GB2223259A

GB2223259A - Security system

Info

Publication number: GB2223259A
Application number: GB8919502A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Donald Mckay
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-08-26
Filing date: 1989-08-29
Publication date: 1990-04-04
Also published as: GB8919502D0

Abstract

A security system for premises comprises either a panel (2) as a cover to an opening of existing premises, such as an unoccupied house, or else a locker having a door in the form of a Panel covering an opening to the locker. The panel is securable by securing means (3) which interconnect the rear of the panel and the surround of the opening. The securing means are preferably bolts which are fluid actuable and fluid releasable by an obscure release mechanism (10, 10') the bolts being movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position wherein each bolt in the secured position is jammed between the opposed surfaces of the surround or retained in a complementary keeper. The release mechanism, eg master cylinders, is connectable to a compressor via front access points in the panel. <IMAGE>

Description

Security System for Premises This invention relates to a security system for premises.

More specifically, this invention relates to a security cover for doors, windows and other openings, particularly of derelict, empty or temporarily unoccupied premises to prevent vandals entering the property, and to lockers, pods, security cases, cabinets and enclosures whether free-standing, attached to the exterior of, or within premises, to prevent vandalism and theft of their contents.

Property, particularly that which is temporarily unoccupied for one reason or another for example during building renovation or between tenants, is frequently subject to damage by unauthorised entry resulting in, for example, theft and vandalism. Property, such as the cellars and other storage areas of public houses are also prone to such break-ins, frequently the object of the unauthorised entry being to remove kegs.

Conventional doors and windows offer little protection and, hitherto, on such premises as public houses where access to storage areas for authorised personnel is required at all times, the personnel have had to rely on standard doors and windows fitted with additional locks and alarm systems. All such systems are susceptible to attack.

Security screens, grills or covers have been used for the doors of unoccupied premises but conventionally these are awkward to install. Certain covers are only fixable from within the premises and this is clearly not satisfactory in certain circumstances especially as one exit at least must be left for the person fixing such covers. In order to allow access to authorised persons, covers have been provided with entry doors, but these doors in themselves attract vandalism. The external features, such as handwheels, are attacked by vandals which results in unauthorised entry and/or the jamming or breaking of the opening mechanism such that even authorised persons are denied access or else the covers have to be replaced.

According to the present invention there is provided a security system for premises comprising at least one panel which covers an -opening to the premises and which is securable by securing means which interconnects the rear of the panel and the surround of the opening, the securing means being fluid actuable and fluid releasable by an obscure release mechanism.

Preferably, the securing means comprises at least two bolts which may have complementary keepers; the bolts are preferably pneumatically movable to and from a disengaged (or released) position and an engaged (or actuated) position wherein each bolt is jammed in the secured position or retained in its respective keeper; most preferably, there are at least four bolts.

Preferably, each bolt projects from one end of, and is axially positioned and movable in a blind cylinder, being attached to a movable plate therein which plate divides the cylinder into a first and a second chamber and sealably engages with the inner circumference of the cylinder; the plate is moved and the bolt therewith by fluid pumped into or out of one or other or both chambers. Fluid is pumped into the first chamber to move the plate and the bolt therewith such that the bolt projects considerably through an aperture in an end plate of the cylinder, the bolt sealably interfitting the aperture, such a movement engaging the bolt; fluid pumped into the second chamber reverses plate movement and disengages the bolt.

Preferably, the cylinders are not charged or in any way biassed to one position and continuous pneumatic pressure is therefore not required to maintain the bolt's engaged or disengaged position.

Preferably, the first chambers of the securing means are interconnected via feed pips into a first circuit and the second chambers of the securing means are interconnected via feed pipes into a second circuit isolated from the first circuit. Each circuit includes a master cylinder attached to the interior face of the panel or surround, preferably by welding.

The master actuator cylinder may be interconnectable with a portable compressor via a front face access aperture which may be with or without a hidden valve cap.

Preferably, the position of the master release cylinder is not visible from the exterior of the panel, only authorised personnel knowing the position, permitting the drilling of an aperture from the exterior face of panel or surround into the master release cylinder into which aperture a pipe of a portable air compressor may be inserted.

Alternatively, the obscure release means may be in the form of an electrical, infrared or ultrasonic transmitter and receiver, the receiver being permanently fixed within the premises, obscured from the exterior of the premises, associated with the second circuit controlling bolt disengagement, and actuable from the exterior of the premises by means of the transmitter.

The fluid actuation and release may be pneumatic or hydraulic.

One or both circuits may be fed fluid by hidden and preferably flexible supply pipes, that can be laid to an adjacent premises or control centre where the pipes can be guarded and/or accessed only by permitted personnel.

The security system may comprise the premises and the panel, together forming a case, cabinet, locker or pod, the panel preferably providing a concealed access point for authorised entry.

Alternatively, the opening may be in the form of a door or window to a building or other structure and the system comprise a cover thereto.

When the system is in the form of a cover to an opening to existing premises, the securing means preferably extend laterally from the rear of the panel to jam between the opposed surfaces of the surround of the opening.

Preferably, the cylinders of the bolts may be fixed on the internal face of the panel and retained on inwardly-facing brackets, placed at rights angles to the interior face, the bolts being attached such to be jam against the opposed surface of the surround, such as (for a door) the lintel, door jambs or threshold, or a combination of these.

When the panel provides the concealed access point to a locker, the panel is preferably securable by securing means which extend from the surround of the opening to engage with keepers, in the form of holes in internally-projecting brackets on the rear of the panel.

Preferably, the flexible feed pipes are associated with an alarm system including a pressure monitor which monitors pressure changes in the pipes or chambers such that if the pressure change indicates the likelihood of or actual bolt movement, warning means will be actuated.

Preferably, the panel is made of reinforced metal.

Examples of the present invention, will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a panel of one embodiment of a security system for premises according to the present invention, the panel being in the unsecured position with details of the rear face shown by broken lines; Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the panel of Fig. 1 with the securing means removed; Fig. 3 is a plan view of the panel of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is an enlarged rear elevation of securing means shown in Fig. 1, with the internal details shown by broken lines.

Fig. 5 is a plan sectional view of a second embodiment of a security system for premises according to the present invention, with the securing means removed; Fig. 6 is a schematic rear elevational view of the door panel and surround of the security system of Fig. 5, with the security means shown in the secured, or engaged, position; Fig. 7 is a rear elevational view of a door panel of Fig. 5; Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the door panel of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is a plan view of the door panel of Fig. 7; Fig. 10 is a rear elevational view of a corner panel denoted B in Fig. 5, with the securing means removed; Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of the corner panel of Fig. 10; and Fig. 12 is a plan view of the corner panel of Fig. 10.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 4 of the drawings, there is shown a security system 1 for an opening of premises, such as a door or window, the system 1 being to protect derelict, empty or otherwise temporarily unoccupied premises from unauthorised entry particularly by vandals, but permitting authorised entry by authorised personnel such as the owners, council workers or the like.

The shown security system 1 is to cover a door, the conventional door panel of which offers little protection against persistent and determined attack.

The system 1 is required not just to protect the external face of the door panel but also to cover the door jambs, threshold and lintel, these parts being hereinafter collectively termed the door surround.

The security system 1 comprises an outer reinforced steel panel 2 which extends beyond the limit of and covers the exterior face of the door surround such that the panel 2 when in the secured position lies almost flush with the external surface of the building. The panel 2 is securable by securing means 3 having bolts 7 which extend from the inner (with respect to the premises) face of the panel 2 and are engagable with the door surround, the bolts 7 being pneumatically actuable and releasable from the exterior face of the panel 2.

The bolts 7 are attached to two rear-facing brackets 4.

The brackets 4 each consist of a plate bar 5 secured by bolts 6 welded to the panel 2. The brackets 4 are placed one near each lateral edge of the panel 2, the distance between the two brackets 4 being less than that between the two door jambs of the door surround.

The bolts 7 project laterally from the brackets 4 and thus, on actuation, the bolts 7 engage and jam against the opposed faces of the door jambs, rather than the outer faces of the door jambs which the panel 2 overlays.

There are four bolts 7, each at which are pneumatically movable to and from an engaged and a disengaged position. Each bolt 7 is axially positioned and movable in a blind cylinder 8 and attached to a movable plate 9 therein, which plate 9 divides the cylinder 8 into two chambers 81,82 and which sealably engages with the inner circumference of the cylinder 8. The plate 9 is moved, and the bolt 7 therewith, by fluid in the form of air or carbon dioxide being pumped into one or other of the chambers 81,82, fluid into chamber 81 moving the bolt 7 laterally such that it projects considerably through an aperture 83, the inner rim of which the bolt 7 sealably engages, in an end plate 84 of the cylinder 8 and engages with the adjacent door jamb, whereas fluid into chamber 82 reverses this action and moves the bolt 7 such that it projects little and the securing is released.The two chambers 81,82 are hereinafter termed the actuating and deactuating chambers respectively.

Each chamber 81,82 of each cylinder 8, is interconnected via feed pipes 11 to a master cylinder, 10,10' respectively. Each master cylinder 10,10' is welded to the rear face of the panel 2, and interconnectable via front access points with a portable compressor used by those erecting the panel 2 or having authorised access.

The front access aperture of the master actuator cylinder 10, which interconnects with the actuating chambers 81, has a compressed air valve which can be sealed after use or else is provided with a removable protective cap 12 such that the valve can be readily re-used to re-secure the panel 2. The position of the master release cylinder 10' interconnected to the disengaging chambers 82 is not shown on the front face of the panel 2, therefore denying unauthorised entry and tampering. Hence, the release mechanism is obscured before use. If authorised personnel require access, the position of the master cylinder 10' will be known to them and a small drill can be used to create an aperture into which the pipe of a portable compressor can be inserted.

The illustrated embodiment of Figs. 1 to 4 with its obscure master release cylinder 10' is of most use where the system 1 is to remain in position for a considerable time, as once the aperture has been made the position of the master cylinder 10' will become clear to any observer.

However, in alternative embodiments (not shown) one or both master cylinders are only cessed via flexible supply pipes that can, for example, be laid around the door and along or under the surface at ground-level feeding to premises wherein the pipes can be guarded and/or accessed only by permitted personnel. In another embodiment, the supply pipes are connected to supplies or reservoirs of fluid, the supply of fluid to a supply pipe of a master cylinder being actuated by an electrical, ultrasonic, or infrared transmitter and receiver, the receiver being associated with the panel and obscured from the exterior, and the transmitter being carried by authorised personnel.

In still other embodiments, the supply pipes are connected to an alarm system wherein if the pressure of fluid in the chambers or pipe changes, as registered by the pressure in the feed or supply pipes, such that the bolts may be moving from the engaged to the disengaged state, an alarm sounds to warn, for example, associated security personnel. In certain embodiments the feed pipes from several panels converge to one alarm system.

In another embodiment (not shown), the panel is part of a security locker for use particularly on licensed premises for the storage of drink and other valuable commodities which may attract thieves or vandals. The security locker may be attached to an exterior or interior wall of the premises. One of the vertical sides of the cabinet is, almost in its entirety or completely, a removable panel such as above described.

When in place, the wall formed substantially or completely from the removable panel would be indistinguishable from the other three vertical faces and the access point is therefore concealed. The supply pipes, together with the alarm apparatus if provided, can be run into the main body of the licensed premises to a resident authorised personnel or to a remote security point.

Referring to Figs. 5 to 12 of the drawings, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the security system; features in common with the first, illustrated embodiment bear common reference numerals.

The security system 1 is a six-sided security locker 111, also particularly of use on licensed premises.

The locker 111 comprises steel reinforced panels, one horizontal panel (not shown) forming a flat roof, a second horizontal panel (not shown) forming the floor, and series of vertical panels 112, alternating flat and angled (corner), forming the walls. One vertical, flat panel 112 forms a door panel 112' and is hinged by and movable around two aligned vertical hinge pins one at the top of the door panel 112' (the position of which pin is shown diagrammatic at A in Fig. 9) interconnecting with the roof and one at the bottom interconnecting with the floor panel, the pins being offset to one side of the door panel 112'. The edges of the corner panels 112 adjacent the door panel 112' comprise door jambs.

The vertical edges of each wall panel 112 are bracketed towards the interior of the locker 111, the brackets 114 being right-angled and those of adjacent panels complementing one another to permit close apposition of the panels 112, the brackets 114 being bolted together for firm interconnection. The door jamb and door panel 112' edges differ in that their brackets 114 are not bolted, permitting hinging of the door panel 112'.

The door panel 112' is securable by securing means 3 which extend from the internal face of the door jambs and are engagable with keepers 116 in the form of apertures in the inwardly-facing brackets 114 of the door panel 112'. The securing means 3 comprises four bolts 7 which are pneumatically movable to and from an actuated (engaged with its keeper 116) and a deactuated (disengaged from its keeper 116) position, each bolt 7 being retained in a cylinder 8 such as is described above and shown in Fig. 4, save that the cylinder 8 is attached to the door jamb and when a bolt 7 is fully extended (in the engaged position) the bolt 7 interengages a keeper 116 on the interior face of the door panel 112'.

The actuating chambers 81 of each cylinder 8 are interconnected via plastic feed lines 117 to form a pneumatic circuit 115 which is isolated from a parallel circuit 118 which interconnects the deactuating chambers 82. When used on licensed premises the fluid is preferably carbon dioxide as this is readily available and already used for the pressurising of beer, ale and the like for dispensing. The actuating circuit 115 and deactuating circuit 118 are supplied via supply lines (not shown) with fluid from such a -carbon dioxide store. The supply to either circuit, 114 or 118, is actuated by remote an electrical, ultrasonic or infrared transmitter and receiver, preferably such as aforementioned.

The position of the receiver is indicated by a bracket 120 for retention of such on the rear face of panel B as shown in Fig. 5.

The system 1 also includes a limit switch (not shown).

When the door panel 112' closes, a bolt (not shown) fitted to a door panel bracket 119 actuates the supply of fluid to the actuating circuit 114 and the automatic locking, or securing, of the door panel 112'.

The illustrated locker 111 stands may stand alone, away from associted buildings such as a public house, but in alternative embodiments (not shown) the locker may be adjacent an interior or exterior wall. The door panel may be positioned adjacent an existing access point, such as a door, of the public house, such that the door, on opening, accesses the door panel which in turn is movable to allow access to the interior of the locker 111. Alternatively, there may be two door panels to the locker, one opposed an existing access point and one for access outwith the licensed premises, such access being necessary for deliveries by draymen and the like.

In certain instances the locker may include only four or five walls of reinforced steel panels, as the floor panel may not be required, and/or certain side panels may not be necessary if the locker is closely abutted and secured to an existing internal or external wall, the existing wall forming a side wall to the locker.

Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A security system for premises, the system comprising at least one panel which covers an opening of the premises and which is securable by securing means which interconnects the rear of the panel and the surround of the opening, the securing means being fluid actuable and fluid releasable by an obscure release mechanism.

2. A security system according to Claim 1, wherein the securing means comprises at least two bolts fluid movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position wherein each bolt is jammed or retained in the secured position.

3. A security system according to Claim 2, wherein each bolt projects from one end of, and is axially positioned and movable in a blind cylinder, which is attached to the rear of the panel or the surround.

4. A security system according to Claim 3, wherein the bolt is attached to a movable plate in the cylinder, which plate divides the cylinder into a first and a second chamber and sealably engages with the inner circumference of the cylinder, the plate, and bolt therewith, being moved by fluid pumped into or out of one or other or both chambers.

5. A security system according to Claim 4, wherein the first chambers of the securing means are interconnected via feed pipes into a first circuit and the second chambers of the securing means are interconnected via feed pipes into a second circuit isolated from the first circuit.

6. A security system according to Claim 5, wherein each circuit includes a master cylinder accessible but obscure from the exterior of the panel.

7. A security system according to Claim 6, wherein the obscure release mechanism comprises the master cylinder controlling bolt disengagement being on the rear of the panel or surround so as to permit the making from exterior of the premises an aperture in the master cylinder for insertion of means to introduce fluid into the circuit.

8. A security system according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein the obscure release mechanism comprises an electrical, ultrasonic, infrared receiver and transmitter, the receiver being permanetnly fixed within the premises, obscured from the exterior of the premises, associated with the circuit controlling bolt disengagement, and actuable from exterior of the premises by means of the transmitter.

9. A security system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein fluid actuation and fluid release is pneumatic or hydraulic.

10. A security system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein fluid supply in remote of the panel and fed to the system by supply pipes.

11, A security system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the panel comprises a cover to the opening and is securable by securing means which extend laterally from the rear of the panel to jam between the opposed surfaces of the surround of the opening.

12. A security system according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, the premises and the panel together forming a locker, the panel providing a concealed access point thereto, the panel being seurable by securing means which extend from the surround of the opening to engage with keepers on the rear of the panel.

13. A security system according to any one of the preceding Claims, including an alarm system comprising a pressure monitor and warning means, the warning means being actuable on the recognition of any change in pressure in the system as monitored by the pressure monitor.

14. A security system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figs. 1 to 4, or Figs. 5 to 12, of the accompanying drawings.