GB2471377A

GB2471377A - Alarmed locking apparatus having code input means

Info

Publication number: GB2471377A
Application number: GB201010335A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graham Goddard
Original assignee: BOURNEMOUTH UNIVERSITY Ltd
Current assignee: BOURNEMOUTH UNIVERSITY Ltd
Priority date: 2009-06-19
Filing date: 2010-06-21
Publication date: 2010-12-29
Also published as: GB201010335D0; GB0910653D0

Abstract

A surface mounted locking apparatus includes first 1 and second 2 body parts installable adjacent each other on respective first and second portions of a surface such as a shed door and frame. A user controllable locking means controls movement of a locking member (3, fig.5) and comprises code input means such as a keypad 17 and preferably also a solenoid (4, fig.5) and handle 5. Upon valid entry of a code the solenoid is retracted and allows withdrawal of the locking member via handle 5. Upon entry of an invalid code an alarm is activated which may be an audible and/or visible alarm. A portion of the first body may overlap the second body, preferably dome shaped to resist attacks. A manual override release may be provided to disarm and unlock from the opposite side of the lock. The first part may include a cylinder lock such that a key can override the lock from the first side. The handle may be mounted for rotary motion having a circular range of motion coupled to the locking member via a cam.

Description

Locking Apparatus

Background to the Invention

There were 250,000 reported thefts from out buildings in the UK in 2008. Out buildings, such as garden sheds are used to store a variety of portable high value items, from garden equipment such as lawn mowers and hedge cutters to bicycles, barbeques, golf clubs and other sporting equipment.

These products are very easy for potential thieves to sell on. When combined with very poor security, it makes these buildings an ideal target for opportunistic burglars. Clearly, the construction of most out buildings is such that anyone determined to do so can break in. However, a deterrent against opportunistic attempts is desirable and is expected to reduce thefts considerably.

Presently, the most commonly used form of out building security is "hasp and padlock" combination.

This locking solution is far from perfect. Hasps only attach to a small portion of the building, making them easy to rip off and leaving the property unprotected. Added to this, once a typical padlock has been left outside for a few months, they become weathered and hard to use, requiring a two handed approach. A further issue is the problem of keeping the key in a safe yet accessible place.

Other security measures available on the market include battery powered alarm systems that operate along similar lines to conventional house alarm systems but are battery powered. Although a good additional measure, most of these devices are fitted within the out building, meaning a break in has to take place before they are activated and they do not restrict or prevent access to the building themselves.

Access prevention not only deters opportunistic theft, it is also desirable where small children and the like are present as out buildings commonly are used to store tools, garden chemicals etc. A further consideration is ease of installation -out buildings differ in construction and material and there is no standard. Indeed, it is unusual for an outbuilding to have a door handle (latches, mechanical or magnetic catches are common for maintaining the door in the closed position).

Therefore any security mechanism must be easily installable across a range of construction types and materials.

Statement of the Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locking apparatus according to claim 1.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to replace the common padlock and hasp with a much more user friendly and secure product. Preferred embodiments combines an electronic combination code input device with a durable, robust secure locking system, preferably with built in audio and/or visual alarms.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to remove the need for a physical key for general access, thereby creating a "keyless" lock and alarm system. Embodiments can be retro fitted to a garden shed or other building, or fitted to new projects.

Embodiments of the present invention have a number of positive attributes, including: -Overcoming the inconvenience of having to collect a key and use 2 hands to open a padlock -Increased security through use of a more secure locking mechanism -Integrated alarm to detect tampering.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a view of internal components of the locking apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a view of components of the locking apparatus of Figure 2 in a locked state; Figure 4 is a view of components of the locking apparatus of Figure 2 in an unlocked state; Figure 5 is an exploded view of the locking apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a locking apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and, Figure 7 is a simplified exploded view of selected components of the locking apparatus of Figure 6.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The locking apparatus includes first (1) and second (2) body parts installable adjacent each other on respective first and second portions of a surface. The first body part (1) includes a locking member (3) moveable between a locked and an unlocked state, in the locked state the locking member (3) being arranged to engage with an aperture in the second body part (2) and in the unlocked state the locking member being arranged to be disengaged from the aperture. The aperture may be created between a surface of the second body part (2) and the surface on which it is installed or it may be integrally formed in the second body part. In an alternative to an aperture, the locking member could for example incorporate an aperture or some other engaging means which engages with some cooperating member (such as a projection) in the second body part (2).

The first body part (1) also includes a user controllable locking means and a tamper alarm, the user controllable locking means being arranged to control movement of the locking member (3) from the locked to the unlocked state and including code input means (17) operable to receive a user inputted code.

Upon receipt of an input of a predetermined user inputted code via the code input means (17), the user controllable locking means is arranged to permit movement of the locking member (3) from the locked to the unlocked state.

Upon receipt of an input other than a predetermined user inputted code via the code input means (17), the user controllable locking means is arranged to trigger the tamper alarm.

When fixed in position and locked, the first body part (1) is securely attached to a first surface portion such as a property door using, for example, screws. The second body part (locking section 2) is fixed to a second surface portion (in this example the adjoining wall across the doorjamb). In this situation, the two body parts bridge the door jamb and engagement of the locking member in the aperture substantially restricts movement of the door and prevents opening.

The locking apparatus according to preferred embodiments of the present invention is shaped to deflect any impacts from hammers and such tools. It may include inset high-visibility rubber detailing (18) to help absorb impact. It may also include a high-visibility rubber panel (14) which hides the key over ride function.

Embodiments may include status indicator and/or alarm alert lights. In such an arrangement, a light cover (8) formed, for example, from a semi transparent durable plastic, is placed over the lights.

Figure 2 is a view of internal components of the locking apparatus of Figure 1.

When locked, locking bolts of the locking member (3) pass through both the first and second body parts of the casing, therefore preventing the door being opened. The locking bolts (3) are preferably held in position by the centre pin of a solenoid (4).

Figure 3 is a view of components of the locking apparatus of Figure 2 in a locked state and Figure 4 is a view of components of the locking apparatus of Figure 2 in an unlocked state.

Unlocking the mechanism requires the user to input a code using buttons (17). If the correct code is entered, the solenoid pin (4) is retracted for a short period of time which allows the user to turn handle (5). When the handle is turned, cam section (6) twists, pulling the locking bolts (3) out of the locking section (2) and further into the main section (1), as shown in Figure 4. This allows the door to be opened.

After a short period of time, if the handle (5) is not turned, the solenoid pin (4) is released, clicking into place and automatically locking the system. If the handle has been turned, the solenoid pin (4) is held against the sliding section (9). This remains so until the user manually turns the handle back to lock the system.

If the correct code is not entered, the tamper alarm (19) will activate. The alarm is controlled by micro processor and preferably has an auto reset function (after a predetermined time or after a successful entry of a correct code) to avoid the alarm needing a manual reset input. The alarm is illustrated as having a siren 19a and visual (LED) component (1gb) but it will be appreciated that any combination of audio and/or visual or other alarm components (such as a transmitter to alert a remote source) could be used.

When the user decides to close and lock the property, the door is closed and handle (5) turned to the locking position. The solenoid pin (4) is spring loaded. As mentioned previously, it is held down by the sliding section (9). When the handle is turned back to the locking position, the sliding section (9) moves, and the solenoid pin is allowed to spring back into locking the system.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the locking apparatus can be unlocked from inside the property without requiring code entry or tripping the alarm.

To unlock from inside, releaser lever (11) is pushed down, manually retracting solenoid pin (4). Micro switch B (12) is also triggered when this happens, disarming the alarm sequence and therefore avoiding a false alarm. When the solenoid pin (4) is retracted, the inside handle (13) can be turned, pulling the locking bolts (3) back and allowing the door to be opened.

A sensor, switch or micro-switch (10) may optionally be provided that contacts with the locking bolt(s) in either the locked or unlocked position to provide feedback on the position of the bolts. This may be coupled to the alarm (for example) to provide a warning bleep, flash or the like when the bolts have been left in the open position for more than a predetermined amount of time (for example, more than 10 minutes could be classified as a user likely to have forgotten to re-engage the lock).

Figure 5 is an exploded view of the locking apparatus of Figure 1.

If the batteries fail, or the input code is forgotten, the front panel (14) is flexible and can be peeled back to reveal the key over-ride (cam lock) (15). This allows the user to open the lock with a standard key.

When the key is inserted and twisted, an override cam (16) rotates and pushes down on the releaser (11) manually pushing down the solenoid pin (4). The handle (5) can then be turned, unlocking the system.

In a similar way to the interior unlock procedure, when used, the key override preferably triggers micro switch B (12) and disarms the alarm system.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a locking apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention and Figure 7 is a simplified exploded view of selected components of the locking apparatus of Figure 6.

The embodiment of Figures 6 and 7 shares much of the features and functionality of the previously described embodiment. However, the first body part (1) is enlarged so as to project over and cover at least part of the second body part (2) when the two are locked together (this improves security as the first body part completely obscures access to the bolt (3)). In addition, the release lever and handle of the above described embodiment are integrated into a single cam mechanism (20). Finally, the handle in this embodiment has a semi-circular range of motion as opposed to the substantially circular range of the previously described embodiment.

Various feature have been described with reference to the first and alternate embodiments. It will nevertheless be appreciated that these features are interchangeable and are not limited to use in one or the other embodiment.

Claims

Claims 1. A locking apparatus comprising first and second body parts installable adjacent each other on respective first and second portions of a surface, wherein the first body part includes a locking member moveable between a locked and an unlocked state, in the locked state the locking member being arranged to engage with the second body part and in the unlocked state the locking member being arranged to be disengaged from the second body part, the first body part further comprising user controllable locking means and a tamper alarm, the user controllable locking means being arranged to control movement of the locking member from the locked to the unlocked state and including code input means operable to receive a user inputted code, wherein: upon receipt of an input of a predetermined user inputted code via the code input means, the user controllable locking means being arranged to permit movement of the locking member from the locked to the unlocked state; and, upon receipt of an input other than a predetermined user inputted code via the code input means, the user controllable locking means being arranged to trigger the tamper alarm.
2. A locking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first body part is arranged to project over at least a portion of the second body part when the first and second body parts are installed.
3. A locking apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first body part includes release means oriented to project, when installed, through one or more apertures in the first portion of the surface whereby the release means is accessible from the opposite side of the surface to that which the first and second body parts are installed and is actuable from said opposite side of the surface to override the user controllable locking means and the tamper alarm and to move the locking member from the locked to the unlocked state.
4. A locking apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the release means includes a cam oriented to project, when installed, through an aperture in the first portion of the surface, whereby the cam is actuable from said opposite side of the surface to override the user controllable locking means and the tamper alarm and to move the locking member from the locked to the unlocked state.
5. A locking apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the release means includes first and second actuators each arranged to project, when installed, through respective apertures in the first portion of the surface, whereby the first actuator is operable, from said opposite side of the surface, to trigger a switch to override the user controllable locking means and the tamper alarm, and the second actuator is arranged, subsequent to actuation of the first actuator to receive a user applied force to move the locking member from the locked to the unlocked state.
6. A locking apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first actuator is a lever moveable against the switch to cause said triggering.
7. A locking apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first actuator is an electronic switch arranged to be mounted on the opposite side of the surface and actuable to trigger overriding of the user controllable locking means and tamper alarm.
8. A locking apparatus according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the second actuator is a lever coupled to the locking member and being moveable relative to the direction of movement of the locking member to cause disengagement from the aperture.
9. A locking apparatus according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the second actuator is a cam coupled to the locking member and having a linkage arranged to cause rotational movement of the cam to be translated to movement in a direction relative to the direction of movement of the locking member to cause disengagement from the aperture.
10. A locking apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the user controllable locking means includes a solenoid controlled lock arranged to control movement of the locking member, the user controllable locking means being arranged to disengage the solenoid controlled lock for a predetermined period of time upon receipt of input of the predetermined user inputted code via the code input means.
11. A locking apparatus according to any preceding claim, the first body part further comprising a handle, the handle having an at least semi-circular range of motion and being coupled to the locking member via a cam, whereby operation of the handle through its range of motion causes corresponding movement of the locking member.
12. A locking apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the handle has a substantially circular range of motion.
13. A locking apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the code input means comprises a plurality of buttons mounted in the first body part and being coupled to a microprocessor, the code comprising a sequence of operations of one of more of the buttons, the microprocessor being arranged to monitor operation of the plurality of buttons and compare the sequence of operations to one or more predetermined codes.
14. A locking apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first body part includes a lock arranged to receive a key, wherein operation of the key in the lock is arranged to override the user controllable locking means being and tamper alarm and to thereby permit movement of the locking member from the locked to the unlocked state.
15. A locking apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the tamper alarm is an audio and/or visual alarm.
16. A locking apparatus as herein described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.