AU2014277848A1 - Security alert device - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to security alert devices and more particularly relates to security modules that can provide an alert on the status of an object that provides entry into a secure area, for example a door or window. The invention provides a switch box including a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of side walls, a top wall and bottom wall; and a tamper apparatus positioned in or on the switch box that is able to be tested to generate an alarm without dismantling the switch box. The tamper apparatus is a tamper link device positioned across one of the walls of the switch box to detect tampering with said switch box, the tamper link device including a link that is part of an electrical circuit which is broken when the link is dislodged by said tampering upon which an alarm signal is triggered.

Description

EDITORIAL NOTE 2014277848 - There are 25 pages of Description - The page numbering starts with "2" SECURITY ALERT DEVICE Field of the Invention This invention relates to security alert devices and more particularly relates to security modules that can provide an alert on the status of an object that provides entry 5 into a secure area, for example a door or window. In particular it can indicate whether, for example, a door is in an open or closed position and whether a lock associated with the door is in a locked position or an unlocked position. Background to the Invention Devices used to alert a user or personnel of a security firm, for example, of entry 10 through a door or window have existed for some time. A particular example of detecting whether a door has been opened, from a closed position, is by using a reed switch. A reed switch consists of a pair of contacts positioned on non-ferrous metal reeds and operates under the action of an applied magnetic field. Such a magnetic field can be applied through a non-ferrous piece of metal, for example fixed to a door while the reed 15 switch is positioned adjacent a doorjamb or within the frame of the door. Thus when the door is in a closed position the magnetic field so applied will cause the reeds to come together and therefore complete an electrical circuit indicating that the door is in a closed position. If the door is opened then the magnetic field is removed and the contacts of the reeds are separated and therefore break the circuit. This can trigger an alarm that the 20 door has been opened. A similar indication can be made conversely whereby the contacts may be normally closed, for example when the door is opened, and then the contacts open when the magnetic field is applied, when the door is closed. Reed switches of this type are generally a standalone configuration in which they are not fully encapsulated, and therefore are prone to being tampered with. An intruder 2 may readily "short-out" the reed switch undetected so that entry can be gained at a later time. Furthermore, for those reed switches that are not as easily able to be damaged or removed, these may be fitted with a tamper switch to provide evidence of tampering to 5 the reed switch. In the past, "end of line" systems that are connected to the reed switch have generally been enclosed within a resin so that it is effectively a sealed unit. Where a resin does not encase an end of line unit, a tamper unit may be attached to the "end of line" to provide evidence of tampering to the "end of line" unit, which can have encryption-based information transmitted from the "end of line" unit to a remote 10 location. However there is no simple manner of testing a tamper switch, so as to see if its operation is correct, where the tamper switch is difficult to get to, for example, behind a reed switch that is recessed into a door frame in a tamper box. It is difficult to test and re-check any procedure that is needed on such a tamper switch located in the tamper box. Other arrangements can be used to detect the opening and closing of a door, 15 through its locking system. These use micro-switch boxes that have a micro-switch activated, for example through a plunger or lever coming into contact with a bolt or latch of a lock that is positioned in a door. Movement of the plunger or lever triggers the micro-switch to send a signal or alarm to a remote station. Furthermore the position of the micro-switch lever or plunger has to be set 20 correctly so that it interacts or makes contact with the bolt of the door lock. This has to be done for each different application of the micro-switch box as the tolerance for the alarm contacts is tight or stringent. In this case, the micro-switch box has to be dismantled to adjust and re-adjust the micro-switch. 3 The above references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In this specification, including the claims, the directional terms "top", "bottom", 5 "side", "rear", "front", "upper", "lower" and the like will be used in the sense that these terms would have with reference to a switch box of the present invention as shown in the accompanying Figures. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a switch box for installation to in or on a structure in which an article moves between a closed position and an open position relative to said structure, the switch box including: a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of sides walls, a top wall and bottom wall, said top wall and said bottom wall affixed to each of the front wall, rear wall and the pair of side walls; 15 a tamper apparatus positioned in the switch box and is able to be tested without dismantling the switch box. Preferably, the tamper apparatus is a tamper link device positioned across one of the wal Is of the switch box to detect tampering with said switch box, the tamper link device including a link that is part of an electrical circuit which is broken when the link is 20 dislodged by said tampering upon which an alarm signal is triggered. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a switch box for installation in or on a structure in which an article moves between a closed position and an open position relative to said structure, the switch box including: 4 a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of sides walls, a top wall and bottom wall, said top wall and said bottom wall positioned respectively between the front wall and the rear wall and between the pair of side walls; a tamper apparatus positioned in or on the switch box that is able to be tested to 5 generate an alarm without dismantling the switch box According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a switch box for installation in or on a structure in which an article moves between a locked position and an unlocked position, the switch box including: a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of sides walls, a top wall and a bottom wall; 10 switch means housed within the switch box, a switch actuator associated with the switch means; wherein said switch actuator moves between a first position and a second position to indicate the locked or unlocked position of the article and said switch means is mounted adjacent an internal surface of at least one of said walls. 15 Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described, by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1(a) is a perspective view of a switch box for installation in a structure in order to detect the state or condition of an article that moves between an open and a 20 closed position and detect tampering to the switch box, the structure having a side wall partially cut away in order to show the internal components mounted within the box; Figure 1(b) is a perspective view of an alternative switch box for affixing to a structure in order to detect the state or condition of an article that moves between an open and a closed position and to detect tampering to the switch box; 5 Figure 1(c) is a perspective view of a switch box for mounting to a structure together with an additional mounting box which is affixed to an article that moves between an open and closed position with respect to the switch box, the switch box also includes a component to detect tampering to the switch box; 5 Figure 1(d) is a perspective view of a switch box partially cut away in order to show internal components of the switch box according to a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 1(e) is a part sectional view through the front of the switch box of Figure 1(d) and showing an additional outer casing; 10 Figure 1(f) is a diagram showing a tamper link device with a male component and a female component that when fitted together forms or closes an electrical circuit; Figure 1(g) is a block diagram of an electrical circuit which includes the tamper link device and a tamper switch device; Figure 1(h) is a perspective view of a switch box, partially cut away to show the 15 internal components, wherein an active tamper ring of a reed switch is mounted in an aperture of a mounting block to detect removal of a reed switch from the aperture and thereby detect tampering with the switch box; Figure 1(j) is a perspective view of the switch box shown in Figure 1(h) with a reed switch fully assembled within the switch box. 20 Figure I(k) is a perspective view of an alternative switch box for affixing to a structure in order to detect the state or condition of an article that moves between an open and a closed position and to detect tampering to the switch box; Figure 1(1) is a further perspective view of an alternative switch box shown in Figure 1(k) for affixing to a structure in order to detect the state or condition of an article 6 that moves between an open and a closed position and to detect tampering to the switch box; Figure 1(m) shows side views of mounting brackets used in the embodiments of Figures 1(k) and 1(1); 5 Figure 2(a) is a cross-sectional side view of a switch box for installation in a structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, shown together with a cover plate that attaches to the switch box; Figure 2(b) is a perspective view of the switch box of Fig 2(a) with the side wall partially cut away; 10 Figure 2(c) is a further perspective view of the switch box of Fig. 2(a) showing the exposed switch actuator and tamper switch test points; Figure 2(d) is a perspective view of alternative shapes of a cover plate used in a region where a lock bolt or latch of an article, such as a lock, strikes a switch actuator associated with the switch box of Figure 2(a); 15 Figure 3(a) is a side view of a portion of a switch box in which a switch is mounted within a bracket which is adjustable so that the position of the switch can be adjusted relative to the front wall of the switch box; Figure 3(b) is a plan view of the switch box of Figure 3(a) with one of the side walls removed to show the internal components of the switch box; 20 Figure 3(c) is a perspective view from above of the switch box of Figure 3(b) showing a separate facing plate that can be attached to the front wall of the switch box of Figure 3(b); Figure 3(d) is a perspective view from above more clearly showing a bracket that is used to house or mount a switch within the switch box of Figure 3(b); 25 Figure 3(e) is a perspective view from above showing the bracket in Figure 3(d); 7 Figure 3(f) is a perspective view from above of an alternative bracket having an aperture in a web of the bracket; Figure 3(g) is a perspective view from above of a switch box formed in two parts, being an outer casing and a tray that fits within the casing, the tray containing the 5 components of the switch box; Figure 4(a) is a view of an alternative switch box with one of the side walls removed to show the internal components of the switch box, wherein an actuator block is used to enable a switch actuator to move between a first and second position to actuate a switch; 10 Figure 4(b) is a side view showing a plunger associated with the actuator block mounted to a shaft; and Figure 4(c) is a side view of an alternative arrangement of the actuator block and plunger and how the actuator block actuates the microswitch. 15 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments With reference to Figure 1(a) there is shown a security module 100 in the form of a switch box 10 attached at a front wall 170 to a mounting bracket or plate 104. The switch box 100 is to be installed in a structure, such as a door jamb or window frame, where an article, such as a door or window, moves between closed and open positions 20 and/or locked and unlocked positions. The mounting plate 104 can also act as the front wall of the switch box 100. The switch box 100 has rear wall 171, top wall 172, bottom ,wall 173 and side walls 174, 175. Within box 102 there is mounted a switch means 106, which can be any one of a reed switch such as a Chubb triple reed switch, a TM Magnasphere switch or Hall Effect switch. The switch means 106 has one face 25 protruding through the bracket 104 so that the face is flush with the external surface of 8 the mounting plate 104. The plate 104, upon installation, will have a further face plate connected flush against the plate 104. A push button or screw, or similar device, will be in contact with a tamper switch 108 to detect any removal of the face plate and to enable a technician to test the tamper switch 108. The switch means 106 may alternatively be 5 fully enclosed within box 102. A tamper switch 108 is also affixed to the internal surface of plate 104 and also extends partially through the external surface of plate 104. A tamper link device may also be fitted to the switch box 102. Each of the switch means 106 and tamper switch 108 have leads 110, 112 respectively connected to a security module 114 which is otherwise known as an "end of line device" or an "end of line 10 module". The module 114 includes electronic components so that upon detection by the tamper switch 108 of tampering to the module 100 or upon detection of a door closing or opening by the switch means 106, a signal is sent through leads 110, 112 to the module 114 and thereafter an alert signal is sent to a remote location. The signals may be transmitted to the remote location from module 114 using fixed line or wireless 15 communications. Other indications may be given to make a person aware of the changed conditions associated with the unit 100, such as a light or LED being illuminated. The mounting plate 104 will generally sit flush within a frame or a wall or any other edge which is in close proximity to a door or window. A corresponding metal ferromagnetic element is fitted to the door or the area that is to be monitored so that when 20 the element is in close proximity to the switch means or alarm monitor switch 106, particularly in the case of a reed switch or Magnasphere switch, a signal can be sent to indicate the closed state of the door or window, When the element is apart or separated from the switch means 106, then a further signal can be transmitted to indicate that the door or window has been opened. 9 Mounted in the plate 104 is a pair of test points 116 for the tamper switch 108, which can also be accessed through a face plate 105 attached to plate 104 (see Figure l(b)). A test of the switch 108 can be made at button 117 by pressing it inwardly. Alternatively, a screw can be rotated to test the switch 108, which also protrudes through 5 the face plate 105. Thus a technician does not have to pull the mounting plate 104, face plate 105 and box 102 away from its installation, in order to open the box 102 and thereafter test or repair the tamper switch 108 if found to be faulty. Mounting apertures 118 are provided in the mounting plate 104 to enable fasteners to attach to a face plate and to attach the unit 100 to a frame, wall or floor, with 10 the box 102 being recessed and out of view. The switch means 106 prevents a person prying open or gaining access to a door or window to which the box 102 is attached, using for example a crowbar, without having being detected. Referring to Figure 1(b) there is shown an alternative switch box 100 to that of Figure 1(a). It includes a breakable link, otherwise known as a tamper link device 121 or in the alternative a 15 tamper link 121 and a tamper switch 119. The advantage of a breakable link over a micro-switch is that it is not a mechanical device that can break down and need replacing or otherwise fail to indicate an alarm. The tamper link 121 is more clearly shown in Figure 1(f) and comprises a male part 123 and a female part 125. The tamper link 121 is essentially part of an electrical circuit shown in Figure 1(g) such that removal of the male 20 part 123 of the tamper link 121 breaks the electrical circuit and thereby enables an alarm or signal to be sent to a remote location to indicate that the box 102 has been tampered with or attempted to be tampered with including removal of a face plate such as plate 104. A pair of contacts 127 extend from the bottom of the female portion 125. When the legs 129, 131 of the male part of 123 of link 121 sit within corresponding connectors 25 117, 115 of the female portion, these legs 129, 131 are respectively in contact with the 10 contacts 127 to form a closed circuit. Therefore, removal of the male part 123 will disconnect the leg 129 from contact 127 and the leg 131 from contact 125 to thereby break the circuit. The male portion 123 may be attached to the plate 104 to detect removal or attempted removal of the face plate attached to box 102, or detect movement 5 of the inner tray with respect to the outer casing. Thus, removal of the plate 104 or the tray will break or release the male portion 123 from the female portion 125. The switch box 100 can be in the form a "matchbox" whereby top wall 172 and bottom wall 173 are formed on a tray that slides in and out of an outer casing or shell. The outer casing or shell is made up of front wall 104 (and/or plate 105), rear wall 171 to and side walls 174, 175. In order to pull apart the matchbox, that is, slide the tray out of the shell, it is necessary to remove the male portion of the tamper link device 121 and a tamper screw (not shown) associated with tamper switch 119 securing the tray to the outer casing. More than one switch 106 can be used to detect entry with a double door or 15 window. The switches, which can be triple reed or Magnasphere, would each be adjacent a respective door/window and positioned on the frame and a corresponding magnet attached to a door or window adapted to be kept in close proximity to the switches to indicate a closed state. Generally, two triple reed switches are used to detect movement of the doors and one tamper switch is used to detect tampering with the switch box. 20 The tamper link device 121 and tamper switch device 119 provide two lines of defence against intrusion and are shown more clearly in Figure I(e). They will be described in relation to Figures 1(d) and I(e). Referring to Figure 1(c) there is shown a further example of a micro switch box 120 having a pair of side walls 133, 135, a front wall 137 and a rear wall 139, a top wall 25 141 and a bottom wall 142. Within the switch box 120 there is a switch 122 (either reed 11 or Magnasphere), a tamper switch 124 and an end of line module 126. Each of the switch 122 and the tamper switch 124 are connected through leads to the alarm monitor switch which is the end of line module 126. The switch box 120 also includes an access point 128, which can be a screw similar to 150, for the tamper switch 124 to enable tests 5 or routine monitoring of the tamper switch by a technician. The tamper switch and the screw can be regarded as tamper apparatus. In this manner the switch box 120 does not need to be opened or pulled apart in order to have access to the tamper switch 124. The switch box 120 can be mounted to one part of a structure, such as a door jamb or window frame, which is adjacent an article, such as a door or window, which is 10 typically moved between a closed and open position. An additional mounting box 130 will be in close proximity to the switch box 120 when the article is in a closed position and magnetic means 132 located on the box 130 is in close proximity to the switch 122. The switch box 120 can therefore be mounted to a frame of a door or a window or even on a surface such as a wall or the ground. Corresponding mounting box 130 can be 15 affixed to an article that moves between an open and closed position, such as a window or a door. In this manner opening or closing of the article can be detected through the switch 122 with the signal being sent to the end of line module 126. In addition, tampering to the switch box 120 can be detected by the tamper switch 124, or alternatively a tamper link device, and a signal sent to the end of line module 126. 20 Referring to Figure 1(d) there is shown a switch box 144 similar to box 120 shown in Figure 1(c). It includes a switch means 106, a security or end-of-line module 114, a tamper link 121 and a tamper switch 119, in the form of a micro-switch. The tamper switch 119 is optional and can be mounted adjacent an interior wall of the switch box 144. A tamper cover 146 is secured to a correspondingly shaped recess 148 by cover 25 screws 150 and 152. The tamper cover 146 can be regarded as a face plate having the 12 same function as face plate 105 in Figure 1(b). The tamper link device 121 is positioned across or attached to the cover 146 and casing 147. The male portion 123 of the tamper link 121 is embedded in or connected to the cover 146 at an underneath face thereof. When it is in the position shown in Figure 1(e), the electrical circuit of which the tamper 5 link 121 forms a part, is in a closed configuration. If anyone was to tamper with the cover 146 by unscrewing the fasteners 150 or 152, in particular screw 150, this would set off an alarm through tamper switch device 119 as the lever of the switch device would no longer be in contact with the screw 150. This provides a first alarm that can be sent to a remote location. Then removal of screw 152 in order to remove the cover 146 would 10 disengage the male part 123 of link 121 from the female part 125 which is located within the mounting box 144 and thereby break the circuit and enable a further signal or alarm to be sent to a remote location through the end of line unit 114 to indicate that the box 144 has been tampered with. A further secondary line of security is provided with the tamper link 121. The tamper switch 119 has a lever which is in contact with screw 150 15 in a set position. Any dislodgement, tampering or removal of screw 150 activates the tamper switch to send a signal to a remote location. Alternatively, the tamper switch can be used to contact, through its lever, screw 152. Thus, two independent alarms can be generated, one from link 121 and the other from a tamper switch 119 (associated with screw 150 or 152). The outer casing 147 is secured to the box 144 through a mounting 20 screw 149 so that any removal of screw 149 could be detected by a further tamper switch. Routine testing can be applied by a technician using the screws 150, 152 and/or 149 without opening up entirely the box 144. All that has to be done is adjust screws 150, 152 and remove the cover plate 146 via the screws 150 and 152 to test screw 149. Shown in Figure 1(g) is an electrical circuit 160 which includes a tamper link 121 25 that shows separately a connection of the male part 123 to the female part 125 through 13 connectors 117 and 115. The link 121 is connected in series with the tamper switch 119, and in this instance a micro switch 119, which in turn is connected in series with the security module or end of line module 114. This is connected through a pair of cables to a remote computer monitoring facility not shown. Thus, any break in the switch 119 or 5 in the link 121 will open the circuit and enable a signal to be sent by the security module 114 back to the remote computer to indicate that the switch box 144 or 120 has been tampered with. Referring to Figures 1(h) and 16) there is shown a father embodiment of a switch box 160. As with the embodiment in Figure 1(d) it discloses a tamper switch 10 device 119 and a tamper link device 121. A triple reed switch 163 is used. Two of the reeds/contacts of the triple reed switch 163 are used to detect opening and closing of a door or window when the box 160, made from aluminium for example, is mounted adjacent the door or window. The third contact or third reed may be used as an active tamper ring 164 which is mounted in an aperture through mounting block 162 inside box is 160. The ring 164 is made from a suitable metal and is essentially a hollow cylinder or sleeve which houses the reed switch 163. Removal of the reed switch 163 will set off an alarm to a remote location. It is possible for the active tamper ring 164 to detect a stronger magnet than is generally used with the reed switch which can be used to defeat the magnet associated with the reed switch. The active tamper ring 164 detects such a 20 large magnetic field and is able to generate an alarm. This supplies a further line of protection against unauthorised entry or tampering of the box 160. The triple reed switch is not designed to mount externally of a door frame or window frame, however the embodiments of Figures 1(h) and 1() makes this possible. In Figure 1(k) there is shown a perspective view of a further embodiment 25 of a security module 100 which has a switch box 102 attached at a front wall 170 to the 14 mounting bracket or plate 104. As with the embodiment in Figure 1(a), the switchbox 100 can be installed in a structure, such as a door jamb or a window frame, when an article such as a door or window moves between closed and opened positions and/or locked and unlocked positions. The mounting plate 104 can also act as the front wall of 5 the switch box 100. The switch box has rear wall 171 as well as a side wall 174 and 175. It can also have a top or front wall 172 and a bottom or rear wall 173 which is fixed. Preferably however the switch box is in a form of a match box whereby the walls 172 and 173 are formed on a tray that slides in and out of an outer casing or shell, the outer casing or shell can be made up of the front wall 104 and/or plate 105, rear wall 171 and 10 side walls 174 and 175. In order to pull apart the match box, that is, slide the tray out of the shell, it is necessary to move or remove a portion of a tamper switch or sensor and/or a tamper screw associated with the tamper switch or sensor, which secures the mounting plate 105 to a mounting bracket 180 which in turn is affixed to a window or doorjamb. Both mounting brackets 180 and 181 have an aperture 186, 189 used to receive 15 screws that attach the mounting brackets 180 and 181 to a surface 182 such as that of a door or window. Another pair of apertures 187 and 188 is also present respectively on the mounting brackets 180 and 181. Aperture 187 is used to receive a securing device such as a post or screw or similar article 183 which has a magnetic means 184 attached at the top of the screw 183. Thus the screw 183 protrudes through aperture 187 and also 20 through aperture 190 of mounting plate 104 so that it is positioned in close proximity to the tamper sensor 185 protruding through the wall 172 of either a fixed switch box 102 or the internal tray as previously discussed. The magnet 184 therefore will be in close proximity to the tamper sensor 185 as it is shown in the side view of Figure 1(k). Aperture 188 of mounting bracket 181 is used to secure the other end of the mounting 15 plate 104 to the mounting bracket 181 and also to the surface 182. Typically the mounting apertures 186 to 189 are 4mm in diameter. Therefore any removal of the screw 183 will move the magnet 184 away from the tamper sensor 185 and therefore trigger an alarm. Similarly any movement of the switch 5 box 102 or the tray in the match box configuration will move the sensor 185 away from the magnet 184 and therefore also trigger an alarm. Referring to Figure 1(1) there is shown a variation on the security module 100 which is shown in figure 1(k). Instead of having mounting plate 180, there is a mounting plate 191 which is L-shaped and has aperture 187 which is used for a screw to fix the 10 mounting bracket 191 to mounting plate 105 also through aperture 190 of mounting plate 104. The other mounting plate 181 is secured to the surface 182 and to the mounting plate 104 as previously described in relation to Figure 1(k). With mounting bracket 191 secured to the mounting plate 104 as shown in the side view, the upright portion 194 of mounting bracket 191 is adjacent side of wall 172 so that a tamper magnet 192, which 15 protrudes and is secured within aperture 193, is now adjacent to the tamper sensor 185. Any attempt to remove the mounting bracket 191 will force the tamper magnet 192 to be removed away from the tamper sensor 185 and therefore send a signal to set off an alarm. Similarly any movement of the switch box 102 or the tray which houses the tamper sensor 185 would move the tamper sensor 185 away from the tamper magnet 192 which 20 would therefore also set off an alarm. The tamper circuit provided by magnetic means 184 and sensor 185, can be tested using tool such as a test magnet by bringing the test magnet in the vicinity of the magnetic means 184 and sensor 185, without dismantling or pulling apart the switch box 102 from its installed position. For example a North facing test magnet can be placed near to the tamper sensor 185, which can be a Magnasphere 16 device, which overpowers and moves the small ball bearing in the Magnasphere device, to then set off an alarm. In Figure 1(m) there are shown respective side views of mounting bracket 191 and mounting bracket 180. 5 With references to Figures 2(a) to 2(d), there is shown an embodiment of a switch box 200 that houses a micro-switch 202, an alarm monitor switch 204 which can be a reed or Magnasphere switch, and a tamper switch 206. The micro-switch box 200 has a rear wall 208, top wall 210, bottom wall 212 and side walls 214, 216 as well as a front wall 218. The front wall 218 may have a recessed portion 220 formed by a third front to wall portion consisting of walls 252, 254 and 251, existing between first and second front wall portions 219, 221 through which extends a micro-switch actuator, being a plunger 222, through a respective aperture 224, the plunger 222 being in contact or proximity to the micro-switch 202. Flanges 223 and 225 extend beyond front wall portions 219 and 221 respectively to assist in connecting the switch box 200 to the cover plate 230. A 15 biasing means 226 is connected between the rear wall 208 and the back of the micro switch 202. The switch box 200 may have a tamper link device positioned therein and function in a similar way to those tamper link devices described in this description. The switch box 200 may also be formed as a "matchbox" arrangement as previously described. 20 The recessed portion 220 in the front wall 218 accommodates a cover box 228, for covering a bolt or latch of an associated door/window lock, which extends from an internal side of cover or strike plate 230 in the region of the recess 220. The box 228 has an aperture 232, shaped to conform to the particular latch bolt 234 used in the door lock with the bolt 234 adapted to protrude through the aperture 232 in order to make contact 25 with the plunger 222. 17 A pair of apertures 236 in the cover plate 230 are aligned with test points 237 of the tamper switch 206 to enable easy testing of the switch through a probe or fork used by a technician. Button 239 also serves as a test point which can be pressed inwardly by a technician. 5 In operation, in a closed position bolt 234 protrudes through aperture 232 and makes contact with plunger 222 in order to compress the plunger 222 against the force supplied in the biasing means spring 226, by compressing the spring 226 and therefore moving the micro-switch 202. This can send a signal through wires 238 to a remote location to indicate that the door or a window is in a locked or closed state. Upon 10 retracting the bolt 234 and opening a door or a window, the plunger 222 moves outwardly under the force of the spring 226 expanding back to its original state and therefore pushing the micro-switch external to recess 220. Thus the micro-switch plunger 222 extends even further outwardly of the face of the recessed portion 220. This outward movement of the micro-switch plunger 222 triggers the switch 202 to send a 15 signal over the wire 238 and through conduit 240 to a remote location to alert that the plunger 222 is no longer in contact with bolt 234 and therefore most likely the door has been opened. Given the range of movement of the plunger 222 there is no need to have to set the distance between the bolt 234 and the plunger 222 as is required in the prior art. A switch 204, such as a reed switch or a Magnasphere switch, detects opening 20 and closing of the door to which the bolt 234 is attached by detecting the presence or non-presence of a corresponding ferro-magnetic material in the door or window portion that houses the bolt 234. When this happens, the signal is generated and transmitted along wire 242 to a remote location. A tamper switch 206 also triggers a signal when an attempt is made to tamper 25 with the box 200 and this is sent over wire 244 through the conduit 240 to a remote 18 location. A further sensor, in the form of tilt sensor 242 is provided as evidence of movement or tampering of box 200. This can for example use mercury as its medium, so that any change in the orientation or level of mercury activates the sensor to send a signal over cable 246 to the remote location. 5 The plunger 222 can have a weatherproof rubber covering, which is ideally ribbed, to seal against dust and water ingress to the micro-switch 202 and the micro switch box 200. To a certain extent dust and water can also be kept out or away from the box 200 by cover box 228 as it has a top side 248 and bottom side 250 that is preferably adjacent to the respective sides 252, 254 of recess 220. 10 Shown in Figure 2(d) are two variations on the lock cover box 228. The upper figure denotes a lock cover box having aperture 232 which is circular to correspond with a circular bolt from the article (door, window) and the lower figure has a square or rectangular aperture 232 to correspond with a rectangular or square bolt 234 from the door/window. Preferably the clearance is minimal between the outside surface of the IS bolt 234 and the inside surface of the aperture 232. With reference to Figure 3(a) there is shown a further embodiment of a microswitch box 300 having therein a microswitch 302. The microswitch 302 is positioned within an adjustment bracket 308 which in turn is connected to a front wall 304 of the box 300 by a pair of first fastening devices 310 and 312, such as screws. A 20 further second pair of fastening devices in the form of screws 314, 316 secure the microswitch 302 after adjustment against a bottom wall 303 of switch box 300. Adjusting the position of microswitch actuator 318, so that it is positioned at the correct distance relative to contact through a latch bolt of a lock, is performed through the adjustment screws 310, 312 which enables the adjustment bracket 308 to move towards 25 or away from the front wall 304. A pair of slots not shown formed in the bottom wall 19 303 allows movement of the screws 314, 316, which are loose prior to installation of box 300. One or more grooves or guiding elements may be required to be formed in the bottom wall 303 to ensure that the pair of screws 314, 316 do not become misaligned. Once the initial adjustment is made, then the microswitch 302 can be secured to the 5 microswitch box 300 through the screws 314, 316 if there is no gap. Referring to Figures 3(b) and 3(c) it is seen that microswitch 302 is positioned within adjustment bracket 308 and the actuator or plunger 318 protrudes through wall 309 through corresponding aperture 311. A recess or open space 319 is formed and is set back from portions 337 and 339 of front wall 304 of the box 300, portions 337 and 339 10 are positioned either side of recess 319. The walls 309, 350 and 352 are regarded as forming part of the front wall 304. The recess 319 enables space for the latch bolt of the associated lock to contact the plunger 318. The fasteners 310, 312 respectively connect to a first leg 313 of adjustment bracket 308 through respective apertures 324, 322. Each of the apertures 322, 324 are threaded to provide a threading action which would move 15 the adjustment bracket 308 forwards and backwards to the required distance from wall 304. Once the correct adjustment has been made in relation to the plunger 318 and its contact with the latch bolt, the fasteners 316, 314 are screwed tightly into corresponding apertures 321, 323 in web 317 of adjustment bracket 308 and through the pair of slots not shown in bottom wall 303 to secure the position of the microswitch 302 to the base or 20 bottom wall 303 of box 300. A gap can exist between the interior of the bottom wall 303 and the microswitch 302 through the use of appropriate screws 314, 316 that enable the microswitch 302 to be firmly affixed to the screws 314, 316 but not directly touching the bottom wall 303, allowing the micro-switch 302 to move backwards and forwards without requiring to undo screws 314, 316. This enables adjustment of screws 310, 312 25 in order to set the required distance of the microswitch 302 from the front wall 304 20 without opening up the entire box 300. A rear leg 315 is connected to the front leg 313 of the adjustment bracket 308 through web 317. This is more clearly seen in Figure 3(e). In operation, upon detection of actuator 318 being pushed inwardly through contact with a latch bolt tongue, which indicates that the bolt is latched in a closed 5 position, a signal is sent to the end of line unit or security module 326 through wiring 325 and then a further signal is sent through wiring 327 to a remote monitoring system connected to the other end of the wiring 327. Wiring 327 extends through a rear aperture 329 through back wall 306. Alternatively an aperture may be formed in bottom wall 305, particularly for a matchbox design of box 300 where an outer casing encloses an 10 inner tray that slides within the outer casing. A further signal can be sent when it is detected that the latch bolt tongue is not in contact with the actuator 318 anymore to indicate that the bolt is unlatched and such a signal can be sent through the end of line module 326 to a remote monitoring terminal. Also fitted within the box 300 is a tamper switch 328 connected through wiring 15 331 to the end of line module 326. The tamper switch 328 will detect opening or tampering of box 300, and in particular detect removal or attempted removal of face plate 341 through screw 332. It can be serviced or tested by a technician through a screw (such as 332) or an indentation that can be depressed located on the outside of the face plate 341. Also included is a tamper link device 330 which can detect opening or 20 tampering with the box 300 by breaking the circuit which is attached to the end of line unit through wiring 333. As seen in Figure 3(c), an additional device in an alarm switch 335 is supplied, which can be a reed switch or a Magnasphere switch, that can detect the open or closed state of a window or door for example as previously described. Also shown is face plate 25 341 detached from front wall 304. It has a corresponding aperture 343 that fits over 21 recess 319 and mounting holes that align with mounting holes in the front wall for securing the face plate 341 to the front wall 304 by suitable fasteners such as screws. Referring to Figure 3(f) there is shown an alternate adjustment bracket 308 which has an aperture 336 in the web 317. The microswitch 302 can be housed within the 5 opening 336 and secured in position by respective peripheries of the web 317 around the opening 336, The screws 314, 316 are still required to tighten and secure the microswitch 302 from further movement. A gap can exist between the interior of the bottom wall 303 and the microswitch 302 through the use of the screws 314, 316 that enable the microswitch 302 to be firmly affixed to the screws 314, 316 but not directly to touching the bottom wall 303. Alternatively a shell may be formed around the microswitch 302 to prevent it from moving within the box 300. Referring to Figure 3(g), there is shown a switch box 300 that is formed in two parts, similar to a matchbox, in that there is an outer casing 340 made up of wall 306, front wall portions 337, 339, top wall 301 and underneath wall 303. Sliding within the 15 outer casing 340 is a tray 342 which includes end walls 305 and 307, side walls 354, 356, and walls 309, 350 and 352. Mounted on the tray 342 are all the various components internal to the box 300. This matchbox form of the switch box 300 cannot be separated, that is the tray 342 cannot be separated from the outer casing 340, without removing a tamper screw associated with tamper switch 328, which secures the inner tray 342 to the 20 outer casing 340, and removing the tamper link 330. In Figure 3(d) there is shown the tray 342 with the adjustment bracket 308 connected to the front wall 304 through the fasteners 310, 312. Each of the fasteners 310, 312 have a respective biasing means, in the form of a spring, mounted thereon 344, 346, in order to provide back pressure so that the screws 310, 312 do not become undone 25 and hold the screws 310, 312 in place. A circlip is needed on each shaft of a respective 22 screw 310, 312 to keep the springs 344, 346 in place. With reference to Figure 4(a) , there is shown a plan view of the switch box 400 with the outer casing of top cover removed. In Figure 4(a) the switch box 400 has an actuator block 408 connected to a shaft 409 which activates a microswitch 402 when pressure by a latch bolt of a lock bears 5 against plunger 418 connected either directly to the block 408 or indirectly to the block 408. A biasing means, such as spring 412 is connected between the block 408 and back wall 406. The shah 409 is mounted so that it does not contact the back wall 406 and leaves a small gap which is allowed to enable the block 408 to move backwardly to activate the microswitch 402. The shaft is connected to bracket 410 and held in position 10 by nut 411. Stoppers 415, 416 prevent the block 408 from moving past the maximum distance allowable. The latch bolt protrudes within space 419 after closing the door or window, with the box 400 positioned in a door jamb or window frame. The co-location of the door or window in the frame can be sensed by an alarm monitor switch 435 such as a reed switch or a Magnasphere switch. When the latch bolt makes contact with the 15 plunger 418 it will push against the plunger 418 which in turn moves block 408 to depress lever 420 of the micro switch 402 and therefore activate the micro switch 402 to send a signal over cable 425 to an end of line module 426. This in turn can send a signal over line 427 out through opening 429 in the back wall 406 to a remote terminal to indicate the latch is in a closed position. Upon unlatching or moving the bolt away from 20 the plunger 418, a further signal is set through the above communication lines when the lever 420 is not touching the block 408 and therefore the bolt has been retracted. Again, opening of the door or window can be sensed through the alarm switch 435. The block 408 moves against the spring 412 according to the pressure or lack of pressure applied by the bolt of the lock. 23 A tamper switch 428 is also positioned behind the wall 404 and can have a protruding element such as a screw 432 touching a lever 436 associated with the tamper switch 428. Removal of the screw 432 or tampering thereof will activate the tamper switch 428 to enable it to send a signal through line 431 to the end of line module 426 5 which in turn is sent to a remote terminal or monitoring station over link 427. A tamper link 430 is also positioned attached to the rear wall 406 such that separation of the back wall 406 from the remainder of the box 400 will lead to separation of a male component of the tamper link 430 from the female component and therefore activate a signal over link 433, either directly to the end of line module 426 or to the tamper switch 428. The 10 switch box of Figure 4(a) is preferably a matchbox design so that what is shown in the Figure represents a tray that slides in and out of a casing. The casing has an aperture to fit over recess 419 and the top wall is 407 while the bottom wall is 405. Removal of the tray will necessitate breaking the tamper link device 430 and a tamper screw 432 associated with tamper switch 428. 15 Where the plunger 418 is adjustable to accommodate varying distances moved by the latch bolt, an arrangement is shown in Figure 4(b). This shows a screw 421 which protrudes through the plunger 418, through block 408 and uses the internal thread 423 in the shaft 409. A biasing means, such as spring 422 is positioned between the head of the screw 421 and wall 440 of the block 408, the spring 422 having a greater spring force or 20 k value than spring 412. Wall 440 and side walls 442 and 444 define a recess or opening 446 within which the plunger 418 can move or be adjusted inwardly or outwardly of the block 408 to adjust for movement and solid contact with a latch bolt. Adjustments in or out of the plunger 418 with respect to the block 408 is made available through screw 421 and by having a small pin inserted through hole 414 which can contact one of the walls 25 of box 400 so that the shaft 409 does not rotate while performing that adjustment. 24 Once adjustment of the plunger 418 has been made, contact by a latch bolt tongue against the outer face 448 of plunger 418 will push the screw 421 and therefore the block 408 and shaft 409 which then moves backwardly against the pressure provided by spring 412 and will contact lever 420 of microswitch 402 to activate a signal, previously 5 described, to indicate that the latch bolt is engaged or in a locked position. As mentioned previously, the block 408 cannot move beyond the stoppers 415, 416. When the latch bolt is disengaged from the plunger 418, the block 408 moves outwardly under the action of the spring 412 to resume its normal position. This sends a signal via the microswitch 402, as the block 408 would no longer be in contact with the lever 420, to indicate that 10 the latch bolt is no longer in the locked state. Referring to Figure 4(c), a different arrangement to Figure 4(b) is presented with regard to an activator block used to trigger a microswitch. A stop 462 is mounted within the confines of the box 400 separate to the microswitch 466 and associated lever 468. The microswitch is generally mounted onto the bottom wall of the box 400. A flat 15 biasing means, like spring 464 is attached to a front facing surface of the stop bracket 462. A shaft 476 is connected to and extends through the stop bracket 462 and provides support for a fastening means such as screw 472. The shaft 476 protrudes through activator block 460 and a further spring 474 is mounted around the outside of the screw 472 between the head of the screw 472 and an interior wall 478 of the actuator block 460. 20 A plunger 470 has an aperture through which the screw 472 extends and plunger 470 is adjustable to account for variations in different latch bolts that would contact the plunger 470. The plunger 470 moves within a recess 484 bounded by walls 482, 480 and 478, adjustable through screw 472. A further screw 475 enables adjustment of a gap between the actuator block 460 and stop bracket 462, it stops the block 460 from moving too far 25 forward. Spring 464 keeps the block from putting pressure on or touching the microswitch 466 and lever 468 in a resting state. As the latch bolt makes contact with the plunger 470, it is depressed inwardly within the recess 484 fractionally and at the same time through the screw 472 then 5 connected to the actuator block 460. This forces the actuator block 460 to retract or push against the spring force 464 until the actuator block 460 comes into contact with lever 468. This activates a microswitch 466 to provide a signal to a remote location that the latch bolt is in the locking state. The purpose of the spring 464 is to ensure that the actuator block 460 moves only a limited distance towards the microswitch 466 and when 10 the latch bolt is released to an unlocked state, the spring forces the actuator block 460 back to its original position away from lever 468. Detachment of the latch bolt or tongue from the adjustable plunger 470 can set off another signal to the remote location to indicate that the tongue or the lock is in an unlatched state. It is to be noted that microswitch 466 is not attached to stop bracket 462 but is adjacent one of the side walls 15 of box 400. Separate independent adjustment of the plunger can be made through rotation of the screw 472 inwardly or outwardly so that the plunger can be set to the correct distance to adequately interact with the latch bolt. A pin is required to be inserted in hole 478 and abut against an internal surface of the box 400 so that the shaft 476 does not rotate when 20 performing the adjustment. 26

Claims (16)

1. A switch box for installation in or on a structure in which an article moves between a closed position and an open position relative to said structure, the switch box including: 5 a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of sides walls, a top wall and bottom wall, said top wall and said bottom wall positioned respectively between the front wall and the rear wall and between the pair of side walls; a tamper apparatus positioned in or on the switch box that is able to be tested to generate an alarm without dismantling the switch box. io

2 A switch box according to claim 1 wherein said tamper apparatus is a tamper link device positioned across one of the walls of the switch box to detect tampering with said switch box, the tamper link device including a link that is part of an electrical circuit which is broken when the link is dislodged by said tampering upon which an alarm signal is triggered. t5

3. A switch box according to claim 1 or claim 2 further including a tamper switch device for detecting removal or attempted removal of a cover, outer casing or face plate attached to the switch box, said tamper switch device capable of being tested without dismantling the switch box.

4. A switch box according to any one of the preceding claims further including an 20 alarm monitor switch for detecting the closed position and the open position of the article with respect to the structure, wherein the alarm monitor switch can be tested without dismantling the switch box.

5. A switch box according to claim 3, wherein said cover is attached to one of said walls through fastening means and has a male portion of said tamper link device attached 25 thereto, such that in a set position the male portion engages with a female portion of the 27 tamper link device to close the electrical circuit and disengagement between the male portion and the female portion triggers said alarm signal which indicates that said cover has been removed or attempted to be removed.

6. A switch box according to claim 5 wherein an outer casing is positioned around 5 the switch box and said cover resides in a recess of said outer casing.

7. A switch box according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein said tamper switch device is positioned within said switch box and has a lever which is brought into and out of engagement with said fastening means to indicate when said fastening means has been moved. to

8. A switch box according to claim 5 wherein said outer casing is secured to the switch box by a further fastening means.

9. A switch box according to claim 4 wherein the alarm monitor switch is a reed switch and an active tamper ring is mounted in an aperture of a mounting block mounted inside the switch box, wherein the reed switch is positioned within said aperture and 15 removal of the reed switch from within the aperture is detected by said active tamper ring to activate a further alarm signal.

10. A switch box according to claim 4 wherein each of the tamper switch device, tamper link device and alarm monitor switch are linked to a secure communications module housed in the switch box, wherein a signal is sent to a remote location from said 20 secure communications module indicating occurrence of said tampering or a change in position of said article.

I1. A switch box according to any one of the preceding claims having an outer casing and a tray adapted for slidable movement in and out of the outer casing, wherein the outer casing has said front wall, said rear wall, said pair of side walls and said tray has at 25 least said top wall and said bottom wall. 28

12. A switch box according to claim 1 wherein the tamper apparatus is concealed and includes a sensor which is in the armed state in close proximity to a magnetic means, such that any separation beyond a predetermined distance between the sensor and magnetic means sets off an alarm. 5

13. A switch box according to claim 12 wherein the magnetic means is positioned either on a post or screw and said sensor is positioned on or adjacent to said top wall or said bottom wall.

14. A switch box according to claim 13 wherein the post or screw affixes the switch box to a mounting bracket recessed from the surface of the structure. 10

15. A switch box according to claim 12 wherein the magnetic means is positioned on a mounting bracket shaped so that the magnetic means is in close proximity to the sensor, said sensor being positioned on or adjacent to said top wall or said bottom wall, said mounting bracket recessed from the surface of the structure.

16. A switch box according to claim 11 wherein said tray has a recess that aligns with 15 an aperture in said front wall when the tray is inside the outer casing, said aperture positioned between a first portion and a second portion of said front wall, said recess partly formed by a third portion of said front wall. 29