Portable security system

Abstract

A portable alarm system designed for unoccupied unsecured locations, such as construction sites, machinery, campsites and the like. The alarm system defines a continuous monitoring line about the perimeter of the unsecured location using a plurality of wireless sensors attached to a flexible non-stretchable tape suspended between to vertical poles. The system has motion-sensing/detecting capabilities such that any movement of a housing where the microprocessor of the system is located generates audible/visual alarm. Each of the wireless sensors has a magnet and a transmitter positionable within a predetermined distance from the magnet. If the intruder tampers with the tape and increases the distance between the magnet the transmitter, the alarm is activated as well.

Claims

1. An alarm security system for protecting items at a predetermined unoccupied unsecured location, comprising: a flexible tape means suspended in the predetermined location for defining a continuous monitoring line; a portable housing removably positionable with the protected item in the unoccupied unsecured location within the monitoring line; a control unit comprising a wireless transducer with a programmable microprocessor, an audio/visual alarm device, an alarm signal transmitter, at least one motion-sensing/detecting device operationally connected to the control unit, and a keypad positioned in the housing, wherein the at least one motion-sensing/detecting device comprises a magnet member and a wireless sensor positioned at a pre-determined distance from the magnet member on the flexible tape means such that an increase in distance between the at least one wireless transmitter member and the magnet member generates an alarm processed by the microprocessor and transmitted to the alarm signal transmitter, the wireless sensor member is positioned outside of the housing and configured to generate an alarm signal in response to movement of the portable housing with the protected item; and where movement of the protected item generates vibration/shock imparted on the at least one motion-sensing/detecting device and causes actuation of the alarm security system.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals, and wherein

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating position of the alarm system of the present invention at an unprotected unoccupied site.

(3) FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the continuous monitored site and the perimeter line defined for protection by the system of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 3 is a detail view of the transmitter and magnet member secured to a tape.

(5) FIG. 4 is a detail alternative view of the tapes secured to a vertical pole.

(6) FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the electronic/electrical components of the alarm system of this invention according to the first embodiment.

(7) FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the electronic/electrical components of the alarm system of this invention according to the second embodiment.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(8) Turning now to the drawings in more detail, numeral 10 designates the security system according to the present invention. The system 10 comprises a plurality of wireless sensors 12, or other deviation sensing devices, installed about an imaginary perimeter line 14 of an unsecured unoccupied site 16. The site 16 can be a house under construction, a building being renovated, a campsite, or other location where valuable property is temporary stored.

(9) Each of wireless sensors 12 comprises a sensor member mountable on a support means, such as vertical pole 18 or on suspended tape 22, in a non-conspicuous manner. It is envisioned that a plurality of poles can be erected about the perimeter of the protected area; the poles can be spaced at a desired predetermined distance from each other so that the tape formed a continuous monitoring line.

(10) The sensor member 12 may have magnetic backing to allow easy positioning on metal poles 18. Alternatively, the sensor member 12 may have a double-sided tape fitted on the back surface to allow positioning of the sensor member 12 on a wooden or plastic pole 18. Still another alternative is to use screws for attaching the sensor 12 to a pole 18. The sensor member 12 can be positioned on adjacent ends of the tape using an adhesive or a mechanical securing means.

(11) The sensor member 12 is compatible with wireless security systems for instance DSC wireless receivers. The sensor member 12 is capable of transmitting signals in 400 Mhz-900 Mhz range. The sensor members 12 are removably positioned on the poles 18 that are installed in a spaced-apart relationship about the perimeter line 14.

(12) Each sensor member 12 comprises a transmitter member 15 and a magnet member 17. A long-life battery (not shown) is incorporated in the body of the transmitter member 15. When positioned on the pole 18, the transmitter member 15 and the magnet member 17 are aligned so that the magnetic field generated by the magnet member 17 is within the receiving range of the transmitter member 15.

(13) In one aspect of the invention, the continuous monitoring line 20 is defined about the perimeter line 14 using a wire, a tape, a band, etc. In some embodiments of the invention the continuous monitoring line 20 is formed by a flexible non-stretchable tape 22, which spans between the poles 18 and is suspended thereon. The transmitter member 15 and the magnet member 17 can be positioned on adjacent ends 23a, 23b of the tape 22, as shown in FIG. 3.

(14) Since the magnetic field generated by the magnet member 17 is relatively weak the magnet member 17 and the transmitter member 15 are designed to work when positioned within a pre-determined short distance from each other, for instance one inch or less. Any pulling force applied to the tape 22 will cause physical movement of the magnet member 17 to a distance greater than the pre-set distance (e.g. one inch).

(15) Movement of the magnet 17 will interrupt the magnetic field created by the magnet member 17, which results in the transmitter member 15 to generate an alarm signal. The alarm signal is then transmitted to a wireless receiver/transducer 24. The wireless transducer 24 is equipped with a microprocessor 26 operationally connected to an alarm device 28. The alarm device 28 can be an audio siren, a strobe light, a loudspeaker and the like. The transducer device 24 is operationally connected to an alarm signal transmitter 30 either using hard-wiring method or a wireless connection.

(16) In addition to the alarm signal on the construction site 16, a wireless alarm signal is sent to one or more remote locations. An alarm signal transmitter 30 is part of the system 10. The alarm signal transmitter 30 is equipped with an antenna 32, which sends an intrusion message to a remote monitoring station (not shown) and/or to a cell phone of a construction site or equipment owner. The remote monitoring station and/or owner can then call the law enforcement agency to dispatch police to the site 16.

(17) In some aspects of the invention, a plurality of vertically spaced tapes 22a, 22b, and 22c can be secured to each of the poles 18, as shown in FIG. 4. In this manner, an intruder can be detected when the intruder touches any one of the tapes 22a, 22b, or 22c.

(18) As shown in FIG. 5, the system 10 further comprises a keypad 34, which is used to program the alarm system 10. The keypad 34 interacts with the alarm signal transmitter 24 and the microprocessor 26. A battery 36 can power the alarm system 10. The battery 36 can be periodically recharged using a AC/DC transformer connectable to a municipal power supply using a plug 38. The battery is designed to provide a power supply for powering all components of the security system 10 for 72 hours minimum before the transformer for charging the battery needs to be employed.

(19) Should the intruder manage to breach the continuous monitoring line 20 and bypass the tape 22, the intruder may decide to remove the alarm system 10 before removing tools, equipment, wiring, or appliances from the unoccupied site. To detect tampering with the location of the system 10, a motion-sensing/detecting device 40 mounted in the housing. The motion-sensing/detecting device is connected to the microprocessor 26. The motion-sensing device 40 monitors the device movement such as tilt, shake, rotation, or swing.

(20) All elements of the system 10, except for the sensors 12 can be mounted in one housing 42 to facilitate its transportation and storage. The housing 42 can be placed within the border defined by the continuous monitoring line 20 in any convenient location. In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the housing 42 is placed in an unfinished house 46, which may or may not have a roof and other structural components installed. If the intruder bypasses the continuous tape 22 installed about the continuous monitoring line 20 and attempts to move the housing 42, the same type of an alarm (siren, light) is generated by the system 10.

(21) If desired, the housing 42 can be camouflaged as a briefcase or a tool chest in order to attract the intruder's attention and make it more likely that the intruder will move the housing 42, thereby generating the alarm.

(22) FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of the alarm system of the present invention. The alarm system 50 of the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, comprises a control unit 52, which combines a wireless transducer with a programmable microprocessor, an audio/visual alarm device, an alarm system transmitter and a keypad. A motion-sensing/detecting device 54 is operationally connected to the control unit 52. The motion-sensing/detecting device 54 is similar to the motion sensing/detecting device 40; it is designed to detect any movement of the system 50 from its predetermined location.

(23) A rechargeable battery powers the system 50. The battery (not shown) is incorporated into the control unit 52. An AC/DC transformer 56 connected to the control unit 52; the transformer 56 is used to recharge the battery from a source of AC power. The system 50 may also include one or more sensor members 58, which are similar to the sensor members 12.

(24) It is envisioned that the control unit 53, the transformer 56, and the motion-sensing/detecting device 54 can be positioned in a single compact housing, and the optional wireless sensor members 58 could be secured to a perimeter tape 60. The compact design of the system 50 allows it to be concealed in a piece of machinery left at the construction site. Should a wrongdoer decide to move the piece of equipment where an armed system 50 is placed, the vibration/shock imparted on the motion-sensing/detecting device 54 will cause actuation of the alarm system 50. The generated alarm signal will be sent to the remote monitoring station for transmittal to the police and/or to the owner of the machinery.

(25) The housing for the system 50 can be placed behind an operator seat in a tractor, bobcat, or other place where detection thereof is unlikely. Alternatively, it can be placed in a location, where is it bound to attract the attention of a thief. The optional wireless sensor members 58 can be similarly placed on a tape (not shown) and the tape wrapped about a stable element of the machinery, for instance a driver seat.

(26) A briefcase, a purse or other container that is likely to be moved by an intruder, can form the housing for the system 50. Once the intruder moves the housing, the movement sensing/detecting device 54 becomes activated, the alarm system will sound, and a remotely positioned monitoring service or the owner of the machinery can call for police assistance.

(27) If desired, the alarm system of the present invention can be modified to use a laser beam, an infrared beam or other suitable means in lieu of the tape 22. The systems 10 and 50 can be also modified to include an instant camera positioned in the housing to take a photograph of the intruder/thief and thereby assist law enforcement personnel in identifying the criminal. In the preferred embodiment, the housing is waterproof and tamper-proof allowing deployment of the housing in an open area regardless of the weather conditions.

(28) Many other changes and modifications can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof. I, therefore pray that my rights to the present invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.