US4692745A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Credit card alarm
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1985-12-23
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Granted: 1987-09-08
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Expires: 2005-12-23
Abstract
Abstract An alarm system for a wallet (or briefcase) includes a normally-closed mechanical switch in series with a light sensitive switch, a source of current, and an audio alarm. When the wallet (or briefcase) is open, the light sensitive switch is exposed to light and is thus "open" to prevent current flow. When the wallet (or briefcase) is closed, the light sensitive switch is shielded from light and is thus "closed" to allow current flow. The mechanical switch is held open by the presence of a credit card (or a file folder, etc.). Thus if the wallet (or briefcase) is closed while the credit card (or file folder, etc.) is absent, both switches are closed and the audio alarm is actuated. In a second embodiment, a photosensitive switch actuates an alarm when exposed to light to signal an open drawer.
Inventors
- 👤 Solly Simanowitz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 17:35
CPC Classifications
A; A45; A45C; A45C11/00; A45C11/18; A45C11/182; A45C11/184; G; G08; G08B; G08B21/00; G08B21/18; G08B21/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
200 words
In a foldable wallet having two inner portions which fold together when said wallet is not in use and are unfolded when said wallet is in use, an alarm system for one of said portions comprising a credit card holder having a plurality of receptacles for receiving and maintaining credit cards, said alarm system comprising: a plurality of switches, one of which is associated with each of said plurality of receptacles, said switches being switched to an open state when an object is received therein and being switched to a closed state when the object is removed therefrom; a photoconductive means positioned in the inner portion of said foldable wallet, which inhibits current flow when exposed to light energy when the wallet unfolded and conducts current in the absence of light energy when the container is folded for non-use, a current source; an audio alarm; said plurality of switches, photoconductive means, current source and audio alarm being operatively interconnected so as to sound the audio alarm only when one or more of said plurality of switches are closed, by a removed credit card, and said wallet is in a folded non-use position wherein said photoconductive means receives no light energy.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
200 words
In a foldable wallet having two inner portions which fold together when said wallet is not in use and are unfolded when said wallet is in use, an alarm system for one of said portions comprising a credit card holder having a plurality of receptacles for receiving and maintaining credit cards, said alarm system comprising: a plurality of switches, one of which is associated with each of said plurality of receptacles, said switches being switched to an open state when an object is received therein and being switched to a closed state when the object is removed therefrom; a photoconductive means positioned in the inner portion of said foldable wallet, which inhibits current flow when exposed to light energy when the wallet unfolded and conducts current in the absence of light energy when the container is folded for non-use, a current source; an audio alarm; said plurality of switches, photoconductive means, current source and audio alarm being operatively interconnected so as to sound the audio alarm only when one or more of said plurality of switches are closed, by a removed credit card, and said wallet is in a folded non-use position wherein said photoconductive means receives no light energy.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said current source is a battery.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said photoconductive means is a photoelectric relay.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said photoconductive means is a photovarister.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
158 words
An alarm device comprising: a container, the interior of which is exposed to light energy only when the container is opened; a plurality of receptacles for receiving and maintaining objects; a plurality of switches, one of which is associated with each of said plurality of receptacles, said switches being switched to an open state when an object is received therein and being switched to a closed state when the object is removed therefrom; a photoconductive means positioned in the interior of said container which inhibits current flow when exposed to light energy when the container is open and conducts current in the absence of light energy when the container is closed; a current source; an audio alarm; said plurality of switches, photoconductive means, current source and alarm being operatively interconnected so as to sound said audio alarm only when one or more of said plurality of switches are closed, by a removed object, and the container is closed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
158 words
An alarm device comprising: a container, the interior of which is exposed to light energy only when the container is opened; a plurality of receptacles for receiving and maintaining objects; a plurality of switches, one of which is associated with each of said plurality of receptacles, said switches being switched to an open state when an object is received therein and being switched to a closed state when the object is removed therefrom; a photoconductive means positioned in the interior of said container which inhibits current flow when exposed to light energy when the container is open and conducts current in the absence of light energy when the container is closed; a current source; an audio alarm; said plurality of switches, photoconductive means, current source and alarm being operatively interconnected so as to sound said audio alarm only when one or more of said plurality of switches are closed, by a removed object, and the container is closed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said container is a wallet.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said container is a briefcase.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-09-07 | 1991-03-09 | 1991-09-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-09-07 | 1995-03-09 | 1995-09-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-09-07 | 1999-03-09 | 1999-09-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |