GB2399060A

GB2399060A - Security apparatus for curtain sided trailers

Info

Publication number: GB2399060A
Application number: GB0305211A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Keith Laughton
Original assignee: CRIME AND FIRE DEFENCE SYSTEMS
Current assignee: CRIME AND FIRE DEFENCE SYSTEMS
Priority date: 2003-03-06
Filing date: 2003-03-06
Publication date: 2004-09-08
Also published as: GB0305211D0

Abstract

The apparatus 10 comprises security sheeting 11 including a plurality of layers 12, 14, 16, 18. One of the layers comprises a deterrent layer 12 including deterrent means in the form of electric conductive means comprising a conducting mesh. The security sheeting 11 is flexible and has the appearance of conventional sheeting, for example as used on curtain sided vehicles. In use, the potential intruder or other unauthorised person attempts to penetrate or damage the security sheeting 11 then the intruder will be a risk from receiving an electric shock from the deterrent layer. The conducting mesh 22 is connected to power means which supplies voltage pulses to the deterrent layer. The security sheet 11 comprises a first layer of waterproof fabric, a second layer including the conducting mesh, and third layer of waterproof and non-electric conducting fabric, a fourth layer 18 comprises a reinforcing layer and the fifth (inner) layer comprises another layer of waterproof and non-electric conducting fabric.

Description

Security Apparatus

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to security apparatus, an assembly comprising security apparatus and a method of securing an area.

Background to the Invention

Goods vehicles trailers are at risk from being accessed by thieves by cutting through the sheeting around the sides of the trailer. The prior art sheeting for the sides of the trailers comprises fabric material which is easily cut. Accordingly, potential thieves can quickly and easily cut the sides to see whether there are any goods in the trailer to steal for example by creating an "L"-shaped cut. This will not automatically alert anybody that a person is attempting to gain unauthorized access or deter the person from continuing to gain access. Accordingly, there is a deterrent or detector provided by such prior art trailers.

As a result of guidelines and regulations, drivers of goods vehicles can only drive for a predetermined period of time. This requires the driver to park often in undesirable areas where the goods in the trailer are at risk of thieves or robbers. In addition, drivers frequently unhitch the cab from the trailer in order to leave the trailer. This therefore leaves the trailer and goods without even the security afforded by the driver being present. The trailers are especially at risk of being accessed by unauthorized people.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided security apparatus comprising security sheeting, the securing sheeting comprising a deterrent lo layer including deterrent means, the deterrent means comprising electrically conductive means.

The electrically conductive means may be arranged, in use, to communicate an electrical current to a surface on contact of the surface with the electrically conductive means. Preferably, the electrically conductive means is arranged, in use, to communicate an electric current (or electric shock) to a person attempting to penetrate or damage the security sheeting. Preferably the electric current or electric shock is arranged to be communicated to the person once the person, or implement/tool that the person is using, contacts the electrically conductive means.

Preferably the security apparatus comprises power means to supply an electric current to the electrically conductive material. Preferably, the electric current is a non- continuous current.

Preferably the security sheeting is a planar sheet.

Preferably, the security sheeting comprises a continuous planar sheet. Preferably the security sheeting comprises a flexible material.

The electrically conductive means may comprise a mesh of conducting material. Preferably the electrically conductive means comprises a metal mesh and may comprise chain mail. The mesh may comprise knitted wire, for example plain knitted wire.

Preferably the electrically conductive means is spaced from the edges of the security sheeting.

Preferably the security sheeting comprises a plurality of layers. Preferably the security sheeting comprises an outer layer. Preferably the security sheeting comprises an inner layer. Preferably the deterrent layer is located between the outer layer and the inner layer. Preferably the outer layer and/or the inner layer comprises an insulating material to prevent transmission of an electrical signal from the electrically conductive means on contact with the outer layer and/or inner layer.

The security apparatus may comprise control means to selectively activate or de-activate the security sheeting.

Preferably, in an activated condition, power means is arranged to supply electricity to the electrically conductive means. Preferably the power means is an electrical supply means. The power means may comprise a voltage pulse generator. Preferably the voltage pulse generator is arranged, in use, to send a pulse periodically at intervals whereby the intervals may be greater than one second and preferably less that five seconds. The interval may substantially be 1.1 second.

The power means may be arranged, in use, to supply an electric pulse of greater than lkV and may be less than lOkV. The power means may be arranged, in use, to supply an electric pulse substantially in the region of 5-8kV. s

The power means may be arranged, in use, to supply an electric pulse wherein the duration of the pulse may be substantially lms.

lo Preferably the energy transmitted by each pulse supplied by the power means is less than or equal to 2.4 Joules.

The security sheeting may comprise a reinforcing layer.

The reinforcing layer may comprise Kevlar and preferably comprises a sheet of Kevlar.

The security apparatus may comprise detector means to detect damage or penetration of the security sheeting.

The detector means may be in communication with the electrically conductive means. Preferably the detector means detects the loss of electrical current and/or electrical pulse in the electrically conductive means.

The detector means may comprise a detector layer incorporated in the security sheeting. The detector layer may comprise electrically conductive means. The detector means may detect contact between the electrically conductive means in the deterrent layer and the electrically conductive means in the detector layer. The deterrent layer is preferably spaced from the detector layer by a non-conducting or insulating material.

The detector means may be in communication with alarm means. The alarm means may comprise an audible alarm. The alarm means may comprise tracking means and preferably global positioning system (GPS) apparatus.

The alarm means may be controlled by alarm control means.

The alarm control means may comprise a removable unit (for example, a remote control unit) to turn the alarms means on or off. The alarm control means may require a code to lo turn the alarm means on and/or off.

Preferably the detector means comprises power means which preferably supplies a voltage (for example an extra low voltage) to power the detector means and preferably also the alarm means. The power means may be arranged, in use, to supply a 12V or 24V direct current.

The detector means may, once damage or penetration of the security sheeting is detected, activate the power means to the electrically conductive means in the deterrent layer.

The detector means may be arranged to switch the electric power to the electrically conductive on and/or off.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an assembly comprising an area and security apparatus, the security apparatus being in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

The area may be provided in a vehicle. The area may comprise a vehicle trailer. The vehicle trailer may comprise a goods vehicle trailer.

The vehicle may comprise a lorry, ship, train, van, car or other suitable vehicle.

The area may comprise a tent or other temporary structure for example as provided by tarpaulin or hoardings.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of securing an area comprising at least partially enclosing the area with security sheeting lo wherein the security sheeting comprises a deterrent layer including deterrent means wherein the deterrent means comprises electrically conductive means.

Preferably the method comprises providing electrical power IS to the electrically conductive means.

The method may comprise providing an outer non-conducting layer and preferably an inner non-conducting layer.

The method may comprise providing a reinforcing layer.

The method may comprise communicating an electrical current to a surface which penetrates the outer layer and/or inner layer.

The method may comprise detecting damage to or penetration of the security sheeting.

The method may comprise alerting a user of the damage to or penetration of the security sheeting.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings that follow, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a front schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-section view of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic cross-section view of another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a schematic cross-section of a further embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

As shown in Figure 1, and Figure 2 and Figure 3, an embodiment of security apparatus 10 comprising security sheeting 11 comprises a plurality of layers 12, 14, 16, 18, 20. One of the layers comprises a deterrent layer 12 including deterrent means in the form of electrically conductive means comprising a conducting mesh 22 of electrical conducting material, for example, a metal mesh or a layer of chain mail. In particular, the conducting mesh 22 comprises a knitted metal wire, for example a plain knitted metal wire as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2.

0 The security sheeting 11 is flexible and has the appearance of conventional sheeting, for example as used on curtain sided vehicles, tents, temporary buildings etc. The security apparatus 10 is particularly, although not exclusively, for use with goods vehicles trailers, containers, fabric formed buildings (tents, hoardings, tarpaulins etc.) railway goods vehicles, (international) shipping containers etc. The security sheeting can therefore be folded or rolled up as with conventional sheeting. The security sheeting is continuous in that it is not a mesh or other material having regular openings therein. The security sheeting may be rigid or at least semi rigid and could be incorporated in a vehicle side, for example a fibre glass vehicle side or other partition or fibre glass partition.

As shown in Figure 3, the security sheeting 11 comprises a first (outer) layer 14 which comprises a waterproof and non-electrically conducting fabric. The second layer 12 in the security sheeting 11 comprises the electrically conductive means or conducting mesh 22. The third layer 16 comprises a second layer of waterproof and non- electrically conducting fabric. The fourth layer 18 of the security sheeting comprises a reinforcing layer, for example a layer of Kevlar material. The fifth (inner) layer 20 comprises a third layer of waterproof and nonelectrically conducting fabric. In another embodiment, the fourth and fifth layers may be omitted, as shown in Figure 4. This embodiment may not provide as high a level of security as the previously described embodiment as shown in Figure 3. The layers may be laminated to each other to create the security sheeting. The conducting mesh is spaced from the edges so as to not transmit an lo electrical signal outwardly at the edges but requires the security sheeting 11 to be at least partially cut to expose the conducting mesh 22.

In particular, the Kevlar layer provides extra protection against mechanised cutters, for example chainsaws will become obstructed as Kevlar fibres are pulled or drawn out from the layer.

In use, if a potential intruder or other unauthorized person attempts to penetrate or otherwise damage the securing sheeting 11 then the intruder will be at risk from receiving an electric shock from the deterrent layer 12. This will be a short sharp shock but is not arranged to permanently injure the person. Even if the intruder uses a non-conducting implement to cut through the securing sheeting 11 the intruder is still at a risk from receiving an electric shock, for example if the intruder was to put their arms through the gap created in the security sheeting 11 or attempt the climb therethrough.

The present invention is thereby similar to electric fencing in providing a deterrent to intruders but is provided as a sheet having at least an outer protective layer.

As shown in Figure 3, the security apparatus 10 comprises the deterrent layer 22 including conducting mesh 22 located therein. As shown in Figure 5, the conducting mesh 22 of the security sheeting 11 is connected to power means in the form of a power supply 30 which is controlled by power control means or a power controller 32. The power controller 32 may be manually operable such that a user can selectively turn the power to the conducting mesh 0 22 on or off. If the security sheeting 11 is damaged or penetrated, the conducting mesh 22 is arranged to transmit the power signal from the power supply means to the person damaging or penetrating the security sheeting 11. In particular, metal knives are frequently used to penetrate the curtain sides of trailers, for example lorry trailers and, such unauthorized action will result in the potential thief or robber receiving an electric shock.

The security apparatus 10 further comprises detector means 34 to detect when the security sheeting 11 has been damaged or penetrated. The detector means comprises a detector unit 36. One method of detecting damage or penetration is for the detector unit 36 to detect a voltage drop in the conducting mesh 22 or to detect a missing pulse in the power in the conducting mesh 22. The detection unit 36 may detect a missing pulse if the system has been "shortedR to ground or if the system has delivered a shock to a person. The detection unit may also look for a difference in voltage, i.e. a partial voltage loss to earth or through another medium. This range may be selectable i.e. 2000 volts lost or 3000 volts lost.

The detector means 34 includes power supply means in the form of a power supply 38 to power the detector unit 36.

The power supply means is connected to the detector unit 36 through control means in the form of a controller 40 in order to enable a user to turn the power to the detector unit 36 on or off. Preferably, only a single action is needed to turn both the power supply 30 to the conducting mesh and also the power supply 38 to the detector unit 36.

Accordingly, both controllers 40, 32 may be in lo communication 41 with each other or with a central control unit (not shown). The detector means is connected to alarm means 42 comprising an alarm unit 44. Accordingly, if the detector unit 36 detects damage or penetration of the security sheeting 11 then the detector unit 36 can activate the alarm unit 44.

The alarm unit 44 may comprise an audible alarm, for example similar to continental vehicle alarms in order to deter the potential thief or robber. In addition, the audible alarm may inform security people of the attempt to gain an unauthorized passageway through the security sheeting.

In addition or alternatively, the alarm means 42 may comprise tracking means or locating identification means to communicate the alarm to a remote person and to identify the location of the alarm incident, for example, a single user may be used to monitor a number of locations having security sheeting 11 in particular, a number of train carriages which may be spread over a relatively wide area. Accordingly, the user or monitor would be able to determine where unauthorized access has been attempted and would be able to take the necessary action.

The power supply 30 for the conducting mesh 22 comprises a high voltage pulse generator which sends high voltage pulses periodically at intervals of 1.1 second through the s conducting mesh 22, or more specifically through the wires. Each pulse is substantially in the region of 5- 8kV. The duration of each pulse is approximately 1 milk second (ms). Each pulse is arranged not to exceed an energy output of greater than 2.4 Joules which is within lo current British Standards and European Guidelines for this type of equipment. However, it will be appreciated that the controlling parameters could be changed in order to conform to any new or alternative guidelines or other foreign guidelines, for example, the energy output could be increased or decreased.

The security apparatus 10 is designed to deter and detect unauthorized intruders, for example by delivering a short sharp shock whilst also detecting that the security sheeting 11 has been cut. The penetration or damage of the security sheeting 11 may be detected due to the detection of a voltage loss or pulse loss in the conducting mesh 22 caused by the individual or the knife of the cutting tool.

If a vehicle side is cut but no contents are actually taken in some circumstances the goods may no longer be useful for example foodstuffs may be been exposed to potential contamination and it may no longer be safe to use the foodstuffs. In addition, the security apparatus may be particularly useful to deter and detect unauthorized passengers, for example illegal immigrants attempting to gain access by being concealed in a trailer.

The security apparatus 10 can easily be used with existing vehicles.

On detection of the pulse loss or a voltage loss, the detector means 34 activates the alarm unit 44 for example an audible alarm or an alarm and additional equipment such as a tracking device or GBS (Global Positioning System) equipment.

The security apparatus 10 may be actuated by a variety of actuating means 50, for example a key switch, remote control, key code etc. The security apparatus 10 or more specifically the power supply 38 of the detector means operates at an extra low voltage (for example, every 12V or 24V dc) and operates the security apparatus 10 for period of from 8 hours to greater time period, if necessary. The actuating means causes the power supply 30 to supply the conducting mesh 22 and also the power supply 38 to supply the detector means. The power supply may be rechargeable, for example by the vehicle engine and also supplies the power for the conducting mesh 22.

The actuating means 50 may be arranged to activate both the conducting mesh 22 and detection means 34 through the respective control units 32, 40.

In a further embodiment of the present invention (as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7), the security apparatus 10 is used in a passive mode wherein a continuous pulse is not supplied to the conducting mesh 22. However, the detection means is arranged to activate the power supply to the conducting mesh 22 on detection of an intruder.

For example, a detector layer 24 may be provided within the security sheeting spaced from the conducting mesh 22 by a non-conducting layer 26. The detector layer 24 comprises a layer incorporating another conducting mesh.

When the security sheeting 11 is penetrated or cut the conducting mesh in the outer layer 24 will contact the conducting mesh 22 in the inner layer 12 and this change in voltage in the detector layer 24 will be detected by the detection means 34 and the detector means 34 can then activate the power supply 30 for the conducting mesh 22 lo and/or activate the alarm unit 44. The outer mesh or inner mesh has a set frequency which will be either lost, increased or decreased through tampering or other intervention, for example on contact with the inner mesh or outer mesh, that causes the inner mesh or outer mesh to energise and give out the deterrent pulse. Accordingly, one mesh may have the frequency signal for the detection means whilst the other mesh is arranged to be energized when required as the deterrent means. Alternatively both meshes could be energized for deterrent purposes.

In this embodiment, a penetration caused by an implement or tool comprising an insulating or non-conducting material will be easily detected. However, the use of such an implement or tool will not immediately transmit an electric shock to the user, but if the intruder then attempts to pass through the cut or penetration then an electric shock may be transmitted to the intruder.

The detector means 34 may be arranged to activate the power supply 30 for the conducting mesh 22 for a predetermined period of time and to subsequently return to a passive mode. If the intruder or another intruder subsequently attempts to gain unauthorized access then the detector means will subsequently reactivate the power to the conducting mesh 22.

The detector means 34 may also be arranged to detect other unauthorized acts, for example opening doors, opening the vehicle curtains, or motion detectors which can then be used to activate the power supply 30 to the conducting mesh 22 in anticipation and also to activate the alarm apparatus.

The security apparatus may include display means to display details of the security apparatus, for example to warn possible intruders.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification

(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each

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feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any lo method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. Security apparatus comprising security sheeting, the securing sheeting comprising a deterrent layer including deterrent means, the deterrent means comprising electrically conductive means.

2. Security apparatus according to claim 1 in which the electrically conductive means is arranged, in use, to lo communicate an electrical current to a surface on contact of the surface with the electrically conductive means.

3. Security apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the electrically conductive means is arranged, in a- Àe À 15 use, to communicate an electric current to a person À.- À..attempting to penetrate or damage the security sheeting. À À. À À

4. Security apparatus according to any preceding claim in À.- which the security apparatus comprises power means to supply an electric current to the electrically conductive : material. À

5. Security apparatus according to claim 4 in which the electric current is a non-continuous current.

6. Security apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the security sheeting is a planar sheet.

7. Security apparatus according to claim 6 in which the security sheeting comprises a continuous planar sheet.

8. Security apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the security sheeting comprises a flexible material.

9. Security apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the electrically conductive means comprises a mesh of conducting material.

lo. Security apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the electrically conductive means is spaced from the edges of the security sheeting.

lo 11. Security apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the security apparatus comprises control means to selectively activate or deactivate the security sheeting.

12. Security apparatus according to claim 11 in which, in À. .e : À .. 15 an activated condition, power means is arranged to supply À.

À . electricity to the electrically conductive means. À À

13. Security apparatus according to claim 12 in which the À.- power means comprises a voltage pulse generator.

À. À 20 À.

: 14. Security apparatus according to claim 13 in which the À voltage pulse generator is arranged, in use, to send a pulse periodically at intervals whereby the intervals are substantially 1.1 seconds.

15. Security apparatus according to claim 13 or claim 14 in which the power means is arranged, in use, to supply an electric pulse.

16. Security apparatus according to any one of claim 13 to claim 15 in which the power means is arranged, in use, to supply an electric pulse wherein the duration of the pulse is substantially lms.

17. Security apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to claim 16 in which the energy transmitted by each pulse supplied by the power means is less than or equal to 2.4 Joules.

18. Security apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the security sheeting comprises a reinforcing layer.

lo 19. Security apparatus according to claim 18 in which the reinforcing layer comprises Kevlar.

20. Security apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the security apparatus comprises detector means to À. .e : À .. 15 detect damage or penetration of the security sheeting. À- À I.

21. Security apparatus according to claim 20 in which the À À detector means is in communication with alarm means. À.

I: . 20 22. An assembly comprising an area and security apparatus, Àe the security apparatus being in accordance with any one of À claim 1 to claim 21.

23. An assembly according to claim 22 in which the area is provided in a vehicle.

24. An assembly according to claim 23 in which the area comprises a vehicle trailer.

25. A method of securing an area comprising at least partially enclosing the area with security sheeting wherein the security sheeting comprises a deterrent layer including deterrent means wherein the deterrent means comprises electrically conductive means.

26. A method according to claim 25 in which the method comprises providing an outer non-conducting layer and an inner non-conducting layer.

27. Security apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, any of the lo accompanying drawings.

28. An assembly comprising an area and security apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings. 4' .. À 15

29. A method of securing an area substantially as herein I. described with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings. 4.

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