Key sensor alarm for door locks
OwnerRaul Guim, Elena Guiminventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A key reminder device for use in combination with a key lock mechanism having an adjustable timer with a predetermined timer interval electrically coupled to a replaced power supply. The timer is energized upon detection of a conventional key inserted into the key lock mechanism. Should the key remain in the key lock mechanism beyond a predetermined time, the timer will activate an audible alarm to remind the owner of the keys to remove them. Should the timer be set at a low level, the device operates to indicate the presence of a key. When used in combination with a visual indicator, the key reminder provides an indicator of door entry to the hearing impaired.
Claims1
A concealed key reminder device providing an alarm upon the failure to timely withdraw a key out of a key lock mechanism mounted in a door cavity of a residential or commercial door, said key lock mechanism securing the door in a fixed position when said key lock mechanism is placed in a locked position, said key lock mechanism defined by a key slot receptive to a key having a complimentary surface operatively associated with said key lock mechanism allowing for the locking and unlocking of the door, said device comprising;
- a normally open micro-switch having a first contact and a second contact, said micro-switch coupled to concealed portion of said key lock mechanism in the cavity of the door;
- a trigger arm operatively associated with said micro-switch having a proximal end hingedly secured to said micro-switch and distal end positioned across a portion of said key slot, said distal end movable by a leading end of a key inserted into said key slot which causes the engagement of said first and second contacts;
- a replaceable power supply electrically coupled to said first contact of said micro-switch;
- means for providing an audible indication of low power;
- a timer means electrically coupled to said second contact of said micro-switch, said timer means having an adjustable timer interval initiated upon coupling to said power supply;
- and
- a piezo electric speaker electrically coupled to said timer means producing an audible alarm upon completion of said timer interval;
- wherein insertion of a key into said key lock mechanism moves said distal end of said trigger arm completing an electrical contact between said power supply causing operation of said piezo electric speaker after a period of time if the key remains in said key lock mechanism;
- said audible alarm indicating a key left in lock condition if a timer interval adjusted to a first high level has expired, and indicating arrival of a person at the door when a timer interval adjusted to a second low level substantially less than said first level has expired.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.