Container lid alarm

• US 20020145531A1
• Filed: 03/22/2001
• Published: 10/10/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/22/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Scot Delaney
• Original Assignee: Scot Delaney
• Inventors: Delaney, Scot
• Application Number:
  US09/816,037
• Publication Number:
  US 20020145531A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/689
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/08 by opening, e.g. of door, of window, of drawer, of shutter, of curtain, of blind
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/149 with electric, magnetic, capacitive switch actuation

Abstract

A self-contained alarm unit contained withing a housing may be attached to a container lid or door to provide a signal when the lid or door is opened. A magnet within the housing rests on a sloped track and moves to activate the alarm signal by causing a switch to close.

Claims

1. A self-contained alarm unit comprising:

a. a housing;

b. a signaling device contained within the housing;

c. a switch contained within the housing connected to said signaling device by an electrically conductive circuit;

d. a sloped track contained within the housing;

e. a magnet contained within the housing that rests on the sloped track in a first seated position in which the alarm unit is deactivated and moves along said track to a second activation position in which the alarm unit is activated by closing said switch;

f. a battery compartment contained within the housing;

g. an adherent device attached to the housing.

2. A self-contained alarm unit as set forth in claim 1 in which said switch includes conductive contacts that close when said magnet is in said second activation position.

3. A self-contained alarm unit as set forth in claim 1 in which said adherent device is an adhesive backing.

4. A self-contained alarm unit as set forth in claim 1 in which said adherent device is a magnet.

5. A self-contained alarm unit as set forth in claim 1 in which said track slopes at an angle of descent of 5 degrees to 60 degrees while said magnet is in said first seated position.

6. A self-contained alarm unit as set forth in claim 1 in which said magnet is biased to remain in said first seated position by a recess in said sloped track.

7. A self-contained alarm unit as set forth in claim 1 in which said signaling device provides an audible alarm signal.

8. A self-contained alarm unit as set forth in claim 1 in which said signaling device provides a light emitting alarm signal.

9. A self-contained alarm unit as set forth in claim 1 in which said signaling device transmits a signal to a receiver.