EP4047163A1

EP4047163A1 - Apparatus and system for securing a barrier

Info

Publication number: EP4047163A1
Application number: EP22157141.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gerard Flavin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-02-17
Filing date: 2022-02-16
Publication date: 2022-08-24
Also published as: GB202102225D0

Abstract

Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide a security mechanism for securing a barrier (such as a gate or door) which uses a first and a second abutment element that respectively abut against first and second sides of the barrier thereby blocking movement of the barrier in either direction. Advantageously, the abutment elements resist pushing and pulling forces exerted on the barrier, thereby securing the barrier against being pushed or pulled open (by a person or even via strong winds).

Description

Field

The present techniques generally relate to apparatus for securing a barrier such as a gate, window or door, and in particular relate to apparatus and systems for securing a barrier using abutment elements which block movement of the barrier.

Background

Barriers such as automated swing doors or gates are commonly arranged to open and close using forces applied by an electric motor, with the resistance of the motor serving to hold the barriers in position. In the case of automated swing door, where one edge of the door is attached to a post or wall via hinges, it is possible to force open an automated door by applying a force at the edge of the door furthest from the hinges. This force results in a large moment being applied to the motor, which can easily damage the motor and thereby enable the door to be opened. As a result, the security provided by the door is compromised. Strong winds can also be an issue for the same reason.
The present applicant has identified the need to provide an improved security mechanism which addresses these problems.

Summary

In a first approach of the present techniques, there is provided a security mechanism for securing a barrier in position, the security mechanism comprising: a housing; first and second abutment elements mounted in the housing and being moveable between a blocking state in which the abutment elements protrude from the housing on respective first and second sides of a barrier to block movement of the barrier in either direction, and an open state in which the abutment elements are retracted toward the housing; and at least one actuator for moving the abutment elements between the blocking state and open state.
The term barrier is used herein to mean any closure element. In particular, the term barrier is used interchangeably herein with the terms door, gate and window.
The security mechanism described herein may be used to secure any of the following types of barrier: an automated single or double leaf swing gate, an automated single or double leaf swing door, an automated swing window, a manually-operated single or double leaf swing gate, a manually-operated single or double leaf swing door, and a manually-operated swing window. It will be understood this is a non-exhaustive list of barrier types.
An advantage of the security mechanism of the present techniques is that the security mechanism secures the barrier from being pushed or pulled open by a person or even via strong winds. Furthermore, the security mechanism enables the barrier to withstand forces exerted by a vehicle that is being driven, within a range of speeds, into the barrier as a battering ram, or by a vehicle that is being used to pull open the gate. This is because the abutment elements are provided on either side of a barrier, such that the abutment elements resist pushing and pulling forces exerted on the barrier.
Advantageously, the security mechanism may be installed together with installing new barriers, or it may be retrofitted for use with existing barriers. The security mechanism may be used with automated barriers or with manually-operated barriers.
In a first arrangement, the security mechanism may further comprise a shaft mounted in the housing, wherein each of the abutment elements is rotatably mounted to the shaft and is able to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the shaft.
In this first arrangement, the security mechanism may further comprise an arm protruding from each abutment element towards an edge of the housing, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.
The two abutment elements may be arranged to move in unison or may be separately moveable. For enhanced security and/or for efficiency, it may be desirable for the abutment elements to move in unison such that both abutment elements are moved between the blocking state and open state together.
Thus, in one case, the abutment elements may be fixedly coupled to a connector, such that the abutment elements move in unison. In this case, the at least one actuator may be a single actuator mounted to the housing. An actuating component of the actuator may be coupled to the arm of one of the abutment elements. As a result, since the abutment elements are coupled together, actuation of the actuator causes both abutment elements to move in unison. The actuating component may be any moveable component of the actuator, which may depend on the type of actuator. In one example, the actuator may be a hydraulic actuator, also referred to as a hydraulic cylinder, and the actuating component may be a piston or piston rod.
Alternatively, it may be desirable for the abutment elements to be separately moved by separate actuators. This may be useful in the case that one of the actuators fails - the other actuator and corresponding abutment element may still function to secure the barrier against pushing or pulling.
Thus, in another case, the at least one actuator may comprise a first actuator and a second actuator, mounted on opposite edges of the housing. An actuating component of the first actuator may be coupled to an arm of the first abutment element and an actuating component of the second actuator may be coupled to an arm of the second abutment element, such that each abutment element is independently moveable. As noted above, actuating components may be any moveable components of the actuator, which may depend on the type of actuator. In one example, the first and second actuators may be hydraulic actuators, also referred to as a hydraulic cylinders, and the actuating components may be pistons or piston rods.
In either case, actuation of the actuating component exerts a force on the arm of the abutment element that causes the abutment element to rotate about the shaft and move between the blocking state and open state.
In an alternative, second arrangement, the security mechanism may further comprise a bollard or connector mounted in the housing. The first and second abutment elements may be fixedly coupled to the bollard or connector, such that the abutment elements move in unison. When the abutment elements are in the blocking state, the barrier is located between the first and second abutment elements.
In this second arrangement, the at least one actuator may be a single actuator mounted in the housing and coupled to the bollard. Thus, movement of the bollard causes movement of the abutment elements in unison. Moving the abutment elements in unison may be desirable for enhanced security and/or efficiency.
The following features apply to both arrangements of the security mechanism.
The at least one actuator may be a linear actuator. The choice of specific actuator may depend on, for example, the size or weight of the abutment element, the force actuator needs to apply to move the abutment element, and/or the speed at which the abutment element needs to be moved,
The at least one actuator may be an electromechanical actuator.
Alternatively, the at least one actuator may be a hydraulic cylinder comprising a barrel and a piston rod. Movement of the piston rod relative to the barrel may be arranged to: move the abutment elements into the open state, and move the abutment elements into the blocking state. That is, the movement of the piston rod may cause the first and second abutment elements to move, in unison, into the open state or closed state, or may move one or other of the first and second abutment elements into the open state or closed state.
It may be advantageous for the security mechanism to remain functional, such that it continues to secure the barrier in position, even in the case where power is lost. In other words, it may be useful for the abutment elements to be in the blocking state by default. Thus, in some cases, the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder may be arranged to: extend from the barrel to move the abutment element into the open state, and retract into the barrel to move the abutment element into the blocking state.
The security mechanism may further comprise a communication module for receiving a control signal, and control electronics to control the actuation of the at least one actuator in response to the control signal. Thus, the security mechanism may advantageously be remote-operated.
In a second approach of the present techniques, there is provided a security system for securing a barrier in position, the system comprising: at least one security mechanism provided in ground below a barrier when in the closed position, the security mechanism comprising: a housing; first and second abutment elements mounted in the housing and being moveable between a blocking state in which the abutment elements protrude from the housing on respective first and second sides of the barrier to block movement of the barrier in either direction, and an open state in which the abutment elements are retracted toward the housing; and at least one actuator for moving the abutment elements between the blocking state and open state; and a communication module for receiving a control signal to operate the security mechanism.
The features described above with respect to the first approach apply equally to the second approach.
The security system may be used to secure any of the following types of barrier: an automated swing gate, an automated swing door, an automated swing window, a manually-operated swing gate, a manually-operated swing door, and a manually-operated swing window. It will be understood this is a non-exhaustive list.
The at least one security mechanism used to secure a barrier may depend on the barrier type or where the barrier is used or located, for example. In one case, one security mechanism may be sufficient to secure a barrier, such as barriers used on residential properties. In another case, it may be desirable to use multiple security mechanisms to secure a barrier, which may be useful when very high security is required, or where the risk of vehicles being used to ram or pull open the barrier is high. This advantageously means the number of security mechanisms used in the system is scalable according to application. Similarly, the material, size, dimensions and/or weight of the abutment elements of each security mechanism may depend on the barrier type or where the barrier is used or located. Advantageously, the form of abutment element is adaptable according to application.
In the case where the security system is used to secure a manually-operated barrier, the security mechanism may nevertheless be automated. In other words, the communication module of the security system may receive control signals to operate the security mechanism only, as the barrier itself is manually opened and closed.
Thus, the security system may further comprising control electronics to control the at least one actuator in response to the control signal, wherein the control electronics are configured to: responsive to a first control signal, control the at least one actuator to move the abutment elements into the open state such that the abutment elements retract into the ground; and responsive to a second control signal, control the at least one actuator to move the abutment elements into the blocking position such that the abutment elements protrude from the ground on either side of the free-end of the barrier. The control signal may be received from a remote controller or similar mechanism.
In the case where the security system is used to secure an automated barrier, the security mechanism may be controlled to operate in concert with the operation of the barrier. Thus, the communication module of the security system may receive a control signal for controlling the operation of both the security mechanism and a barrier together. Alternatively, the security mechanism may be controlled separately from the automated barrier, and the system may comprise separate communication modules and/or separate control electronics to separately control the security mechanism and automated barrier.
Thus, the security system may further comprise a motor coupled to a barrier and arranged to move the barrier between an open position and a closed position.
The security system may further comprise control electronics to control the motor and the at least one actuator in response to the control signal.
The control electronics may be configured to: responsive to a first control signal, control the motor to move the barrier into the open position, and control the at least one actuator to move the abutment elements into the open state such that the abutment elements retract into the ground; and responsive to a second control signal, control the motor to move the barrier into the closed position, and control the at least one actuator to move the abutment elements into the blocking position such that the abutment elements protrude from the ground on either side of the free-end of the barrier.
As noted above, it may be advantageous for the security mechanism to remain functional, such that it continues to secure the barrier in position, even in the case where power is lost. In other words, it may be useful for the abutment elements to be in the blocking state by default.
In a third approach of the present techniques, there is provided a method for securing a barrier in position using the security mechanism described herein, the method comprising: responsive to receiving a first control signal, controlling the at least one actuator to move the abutment elements into the open state such that the abutment elements retract into the ground; and responsive to receiving a second control signal, controlling the at least one actuator to move the abutment elements into the blocking position such that the abutment elements protrude from the ground on either side of the free-end of the barrier.

Brief Introduction to the Drawings

Implementations of the present techniques will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an example of a barrier that can be forced open;
Figure 2A shows a perspective view of a security mechanism installed in the ground below a barrier, where abutment elements of the security mechanism are in an open state;
Figure 2B shows the abutment elements of the mechanism of Figure 2A in a blocking state;
Figure 3A shows a perspective view of the security mechanism;
Figure 3B shows the security mechanism of Figure 3A without the housing;
Figure 4A shows a side view of an abutment element of the security mechanism;
Figure 4B shows a perspective view of the abutment elements of the security mechanism;
Figure 5A shows a bottom view of the abutment elements;
Figure 5B shows an end view of the abutment elements;
Figure 6A shows a perspective view of one abutment element of the security mechanism in the open state and the other abutment element in the blocking state;
Figure 6B shows a perspective view of both abutment elements of the security mechanism in the blocking state;
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of another version of the security mechanism; and
Figure 8 shows a security system for securing a barrier in position.

Description

Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide a security mechanism for securing a barrier, such as a gate, door or window, which uses a first and a second abutment element that respectively abut against first and second sides of the barrier thereby blocking movement of the barrier in either direction. Advantageously, the abutment elements resist pushing and pulling forces exerted on the barrier, thereby securing the barrier against being pushed or pulled open by a person or even via strong winds, and enabling the barrier to withstand forces exerted by a vehicle that is being driven, within a range of speeds, into the barrier as a battering ram or by a vehicle that is being used to pull open the gate.
Figure 1 shows an example of a barrier 10 that can be forced open. In this case, barrier 10 is an automated double, or double-leaf, gate, which can be automatically opened and closed via motors. As shown, each gate has a free edge 12 and a hinged edge 14 which is coupled to a post or wall. When closed, as shown in Figure 1, the automated double gate 10 is held in place by the resistance of the motor. However, it is possible to pry open the automated double gate 10 by applying a force at the free edge 12 of one of the gates. As illustrated, this force results in a large moment being applied to the motor as the gate itself acts as a sort of lever, which can easily damage the motor and thereby enable the gate to be opened. As a result, the security provided by the door is compromised. Strong winds can also be an issue for the same reason. In fact, users often have to leave such gates open during strong winds as the winds can damage the motors.
To overcome this issue, the present techniques provide a security mechanism which resists such forces. Advantageously, the security mechanism may resist pushing and pulling forces applied to the free edge of a barrier. The present techniques are explained with reference to Figures 2A to 6B.
Figure 2A shows a perspective, cross-sectional view of a security mechanism 100 installed in the ground 16 below a barrier 10, where abutment elements of the security mechanism as in an open state, while Figure 2B shows the abutment elements in a blocking state.
The security mechanism 100 shown in Figures 2A and 2B comprises a housing 102. The housing 102 enables easier installation of the security mechanism within the ground 16 below a barrier. The security mechanism comprises a first abutment element 104a and a second abutment element 104b mounted in the housing 102. The first and second abutment elements 104a, 104b are moveable between a blocking state (Figure 2B) in which the abutment elements 104a, 104b protrude from the housing 10 on respective first and second sides of a barrier 10 to block movement of the barrier 10 in either direction, and an open state (Figure 2A) in which the abutment elements 104a, 104b are retracted toward the housing 10. As shown, the housing comprises openings 101 out of which the abutment elements 104a, 104b are able to protrude. The abutment elements 104a, 104b may be formed of a sufficiently rigid material and/or have sufficient thickness to resist the push and pull forces. The abutment elements 104a, 104b may be formed of a metal or metallic material. Each abutment element may be heavy, thereby making it difficult for the barrier to be moved past the abutment element. For example, each abutment element may weigh 30kgs. It will be understood that this is an example weight and that the dimensions and weight of the abutment elements may depend on the type of barrier they are used with and where the security mechanism is to be installed.
In the open state, the abutment elements 104a, 104b may completely retract into the housing. Alternatively, the abutment elements 104a, 104b may partially protrude from the housing in the open state. In this case, the abutment elements may be retracted towards the housing but may not completely retract into the housing.
The security mechanism 100 may comprise at least one actuator 106 for moving the abutment elements 104a, 104b between the blocking state and open state. One arrangement of actuator 106 is shown in Figure 2A, but an alternative arrangement is shown in Figure 4A. The arrangement may depend on the type of actuator used to move the abutment elements between the blocking and open states.
Figures 2A and 2B show a single security mechanism that is positioned at the centre of a double gate, such as the type shown in Figure 1. Here, the abutment elements 104a, 104b are positioned to block movement of both leaves of the double gate. However, it will be understood that a security mechanism could be used to block movement of a single gate, or separate security mechanisms could be used to block movement of each leaf of a double gate.
Figure 3A shows a perspective view of the security mechanism 100. Here, the abutment elements 104a, 104b are in the blocking state, as the abutment elements 104a, 104b protrude from housing 102.
Figure 3B shows the security mechanism 100 of Figure 3A without the housing 102, so that further components of the security mechanism can be seen. The security mechanism 100 may comprise a shaft 108 mounted in the housing 102, via components 103. Each of the abutment elements 104a, 104b may be rotatably mounted to the shaft 102 and may be able to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the shaft 108. In this way, the abutment elements 104a, 104b may be moved or rotated between the open and blocking states.
Figure 4A shows a side view of the first abutment element 104a of the security mechanism 100, while Figure 4B shows a perspective view of the abutment elements 104a, 104b of the security mechanism 100. As mentioned above, the security mechanism comprises at least one actuator 106 to move the abutment elements 104a, 104b between the blocking state and open state. The at least one actuator 106 may be coupled to the abutment element via a connecting element 110.
The two abutment elements 104a, 104b may be arranged to move in unison or may be separately moveable. For enhanced security and/or for efficiency, it may be desirable for the abutment elements 104a, 104b to move in unison such that both abutment elements are moved between the blocking state and open state together. Thus, in one case, the abutment elements may be fixedly coupled to a connector (not shown), such that the abutment elements move in unison. In this case, the at least one actuator may be a single actuator mounted to the housing. An actuating component, such as a piston, of the actuator may be coupled to the arm of one of the abutment elements. As a result, since the abutment elements are coupled together, actuation of the actuator causes both abutment elements to move in unison.
Alternatively, it may be desirable for the abutment elements 104a, 104b to be separately moved by separate actuators. This may be useful in the case that one of the actuators fails - the other actuator and corresponding abutment element may still function to secure the barrier against pushing or pulling. In Figures 4A and 4B, each abutment element 104a, 104b is moved by a dedicated actuator. That is, the first abutment element is moved by actuator 106a, and the second abutment element is moved by actuator 106b.
The security mechanism 100 may further comprise an arm protruding from each abutment element 104a, 104b towards an edge of the housing 102, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 108. In Figure 4B, arm 112a can be seen protruding from the first abutment element 104a. The arm 112a couples to actuator 106a via connecting element 110a.
Thus, the at least one actuator may comprise a first actuator 106a and a second actuator 106b, mounted on opposite edges of the housing 100. An actuating component, such as a piston rod, of the first actuator 106a may be coupled to an arm 112a of the first abutment element 104a, and an actuating component, such as a piston rod, of the second actuator 106b may be coupled to an arm 112b of the second abutment element 104b, such that each abutment element is independently moveable.
Whether a single actuator or two separate actuators are used, actuation of the piston rod may exert a force on the arm of the abutment element that causes the abutment element to rotate about the shaft 108 and move between the blocking state and open state.
As noted above, the actuating component(s) may be any moveable component(s) of the actuator, which may depend on the type of actuator. The actuating component may be a piston or piston rod in the case that the actuator is a hydraulic actuator.
The at least one actuator may be a linear actuator. The choice of specific actuator may depend on, for example, the size or weight of the abutment element, the force actuator needs to apply to move the abutment element, and/or the speed at which the abutment element needs to be moved,
The at least one actuator may be an electromechanical actuator.
In one example, the at least one actuator may be a hydraulic cylinder comprising a barrel and a piston rod (not shown). Movement of the piston rod relative to the barrel may be arranged to: move the abutment elements 104a, 104b into the open state, and move the abutment elements 104a, 104b into the blocking state. That is, the movement of the piston rod may cause the first and second abutment elements to move, in unison, into the open state or closed state, or may move one or other of the first and second abutment elements into the open state or closed state.
It may be advantageous for the security mechanism 100 to remain functional, such that it continues to secure the barrier in position, even in the case where power is lost. In other words, it may be useful for the abutment elements to be in the blocking state by default. Thus, in some cases, the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder may be arranged to: extend from the barrel to move the abutment element into the open state, and retract into the barrel to move the abutment element into the blocking state.
The security mechanism may further comprise a communication module (not shown) for receiving a control signal, and control electronics (not shown) to control the actuation of the at least one actuator in response to the control signal. Thus, the security mechanism may advantageously be remote-operated.
Figure 5A shows a bottom view of the abutment elements 104a, 104b and Figure 5B shows an end view of the abutment elements. It can be seen that actuators 106a, 106b are mounted to components 103 of the housing 102. The actuators 106a, 106b are respectively coupled to arms 112a, 112b, via coupling elements 110a, 110b, that protrude from abutment elements 104a, 104b. The security mechanism may comprise a power unit 114 to power the actuator(s).
Actuator 106a may exert a force onto arm 112a in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of shaft 108. As the abutment element 104a is rotatably coupled to shaft 108, which itself is fixedly mounted in the housing 100, the force exerted by actuator 106a onto arm 112a causes abutment element 104a to rotate about the shaft 108. The abutment 104b is caused to move in the same way by actuator 106b.
Figure 6A shows a perspective view of one abutment element 104a of the security mechanism in the open state and the other abutment element 104b in the blocking state; and Figure 6B shows a perspective view of both abutment elements 104a, 104b of the security mechanism in the blocking state. As noted above, it may be desirable to move the abutment elements 104a, 104b in unison, or independently.
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of another version of the security mechanism 100. Thus far, a security mechanism having two distinct abutment elements has been described, where the two abutment elements may be moveable separately or may be coupled together and moveable in unison. Figure 7 shows an alternative arrangement of the security mechanism. The security mechanism comprises a first abutment element 104a and a second abutment element 104b. The first and second abutment elements are moveable relative to a housing (not shown). The first and second abutment elements are fixedly coupled to a bollard 700, and protrude from the bollard 700. The bollard 700 may be considered a connector to which the first and second abutment elements are fixedly coupled, such that the abutment elements move in unison.
The first and second abutment elements may be formed by removing a section of the bollard 700, thereby also forming a notch or groove 702 which separates the first and second abutment elements.
In the arrangement of Figure 7, the first and second abutment elements 104a, 104b are moved in unison. The at least one actuator (not shown) may be coupled to the bollard 700 and arranged to move the bollard 700. The bollard 700 may move along a substantially vertical axis. That is, the bollard 700, and therefore the abutment elements, may have a linear motion along one axis. In other words, the abutment elements may move up out of the ground below a barrier and move down into the ground, in a similar way to how a retractable or rising bollard used to control traffic flow is raised out of a road surface to block traffic or lowered into the road surface to enable traffic to pass. Movement of the bollard 700 causes the first and second abutment elements 104a, 104b to move between a blocking state and an open state. When the first and second abutment elements 104a, 104b are in the blocking state, the barrier (not shown) becomes located in the notch 702, such that the first and second abutment elements are provided on either side of the barrier. When the first and second abutment elements 104a, 104b are in the open state, the abutment elements are retracted toward or into the housing, such that the barrier is free to move. The at least one actuator used to move the bollard 700, and thereby move the abutment elements, may be any of the actuators described herein.
Figure 8 shows a security system 200 for securing a barrier 300 in position. The system 200 comprises at least one security mechanism 100 of the type described in detail above. The security mechanism 100 may be provided in ground below a barrier 300 when the barrier is in the closed position, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. In Figure 8, a single security mechanism 100 is shown for the sake of simplicity, but it will be understood that more than one security mechanism may be used to secure barrier 300. The at least one security mechanism used to secure a barrier may depend on the barrier type or where the barrier is used or located, for example. In one case, one security mechanism may be sufficient to secure a barrier, such as barriers used on residential properties. In another case, it may be desirable to use multiple security mechanisms to secure a barrier, which may be useful when very high security is required, or where the risk of vehicles being used to ram or pull open the barrier is high. This advantageously means the number of security mechanisms used in the system is scalable according to application.
The security mechanism may comprise: a housing 102, and first and second abutment elements 104a, 104b mounted in the housing 102 and being moveable between a blocking state in which the abutment elements protrude from the housing on respective first and second sides of the barrier to block movement of the barrier in either direction, and an open state in which the abutment elements are retracted toward the housing. The security mechanism 100 comprises at least one actuator 106 for moving the abutment elements 104a, 104b between the blocking state and open state. For the sake of brevity, the security mechanism 100 is not described in detail again here. However, it is noted that the material, size, dimensions and/or weight of the abutment elements 104a, 104b of each security mechanism 100 may depend on the barrier 300 or where the barrier 300 is used or located. Advantageously, the form of abutment elements 104a, 104b is adaptable according to application. For example, in some cases each abutment element may weigh 30kg, but in other cases the abutment elements may weigh more than 30kg as the barrier is to be secured against larger forces.
The system 200 comprises a communication module 202 for receiving a control signal to operate the security mechanism 100.
The security system 200 may be used to secure any of the following types of barrier 300: an automated single or double leaf swing gate, an automated single or double leaf swing door, an automated swing window, a manually-operated single or double leaf swing gate, a manually-operated single or double leaf swing door, and a manually-operated swing window. It will be understood this is a non-exhaustive list.
In the case where the security system 200 is used to secure a manually-operated barrier 300, the security mechanism may nevertheless be automated. In other words, the communication module 202 of the security system 200 may receive control signals to operate the security mechanism 100 only, as the barrier 300 itself is manually opened and closed.
Thus, the security system 200 may further comprising control electronics 104, coupled to the communication module 202, to control the at least one actuator 106 in response to the control signal 202. The control electronics 204 are configured to: responsive to a first control signal, control the at least one actuator 106 to move the abutment elements 104a, 104b into the open state such that the abutment elements retract into the ground; and responsive to a second control signal, control the at least one actuator 106 to move the abutment elements 104a, 104b into the blocking position such that the abutment elements protrude from the ground on either side of the free-end of the barrier. The control signal may be received from a remote controller or similar mechanism (not shown).
In the case where the security system 200 is used to secure an automated barrier 300, the security mechanism 200 may be controlled to operate in concert with the operation of the barrier 300. Thus, the communication module 202 of the security system 200 may receive a control signal for controlling the operation of both the security mechanism 100 and a barrier 300 together.
Alternatively, the security mechanism 100 may be controlled separately from the automated barrier. In this case, the system 200 may comprise a communication module 202 for receiving control signals to control movement of the barrier 300, and control electronics 204 for implementing the control signals. The security mechanism 100 may comprise a separate communication module 116 to separately receive control signals to control movement of the abutment elements 104a, 104b, and actuator control electronics 118 for implementing these control signals.
Thus, the security system 200 may further comprise at least one motor 206 coupled to the barrier 300 and arranged to move the barrier 300 between an open position and a closed position.
The security system 200 may further comprise control electronics 204 to control the motor(s) 206 and the at least one actuator 106 in response to the control signal.
The control electronics 204 may be configured to: responsive to a first control signal, control the motor 206 to move the barrier 300 into the open position, and control the at least one actuator 106 to move the abutment elements 104a, 104b into the open state such that the abutment elements retract into the ground, or towards the housing 102; and responsive to a second control signal, control the motor 206 to move the barrier 300 into the closed position, and control the at least one actuator 106 to move the abutment elements 104a, 104b into the blocking position such that the abutment elements protrude from the ground on either side of the free-end of the barrier (300).
As noted above, it may be advantageous for the security mechanism to remain functional, such that it continues to secure the barrier in position, even in the case where power is lost. In other words, it may be useful for the abutment elements to be in the blocking state by default.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that while the foregoing has described what is considered to be the best mode and where appropriate other modes of performing present techniques, the present techniques should not be limited to the specific configurations and methods disclosed in this description of the preferred embodiment. Those skilled in the art will recognise that present techniques have a broad range of applications, and that the embodiments may take a wide range of modifications without departing from any inventive concept as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

A security mechanism for securing a barrier in position, the security mechanism comprising:
a housing;

first and second abutment elements mounted in the housing and being moveable between a blocking state in which the abutment elements protrude from the housing on respective first and second sides of a barrier to block movement of the barrier in either direction, and an open state in which the abutment elements are retracted toward the housing; and

at least one actuator for moving the abutment elements between the blocking state and open state.
The security mechanism as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a shaft mounted in the housing, wherein each of the abutment elements is rotatably mounted to the shaft and is able to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the shaft.
The security mechanism as claimed in claim 2 further comprising an arm protruding from each abutment element towards an edge of the housing, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.
The security mechanism as claimed in claim 3 wherein the abutment elements are fixedly coupled to a connector, such that the abutment elements move in unison.
The security mechanism as claimed in claim 4 wherein the at least one actuator is a single actuator mounted to the housing, and wherein an actuating component of the actuator is coupled to the arm of one of the abutment elements.
The security mechanism as claimed in claim 3 wherein the at least one actuator comprises a first actuator and a second actuator, mounted on opposite edges of the housing, and wherein an actuating component of the first actuator is coupled to an arm of the first abutment element and an actuating component rod of the second actuator is coupled to an arm of the second abutment element, such that each abutment element is independently moveable.
The security mechanism as claimed in claim 5 or 6 wherein actuation of the actuating component exerts a force on the arm of the abutment element that causes the abutment element to rotate about the shaft and move between the blocking state and open state.
The security mechanism as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a bollard mounted in the housing, wherein the first and second abutment elements are fixedly coupled to the bollard, such that the abutment elements move in unison.
The security mechanism as claimed in claim 8 wherein the at least one actuator is mounted in the housing and coupled to the bollard.
The security mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the at least one actuator is a hydraulic cylinder comprising a barrel and a piston rod, and wherein movement of the piston rod relative to the barrel is arranged to:
move the abutment elements into the open state, and

move the abutment elements into the blocking state, such as to:
extend from the barrel to move the abutment element into the open state, and

retract into the barrel to move the abutment element into the blocking state.
The security mechanism as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a communication module for receiving a control signal, and control electronics to control the actuation of the at least one actuator in response to the control signal.
The security mechanism as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the barrier is any one of the following: an automated swing gate, an automated swing door, an automated swing window, a manually-operated swing gate, a manually-operated swing door, and a manually-operated swing window.
A security system for securing a barrier in position, the system comprising:
at least one security mechanism provided in ground below a barrier when in the closed position, the security mechanism comprising:
a housing;

first and second abutment elements mounted in the housing and being moveable between a blocking state in which the abutment elements protrude from the housing on respective first and second sides of the barrier to block movement of the barrier in either direction, and an open state in which the abutment elements are retracted toward the housing; and

at least one actuator for moving the abutment elements between the blocking state and open state; and

a communication module for receiving a control signal to operate the security mechanism.
The security system as claimed in claim 13 further comprising control electronics to control the at least one actuator in response to the control signal, wherein the control electronics are configured to:
responsive to a first control signal, control the at least one actuator to move the abutment elements into the open state such that the abutment elements retract into the ground; and

responsive to a second control signal, control the at least one actuator to move the abutment elements into the blocking position such that the abutment elements protrude from the ground on either side of a free-end of the barrier.
The security system as claimed in claim 14 further comprising a motor coupled to a barrier and arranged to move the barrier between an open position and a closed position and control electronics to control the motor and the at least one actuator in response to the control signal, wherein the control electronics are configured to:
responsive to a first control signal, control the motor to move the barrier into the open position, and control the at least one actuator to move the abutment elements into the open state such that the abutment elements retract into the ground; and

responsive to a second control signal, control the motor to move the barrier into the closed position, and control the at least one actuator to move the abutment elements into the blocking position such that the abutment elements protrude from the ground on either side of the barrier.