Access annunciator
View Patent ↗An electronic device is provided that functions as an area-intrusion informing embodiment for announcing the unauthorized entry into an enclosure or area which has at least one access opening and closing means. The invention is not intended to replace conventional alarm systems, but to provide its' own unique functional identity. The invention comprises components that, when installed, will function as a tamper proof device, whose components are packaged in a combination of at least one container, to facilitate remoteness, and substantially small for inconspicuous insertions, or surface mounting. The Access Annunciator is ideal for access doors, windows, filing cabinets, desk draws, closets, bottles, handbags, briefcases, envelopes, boxes and the like, and typically includes at least one light emitting diode, an optional numeric liquid crystal display, a timer, an alert signaling means, and resetting means. The components act together to provide notification of illegal entry between the times of departure, and arrival, of authorized users of the enclosure or area, or provide an indication of unauthorized access to a room or to materials contained within an enclosure. A simpler security alert system is provided.
1. An access annunciator device for informing a user of unauthorized entry within a suitcase, briefcase or a fragile enclosure having an access opening, which access annunciator device comprises an access switch which access switch provides an access signal when said access switch is activated, an activation counter and counter memory means which counts the number of access signals received, an alert system which will energize an alert signaling means on a sequential third access signal, and an alert signaling means for generating an alert signal when activated by said alert system, and additionally, wherein when said unauthorized entry is within a suitcase or briefcase, said access annunciator device also comprises a reset means and a camera for recording images in response to signals from said alert signaling means.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said alert signal is transmitted wirelessly to a remote alert display unit when said access annunciator is housed within a suitcase or briefcase.
3. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said alert signal is an audible, visual, or vibratory signal.
4. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said access switch is a momentary access switch selected from a contact switch, a reed switch, a relay switch, or a light sensor switch.
5. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said access switch comprises a pulsed activated switching means.
6. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said resetting means, when said device is used in said suitcase or briefcase, acts to provide an authorization code by depression of a resetting button interspersed with brief moments of sustained depressions and releases of said button to be indicative of a unique code.
7. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said camera is mounted remotely from said access annunciator.
8. A device as claimed in claim 7 wherein a component of said camera is located with a support leg of said suitcase or briefcase, and an electrical iris for said camera is located remote from said component.
9. A device as claimed in claim 8 wherein said iris is inconspicuously located at or near the handle of said suitcase or briefcase.
10. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said device is used to detect authorized access to a “fragile” enclosure.
11. A device as claimed in claim 10 wherein said fragile enclosure is an envelope, a box, a parcel, or a package.
12. A device as claimed in claim 11 wherein said fragile enclosure has a electrical circuit formed by using an electrically conductive paste or gel applied as a liquid or paste.
13. A device as claimed in claim 12 wherein said electrically conductive paste or gel is also an adhesive used to seal said fragile enclosure.