Perimeter beam tower

[0002] This application claims priority of provisional patent application 60/234,227 filed Sep. 21, 2000, entitled: Solar Powered Perimeter Beam Tower, and provisional patent application 60/234,310 filed Sep. 21, 2000, entitled Solar Powered Perimeter Beam. Both provisional applications are now incorporated by reference herein.

[0003] The present invention relates to support towers for electronic and solar equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to a perimeter beam tower apparatus for an intruder detection system.

[0004] There are many known types of towers. It is a problem in the art to house solar-powered radio equipment, and multiple beam generators for an intruder detection system.

[0005] U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 341,221 to Elazari teaches a solar powered outdoor lamp. The lamp has a base and a support pole.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,369 to Batte teaches a method and apparatus for solar power lighting. It includes plural panels mounted atop a light pole with a support base.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,841,416 to Doss teaches a solar charging lamp. It includes a support post mounted atop a base and having a light globe on tom, and having solar panels attached to the pole.

[0008] U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 353,014 to Elazari teaches a solar powered outdoor lamp. The lamp includes a globe mounted atop a pole, which in turn is mounted atop a base, and includes two solar panels mounted to the pole.

[0009] From the foregoing, it is seen that it is a problem in the art to provide a device meeting the above requirements. According to the present invention, a device is provided which meets the aforementioned requirements and needs in the prior art. Specifically, the device according to the present invention provides a secure and conveniently installable perimeter beam tower for an intruder detection system. The system may be remotely powered, or powered by a solar panel mounted upon the tower.

[0010] The security system employs multiple beam generators on the tower to generate multiple beams which extend to an adjacent tower. The security system includes a receiver/processor and transmitter for communicating with electronic devices between the perimeter beam towers and a remote processing central unit. Each tower houses a receiver/processor and transmitting device having an antenna, a housing, and an indicator. The indicator includes information on the location of an intrusion.

[0011] A solar panel may be mounted to the perimeter beam tower to provide local power, eliminating the need to supply power from a remote source. When a solar panel is used, the solar panel is supported by mounting bracket, a swivel clamping bolt, a swivel bracket O-ring, a swivel solar bracket, a solar cap O-ring, a solar cap opening mechanism, a solar base cap, and a stainless steel top plate. The perimeter beam tower also includes frame support rods, a frame unit, a frame tower, face shields, a base unit, and face shield slots.

[0012] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a security system employing a plurality of perimeter beam towers, according to the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 is an assembly view of a solar powered perimeter beam tower according to the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tower housing base unit with support rods extending from the base unit.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a tower housing base unit, support rods, and frame unit.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a tower housing frame unit inserted over support rods.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a top view the tower frame unit, prior to installation.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a clamping plate being installed upon the frame housing.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a perimeter beam tower during installation, showing a housing frame and opposing face shields.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a face shield installation (left side), with a base cap positioned over alignment pins.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a perimeter beam tower showing a face shield installation (right side).

[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the top cap being installed upon the perimeter beam tower.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a solar cap and mechanism of FIG. 11.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a solar cap, swivel bracket, and solar panel, mounted upon the solar base cap of the perimeter beam tower.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a swivel bracket mounted upon the solar base cap of the perimeter beam tower.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a breakaway view of a swivel bracket parts, used in the FIG. 14.

[0028] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a complete perimeter beam tower, with a solar panel mounted upon the top plate.

[0029] FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C are assembled views of the perimeter beam tower, with a light mounted on the top.

[0030] FIG. 18A is a diagram of the perimeter beam tower utilizing a point to point single quad detection beam.

[0031] FIG. 18B is a diagram of the perimeter beam tower utilizing a point to point single dual detection beam.

[0032] FIG. 18C is a diagram of the perimeter beam tower utilizing high/low point to point dual detection beams.

[0033] FIG. 18D is a diagram of the perimeter beam tower utilizing multiple detection beams.

[0034] FIG. 19 is a breakaway view of the perimeter beam tower prior to assembly.

[0035] FIG. 20 is a view of the perimeter beam tower with one of the face shields removed.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a security system 100 employing a plurality of perimeter beam towers 120, for detecting an intruder 28. The security system 100 includes a receiver/processor and transmitter unit 20 in each tower 120 communicating with a remote central unit. The remote central unit is outfitted with various electronic devices that display various information, including information on the location of an intrusion. In the security system 100 of FIG. 1, multiple detection beams extending between adjacent towers 120 are used to detect intruders 28. The multiple detection beams may include an infrared beam, a laser beam, a microwave beam, a visible light beam, or any combination of detection beams.

[0037] The security system 100 is supervised-wireless perimeter security detection system for outdoor applications. The security system 100 provides easy deployment and installation. The perimeter beam towers 120 may be solar powered as disclosed herein, or may be remotely powered where a suitable source of electrical power is available.

[0038] At least one detection beam generator/detector 134 is provided on each tower 120 for generating and detecting multiple detection beams 56 extending between adjacent towers 120 in the system 100. The detection beams 56 extend between adjacent towers 120, and a breach in the detection beams 56 signals an alarm at either or both of the remote central unit and the towers 120 detecting the breach. A remote control master receiver is preferably used to communicate between perimeter beam towers 120. The remote control master receiver is preferably a radio communication system corresponding to the receiver/processor and transmitter unit 20 of FIG. 1.

[0039] Certain components of the perimeter beam tower 120, as will be clear as described below, are preferably constructed of a polycarbon composite fiber material. However, other suitable plastic or fiberglass materials, are also contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 2 is an exploded assembly view of perimeter beam tower 120 powered by a solar panel 30. The tower 120 of FIG. 2 includes a solar panel 30, which is preferably a twenty watt solar panel 30 having a solar array 135 for collecting solar energy and generating electrical energy therefrom. A solar mounting bracket 32, which is preferably made of stainless steel, or other corrosion resistant materials, is used to secure the solar panel 30 to the upper portion 31 of a swivel clamp 34. The upper portion 31 of the swivel clamp 34 is adjustably secured to a lower portion 33 of the swivel clamp 34. The upper portion 31 and lower portion 33 of the swivel clamp 34 are adjustably secured together with a suitable fastening means, such as a bolt 35. A swivel O-ring 36 is positioned between the upper portion 31 and the lower portion 33 of the swivel clamp 34. The swivel clamp 34 allows the solar panel 30 to be positioned at different angles to better align the solar panel with the sun.

[0041] The perimeter beam tower may alternately be powered from a remote power supply source, such as 12 Volt, 120 Volt or 240 Volt electrical power, or from a solar panel positioned remotely from the tower 120 but electronically connected thereto.

[0042] The lower portion 33 of the swivel clamp 34 extends through a solar cap O-ring 38 into a swivel aperture 39 in the solar base cap 42. The solar base cap 42 is mounted upon a top plate 44. The solar base cap 42 has at least two alignment pins 81, and preferably four alignment pins 81, which are received in pin apertures 82 located in the top plate 44. The alignment pins 81 allow the solar cap 42 to move freely up and down.

[0043] A solar cap 42 opening mechanism 40 provides access into the interior of the tower 120. A power cable 60 extends from the solar panel 30 through the swivel clamp 34 and solar base cap 42, into the interior of the tower 120.

[0044] At least two support rods 46 are secured to the base unit 52, and extend up to the top plate 44. The support rods 46 are from five feet high to twelve feet high, and are preferably from six feet to eight feet high. The support rods 46 are preferably aluminum rods. The frame unit 47 slides over the support rods 46, where the frame unit 47 is secured to the base unit 52. The frame unit 47 is preferably of a height similar to the height of the support rods 46. At least one face 48 is provided on the frame unit 47 that is configured for having various electrical equipment mounted thereto for the operation of the system 100, including a beam generator/detector 134, the receiver/processor and transmitter unit 20 and power source components such as rechargeable batteries and voltage regulators. Open channels 41 are provided inside the frame unit 47 to allow for the power cable 60 wiring from the equipment mounted on the face 48 of the solar tower 120 to extend through the open channels 41 in the frame unit 47 to the base unit 52.

[0045] Opposing face shields 49 are preferably shaped in a half oval configuration, similar to a U-shaped design. The face shields 49 are preferably made of a polycarbon plastic material. The face shields 49 are preferably of a height similar to the height of the support rods 46.

[0046] The face shields 49 have edges 90 that are inserted into the face shield slots 58 located on the frame unit 47. A suitable fastening means 54 secures the top plate 44 and the frame unit 47 to the support rods 46.

[0047] The base unit 52 is preferably an oval shaped polycarbon molded unit, which is secured to the ground, or to a suitable foundation such as a concrete footing (not shown).

[0048] A stainless steel solar mounting bracket 32 is mounted to the top of the swivel clamp 34. A solar array panel 30 is mounted upon the solar mounting bracket 32. A power cable 60 from the solar array panel 30 passes through the center of the solar mounting bracket 32 into the upper portion 31 of the swivel clamp 34 through to the lower portion 33, into aperture 39 of the solar base cap 42 and extending into the frame unit 47 through channels 41 at the top of the frame unit 47.

[0049] The swivel clamp 34 is preferably a two-piece polycarbon swivel clamp that clamps together to allow the solar array panel 30 to the positioned at different angles for optimal alignment with the sun. The upper portion 31 of the swivel clamp 34 attaches to the solar mounting bracket 32 and the lower portion 33 of the swivel clamp 34 is inserted inside the swivel aperture 39 in the top portion of the solar base cap 42.

[0050] The solar base cap 42 and the solar cap opening mechanism 40 (located inside the housing of the cap 42) permits access into the tower 120. A special key (not shown) may be used, for example, to raise and lower the solar cap 42, using a drill or a screw-type shaft positioned in the center of the solar cap 42. Four alignment pegs 81 allow the solar cap 42 to move freely up and down. A recessed opening 39 in the solar cap 42 allows the lower portion 33 of the swivel clamp 34 to be inserted along with a power wire 60. A suitable fastening means 54 is used to clamp together the top plate 44, the support rods 46, and the frame unit 47.

[0051] The frame unit 47 has a main body which slides over the frame support rods 46 and attaches to the base unit 52 with a fastening means 54. The top plate 44 bolts to the support rods 46, giving all three components the strength needed. Open channels 41 inside the frame unit 47 allow for the power cable 60 wiring to be installed. An optional battery clamp 50 may be secured to the face 48 of the frame unit 47 to support one or more batteries 51 within the frame unit 47.

[0052] The base unit 52 is preferably an oval-shaped polycarbon member which is about eight inches wide, twelve inches long, and two inches high. The base unit 52 is used to secure the perimeter beam tower 120 to the ground. In addition, the base unit 52 is secured with fastening means 54 to the support rods 46 to clamp the frame unit 47 together.

[0053] Each face shield 49 is from four to eight inches wide and substantially the height of the frame support rods 46. The face shields 49 are inserted into the base unit 52 first. Then, the face shields 49 are inserted into channels provided in the frame unit 47.

[0054] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the frame support rods 46 secured into the base unit 52.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the support rods 46, and the frame unit 47 secured to the base unit 52.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a beam housing frame unit 47 being installed over the support rods 46.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a top view in perspective of the frame unit 47, having face shield slots 58 and open channels 41 extending the length of the frame unit 47.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the beam housing clamping plate 44 being installed on top of the frame unit 47.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the beam housing frame 47 with opposing face shields 49 prior to installation in the face shield slots 58.

[0060] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the face shield installation process, showing the face shield 49 on the right side installed, and the face shield 49 on the left side being installed. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the face shield installation process of the face shield 49 on the right side of the figure. This view also shows the solar cap opening mechanism 40 atop the beam housing frame 47.

[0061] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the solar base cap 42 and the swivel bracket O-ring 36, being installed atop the beam housing frame 47. A plurality of alignment pins 81 aid in securing the solar base cap 42 to the top of the beam housing frame 47.

[0062] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the solar cap opening mechanism 40 and the solar base cap 42, as seen from the underside thereof, showing the solar cap opening mechanism 40.

[0063] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the solar panel 30 and solar mounting bracket 32, with the upper portion 31 of the swivel clamp 34 secured to the solar mounting bracket, and the lower portion of the swivel clamp 34 secured to the solar base cap 42. Where a solar panel 30 is not used, the top plate 44 may support a street light 200.

[0064] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the swivel clamp 34 adjustably secured together with a bolt 35. A swivel O-ring 36 is positioned between the upper portion 31 and the lower portion 33 of the swivel clamp 34. A solar cap O-ring 38 is positioned between the lower portion 33 of the swivel clamp 34 and the swivel aperture 39 in the solar base cap 42.

[0065] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a swivel clamp 34 showing the upper portion 31, the lower portion 33 and the swivel O-ring 36, shown assembled in FIG. 14.

[0066] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the assembled solar tower 120, with the solar panel 30 installed.

[0067] FIG. 17A, FIG. 17B and FIG. 17C are selective views of the perimeter beam tower 120 with the face shields 49 removed, showing various electronic equipment mounted upon the face 48 of the frame unit 47.

[0068] FIG. 18A is a diagram showing a single quad detector beam 56 extending between adjacent perimeter beam towers 120.

[0069] FIG. 18B is a diagram showing a single dual detector beam 56 extending between adjacent perimeter beam towers 120.

[0070] FIG. 18C is a diagram showing two dual detector beams 56 extending between adjacent perimeter beam towers 120.

[0071] FIG. 18D is a diagram showing multiple detector beams 56 extending between adjacent perimeter beam towers 120.

[0072] FIG. 19 is a breakaway view of the perimeter beam tower 120, with a solar panel 30 attached.

[0073] FIG. 20 is a photograph showing several workers assembling a perimeter beam tower 120, wherein one of the face shields 49 has been removed to expose the electronic equipment mounted to the frame unit 47.

[0074] The invention being thus described, it will be evident that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.