TURRET APPARATUS

Abstract

A security monitoring system and device comprising a turret apparatus or device configured for embedded placement into a position below the ground surface near a location or a perimeter of a location the device or system of the device is intended to monitor. The singular device is most generally provided in an assembly that can be considered modular, wherein the device is provided in a complete assembly that can be placed into a ground surface or structure for monitoring an area surrounding the device. Accordingly, the device comprises a silo defining an interior space, a movable platform and actuator, a camera, an actuator, a defense mechanism, a shielded dome, and a control system.

Claims

1. A turret apparatus for placement into a ground surface for providing security to a user, the turret apparatus being a device comprising: a silo, the being cylindrical in shape defining an interior space and having a lower side and an upper side opposite the lower side, a distance between the lower side and the upper side defining a height of the silo, the upper side being open to the interior space; an actuator, the actuator positioned on the lower side of the silo and configured to extend and retract the height of the silo; a platform, the platform rotational received on an end of the actuator; a camera received on the platform; a defense mechanism received on the platform; a shielded dome, the shielded dome received on the platform and surrounding the camera and defense mechanism; and a control system, the control system controlling activation of the device, movement of the actuator and platform, operation of the camera, and operation of the defense mechanism.

2. The turret apparatus of claim 1, wherein the device includes a plurality of doors, the plurality of doors positioned on the upper side of the silo and movable between an open position and a closed position, the plurality of doors controlled by the control system.

3. The turret apparatus of claim 1, wherein the camera includes a thermal detector.

4. The turret apparatus of claim 1, wherein the camera includes an active infrared detector.

5. The turret apparatus of claim 1, wherein the defense mechanism is a gun.

6. The turret apparatus of claim 1, wherein the device is controlled from a remote location.

7. A security monitoring system and device configured for placement into a ground surface for remote monitoring of an area, the security monitoring system and device comprising: at least one silo, the at least one silo being cylindrical in shape defining an interior space and having a lower side and an upper side opposite the lower side, a distance between the lower side and the upper side defining a height of the silo, the upper side being open to the interior space; an actuator, the actuator positioned on the lower side of the at least one silo and configured to extend and retract the height of the at least one silo; a platform, the platform rotational received on an end of the actuator; a camera received on the platform; a defense mechanism received on the platform; a shielded dome, the shielded dome received on the platform and surrounding the camera and defense mechanism; and a control system, the control system controlling activation of the device, movement of the actuator and platform, operation of the camera, and operation of the defense mechanism.

8. The security monitoring system and device of claim 7, wherein the at least one silo includes a plurality of doors, the plurality of doors positioned on the upper side of the at least one silo and movable between an open position and a closed position, the plurality of doors controlled by the control system.

9. The security monitoring system and device of claim 7, wherein the camera includes a thermal detector.

10. The security monitoring system and device of claim 7, wherein the camera includes an active infrared detector.

11. The security monitoring system and device of claim 7, wherein the defense mechanism is a gun.

12. The security monitoring system and device of claim 7, wherein the system includes a plurality of silos, each silo of the plurality of silos coupled to the control system.

13. The security monitoring system and device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of silos are controlled from a remote location.

14. A security monitoring system and device configured for placement into a ground surface for remote monitoring of an area, the security monitoring system and device comprising: at least one silo, the at least one silo being cylindrical in shape defining an interior space and having a lower side and an upper side opposite the lower side, a distance between the lower side and the upper side defining a height of the silo, the upper side being open to the interior space; an actuator, the actuator having a fixed positioned on the lower side of the at least one silo and a free end, the actuator configured to extend and retract the height of the at least one silo; a platform, the platform rotational received on the free end of the actuator and movable from the interior of the at least one silo to an exterior of the at least one silo; a camera received on the platform; a defense mechanism movably received on the platform; a shielded dome, the shielded dome received on the platform and surrounding the camera and defense mechanism; a plurality of doors, the plurality of doors positioned on the upper side of the at least one silo and movable between an open position and a closed position; and a control system, the control system controlling activation of the device, movement of the actuator and platform, operation of the camera, operation of the plurality of doors, and operation of the defense mechanism.

15. The security monitoring system and device of claim 14, wherein the camera includes a thermal detector.

16. The security monitoring system and device of claim 14, wherein the camera includes an active infrared detector.

17. The security monitoring system and device of claim 14, wherein the defense mechanism is a gun.

18. The security monitoring system and device of claim 14, wherein the system includes a plurality of silos, each silo of the plurality of silos coupled to the control system.

19. The security monitoring system and device of claim 18, wherein the plurality of silos are controlled from a remote location.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is a front side view of the device in a raised position, according to the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the device in a raised position, according to the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the device interior in the raised position, according to the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 4 is view of the device in operation between a retracted position and the raised position, according to the present disclosure; and

[0022] FIG. 5 is view of multiple devices configured to protect and monitor a structure, according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0024] Before the present invention of this disclosure is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit, or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure made herein.

[0025] Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the art and by reference to general and scientific dictionaries.

[0026] References in the specification to “one embodiment” indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0027] The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations.

[0028] As used herein, the term “and/or” refers to any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated.

[0029] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0030] As used herein, the terms “include,” “for example,” “such as,” and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0031] As used herein, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances.

[0032] Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

[0033] As used herein, the terms “front,” “back,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” and “left” in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGS, with “front,” “back,” and “rear” being relative to the apparatus. These terms are not meant to limit the elements that they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.

[0034] As used herein, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. Similarly, coupled can refer to a two member or elements being in communicatively coupled, wherein the two elements may be electronically, through various means, such as a metallic wire, wireless network, optical fiber, or other medium and methods.

[0035] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

[0036] Following are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and embodiments of, methods and apparatus according to the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that various aspects of the subject matter introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the subject matter is not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

[0037] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 generally show the turret apparatus and system for use of the present disclosure and generally referred to herein as device 10. The device 10 of the present disclosure is generally an assembled turret-like apparatus configured for embedded placement into a position below the ground surface near a location or a perimeter of a location the device 10 or system of the device 10 is intended to monitor.

[0038] Accordingly, the device 10 can be utilized as a standalone device 10 comprised of a single device 10 or the device 10 can be utilized in a system of multiple devices 10 configured to operate in tandem with a plurality of devices 10 coupled together in a communicative monitoring system (FIG. 5).

[0039] The singular device 10 is most generally provided in an assembly that can be considered modular, wherein the device 10 is provided in a complete assembly that can be placed into a ground surface or structure for monitoring an area surrounding the device 10. Accordingly, the device 10 comprises a silo 100 generally being a cylindrical or tubular structure forming a housing for the main working components of the device 10 placed within an interior space of the silo 100. This silo 100 having a lower side 101 and an upper side 102 opposite the lower side 101, the distance between the lower side 101 and the upper side 102 defining a height of the silo 100. The lower side 101 representing the bottom of the device 10 and generally being closed to the protect and secure the interior space of the silo 100.

[0040] The upper side 102 generally being the open end of the device 10 and selectively closed through a plurality of doors 120. The plurality of doors 120 generally movable, in a flap-like manner, wherein each door of the plurality of doors 120 is hingedly received on the upper side 102 and movable in an arc of approximately 180 degrees. Accordingly, the plurality of doors 120 is preferably provided in four doors 121, 122, 123, 124 placed equidistant around a perimeter of the upper side 102 and hingedly movable in a petal-like fashion.

[0041] The silo 100 interior space housing the working components of the device 10 in the form of a shielded dome 103 protecting at least a defense mechanism 104 and a camera 105. Preferably, the shielded dome 103 includes an opening 130 to allow for access to the camera 105 and defense mechanism 104 while simultaneously being protected by the dome 103. The shielded dome 103 is generally positioned on a platform 106. The platform 106 movable both rotationally 360 degrees about the silo 100 exterior and vertically about the silo 100 height interior space, wherein the platform 106 is movable between a first retracted position and a second raised position and to various positions rotationally surrounding the device 10. The platform 106 and shielded dome 103 are generally raised from a protected position within the silo 100 interior to a visible position above the surface and upper side 102.

[0042] In the preferred embodiment of the device, the platform 106 is positioned on a free end 171 of an actuator 107. The actuator 107 functioning as a piston to raise and lower the platform 106. The actuator 107 secured within the silo 100 at a fixed end 172 positioned at the lower side 101. Preferably the actuator 107 is of the hydraulic type, although other actuator types may be utilized.

[0043] The device 10 camera 105 can generally be described as an image capturing device, wherein the camera 105 may be of the traditional type or other types of detecting devices, such as, but not limited to, thermal imaging detectors, active infrared detectors, or night vision type camera devices. Further, the camera 105 may be a single camera of a given type or multiple cameras/detectors and camera types provided in an array. The camera 105 may be referred to as targeting camera and utilized to scan and detect security anomalies within a given area. Accordingly, the camera 105 may be utilized to detect motion and trigger an alert upon detected motion.

[0044] The device 10 defense mechanism 104 can most generally be described as a deterrent or firing mechanism to prevent unwanted access to an area protected by the device 10. Accordingly, the defense mechanism 104 can be a weapon that emits a projectile, such as, but not limited to a gun, a firearm, or other similar weapon that may be considered lethal or non-lethal. Alternately, the defense mechanism 105 may be some other type of deterrent, such as, but not limited to, a chemical or noise. The defense mechanism 104 is received on the platform 106 and aligned with the opening 130 of the dome 103. In a preferred assembly to increase targeting capabilities of the defense mechanism 104, the defense mechanism 104 is mounted to the platform 106 with a pivoting mount 140. The pivoting mount 140 generally allowing for directional movement of the defense mechanism 104 in a vertical direction relative to the ground surface the device 10 is placed. Accordingly, the pivoting mount 140 and the rotational movement of the platform 106 enables for viewing and targeting potential threats in areas above the service completely surrounding the device 10.

[0045] The device 10 and more particularly operation of the camera 104 and defense mechanism 105 are configured to be controlled from position that is remote relative to the device 10. The device 10 including features to allow for this remote control from a remote position though an electronic coupling with a control system 1. The control system 1 generally allowing operation of the device 10, wherein a user of the device 10 can utilize a controller of the control system 1 to activate the device 10, move the device 10 platform 106, move and operate the defense mechanism 104, view camera 105 images and operation, operate the plurality of doors 120, and communicate with additional devices 10 or peripherals. Accordingly, the device 10 can generally be understood as monitoring and security device for placement adjacent to an area for providing monitoring, surveillance, and defense.

[0046] While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.