GB2606115A

GB2606115A - A sytem for a letterplate assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2606115A
Application number: GB2210525.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Laporta Giovanni
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-05-15
Filing date: 2017-05-15
Publication date: 2022-10-26
Also published as: GB202210525D0; GB2562487A; GB2562487B; GB201707786D0

Abstract

A system for monitoring the status of a letter plate assembly 10, wherein the letter plate assembly comprises a first inner flap 12 and a second outer flap 14 which are moveable relative to a frame 13 between a closed position and an open position, comprises a first sensor and a processor. The first sensor detects a first condition relating to the letter plate assembly, and is configured to detect a position of the first inner letterplate flap. The processor receives output signals from the first sensor indicative of the first condition and outputs signals indicative of a status of the letter plate assembly. The first sensor may be mounted to the first flap. The system may comprise a second sensor comprising detection means that detects passage of mail through the assembly. The detection means may be a light or mechanical sensor. The system may indicate a tamper status or a knocking status and may further comprises a manual back-up trigger comprising a mechanical switch.

Description

A system for a letterplate assembly

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a system for monitoring the status of a letterplate assembly and to letterplate assemblies incorporating such systems.

Background to the Invention

A conventional letterplate assembly (also known as a letterbox assembly) comprises at least one hinged flap adapted to cover an aperture in a divider such as a door, wall or panel. Traditional letterplate assemblies are passive devices which are used to deposit mail inside a building or mail collecting container. As internet shopping increases in popularity, more mail is getting delivered to homes. Improvements to the traditional passive letterplate assemblies are therefore desirable.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a system for monitoring the status of a letterplate assembly, said letterplate assembly comprising at least a first flap which is moveable relative to a frame between a closed position and an open position, the system comprising: a first sensor configured to detect a first condition relating to the letterplate assembly; and processor means configured to receive output signals from the first sensor indicative of the first condition and to output signals indicative of the status of the letterplate assembly.

The letterplate assembly is suitably for mounting in a divider such as a door or wall.

Preferably the first sensor is configured to detect a position of the first letterplate flap.

Preferably the first flap is pivotable relative to the frame between a closed position and an open position, the first sensor being configured to detect the orientation of the first flap relative to the frame.

Preferably the first sensor comprises a tilt sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, mechanical sensor, light sensor, motion sensor, motion switch, or any sensor suitable for sensing the incline of the first letterplate flap. A mechanical sensor that may be employed may for example be a mechanical switch.

Preferably said first sensor is configured for mounting to the first letterplate flap.

Preferably the first letterplate flap has an outerside which is uppermost when the first letterplate is in an open position and an innerside opposite the outerside, wherein the first sensor is configured for mounting to the innerside of the first letterplate.

Preferably the system is configured for monitoring the status of a letterplate assembly having first and second flaps, each flap being moveable between a closed position and an open position, said first letterplate flap being an inner flap and the second letterplate flap being an outer flap. The first sensor is suitably configured for detecting a position of the inner letterplate flap. The inventor has realised the arrangement of first sensor for detecting the position of the inner letterplate flap helps avoid tampering with the first sensor, as the first sensor is more difficult to access than if it were arranged to detect the position of the outer letterplate flap. The outer flap of the letterplate assembly is for mounting in an aperture in a divider such as a door or wall at the external side of the divider and the inner flap is for mounting in the aperture at the internal side of the divider. Typically, the direction of travel of pieces of mail through the letterplate assembly will be through the outer flap followed by the inner flap.

Preferably the first sensor comprises detection means for detecting the passage of at least a first piece of mail through the letterplate assembly.

Preferably the system further comprises a second sensor comprising detection means for detecting the passage of at least a first piece of mail through the letterplate assembly.

Preferably said detection means comprises means for detecting the passage of at least a first piece of mail past the detection means.

Preferably the detection means comprises a sensor of electromagnetic radiation. Sensors of electromagnetic radiation may also be termed optical sensors.

Preferably the detection means is a light sensor. The optical detection means may alternatively be an infrared sensor, such as an infrared sensor.

The optical sensor may be configured to detect ambient electromagnetic radiation or from a source of electromagnetic radiation provided as part of the system. Alternatively the system may further comprise an electromagnetic radiation emitter configured for mounting on the letterplate assembly such that electromagnetic radiation from the emitter impinges on the detection means in use, whereby passage of at least one piece of mail through the letterplate assembly blocks at least part of the electromagnetic radiation impinging on the detection means.

Preferably the detection means comprises a mechanical sensor configured for detecting the passage of at least a first piece of mail past the detection means.

Preferably the system is configured to indicate a knocking-status when an output from the first sensor indicates that the first letterplate flap has opened and closed within a predetermined period. The system is configured to detect if the letterplate flap is open and closed quickly and to output a signal indicative of a knocking-status. The opening and closing of the letterplate flap within a short predetermined period is indicative of a visitor using the letterplate to knock to announce their arrival. For example, the predetermined period may be a second or thereabouts.

Preferably the system is configured to indicate a mail-received-status when an output from the first sensor indicates that the first letterplate flap has been open for a period of time within a predetermined range and then closed. The system is configured to detect if the letterplate flap remains open for a length of time within a predetermined range and is then closed. If this pattern is detected, the system is configured to output a signal indicative of a mail-received-status. The opening of the letterplate flap for a period within the predetermined range of time and then closing of the flap is indicative of the letterplate flap being opened to pass mail through the letterplate assembly. For example, the predetermined range may be set to a 2 to 10 seconds range. Preferably the lower limit of the range will be below 5 seconds and the upper limit of the range will be above 5 seconds, but 10 seconds or less.

Preferably the system is configured to indicate a tamper-status when an output from the first sensor indicates that the first letterplate flap has been open for at least a predetermined tamper period. The system is configured to detect if the letterplate flap remains open for at least a predetermined period that might indicate someone is tampering with the letterplate assembly or the contents of the building, for example if someone is trying to fish for keys through the letterplate assembly. The predetermined tamper period may be set to a value between 5 and 15 seconds, preferably 10 seconds. Preferably the predetermined tamper period is longer than the predetermined mail-receiving period.

Preferably the first sensor comprises a OR reader for reading OR tags that pass through the letterplate assembly. If pieces of mail passing through the letterplate assembly include OR tags, these can be read by the OR reader and the system can output a status indicative of information obtained from the OR tag.

Preferably the system further comprises a OR reader for reading OR tags that pass through the letterplate assembly.

Preferably at least the first sensor is configured for attaching to a letterplate assembly. The system unit can preferably be retrofitted to a letterplate assembly. The system unit may be contained within a housing that is attached to the letterplate assembly in use. The housing may be attached to the innerside of the first letterplate flap using suitable fixing means, such as adhesive.

Preferably the system is configured to direct output signals indicative of the status of the letterplate assembly to an output device.

Preferably wherein the system is configured to output signals indicative of the status of the letterplate assembly to a first output device via wireless means. The system suitably includes wireless communication means for communicating with the at least a first output device.

Preferably the at least a first output device is an alarm, light, or computing device. The computing device referred to herein may be a user interface device such as a smartphone or tablet computer.

Preferably the system further comprises a manual back up trigger for detecting whether the first flap is open or closed, in addition to the first sensor, the manual back up trigger comprising a mechanical switch that is in a first position when the first flap is closed and moves to a second position when the first flap is open.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a letterplate assembly incorporating a system according to any aspect of the invention described above. Preferably the letterplate assembly has first and second flaps, each being moveable between a closed position and an open position, said first letterplate flap being an inner flap and the second letterplate flap being an outer flap.

Preferably at least the first sensor of the system is factory fitted to (i.e. integrated into) the letterplate assembly or is configured for retrofit to the letterplate assembly via fixing means. Suitable fixing means may, for example, be adhesive. A system unit comprising at least the first sensor, any other sensors included in the system unit, and the processor may be factory fitted to (i.e. integrated into) the letterplate assembly or configured for retrofit to the letterplate assembly via fixing means.

Preferably the letterbox assembly further comprises linking means for linking the outer and inner flaps such that when one of the inner or outer flaps is moved towards an open position, the other of the flaps will move correspondingly toward its open position and when one of the inner or outer flaps is moved towards its closed position, the other of the flaps will move correspondingly toward its closed position.

Preferably at least the first sensor of the system is factory fitted to (i.e. integrated into) the letterplate assembly or is configured for retrofit to the letterplate assembly via fixing means to the inner or outer flap of the letter plate assembly.

It is to be understood that the mere use of the term "first" does not require that there be any "second," and the mere use of the term "second" does not require that there be any "third," etc.

Brief description of the drawinas

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a letterplate assembly incorporating a system of the present invention, the letterplate assembly having inner and outer flaps open; Figure 2 is an elevation of the letterplate assembly of Figure 1, facing towards the inner flap of the letterplate assembly; Figure 3 is a side elevation of the letterplate assembly of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a close-up side view of the PCB unit of the Figure 1 assembly; Figure 5 is an underside view of the PCB unit of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the PCB unit of Figure 4; Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view of some of the parts of a system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Description of the preferred embodiments

The present embodiments represent currently the best ways known to the applicant of putting the invention into practice. But they are not the only ways in which this can be achieved. They are illustrated, and they will now be described, by way of example only. Any common features between the assemblies of the different figures are referenced by common reference numerals.

Referring to Figure 1, a letterplate assembly 10 is shown for use with a system for monitoring the status of the letterplate assembly. The system includes a PCB unit 15 (visible in Figure 3) for mounting to the letterplate assembly 10, as will be described further later. The letterplate assembly 10 is intended to be fitted in a rectangular aperture in a door, although it will be understood that letterplates can be shapes other than rectangular.

It will be understood that references herein to a door include references to any divider that a letterplate assembly could be installed in. The letterplate assembly shown in Figure 1 is an assembly with an elongate horizontal axis and with a length that is greater than its height, although the letterplate assembly could alternatively be installed vertically such that its elongate axis is a vertical axis.

The assembly 10 has an inner pivoted flap 12 and an outer pivoted flap 14. The letterplate assembly that the system of the invention is used with need not have inner and outer flaps, and may only have one flap, however in preferred embodiments, the system is used with a letterplate assembly with dual flaps. Referring to Figure 1, the assembly has a frame 13 to be received within the aperture in the door and the inner flap 12 and outer flap 14 are each moveable relative to the frame 13 between a respective closed position in which the flap blocks the aperture and an open position in which the aperture is accessible via the flap. In preferred embodiments the letterplate assembly includes linking means (not visible in the figures) for linking the outer and inner flaps 14, 12 such that when one of the inner or outer flaps is moved toward an open position, the other of the flaps will move correspondingly toward its open position and when one of the inner or outer flaps is moved toward its closed potion, the other of the flaps will move correspondingly toward its closed position. The linking means may for example comprises a first outer rack-and-pinion assembly which couples to the outer letter box flap and a first inner rack-and-pinion assembly which couples to the inner letterbox flap, as described in GB2491882, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to Figure 7, the system for monitoring the status of the letterplate assembly comprises a first sensor 20 configured to detect a first condition relating to the letterplate assembly and processor means 30 configured to receive output signals from the first sensor 20 indicative of the first condition and to output signals indicative of the status of the letterplate assembly to an output device 40, such as an alarm, light, or computing device (for example a smartphone or tablet computer). In preferred embodiments the system will send a message indicating the letterplate status to a smartphone for example.

The first sensor 20 is mounted to a PCB unit 15. The processor means 30 may be located with the first sensor 20 on the PCB unit 15 or elsewhere and configured to communicate with the first sensor 20 via a wired or wireless connection. Other components of the system hardware include a memory 24 and communication means 22 for communicating with one or more output devices 40, such as via wired and/or wireless communication (e.g., a Wi-Fi transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, RFID module etc). The system assembly for mounting at the letterplate assembly also preferably includes a battery 26, but it may alternatively be mains powered.

In preferred embodiments the first sensor 20 is configured to monitor the position of one or both of the letterplate flaps 12, 14. When the system is used with a letterplate assembly

B

including a linking means linking the inner and outer flaps 12, 14 as described above, the first sensor may be configured to monitor the position of just one of the flaps, and since the flaps move together, the system will be monitoring the position of both flaps. In preferred embodiments the first sensor 20 is configured to monitor the position of the inner flap 12. The arrangement of first sensor 20 for detecting the position of the inner flap 12 helps avoid tampering with the first sensor, as the first sensor is more difficult to access than if it were arranged to detect the position of the outer flap 14. References herein to mounting of the first sensor 20 and other hardware to the inner flap 12, may of course be applied to mounting of the first sensor 20 to the outer flap 14 instead, or to a single flap of a single flap letterplate assembly.

The first sensor 20 may be configured to detect the position of the inner flap 12 within a continuous range of possible positions between its closed position and fully open position, or it may be configured to detect whether the inner flap is at least two discrete conditions, such as in its closed position or in an open position (i.e. not closed, but open at any non-zero angle relative to the frame, with at least partial opening between the inner flap 12 and frame 13).

In preferred embodiments, the first sensor 20 is mounted to the inner flap 12 so that the first sensor 20 moves as the inner flap 12 moves between its closed and open positions.

Referring to Figure 3, the unit PCB unit 15 is shown mounted to the innerside 12a of the inner flap 12, however it can be mounted elsewhere on the inner flap 12. In this embodiment, the first sensor 20 may comprise any suitable type of sensor to detect the position of the inner flap 12, such as a tilt sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, motion sensor, mechanical switch, or the like, which senses the incline of the first letterplate flap.

In embodiments where the first sensor 20 is a mechanical sensor, it may be built in to the linking means for example, to sense, if open, how far the flaps 12, 14 have been opened.

Referring to Figure 4, in an alternative embodiment, the first sensor may be a mechanical switch 32 positioned on the PCB unit 15 so that it extends from the board of the PCB unit 15. The mechanical switch is positioned so that it is in a first state when the inner flap 12 is closed and a second state when the inner flap 12 is open at any non-zero angle relative to the frame 13. For example, the mechanical switch 32 may be a push switch that is depressed by engagement with the frame 13 when the inner flap 12 is closed, and undepressed when the inner flap 12 is other than closed. Although the mechanical switch 32 may be the only sensor used to detect the state of the inner flap 12, the mechanical switch 32 could be included in the system as a second sensor in addition to a first sensor 20 on the PCB unit 15 (the first sensor 20 being for example a tilt sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, motion sensor etc). In such an embodiment, the mechanical switch 32 is provided as a back up manual trigger.

The preferred embodiment of the figures also includes a further sensor comprising detection means for detecting the passage of at least a first piece of mail through the letterplate assembly. Referring to Figure 4, in this embodiment, the further sensor comprises a light sensor 34. The light sensor is configured to detect the passage of one or more pieces of mail past the detection means. The light sensor 34 is on the PCB unit 15 and therefore is on the innerside 12 of the inner flap 12 when assembled. In a normal state, when mail is not being passed through the letterplate assembly, the light sensor 34 will detect no, or a low level of light as the letterplate flaps 12, 14 will be closed and therefore no, or little, light will reach the light sensor 34. When mail is being delivered, the light sensor will initially detect ambient light as the flaps 12, 14 are opened for delivery of the mail and then the ambient light will be blocked as one or more pieces of mail are pushed past the light sensor 34 as they travel through the letterplate assembly 10. When this pattern is detected from the output from the light sensor 34, this provides verification that mail has been pushed through the letterplate assembly (rather than someone just opening and shutting the letterplate flaps 12, 14). The system is configured to provide an output to the relevant output device(s) 40 if this pattern is detected by the light sensor 34.

In alternative embodiments, the light sensor 34 may be the only sensor in the system for detecting a condition of the letterplate assembly and there may be no sensor that detects the orientation of the inner flap 12 (as the light sensor 34 indirectly detects the position of the inner flap 12 as open or closed depending on the level of light impinging on the light sensor 34-more light impinging on the light sensor 34 when the letterplate flaps are open and less light impinging on the light sensor 34 when the letterplate flaps are closed).

In alternative embodiments, rather than being a sensor for visible light, the light sensor 34 may be substituted with an infrared sensor. In further alternative embodiments, the light sensor 34 could be substituted with a suitable mechanical sensor for detecting passage of pieces of mail past the sensor.

The system is configured to output signals to the output device(s) 40 indicative of the status of the letterplate assembly. In a preferred embodiment there are various statuses that the system can detect to indicate if the letterplate is other than in a normal status (in a normal status, the flaps will be closed for an extended period).

A first status that the system is configured to detect is a mail-received-status, in which the output from the first sensor indicates that the first letterplate flap has been open for a period of time within a predetermined range and then closed. The system is configured to detect if the letterplate flap remains open for a length of time within a predetermined range and is then closed. If this pattern is detected from the output of the first sensor, the system is configured to output a signal indicative of a mail-received-status. The opening of the letterplate flap for a period within the predetermined range of time and then closing of the flap is indicative of the letterplate flap being opened to pass mail through the letterplate assembly. For example, the predetermined range may be set to a 2 to 10 seconds range.

Preferably the lower limit of the range will be below 5 seconds and the upper limit of the range will be above 5 seconds, but preferably 10 seconds or less.

A second status that the system is configured to detect is a tamper-status, in which the output from the first sensor indicates that the inner letterplate flap has been open for at least a predetermined period (the predetermined tamper period). The system is configured to detect if the letterplate flap remains open for at least a predetermined period that might indicate someone is tampering with the letterplate assembly or the contents of the building, for example trying to fish for keys through the letterplate assembly. The predetermined tamper period may be set to a value between 5 and 15 seconds, preferably 10 seconds.

The predetermined tamper period will be set to be longer than the upper limit of the predetermined range for detecting mail-received status.

A third status that the system is configured to detect is a knocking-status, in which the output from the first sensor indicates that the first letterplate has been opened and closed within a predetermined period (the predetermined knocking-period). The system is configured to detect if the inner letterplate flap is opened and closed very quickly and if so, to output a signal indicative of the knocking-status. The opening and closing of the inner letterplate flap within a short predetermined period is suggestive of a visitor using the letterplate to knock to announce their arrival. The predetermined knock-period may be a second or thereabouts. The predetermined knock-period will preferably be lower than the lower limit of the predetermined range for detecting mail-received status.

The system can of course be configured to detect only one or two of the above described statuses.

The system may further comprise a OR reader 36 for reading OR tags that pass through the letterplate assembly. This means that if pieces of mail passing through the letterplate assembly include OR tags, these can be read by the OR reader. Information from the OR tag can be relayed by the system to a relevant output device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer, indicating information such as who the sender of the piece of mail is. The system can also log the time that the piece of mail was delivered.

The PCB unit 15 can be factory fitted to (i.e. integrated into) the letterplate assembly at the manufacturing stage or it can be retrofitted by attaching the unit to the inner flap 12 using suitable fixing means such as adhesive (e.g. adhesive tape).

Various of the features disclosed herein can be used in combination with one another as appropriate. It should be noted that embodiments of the inventions have been described invention have been described herein by way of example only, and that modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. It should be further noted that each of the many advantageous features described above may be employed in isolation, or in combination with any one or more other features.

Claims

Claims 1. A system for monitoring the status of a letterplate assembly having first and second flaps, each flap being moveable relative to a frame between a closed position and an open position, the first letterplate flap being an inner flap and the second letterplate flap being an outer flap, the system comprising: a first sensor configured to detect a first condition relating to the letterplate assembly; and processor means configured to receive output signals from the first sensor indicative of the first condition and to output signals indicative of the status of the letterplate assembly, wherein the first sensor is configured to detect a position of the first letterplate flap.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the first flap is pivotable relative to the frame between a closed position and an open position, the first sensor being configured to detect the orientation of the first flap relative to the frame.
3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the first sensor comprises a tilt sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, mechanical sensor, light sensor, motion sensor, motion switch, or any sensor suitable for sensing the incline of the first letterplate flap.
4. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein said first sensor is configured for mounting to the first letterplate flap.
5. A system according to claim 5, wherein the first letterplate flap has an outerside which is uppermost when the first letterplate is in an open position and an innerside opposite the outerside, wherein the first sensor is configured for mounting to the innerside of the first letterplate.
6. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system further comprises a second sensor comprising detection means for detecting the passage of at least a first piece of mail through the letterplate assembly.
7. A system according to claim 6, wherein said detection means comprises means for detecting the passage of at least a first piece of mail past the detection means.
8. A system according claim 6 or 7, wherein the detection means comprises a sensor of electromagnetic radiation.
9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the detection means is a light sensor. 5
10. A system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the system further comprises an electromagnetic radiation emitter configured for mounting on the letterplate assembly such that electromagnetic radiation from the emitter impinges on the detection means in use, whereby passage of at least one piece of mail through the letterplate assembly blocks at least part of the electromagnetic radiation impinging on the detection means.
11. A system according to any of claims 6 to 7, wherein the detection means comprises a mechanical sensor configured for detecting the passage of at least a first piece of mail past the detection means.
12. A system according to any preceding claim when dependent on claim 23, wherein the system is configured to indicate a knocking-status when an output from the first sensor indicates that the first letterplate flap has opened and closed within a predetermined period.
13. A system according to any preceding claim when dependent on claim 23, wherein the system is configured to indicate a mail-received-status when an output from the first sensor indicates that the first letterplate flap has been open for a period of time within a predetermined range and then closed.
14. A system according to any preceding claim when dependent on claim 23, wherein the system is configured to indicate a tamper-status when an output from the first sensor indicates that the first letterplate flap has been open for at least a predetermined tamper period.
15. A system according to claim 14 when dependent on claim 13, wherein the predetermined tamper period is longer than the predetermined mail-receiving period.
16. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least the first sensor is configured for attaching to a letterplate assembly.20 25 30
17. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to direct output signals indicative of the status of the letterplate assembly to an output device.
18. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to output signals indicative of the status of the letterplate assembly to a first output device via wireless means.
19. A system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the at least a first output device is an alarm, light, or computing device. 10
20. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system further comprises a manual back up trigger for detecting whether the first flap is open or closed, in addition to the first sensor, the manual back up trigger comprising a mechanical switch that is in a first position when the first flap is closed and moves to a second position when the first flap is open.
21. A letterplate assembly incorporating a system according to any of claims 1 to 20.
22. A letterplate assembly according to claim 21 wherein at least the first sensor of the system is factory fitted to (i.e. integrated into) the letterplate assembly or is configured for retrofit to the letterplate assembly via fixing means.
23. A letterplate assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the letterbox assembly further comprises linking means for linking the outer and inner flaps such that when one of the inner or outer flaps is moved towards an open position, the other of the flaps will move correspondingly toward its open position and when one of the inner or outer flaps is moved towards its closed position, the other of the flaps will move correspondingly toward its closed position.
24. A letterplate assembly according to claim 23, wherein at least the first sensor of the system is factory fitted to (i.e. integrated into) or is configured for retrofit to the letterplate assembly, via fixing means, to the inner or outer flap of the letter plate assembly.