crime rate in most cities continues to soar, seemingly unaffected notwithstanding increased remedial efforts on the part of governments of all levels, the need for detection and alarm devices that are relatively economical and simple to install is being increasingly recognized by manufacturers as well as potential purchasers. Such inexpensive and simple alarm devices, if made available to individuals on a large scale for use in automobiles as well as homes, apartments and other buildings may offer some deterrent effect in stemming burglaries and thefts where they are installed. Although these devices may or may not deter the experienced or professional” burglar, they may be effective to frighten a novice if the devices are actuated during the attempt. It is noted that even the highly expensive burglar alarm systems are often not foolproof, and may not successfully avert a burglary or theft if performed by an experienced person devoted to such activities.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a simple, relatively inexpensive alarm device for installation within an automobile, building or the like, that would be actuated by the closing of an electrical circuit which would occur during a burglarizing or similar attempt.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an alarm device that contains a replaceable cartridge of tear gas, chemical dye or the like, that is released in the event the electrical circuit is energized.

A further object is to provide an alarm device that has a spring loaded firing means adapted to strike a replaceable cartridge to release the contents therewithin, in the event the firing means is released by the energization of an electrical circuit.

Still another object is to provide an alarm device having a replaceable release means in the form of a glass element which holds the firing means in a cocked position until the electrical circuit is energized whereupon the glass element shatters to release the firing means.

Yet another object is to provide an alarm device that is generally in the shape of an elongated cylinder that is adapted to fit within clips which retain the device as well as provide terminals for an electrical circuit.

In one of its more specific aspects, if it is an object of the present invention to provide an alarm device having a cocking mechanism to cock the firing means so that the glass element may be replaced therewithin to hold the firing means in a cocked condition.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become evident upon reading the following detailed description, while referring to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the alarm device of the present invention, partially in section, and illustrating the device as installed within retaining clips;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view, partially in section, and taken in the plane of the line 2—2 of FIG. 1, illustrating the device in its charged or cocked condition;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 2 illustrating the device immediately after having been actuated;

FIG. 4 is a plan view, partially in section, illustrating a modification of the alarm device of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view, in section, taken in the plane of the lineS—5 of FIG. 4.

While the invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention thereto, but is intended to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

The alarm device of the present invention is of a relatively simple and inexpensive construction and is of a relatively 5 small and compact size to enable its installation under the hood of an automobile as well as in other locations within the automobile or a building. Its compact size permits its unobtrusive installation in many locations. The device may have an overall elongated cylindrical configuration that is adapted to 10 be placed and held within compressive metal clips, similar to the placing of a cartridge fuse within fuse clips. It is contemplated that at least two clips be used with each of the clips being connected to a conventional electrical circuit, whereby electrical continuity exists across the clips when the alarm *³ device is inserted within the clips. Within the electrical circuit, but separate and apart from the alarm device itself, is a normally open switch that may be adapted to close and therefore energize the circuit and actuate the device in the event, for ex20 ample, the hood of an automobile is raised or the door or window of a building is opened. Of course, there are a wide variety of switches as well as switching means that may be used to energize the circuit.

Turning now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, the 25 invention is there exemplified in an illustrative alarm device indicated generally at 10. In the present instance, the device 10 is retained in holding clips 12, 14 and 16 which are in turn mounted upon a board 18 or the like by screws 20, although other means such as rivets or bolts may be employed.

To enable the actuation of the device in conjunction with an electrical circuit, the clips 12 and 14 are made of an electrically conductive material, and one of the screws 20 securing each of the clips 12 and 14 also is connected to a respective one of conventional lugs 22 which are series connected by 33 means of the conductors 28 to a battery 24 and a switch 26.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the alarm device 10 has an outer elongated cylindrically shaped housing 30 that is fabricated of electrically conductive material except for a circumferential segment 32 which is formed of a material that is an electrical insulator. The insulator segment 32 effectively electrically isolates the housing 30 so that the portion contacting the clip 14 is insulated from the portion of the alarm device that is being held by clip 12.

A cartridge 34 is removably inserted within the left end portion of the housing 30 and held by threads 36, although other retaining means may be used. Within the cartridge 34 is a fluid, such as tear gas, a chemical dye or the like, which is releaseable for the purpose of either frightening or dispelling a SO potential intruder. To discharge the fluid from the shell 34, a detonating cap 38, similar to the caps found in conventional small arms ammunition, is provided at the end within the housing 30.

To detonate the cap 38, the housing has contained therein a 55 firing means, generally indicated at 40, which includes a cylindrical firing pin 42 having a point 44. A compressible spring 46 seats upon an inwardly directed angular flange 48 as well as the slidable firing pin 42. It also contemplated that other compressible materials such as rubber or rubber-like material may be substituted for the spring 46, providing the material would supply sufficient force to detonate the cap 38 when the firing pin means is released. The firing pin 42 is fabricated of an electrical conductive material, for it also forms a part of the ¢5 electrical circuit.

In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, the firing pin means is released to strike and detonate the cap 38 by a releasing mechanism that is actuated by the dosing of the switch 26 within the electrical circuit. The 70 releasing mechanism generally comprises a frangible envelope that is also structurally sufficiently strong to retain the firing pin means 40 in an armed or cocked condition. The frangible envelope contains a multiplicity of combustible fine wires, shavings or the like, of aluminum magnesium or zirconium or 75 other similar combustible material. Energization of the electri3,676,945 cal circuit initiates combustion of the material to result in a controlled explosion sufficient to shatter the frangible envelope and release the firing means. It is to be noted that the insulator segment 32 may be transparent so that the flash of light produced by the controlled explosion of the envelope can be seen outside of the housing. The flash of light may be sufficient to startle an intruder. Additionally, the transparency of the segment 32 may also enable periodic checking of the envelope to visually determine if it is operable.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, an electrically conductive elongated link 49 is attached to the electrically conductive firing pin 42 and the link has a hook 50 on its opposite end. Another electrically conductive link 52 having a similar hook 54 is secured to an access or end cap 56 fitting upon the housing 30. Positioned between the hooks 50 and 54 is a frangible envelope 58 which may be fabricated of glass, plastic or similar material. The envelope has eyelets 60 on opposite ends which are electrically continuous through a filament 62. Also contained with the frangible envelope 58 are a multiplicity of combustible fine wires, shavings or the like of aluminum magnesium, zirconium or similar combustible material. An electric current impulse causes the filament, which may be tungsten, to heat which in turn ignites the combustible wires which together with the oxygen therewithin causes the envelope 58 to shatter and thereby release the firing means 40 to strike the cap 38 and release the fluid within the cartridge. FIG. 3 illustrates the alarm device immediately after the envelope 58 has been shattered and the fluid within the cartridge 34 released.

The alarm device may be recharged by inserting another unused cartridge 34 within the housing 30 as well as placing another envelope 58 therein. To recock the firing means 40, a handle 66 is secured to the firing pin 42 and extends outwardly of the housing through an axial elongated slot 68 having a transverse notch portion 70. The handle 66 is merely pulled to compress the spring which may be locked in its compressed or cocked condition by rotating the handle 66 to engage the slot 70. The access or end cap 56 may then be removed from the housing 30 and a new envelope 58 placed between the hooks 50 and 54. After the cap 56 has been replaced on the housing, the handle 66 may be disengaged from the slot 70 to apply tension to the frangible envelope 56 while maintaining the firing means in a cocked condition. Subsequent closing of the switch 26 will again actuate the device in the manner previously described.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated wherein an arm 72 pivotable around the pin 74 has an inward projection 76 that is adapted to hold the firing pin means in a cocked condition. At the opposite end of the arm 72, a spring 78 is attached thereto as well as to the housing 30’. The frangible envelope 58 is also connected to the opposite end of the arm as well as to a hooked terminal 80 that is electrically isolated from the housing 30' and which is connected to the electrical circuit which is substantially similar to the electrical circuit of FIG. 1. Thus, it is seen that closing of the switch 26 will cause the frangible envelope 58 to shatter and the spring 78 will rotate the arm 72 to release the firing means 40 so that it strikes the cap 38 expelling the fluid from the cartridge 34.

Thus, it is seen that a relatively simple and inexpensive alarm device has been described. A further advantage of the alarm device of the present invention is that it is easily and inexpensively rechargeable by the user, requiring only the replacement of the frangible envelope 58 and cartridge 34.