GB2473679A

GB2473679A - Security apparatus for a window or door

Info

Publication number: GB2473679A
Application number: GB0919412A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Itshak Allen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-11-05
Filing date: 2009-11-05
Publication date: 2011-03-23
Anticipated expiration: 2029-11-05
Also published as: GB0919412D0; WO2011054591A1; GB2475133A; GB2477002A; GB201010087D0; GB201017285D0; GB2475133B; WO2011054590A1; GB2473679B

Abstract

Security apparatus for alarming an aperture 212 having a movable closure member 215 therein, said apparatus including a first unit 216 for location to one side of the aperture 212 (e.g. window or door frame) and the closure member 215 (e.g. window or door), a second unit 218 for location to another side of the aperture 212 and the closure member 215, a radiation emitter 225 in association with the first unit 216, a radiation sensor 230 in association with the first or the second unit, 216 or 218, and reflector means 236 to reflect radiation from the emitter 225 towards the sensor 230 and across the aperture 212, characterized in that the closure member 215 has one or more bounding elements that are apertured (figure 4 - 213) to permit passage there through of the radiation en route from the emitter (225) to the sensor (230) and such that an alarming function can be provided whether or not the aperture (212) is closed by said closure member.

Description

SECURITY APPARATUS

DESCRIPTION

s Technical Field

This invention relates to security apparatus, in particular, to security apparatus for alarming an aperture in a structure or device, e.g. a building opening such as a doorway, window, skylight, cat-flap (or other animal opening), letterbox, keyhole-accessed lock, a garage doorway, gateway, and the like. tO

Background

Home security is a priority in present day living, especially for the vulnerable in society such as the elderly, young children, disab'ed persons, and ground floor residents of buildings. Anxiety about security leads to daily stress and feelings of insecurity within one's own home for many in society who consider it necessary to keep a watchful' eye over the openings to their home.

Sununary of the Invention The present invention aims to ameliorate this problem.

According to this invention there is provided security apparatus for alarming an aperture, said apparatus including a plurality of units of which a first unit is for location to one side of the aperture, a second unit is for location to another side of the aperture (for example an opposite side), a radiation emitter in the first unit, a radiation sensor incorporated in either the first or the second of the units, and reflector means to reflect radiation from the emitter towards the sensor and across the aperture. The term "side" as used herein, and where the context so permits, includes top' or bottom' of the opening Optionally the units comprise elongate elements and said reflective means are associated with at least one of the e'ongate elements Preferably the reflector means are associated with each elongate element such that the radiation can traverse the space between the two elongate elements a plurality of times, e.g. in a zig-zag manner, en route from the emitter to the sensor.

Advantageously, the radiation is a beam of electromagnetic radiation, e.g. of infra-red radiation or of visible light, preferably laser light. The laser beam may be a filamentary mono-beam or may be of fan-like form, e.g. by use of a splitter, and thus cover a wider area.

0 In preferred embodiments of the invention, the two elongate elements constitute a pair of mutually opposite framing elements of a doorframe or of a window frame.

It is considered that suitable arrangement of the parts (i.e. elongate elements, emitter, sensor and reflector means) allow embodiments of the invention to provide laser protection to a property both when the windows and doors are open and when they are closed. This may be achieved by providing through-going apertures edge-to-edge in the door or in bounding elements of the pivoting glazing sub-frame of the window, in each case to permit passage therethrough of the radiation. Where the glazing sub-frame has two mutually spaced glass panels -as to provide thermal double-glazing -the beam may pass between the panes and the apertures may by physically closed by transparent plugs.

Brief Description of the Drawings

By way of example embodiments of this invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Figure 1 is a cut-away perspective view of security apparatus in an embodiment of this invention applied to a door in a doorway opening, Figure 2 is a similar view to that of Fig. 1 illustrating a modified version of the embodiment shown therein; Figure 3 is a similar view to that of Fig. 1 illustrating another modified version of the embodiment of Fig. 1; Figure 4 shows schematically a partial cut-away elevation of a portion of the embodiment of Fig. 3; Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view along the line -of Fig. 4; Figure 6 is a perspective view of security apparatus in another embodiment of this invention as applied to windows opening in a building; Figure 7 is a schematic view of security apparatus in yet another embodiment of this invention as applied to a combination of a door, a top hinged upper window and a lower side-hinged window of a building; Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of security apparatus in still another embodiment of this invention as applied to a pair of sliding doors shown in closed condition; Figure 9 is an elevation of embodiment of Fig. 8 with the doors open; Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the path of a beam in the embodiment of Figs. 8 and 9; Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of security apparatus in a further embodiment of this invention as applied to either a pivoted window or door (shown in closed condition); and Figure 12 is a similar view to that of Fig. 11 with the pivoted window or door in open condition.

Detailed Description of Example(s) of the Invention The security apparatus (10) of Fig. 1 is for a building opening (12) provided with a pivotal closure member (15) comprising a glazed door within a doorframe (14).

The apparatus (10) includes a pair of elongate elements (16, 18) for location one to each side of the opening (12). The elongate elements (16, 18) may be mounted on a face (20) of the wall (22) containing the opening (12) or, as shown, on the bounding edge (24) to the opening (12). A radiation emitter (25) is incorporated in one elongate member (18) and a radiation sensor (30) is incorporated in one or other of the elongate elements (16, 18) -preferably the same element (18) at a location remote from emitter (25). In addition, reflector means (35) are associated with at least one of the elongate elements (16, 18) to reflect radiation from the emitter (25) towards the sensor (30).

Preferably, as shown, the emitter (25) is located towards the top of the elongate element (16, 18), and the sensor (30) is located towards the bottoms of the same, or of the opposite elongate elements (16, 18). The reflector means (35) may comprise a continuous elongate mirror-like strip extending longitudinally of one or both elements (16, 18), or, as shown, may comprise discrete reflective, e.g. mirror-like, elements (36) mounted on the opposed inwardly facing surfaces of the elongate elements (16, 18). In each case the arrangement is such that the radiation can traverse the space between the two elongate elements (16, 18) a plurality of times across the opening (12) as a beam (32) en route from the emitter (25) to the sensor (30) e.g. in a zig-zag manner, along the path illustrated. The beam (32) traverses its (zig-zag) path in a plane closely adjacent to the face of the closure member (15) which is pivoted to open into the plane of the drawing, i.e. away from the viewer.

The radiation may be a beam of electromagnetic radiation, e.g. of passive or active is infra-red radiation or of visible light, preferably laser light.

In the embodiment of Fig. 1 the emitter (25) and the sensor (30) are electrically connected to an alarm control panel (38) that is mounted on the same elongate member (18) upon which the emitter (25) and sensor (30) are mounted. This alarm control panel (38) controls operation of the security apparatus (10) such as to provide an alarm signal, in the event that the beam (32) is interrupted whilst the apparatus is ARMED or ON. The alarm signal generated may be an audible and/or visual indication and/or a triggering signal to a camera, audio/visual recorder or an electro-mechanical lock device on the same or another door.

The apparatus (10) of Fig. 1 lends itself to being a simple form of "add-on" apparatus that can be purchased separately and be readily fitted by basic d-i-y to an existing building with an aperture (12) therein.

The embodiment of Fig. 2 is similar to that of Fig. 1 except that the control panel (138) is mounted in a recess in the surface (137) of elongate element (116) facing inwardly of the opening (112), and both the emitter (125) and sensor (130) are mounted on this same elongate element (116). Also, whereas in the embodiment of Fig. 1 the elongate elements (16, 18) are each of generally rectangular cross-section and, as illustrated, sit up against the rebate of the existing door frame (14) that defines opening (12), in the embodiment of Fig. 2 the elongate elements (116, 118) are each of somewhat T-shaped cross-section so as to provide doorframe elements that additionally define integral rebates (114) for the door (115). The reflector means (35) may be continuous strips or as illustrated in Figs 1 and 2 may be constituted by individual mirror elements (36) to effect a zig-zag path for the beam (132) between the emitter (125) and the sensor (130) in a plane closely adjacent the to plane of the door (115).

In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the beam (232) traverses a path from the emitter (225) to the sensor (230) in a similar zig-zag fashion due to the reflector means (236) but, in this embodiment, the path taken by beam (232) lies in a plane that extends in the plane of the door (215) (rather than adjacent to it as in the embodiments of Figs 1 and 2). To facilitate this, and as better illustrated in Figs 4 and 5, the glazed door (215) has its vertical sub-frame members (217, 219) provided with traverse through-going apertures or bores (213) inclined at appropriate angles commensurate with the angular inclination of associated portions of the path of beam (232).

Fig. 4. shows the glazed door (215) provided as a double-glazed door where the glazing sub-frame (of which elements 217, 219 and 221 are shown) has two mutually spaced glass panes (241, 242) to provide thermal double-glazing. The beam (232) travels between these panes (241, 242) and, to maintain the integrity of the thermal double-glazing, the apertures or bores (213) in sub-frame members (217, 219) are sealed by transparent plugs.

It will be appreciated that in this illustrated embodiment of the invention, the two elongate elements (216, 218) constitute a pair of mutually opposite framing elements of a fully-fitted doorframe in which the door (215) is mounted for pivoted motion about hinge (210).

It will be appreciated that the embodiment of Figs 3 -5 can provide laser protection to a property both when the door (215) is open and when it is closed.

The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6 illustrates security apparatus for a window s (315) comprising a main rectangular frame (311) formed of a topmost head (301), a bottom sill (302), and divided into three separate zones (312, 313, and 314) by a horizontal transom (340) and a vertical mullion (342). Glazed zones (312 and 313) are provided by positionally fixed glazing panes, whereas zone (314) is provided by a closure member in the form of a glazed sub-frame (316) pivotally mounted on the 0 frame's jamb (304) by hinges (31) to open or close the zone (314). The frame's jamb (304) is provided with a laser beam emitter (325) and with a laser beam sensor (330) adjacent respectively to the top and bottom of the double-glazed units constituting the pivoted closure member (316). The mullion (342) is provided with reflectors (336) to provide the means whereby the laser light from the emitter (325) can be reflected in a zig-zag fasion (path 332) to cross the opening a multiplicity of times en route to the sensor (330). This beam (332) is unimpeded when the window (316) is open. The beam is also unimpeded when the window (316) is closed if throughways or bore-like apertures (353) are provided in the bounding elements (344, 346) of the window's sub-frame (316). To maintain the physical integrity of the thermal barrier provided by the double-glazing of glazed sub-frame (316) between the two panes of which the beam (332) passes -these apertures (353) may be sealed by transparent plugs.

It will be appreciated that the window (315) of Fig. 6 may be modified by having the fixed double-glazed zones (312 and 313) likewise provided with laser emitter, sensor and reflector means -separately associated with each zone -to provide a laser beam path that crosses the zones (312, 313) a multiplicity of times in a plane between the two panes of each double-glazed zone (312, 313). Alternatively or additionally, the beam (332) of zone (314) can extend through the mullion (342) and/or through the transom (340) to provide the said path in respectively zone (313) and/or zone (312) solely by the provision of additional reflector means and without requiring an additional laser beam emitter or an additional laser beam sensor.

In another, somewhat less satisfactory, arrangement akin to the embodiment of Fig. 6, the laser beam emitter and sensor (325, 330) together with the reflector means (336) are provided solely on the framing elements (344, 346) so that perfect security can only be achieved if the window unit (316) is properly closed within zone (314).

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment comprising a doorway (415) against an upper top-hinged window (445) and a lower side-hinged window (455). The three openings and their closure members (415, 445 and 455) are all protected by a single beam to (432) traversing all three units a multiplicity of times, along a zig-zag path, between a pair of vertical frame elements (416, 418). The beam emanates from a single laser emitter (425) on frame element (418) and is reflected by individual mirrors or similar reflective means (36) to a collecting laser sensor (430). The beam (432) may be contained in a plane adjacent to the generally common plane of the three closure members (415, 445, and 455) or, where these closure members are constituted by double-glazed units, may be contained in a plane passing in between the two parallel glazing panes of the units and through bores or through-apertures in the sub-frames of the glazed units (415, 445 and 455). In the better case, the physical through-apertures or bores may be sealed by transparent plugs to maintain the thermal integrity of the double-glazed units. Fig. 7 also shows the control panel (438) that controls operation of the security apparatus to provide an alarm signal if the beam (432) is interrupted or the metered path distance between.

The embodiment of Fig. 8 concerns a pair of relatively sliding doors (515a, 515b) in an opening (512) bounded by a frame (514) that includes opposed side frame elements (516, 518). In this arrangement both doors (515a and 515b) can slide on tracks (510a, and SlOb) across the opening 512. Frame element (518) incorporates, adjacent its top, a laser beam emitter (525) and also incorporates, adjacent its bottom, a laser beam sensor (530). The beam path emanating from emitter (525) traverses opening (512) horizontally until it reaches a pair of mutually orthogonal reflective surfaces provided by mirrors or a prism (536) on the opposite frame element (516). These reflective means deflect the incoming beam from horizontal to vertical for a short distance, and then horizontally back across the opening (12) to a further pair of mutually orthogonal reflective surfaces. The beam path criss-crosses the opening (512) a multiplicity of times, each horizontal crossing being at a vertically spaced interval from the crossing above it. The general arrangement is illustrated schematically in fig. 10.

It will be recognised that bores or through-apertures (not shown) are provided in the vertical framing members of one or each of the sliding doors to permit passage therethrough of the laser beam. As before, these through-apertures may be sealed 0 by transparent plugs to maintain the insulating properties of the double-glazed doors (515a, 515b).

It will be appreciated that a similarly reflected beam of horizontal traverses of the opening -as provided by prisms or pairs of mutually orthogonal mirrors -may be is utilised in providing security apparatus for a sash window (where the glazed sub-frames slide vertically within a main frame) and, as an alternative, in each of the above-described and illustrated embodiments of the invention.

Likewise, it will be appreciated that the opening or aperture need not be rectangular and that the beam path need not traverse the opening from elongate side element to elongate side element. The beam path can additionally or alternatively traverse the opening from an elongate top element to an elongate bottom element. Such an alternative arrangement is illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12, Fig. ii illustrating the arrangement with the pivoted closure member in closed condition and Fig. 12 illustrating the arrangement with the pivoted closure member in open condition. It will be noted that alarming of the apparatus can be effected successfully whether the window is closed or is open.

It is considered that with the embodiments such as those described above, users will 3o be able to leave their windows and doors open while keeping the property secure from intruders (even on ground floor level), and be alerted if a closed window is broken. The users who like an open window, e.g. at night, will be able to do so securely. This will enable windows to be kept open for longer confidently, and for example enable damp in properties -a very common problem compounded by people keeping windows closed -to be reduced. Likewise, homes can be kept cool securely and avoid overheating in homes which can be a severe problem to the s vulnerable. It will, in addition, be apparent that such a laser-protected window will act as a deterrent against intruders who will see that it is protected. When the security apparatus is armed, to provide an audible and/or visual alarm, alarm information can be generated if someone is leaving the property, and this can be especially useful for the young, elderly and the disabled.

Other modifications and embodiments of the invention, which will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art, are to be deemed within the ambit and scope of the invention, and the particular embodiment(s) hereinbefore described may be varied in construction and detail, e.g. interchanging (where appropriate or desired) different features of each, without departing from the scope of the patent monopoly hereby sought. For example, security apparatus embodying the invention may be provided around a keyhole or (the opening to) a letterbox, or a garage door opening, shed door or window, or openings to a vehicle (car, van, lorry) or a vessel. The security apparatus need not be restricted to the provision of elongate elements incorporating the emitter and sensor, but these may be simple box-like or other shape units (for example including additionally the necessary alarm signalling device) and the reflective means may be provided separately in one or more additional units to be located to one or more other sides of the aperture. Such units can be individually attached to a structure in the vicinity of the aperture therein that is to be protected, and this can be readily effected on a d-i-y' basis by a purchaser himself/herself and without requiring a skilled tradesman. One or more of the units, preferably the unit incorporating the emitter and/or the unit incorporating the sensor, can further incorporate or have mounted thereon an alarm control apparatus and control panel that controls operation of the security apparatus such as to provide 13o an alarm signal, in the event that the beam across the aperture is interrupted whilst the apparatus is ARMED or ON. The alarm signal generated may be an audible and/or visual indication separate from or incorporated in the unit and/or may provide a triggering signal to a remotely-located camera, audio/visual recorder or an electro-mechanical lock device on the same or another closure member or door. The alarm control apparatus may provide for a short interval of non-activation for the duration that a closure member is moved between aperture-closed to aperture-open conditions.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Security apparatus for alarming an aperture, said apparatus including a plurality of units of which a first unit is for location to one side of the aperture, a second unit is for location to another side of the aperture (for example, an opposite side), a radiation emitter in the first unit, a radiation sensor incorporated in either the first or the second of the units, and reflector means to reflect radiation from the emitter towards the sensor and across the aperture. l0
2. Security apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the said reflective means are incorporated in one or more additional units for location to one or more other sides of the aperture.
3. Security apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the units comprise elongate elements and said reflective means are associated with at least one of the elongate elements.
4. Security apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein the reflector means are associated with each elongate element such that the radiation can traverse the space between the two elongate elements a plurality of times en route from the emitter to the sensor
5. Security apparatus according to Claim 4, wherein the reflector means are associated with each elongate element such that the radiation can traverse the space between the two elongate elements a multiplicity of times in a zig-zag manner en route from the emitter to the sensor.
6. Security apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the radiation is a beam of electromagnetic radiation.
7. Security apparatus according to Claim 6 wherein said beam is of passive or active infra-red radiation.
8. Security apparatus according to Claim 6 wherein said beam is of visible light.
9. Security apparatus according to Claim 6 or Claim 8 wherein said beam is of laser light.
10. Security apparatus according to Claim 3 or any subsequent Claim dependant therefrom, wherein the two elongate elements constitute a pair of mutually opposite framing elements for a closure member, e.g. doorframe or a window frame.
11. Security apparatus according to Claim 10 and a closure member, e.g. a door or window, mounted pivotably within the respective frame, the closure member having bounding elements that are apertured to permit passage therethrough of the radiation en route from emitter to sensor.
12. Security apparatus according to Claim 11 wherein the closure member comprises a double-glazed panel with the panes thereof sandwiching said bounding elements, and wherein the apertures provided in said bounding elements are physically sealed, to maintain the thermal integrity of the double-glazing, by transparent plugs.
13. Security apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.AMENDMENTS TO CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS1. Security apparatus for alarming an aperture having a movable closure member therein, said apparatus including a first unit for location to one side of the aperture and the closure member, a second unit for location to another side of the aperture and the closure member, a radiation emitter in association with the first unit, a radiation sensor in association with the first or the second unit, and reflector means to reflect radiation from the emitter towards the sensor and across the aperture, characterized in that the closure member has one or more bounding elements that are apertured to permit passage therethrough of a beam of the radiation en route from the emitter to the sensor both when the closure member is in open condition and when it is in closed condition and such that an alarming function can be provided by interruption of the beam whether or not the aperture is closed by said closure member.2. Security apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each said unit comprises a framing element for the aperture.3. Security apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein the reflector means are associated with each said framing element such that the radiation can traverse the space between the two framing elements a plurality of times en route from the emitter to the sensor.4. Security apparatus according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the reflector means are associated with each said framing element such that the radiation can traverse the space between the two framing elements a multiplicity of times in a zig-zag manner en route from the emitter to the sensor.** I.. * e*** ** * 5. Security apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the radiation is a beam of electromagnetic radiation.6. Security apparatus according to Claim 5 wherein said beam is of passive or * () active infra-red radiation. S..S7. Security apparatus according to Claim 6 wherein said beam is of passive or active infra-red radiation.8. Security apparatus according to Claim 6 wherein said beam is of visible light.9. Security apparatus according to Claim 6 or Claim 8 wherein said beam is of laser light.10. Security apparatus according to Claim 3 or any subsequent Claim dependant therefrom, wherein the two elongate elements constitute a pair of mutually opposite framing elements for a closure member, e.g. doorframe or a window frame.11. Security apparatus according to Claim 10 and a closure member, e.g. a door or window, mounted pivotably within the respective frame, the closure member having bounding elements that are apertured to permit passage therethrough of the radiation en route from emitter to sensor.12. Security apparatus according to Claim 11 wherein the closure member comprises a double-glazed panel with the panes thereof sandwiching said bounding elements, and wherein the apertures provided in said bounding elements are physically sealed, to maintain the thermal integrity of the double-glazing, by transparent plugs.13. Security apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.