IES87359Y1 - Window or door for installation in a building, and monitoring system including a window or door sensor. - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a window system including a window with an integrated sensing system ready to be installed in a wall of a building, the sensing system including a sensor unit substantially enclosed within a structural member 5 of the window system, the sensor unit including a housing, a sensor, a microprocessor, and an RF transmitter, and wherein the microprocessor is configured, when activated, to respond to detection of an event by the sensor, by controlling the RF transmitter to transmit an event alert signal to a controller of a monitoring system.

Description

Window or door for installation in a building, and monitoring system including a window or door sensor.

The present invention relates to a window or door for installation in a building, and to monitoring systems including a door or window sensor.

Background The problem of illegal entry to premises is a long standing one, and for decades electrical/0r electronic systems have been provided to detect the opening of doors or windows of homes and businesses and to activate an alarm of some kind. Although historically the percentage of homes using such systems was relatively small, increasingly such systems are being retro-fitted to a wider range of premises.

Frequently, such systems detect the opening of a door or window using a magnetic sensing arrangement, with a magnet and a magnetic sensor, such as a reed switch or magnetometer, attached respectively to two relatively moveable parts — such as a frame and a door, or a frame and a casement or sash. When the door or window is closed, the magnet and the sensor are sufficiently close together that the sensor is within a magnetic field of the magnet, so that for example the reeds of a reed switch are kept in contact. When the door or window is opened even slightly, the magnet and sensor move apart, reducing the strength of the absence magnetic field experienced by the sensor thereby causing a change of state of the sensor.

Detecting the opening or closing of a door in this way is of interest notjust in a security setting but, increasingly, in the context of so-called "smart home" installations. For example, in response to detecting the opening of an external door a smart home may be arranged to turn on interior lights, and/0r domestic heating or cooling, and/0r may be configured to turn off air conditioning on detecting the opening of a window Typically, such sensors and magnets are surface mounted on appropriate surfaces of the co- operating elements irrespective of whether the system is installed during the building/commissioning of the premises or retrofitted to premises that have been in use for years. Typically, the magnet and sensor of an installation are mounted to surfaces that are visible even when the door/window is closed, despite the harm that this does to the aesthetics of the interior space of the premises, and more importantly the risk that the visibility and accessibility of the magnet and sensor increase the likelihood of the system being sabotaged or disabled. Sometimes, however, the magnet and/or the sensor may be concealed in a hole cut or drilled on a face of the frame/door/window — although the cutting or drilling of holes in a modern window or door may significantly impair their structural integrity and /or insulating properties, and attempts to form such holes may cause significant damage as the result of the holes being formed in inappropriate locations. Moreover, the on-site installer of sensors for a monitoring system is unlikely to know where it may be safe to remove portions of the structure of a window or door, meaning that the choice is potentially between surface mounting the components - and even then; surface fixing may require the machining of holes for fasteners like screws or riyets; and risking the structural integrity of the door or window by cutting holes to conceal the components.

In some monitoring installations a door or window may be provided with a shock sensor rather than; or in addition to; a magnetic contact sensor; but essentially the same problems arise with the mounting of the shock sensor — albeit that if an accelerometer is used as the shock sensor there is no need to provide a magnet to work in conjunction with the shock sensor.

EP3053152B1 proposes an alarm kit; as part of a wireless alarm system or smart home system; which can be retrofitted non-inyasiyely to existing building entrances; e. g. windows and doors; without impairing the design aesthetics of a home. An elongated sensor assembly which has a maximum height of less than 5mm is provided to co-operate with a magnet; in use the elongated sensor assembly and the magnet are configured laterally displaced to each other in an opening; void or cavity formed by a window or door and a corresponding frame in a closed position of the window or door. Although the solution proposed may reduce the Visual intrusion presented by conventional sensor installations; not every door or window can accommodate such a sensor assembly. Also; there is a risk that such sensor assemblies may be removed by wrongdoers in the event that the window or door is left open.

There therefore exists a need for an improved approach to door/window sensor installation in which the magnet and sensor are substantially concealed from View when the door/window is closed; and which are therefore better protected from sabotage.

Summary According to a first aspect; there is provided a window or door for installation in a building; the window or door comprising; a pair of members; the members comprising a frame defining an opening and a closure moyable relative to the frame between open and closed positions; a first socket secured within a first aperture in a first one of the members; the first socket having an externally opening first recess which is configured to receive a magnetic sensor unit; a second socket secured within a second aperture in a second one of the members; the second socket having an externally opening second recess which is configured to receive a magnet for actuating the magnetically actiyated sensor; wherein the first and second recesses face each other when the closure is in the closed position.

According to a second aspect; there is provided a window or door for installation in a building; the window or door comprising; a pair of members for mounting within a frame defining an opening; the members being relatively moyeable and each defining a closure moyable relative to the frame between open and closed positions; a first socket secured within a first aperture in a first one of the members; the first socket having an externally opening first recess which is configured to receive a magnetic sensor unit; a second socket secured within a second aperture in a second one of the members, the second socket having an externally opening second recess which is configured to receive a magnet for actuating the magnetically activated sensor; wherein the first and second recesses face each other when the closure is in the closed position.

Preferably a window or a door according to the first or second aspects is so configured that the first and second sockets are concealed from vievv when the closure is in the closed position Optionally, the first and second members are formed of metal extrusions or plastics extrusions and the first and second apertures are formed by machining, and optionally the first and second apertures are formed by machining prior to connecting the first and second members.

Optionally, the first recess is defined by an opening that is generally rectangular in shape, with the first recess optionally being wider or longer than it is deep. The first recess may be defined by four side walls each of which is continuous. Optionally, the side walls have a thickness of betvveen 0.7 and 3mm, preferably betvveen 0.8 and 2.4 mm, optionally betvveen 0.9 and 2.2 mm, or betvveen l and 2mm.

Preferably, the first socket is made of a plastics material having a lovv attenuation for radio frequencies in a sub-Gigahertz ISM band, the 2.4 Gigahertz ISM band, or both.

Optionally, the first socket is made of a material selected from the group comprising: ABS, HDPE, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyamide; or is made of a poly (p-phenylene oxide) or poly (p-phenylene ether) blended with one of the following: polystyrene, a styrene-butadiene copolymer, a polyamide.

Optionally, the first recess is defined by a base, a pair of opposed end walls, and along each of tvvo long sides intermediate the end walls one or more sensor unit retaining features that serve to prevent a sensor unit inserted into the first socket becoming displaced laterally.

Optionally, the first recess is betvveen 70 and 130mm in length, 20 to 30mm deep, and 10 to 20mm wide. Optionally, the first recess is configured to provide a close fit to a sensor unit that is approximately 90mm long, approximately 25 mm deep, and approximately 15mm wide.

Optionally, the first socket is configured to expose parts of opposed sides of a sensor unit within the first socket, enabling the sensor unit to be graspable betvveen finger and thumb to facilitate removal of the sensor unit from within the first socket.

Optionally, retention means are provided to secure the sensor unit within the first socket, the retention means being releasable to permit the sensor unit to be removed from the socket for battery replacement. Optionally, the retention means and corresponding portions of the first socket comprise cooperating features to facilitate the releasable retention of the retention means.

Optionally, the first and second sockets are secured within their respective members by means of threaded fasteners. If used, the threaded fasteners are preferably non-metallic.

Optionally, first and second sockets are secured within their respective members by means of adhesive.

Optionally, the first and second sockets each include snap fit features that engage with one or more inner surfaces of their respective members to retain the socket within the member.

Optionally, first and second sockets each include resiliently deformable portions for irreversibly securing the sockets in their respective members.

Optionally, the window or door is enclosed in protective packaging for shipping.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a window or door according to any of the preceding variants of the first or second aspects in combination with: a sensor unit received in the first socket, the sensor unit including a housing, a magnetically activated sensor, a microprocessor, an RF transmitter and a battery; and a magnet, received in the second socket, for actuating the magnetic ally activated sensor of the sensor unit.

Optionally, the sensor unit of the combination of the third aspect includes within the housing a shock sensor, and the microprocessor is configured to cooperate with the shock sensor to detect shocks received by the door or window and to transmit, using the RF transmitter, alerts in respect of detected shocks. Optionally, the shock sensor comprises an accelerometer.

According to a fourth aspect there is provided a window system including a window with an integrated shock sensing system ready to be installed in a wall of a building, the shock sensing system including a sensor unit substantially enclosed within a structural member of the window system, the sensor unit including a housing, a shock sensor, a microprocessor, and an RF transmitter, and wherein the microprocessor is configured, when activated, to respond to detection of a shock by the shock sensor, by controlling the RF transmitter to transmit a shock alert signal to a controller of a monitoring system.

Optionally, the window system of the fourth aspect further comprises a magnet and a magnetically activated position sensor, wherein the magnet and the position sensor are carried by tvvo relatively moveable \vindovv elements of the window system, the relatively moveable \vindovv elements being moveable from an open to a closed position, and the position sensor being configured to determine whether the relatively moveable \vindovv elements are in the open or the closed position.

Optionally, a magnetically activated position sensor is mounted in the housing of the sensor unit.

According to a fifth aspect there is provided a window system including a window with an integrated sensor unit including a magnetically activated position sensor, the window system being configured to be installed in a wall of a building, the sensor unit being substantially enclosed within a structural member of the window system, the sensor unit including a housing, the magnetically activated position sensor, a microprocessor, and an RF transmitter, the system further comprising a magnet for activating the magnetically activated position sensor, wherein the magnet and the position sensor are carried by tvvo relatively moveable \vindovv elements of the window system, the relatively moveable \vindovv elements being moveable from an open to a closed position, and the position sensor being configured to determine whether the relatively moyeable window elements are in the open or the closed position, and wherein the microprocessor is configured, when activated, to respond to detection by the magnetically actiyated position sensor of the window being opened by controlling the RF transmitter to transmit an alert to a controller of a monitoring system.

Optionally, the sensor unit of any variant of the fourth or fifth aspect is releasably mounted within a socket in the structural member. Preferably, the socket is an insert in the structural member.

Optionally the insert is an injection moulding. Preferably the insert is made of a plastics material having a low attenuation for radio frequencies used by the RF transmitter. Preferably the radio frequencies used by the RF transmitter are in a sub-Gigahertz ISM band, the 2.4 Gigahertz ISM band, or both.

Optionally, the insert is made of a material selected from the group comprising: ABS, HDPE, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyamide: or is made of a poly (p-phenylene oxide) or poly (p- phenylene ether) blended with one of the following: polystyrene, a styrene-butadiene copolymer, a polyamide.

According to a sixth aspect there is provided a kit of parts comprising a window or door with 2 recesses on relatively moyeable members which are arranged adjacent to one another when the members are in a closed position, two low RF attenuating sockets adapted to fit into the recesses, a magnet and a magnetic sensor, one of the sockets being configured to receive the magnet, and the other of the sockets being configured to receive the magnetic sensor.

According to a seventh aspect there is provided a kit of parts comprising a window/door with 2 recesses on relatively moyeable members which are arranged adjacent to one another when the members are in closed position, and two low RF attenuating sockets adapted to fit into the recesses, the sockets being adapted to retain respectively a magnet and a magnetic sensor.

The magnetic sensor of the sixth or seyenth aspect may be part of a sensor unit that also includes a shock sensor.

According to an eighth aspect there is provided a kit of parts comprising a window or door with a recess in member of the window or door, a low RF attenuating socket adapted to fit into the recess, a shock sensor unit including an RF transceiyer, the socket being configured to receive shock sensor unit.

Optionally, in the sixth through eighth aspects the socket to receive the magnetic sensor or the shock sensor unit may be made of a material selected from the group comprising: ABS, HDPE, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyamide: or is made of a poly (p-phenylene oxide) or poly (p- phenylene ether) blended with one of the following: polystyrene, a styrene-butadiene copolymer, a polyamide.

Brief description of Figures Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a detail of two members of window or door for installation in a building; the members being provided with respective cooperating sockets; according to an aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic cross section showing a view along the lines A-A of Figurel for the two members; when the window is closed; Figure 3 shows; in simplified form; another window according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a schematic cross section showing a view along the lines B-B of Figure 3.; Figure 5a shows schematically; in cross section; a detail of how a socket may be retained within a member of a door or window according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5b is an schematic perspective view of a longitudinal portion of a socket showing a multi- tongued snap fit arrangement; according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows examples of sockets; sensor units; and packaged magnets for use with the sensor units; according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 7 corresponds generally to Figure 6 but shows an open-sided rather than close-sided socket arrangement; according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 shows schematically a possible arrangement of components of a sensor unit; according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 9 shows schematically the relationship between the main components of a sensor module; according to embodiments of the invention; and Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing main elements of an installation of a security monitoring system according to an aspect of the invention Specific description Figure 1 shows a detail of window or door for installation in a building; the window or door comprising a pair of members 10 and 12; the members comprising a frame 10 defining an opening and a closure 12 movable relative to the frame 10 between open and closed positions. A first socket 11 is secured within a first aperture in a first one of the mem bers; in this case the frame 10; the first socket 11 having an externally opening first recess 14 which is configured to receive a sensor unit. A second socket 13 is secured within a second aperture in the other of the members; in this case the closure 12; the second socket having an externally opening second recess which is configured to receive a magnet for actuating the magnetically activated sensor.

In the example shown; the closure is a casement of a window. The Figure shows cooperating portions of the frame 10 and casement 12; here the bottom left corner of the window; viewed from the inside. The casement is hinged to a frame member; not shown; to the right of the Figure. The inner face of the frame has a weather sealing flange 28 that extends upwards from the bottom rail 16 and inwards from the side rail 18. When the window is closed; the inner face 20 of the casement closes against the flange 28. This flange may be provided; on its outer surface with a resilient dust seal; not shown. A further seal structure; not shown; may also be provided on the upper surface of the bottom rail 16; and on the corresponding face of the side rail 18; the further seal structure sealing against corresponding surfaces of the casement when the window is closed. The side rail 18 may of course be a mullion separating one window element from another. The window may also of course have more than one openable element, for example one or more casements, plus optionally one or more fanlights.

Preferably each of the openable elements and its fixed counterp art are provided with a socket as shown generally in Figure 1. Details of the glazing of the casement 12 are not shown in Figure l.

The apertures for the sockets may be formed in the relevant substrate before the substrate is made up into a casement or frame, or the apertures may be formed after the relevant member is constructed but before the members (e. g. the casement and the frame) are connected together.

Likewise, the apertures for the sockets may be fabricated before or after the window is glazed, for example before the casement 12 is glazed. It will be understood that as shown in Figure l, glazing would be installed against the face 21 of the vertical side rail and against the upper face 22 of the bottom rail 23 of the casement 12.

The window is shown as being assembled from extrusions, with some exemplary inner details in the form of ribs 24 and 25 shown for the bottom rails of the frame and casement. The extrusions may conveniently be made of aluminium alloy, or a plastics material such as unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC). The use of extrusions, like the use of aluminium or plastics materials is not essential of course, as the windows and doors according to embodiments of the invention may also be made from timber, and of course the windows and doors may be made from a combination of plastics, metals and wood.

The Figure shows a first socket ll, partly in ghost — the dotted lines indicating features that are not actually visible in the View shown, secured within a first aperture in the frame 10. The first socket 11 has an externally opening first recess 14 which is configured to receive a sensor unit. The sensor unit is not shown here. In general, the sensor unit, and optionally also the corresponding magnet to actuate the magnetically actiyated sensor, is not installed until after the window/door has been installed in the building. That is, in general, the windows and doors according to embodiments of the invention are manufactured and shipped with the sockets in place, but without the sensor unit and magnet. This is because it has been found preferable for the person installing the monitoring system to be able to optimise the system to accommodate the expected loss in the RF signal strength received by the controller or central unit of the monitoring system consequent on the mounting of the sensor unit within the body of a window or door. For example, if the sensor unit is installed within an aluminium bodied window, the signal strength received by the central unit may be as much as 20dB down form what might be expected from a surface mounted sensor. With good RF system design, this level of extra attenuation should generally be manageable, but it may involve tweaking the RF settings of the RF transmitter/transceiver in the sensor and the corresponding receiver in the system control unit. Lower levels of attenuation are likely with both uPVC windows and doors, and those made from timber. Occasionally, the metal construction of a window or door may in effect provide one or more cayities that effectively function as Faraday cages — so that locating a sensor unit in such a cavity effectiyely precludes the sensor communicating with the central unit of the monitoring system. Such situations can generally be predicted based on an analysis of the construction of the window/door, and can in any event be determined by simple trial and error.

The Figure also shows, fully in ghost, the second socket 13 secured within a second aperture in the casement 12, the second socket 13 having an externally opening second recess which is configured to receive a magnet for actuating the magnetically actiyated sensor. When the window is closed, the open first recess and the open second recess face each other, as shown in Figure 2, thereby largely or wholly concealing the sockets from View. Thus, when the window is closed the two sockets are concealed. It will be appreciated, however, that when the window is open the two sockets are not only Visible but may also be exposed to sunlight. For this reason, it is preferred to make the sockets from a UV-resistant plastics material whose structural strength is less likely to be affected by UV radiation. Also, particularly if the socket is made of white plastic, yellowing or other discolouring of the plastic as the result of UV radiation may be an issue unless care is taken to select a UV-resistant plastic. UV-resistance may be achieved by the use of an appropriate additive or combination of additives, and/or through the choice of a suitable base plastic. For example, yarious polycarbonate (PC) plastics formulations have been shown to have good tolerance to solar radiation even when formulated in white. As such, polycarbonate, which is also an excellent plastic for injection moulding, is a preferred material for fabrication of the sockets.

Figure 2 is a schematic cross section showing a View along the lines A-A of Figurel for both the frame 10 and casement 12 when the window is closed. This shows the externally opening second recess 32 of the second socket. Also shown is the alignment of the longitudinal axes of the first and second sockets, illustrated by the dashed line 34, which occurs when the window is closed, and which although not essential, is a preferred configuration. The glazing of the casement is represented schematically by unit 36, which includes a seal 38.

As a general rule, it is preferred to install the sensor unit in a fixed part of a window/door, rather than in a moyeable part, this is because the sensor unit is more sensitive to rain and to impact — both of which are more likely to be experienced by an element mounted in a window/door part that moves — particularly if the window or door opens outwards — as the casement shown in Figures 1 and 2 does. This is also true if the sensor unit is configured to sense shock, e. g. being based on an accelerometer (as will be discussed later) rather than or in ad dition to including a magnetic contact switch.

Figure 3 shows, in simplified form, another window according to an embodiment of the invention. In this case the window includes a pair of sliding members 40 and 42 for mounting within a frame 44 defining an opening. The two members 40 and 42, which may also be referred to as sashes, are relatively moyeable and each defines a closure moyable relative to the frame 44 between open and closed positions. When the window is closed, meeting stiles of the two members oyerlap — in the sense that the right-hand stile of the outermost member 40 is positioned in front of the left-hand stile of the rear member 42. Typically, these meeting stiles have the same width, although this is not essential. A first socket, not shown, is secured within either a first aperture in the rear face of the meeting stile of the outermost member 40, or in the front face of the meeting stile of the rear member 42. The first socket has a first recess which is configured to receive a sensor unit, the sensor unit including a housing, a magnetically actiyated sensor, a microprocessor, an RF transmitter and a battery. A second socket secured within a second aperture in the other of the members, the second socket being configured to receive a magnet for actuating the magnetically actiyated sensor. The first and second recesses face each other, and the first and second sockets are concealed from View, when the window is closed. Each of the first and second recesses has an open side, the two open sides facing each other when the window is closed. Again, it will be appreciated that, when the window is closed, the two sockets are concealed from View.

Figure 4 is a schematic cross section showing a View along the lines B-B of Figure 3. The outermost member or sash 40 has a meeting stile 46 that is shown as including the second socket 48, while the innermost member or sash 42 has a meeting stile 50 that includes the first socket 52. The open sides of the two sockets face each other when, as shown, the window is in the closed position.

Each of the sashes is glazed, with the position of the glazing indicated. Also shown are the bottom tracks, 54 and 56, on which the two sashes 40 and 42 are able to slide when the window lock, not shown, is released. Incidentally, the window lock is typically provided in corresponding portions of the two meeting stiles 46 and 50, but a lock may additionally or alternatively, be provided between each sash and the frame 44. The sensor is mounted in the innermost sash rather than in the outermost sash because in this way the other sash is not interposed in the signal path between the RF transmitter/transceiver of the sensor and the RF transceiyer of the system control unit, thereby avoiding potentially significant undesirable attenuation.

Although there may be sufficient material in the stiles to allow sockets to be fitted without signific antly impairing the strength and structural integrity of the stiles and hence the window, this is less likely to be the case where the window is configured as a conventional sash window in which the two sashes moye yertically between open and closed positions. In such a situation it is typically preferable to mount the sensor in the fixed frame, with one sensor for each sash, and each sash incorporating a magnet for a respective sensor.

Of course, rather than mounting a single sensor unit in meeting rails of the two sashes as shown in Figures 3 and 4, a sensor unit and corresponding magnet could be arranged at each side of the window, so that one sensor arrangement is provided for each of the two sashes (slidable units) - for example, at the positions indicated by the dashed rectangles 45 in Figure 3. Indeed, the preferred arrangement is to mount each sensor unit in a fixed inner element of the frame, even though it requires the use of two sensor unit installations rather than merely one. In part this is because, with the position of the sensor unit(s) fixed, the RF performance of the RF transmitter of the sensor unit(s) is likely to be more consistent, reducing variability in the signal strength seen by the controller of the monitoring system. Also, the electronics of the sensor unit are less likely to experience repeated mechanical shocks and jolts than they than they would if mounted in a moyeable part that may be slammed open or shut. Preferably any such side mounted sensor units are located remote both from hinges and from locks/latches, in order to preserve the structural integrity of the frame and corresponding window part.

Figure 5a shows schematically, in cross section, a detail of how a socket may be retained within a member of a door or window according to an embodiment of the invention. A socket 60, which may be a first or a second socket, is here shown in section inserted into an aperture in part 62 of a window or door, the part 62 also being shown in section. The socket 60 is received within the part 62, and the recess 64 of the socket 60 faces outwardly, away from the part 62. The open end of the recess 64 is bordered by a flange 66 on each side of the socket, the flange concealing the edges of the aperture formed in the window/door part 62. The extent of the flange may not be the same for all four sides of the socket, for example, the first socket, that is used to receive the sensor unit, may be in the shape of an elongate rectangle, with two long sides separated by two shorter ends, and a flange may be provided on all four sides so that the edges of the aperture in the part that receives the socket are concealed by the flange. With such an arrangement, the flange portions at the two shorter ends may extend further than the flange portions at the long sides, and additional fixing means, e. g. such as a screw or riyet, may be provided in each of the flange portions at the two shorter ends to fix the socket to the window/door part. Examples of such a configuration are shown in Figures 6 and 7 which are described later.

Returning now to Figure 5a, it can be seen that the socket 60 includes, at each side, a protrusion 68 that extends from the socket 60 to the underside of the part 62, so that the edges of the part 62 that define the aperture are positioned between a protrusion 68 and a flange part 66. The protrusions 68 are designed to provide a snap fit of the socket to the window/door part, so that once the socket has been inserted into the part it is difficult or even impossible to remove the socket without damaging it or the part into which it was inserted, particularly if the socket contains a sensor unit or magnet. It is generally preferable to provide what may be thought of as a multi-tongued snap fit arrangement, as shown schematically in Figure 5b, rather than a single continuous snap fit feature on each side of the socket. Such a multi-tongued snap fit arrangement is shown in Figure 5b, which is a schematic perspective view of a longitudinal portion of such a socket. The socket is provided with 2 snap fit tongues 68 shown on the nearest long face, although in practice many more snap fit tongues may be provided on each external long face. It may be found preferable, if using a snap fit arrangement on the socket for the sensor unit, to provide snap fit features only on the short sides, as this may help to minimise the effective width of the socket body that needs to be accommodated in the window/door part: this may particularly be an issue if the door/window part includes internal ribs or other features that may interfere with snap fit features. Optionally, snap flts may be provided only on the long sides, only on the short sides, or even on all four sides — although that is less preferred.

And of course, a snap fit arrangement of any type may be provided on both socket types, and notjust on sockets to receive a sensor unit.

Figure 6 shows examples of sockets, sensor units, and packaged magnets for use with the sensor units. Shown generally as 600 is a sensor unit 602 partially received in a socket 604. The socket 604 includes substantial flanges or "ears" 608 at each end, and each ear includes a through hole 610 to receiye a screw, or other fastener, to secure the socket to the window or door part into which it is inserted. Preferably, non-metallic fasteners are used to secure the sockets to the door or window, to avoid further contributing to RF attenuation and scatter. Also, although not readily visible in the image, each end of the socket includes an optional snap fit feature 611 that ensures that, once fitted in an appropriately sized aperture in a door or window part, the socket is not readily remoyable without damage. Preferably, once fltted it is not possible to remove a socket with a sensor unit or magnet inside (in the relevant socket type) without destroying the socket or significantly damaging the window/door. Each ear 608 may also include a structure pair of upstanding flanges 612, as shown, each flange including an oyerhang that cooperates with corresponding flange parts 614 on the underside of a cap 616. Each cap includes a protrusion or tongue 618 that serves to retain the sensor unit 602 in place within the socket 604, as can better be seen from the assembly shown as 620. Also yisible in the two assemblies shown as 600 and 620 are cut-aways 617 that are formed at about the mid-point of each long side of the socket, at the upper edge of the socket, and that enable a sensor unit within the socket to be grasped between a finger and thumb, so that the sensor unit can be removed to enable battery replacement.

Figure 6 also shows two magnet/socket assemblies, indicated generally as 640. As can best be seen from the assembly to the right of the Figure, the socket 642 is provided with snap fit tongues 644 at each end, and these cooperate with the material surrounding the aperture into which the socket is installed when mounted in a window or door. The socket also includes flanges or ears 646 at each end, and also optionally a narrow flange along each of the long sides. These flanges prevent the socket from being completely swallowed by the aperture that rec eiyes it, and they also serve to conceal the edges of the aperture. As can be seen, the socket 642 for the magnet 648 has open sides, which is optional, but preferred because it can help to eliminate potential problems when injection moulding the socket, and also facilitates accommodating the magnet within a smaller footprint.

Conyeniently, both types of socket may be formed by injection moulding using a suitable engineering plastic, such as ABS, HDPE, polypropylene, polycarbonate, HDPC or a polyamide. As previously mentioned, the selection of a UV-resistant polymer formulation or blend, optionally including one or more UV stabiliser, is preferred because of the likelihood that the sockets may be exposed to direct or indirect sunlight when the window/door in which the sockets are mounted is open. Although the sockets could conceiyably be made from a metal, such as an aluminium alloy, this is much less preferred than the use of a plastics material, largely because of the likely much greater attenuation of RF signals transmitted by the sensor unit — which is a major consideration unless an external antenna is used to radiate signals from the sensor unit’s transmitter. Indeed, even when selecting a plastics material for manufacturing the socket it makes sense to consider its RF properties — especially its transparency. From this perspective, poly (p-phenylene oxide) or poly (p-phenylene ether) preferably blended with polystyrene or a styrene-butadiene copolymer or a polyamide is potentially very attractive because of its low attenuation at the RF frequencies of interest, these frequencies may be in European sub-Gigahertz ISM band (or equivalent in other territories), or in the 2.4GHz ISM band (which is used for Zigbee, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi).

The "working" face 650 of the magnet, which is either a north or a south pole of the magnet, is shown uppermost in the magnet/socket assembly shown to the left of the Figure. It will also be appreciated that the Figure shows the magnet as encapsulated. The encapsulation preferably comprises a rigid or substantially rigid plastics material, and preferably one chosen to provide a low friction interaction with the material used to form the socket 642, so that the magnet 648 can readily be inserted into the socket 642. For example, the socket may be made of polycarbonate and the magnet enclosed in a PTFE polymer jacket. It is highly desirable, although not essential, for the encapsulated magnet to be a tight sliding fit in the socket. Likewise, it is highly desirable for the sensor unit to be a tight sliding fit in its socket, as this can eliminate "noise" in the sensing system, and also help ensure good transfer to the shock sensor (if used) of any mechanical shocks to which the door or window is subjected. It should be borne in mind though that although the magnet is unlikely to need to be removed from its socket once it has been installed, the sensor unit is battery powered and hence is likely to need to be removed periodically from its socket so that the battery/batteries can be changed. To facilitate insertion of a sensor unit into its socket, as well as removal from the socket, it is helpful to ensure that the socket includes one or more openings or yents at or near the base of the socket (if the socket is not open sided), so that air can be displaced from the cavity of the socket as the sensor assembly is inserted, and air can enter the cavity as the sensor unit is removed.

Figure 7 corresponds generally to Figure 6 but shows an open-sided socket 700 which effectively only has full walls 702 at each short end, but not along the long sides. Instead, the long sides each include two upstanding ribs or wall-sections 704. These rib or wall sections 704 extend from the base 706, are substantially equal in length (or height) to the height of the end walls 702 — so that their upper ends will abut the periphery of the aperture into which the socket will be received. In this way, the ribs 704 serve both to guide the sensor unit into the socket and to prevent it inadyertently being inserted into an inner void of the door or window outside the confines of the socket — in short, the presence of the ribs facilitates correct placement of a sensor unit. Also, by using ribs rather than full side walls as shown in Figure 6, it may be possible to reduce the width of the space needed to accommodate the socket and the sensor unit — so that it may be possible to install a sensor unit in a narrower section of door or window. This may be further facilitated by reducing the thickness of the ribs so that they extend as little as possible beyond the width of the socket recess, consistent with the ribs performing their locating/restraining function. As with the sockets shown in Figure 6, the socket includes snap fit elements at each short end, as well as the cap and cap features described with reference to Figure 6.

It is contemplated that the manufacturer of the doors/windows according to aspects of the invention will machine the apertures to receive the first and second sockets, based on knowledge of the internal structure of the elements into which the sockets will be installed, suitable socket locations in the finished window/door, and knowledge of the proximity requirements dictated by the choice of magnet and sensor. The machining could best be carried out before the relevant components are assembled to make the sash/casement/closure or frame, there is the advantage that there is greatest freedom to position the workpiece for machining, or the machining could be performed after the fabrication of the sash/casement/closure but before the sash/casement/closure is assembled to the frame. If machining is done before the relevant components are assembled to make the sash/casement/closure or frame, it may then also be practical to apply internal or external protective or decorative finishes to enhance the durability of the finished door or window, which is an advantage.

The machining may also be done before or after windows or doors are glazed. By performing the machining before the units are glazed, risk of damage to expensive glazing units during machining is eliminated, and also the units will generally be significantly lighter and hence more readily manoeuvrable than they are when glazed.

It is also contemplated that the manufacturer of the doors/windows may insert the sockets before the windows/door are packed for shipping (assuming that they are not being built on the site in which they will be used). Thus, an aspect of the invention is a door or window including an installed socket to receive a sensor unit, packaged for transport or shipping. Generally, such a packaged door or window will not include a sensor unit located within the socket. If the door or window is to be used with a magnetic sensor, the packaged door/window may already have a relevant magnet installed (with or without the use of a socket for the magnet). Alternatively, the packaged door or window will include neither a sensor nor a magnet for use in conjunction with a sensor, but will include a socket to receive each of a sensor and a magnet. Of course, if a window or door installation uses only a shock sensor rather than a magnetic sensor (e. g. a shock sensor using an accelerometer, but with no magnetically activated sensor), which is an option contemplated for various aspects of the invention, there would be no requirement for a second socket —just one socket could be provided and that would be for the shock sensor unit. Again, preferably the socket would be installed by the manufacturer of the window or door.

It is contemplated that the sockets in doors and windows according to aspects of the invention will be populated with sensors and magnets, as required, only after the doors/windows have been installed. In this way, inadvertent damage to the sensor units during installation of the windows/doors is avoided, and the risk of sensors and magnets being pilfered or mislaid during installation and subsequent fit-out of the premises is reduced.

Preferably, the sensors are only installed at the stage when the relevant monitoring system is installed/commissioned, because this provides the advantage that performance of the door/\vindovv sensor in combination with the monitoring system can be optimised, for example by adjusting the RF settings of the system controller and optionally the sensor unit (which may include a transceiver to also receive signals and commands from the control unit, rather than merely a transmitter).

Optionally, hovvever, the sensor (and magnet, if required) may be installed in the window or door before the installation of the window or door.

Figure 8 shovvs schematically a possible arrangement of components of a sensor unit 900 according to an aspect of the invention. The unit 900 comprises a housing 902. A printed circuit board, pcb, 906 carries the circuitry and functional component of the sensor unit, including a processor 908, a first magnetic sensor 910 vvhich may be a reed relay or equivalent or a more sophisticated sensor such as a magnetometer, a shock sensor (e. g. accelerometer) 912, an RF transmitter or more preferably a transceiver 914, an antenna arrangement 916, and a memory 918.

Whereas the first magnetic sensor is indicated as being tovvards, or adjacent, the upper side of the sensor unit, to suit the mutual arrangement of magnet and sensor shovvn particularly in Figures 6 and 7, it may instead be positioned elsevvhere in the sensor unit to accommodate a different positional relationship betvveen the sensor unit and a magnet. Optionally, as shovvn in Figure 8, the sensor unit may include more than one magnetic sensor (e. g. more than one reed svvitch). The Figure shovvs such an arrangement, with a second magnetic sensor (e. g. reed svvitch or magnetometer) 923 positioned adjacent one of the ends of the sensor unit for use in conjunction with a magnet positioned near that end of the sensor. When a sensor unit which has more than one magnetic sensor (e.g., as shovvn in Figure 8) is linked to a particular monitoring installation, the sensor unit is configured, e. g. from the central unit of the monitoring installation, to use only the appropriate one of the magnetic sensors and to ignore the other. Alternatively, such a sensor unit may be configured to use the magnetic sensor which first responds to the presence of a magnet, and to ignore any other magnetic sensor, unless reset.

The housing 902 also includes a battery povver supply 903, for example a pair of alkaline AAA batteries 905. The antenna arrangement is preferably formed on and carried by the pcb 906, and may for example be formed in a conductive layer of the pcb.

The pcb may be so arranged, and the housing of the unit so configured or so marked, that, once the sensor unit has been properly installed in the socket, the antenna is at the open end of the socket rather than being tovvards the bottom of the sockets recess. In this way, undesirable attenuation of RF signals from the sensor unit is likely to be reduced.

The RF transmitter or transceiver 914 preferably operates in an ISM frequency band for vvhich lovv energy consumption devices are readily available, such as in suitable European sub- Gigahertz ISM band (or equivalent in other territories), for ex ample the 863-870Mhz_band.

Optionally, the RF transmitter or transceiver operates in the 2.4GHz ISM band, for example using a protocol such as Zigbee, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi.

Figure 9 shows schematically the relationship between the main components of a sensor module. These have already been introduced at least in Figure 8 and its description. The processor and transmitter/transceiver may, however, be provided in a single common module 950, rather than as two separate units.

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing main elements of an installation 1000 of a security monitoring system according to an aspect of the invention. A premises, which may be domestic premises or small business premises is protected by a monitoring system or installation, which may be referred to as a security monitoring system, and in which a controller or central unit 1010 is in RF communication with various sensors/detectors/cameras distributed around the premises. In the event of an incident occurring while the monitoring system is in an armed state, the central unit 1010 sends an alarm communication to a remote monitoring station 1020 which may also be referred to as a central monitoring station. The monitoring station preferably includes human operatives who may react to alarm notifications by involving the police, private security personnel, or others as appropriate, after viewing images/video supplied by the central unit 1010. The central unit is preferably connected to the internet 1025 both by a wired broadband connection 1030 (optionally over Wi-Fi between the central unit 1000 and a local router) and via one or more RF connections, including optionally a 4G or 5G connection. The central monitoring station 1020 is connected to the internet and to a PLMN, represented by antenna 1021.

The installation includes doors 1040 and windows 1050, each including a magnetic sensor, 1055, as previously described, to detect when a door/window is opened, and each optionally including a shock sensor, as previously described, to detect shocks caused by attempts to force an entrance to the premises or an attempt to break a door or window. The installation may include at least one internal video camera 1060, preferably arranged to monitor the main entrances, e. g. the front and rear doors, of the premises. One or more external video cameras may also be provided. The cameras (which may include cameras included to capture individual images rather than video) either include or are associated with a movement or presence sensor which may be arranged to trigger the capture of images in the event that movement or presence is detected. The installation may also include microphones, optionally associated with one or more cameras. The various sensors are preferably each battery powered, and each includes an RF transmitter or transceiver for communicating with the central unit 1000. RF communication within the installation may use in European sub-Gigahertz ISM band (or equivalent in other territories) for example in the range 863-870Mhz, for which low-energy consumption transceivers are readily available, although the camera(s) may also have the ability to transmit images, in particular video, to the central unit using WiFi or some other large bandwidth channel. One or more of the video cameras may also be powered from a mains electricity supply, with battery back-up, especially if the camera is used for surveillance rather than merely for capture of sporadic incidents. In some applications, it may be desired to operate in the 2.4GHz ISM band using a protocol such as Zigbee, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi).

Although the disclosure has focused on the idea of a manufacturer of doors or windows installing in members of a door or window sockets to receive a sensor unit (including one or other of a shock sensor and a magnetically actiyated sensor, or both), it will be appreciated that the manufacturer could simply pre-form or machine in the members suitably located apertures to receive sockets to receive a sensor unit (and magnet, if necessary), le aying the fitting of appropriate sockets to the installer of the monitoring system. The relevant apertures would preferably be closed (and optionally sealed) by blanking plugs or other alternative closures, fitted by the manufacturer, and that the installer could remove only when installing a sensor (and magnet, if necessary). This alternative, of fitting blanking plugs or other closures, rather than sockets, can of course be applied to any of the preceding alternatives and embodiments — and all such combinations are, in so far as these are possible, contemplated.

The following numbered paragraphs, which all concern methods according to aspects of the invention, are to be read in conjunction with the appended claims: . A method of making a window or door according to claim 1, the method comprising: configuring a pair of members to provide a frame defining an opening and a closure moyable relative to the frame between open and closed positions; forming a first aperture in a first one of the members; forming a second aperture in a second one of the members; securing a first socket secured within the first aperture, the first socket having an externally opening first recess which is configured to receive a sensor unit; the sensor unit including a housing, a magnetically actiyated sensor, a microprocessor, an RF transmitter and a battery; securing a second socket within the second aperture, the second socket having an externally opening second recess which is configured to receive a magnet for actuating the magnetically actiyated sensor; wherein the first and second recesses face each other when the closure is in the closed position.

. A method of making a window or door according to claim 2, the method comprising: configuring a pair of members for mounting within a frame defining an opening; the members being relatively moyeable and each defining a closure moyable relative to the frame between open and closed positions; forming a first aperture in a first one of the members; forming a second aperture in a second one of the members; securing a first socket within the first aperture, the first socket having an externally opening first recess which is configured to receive a magnetic sensor unit; 17 securing a second socket secured within the second aperture, the second socket having an externally opening second recess which is configured to receive a magnet for actuating the magnetically actiyated sensor; wherein the first and second recesses face each other when the closure is in the closed position.

. The method of claim 28 or 29, the method further comprising: glazing at least one of the first and second members prior to forming one or both of the first and second apertures. l. The method of claim 28 or 29, the method further comprising: glazing at least one of the first and second members after forming one or both of the first and second apertures.

. The method of any one of claims 28 to 3 l, the method further comprising: inserting a blanking piece into the first socket, the blanking piece needing to be removed before a sensor unit can be installed in the first socket.

. The method of any one of claims 28 to 32, the method further comprising: enclosing the window or door in protective packaging for shipping.

. A method of commissioning a monitoring system for premises, the method comprising: installing in the premises a window or door made according to the method of any one of claims 28 to 32: subsequently installing a sensor unit in the first socket, the sensor unit including a housing, a magnetically actiyated sensor, a microprocessor, an RF transmitter and a battery: and installing in the second socket a magnet for actuating the magnetically actiyated sensor of the sensor unit.

. The method of claim 34, further comprising registering the sensor unit with a controller of the security monitoring system.

. The method of claim 35, wherein the sensor unit includes within the housing a shock sensor, and the microprocessor is configured to cooperate with the shock sensor to detect shocks received by the door or window and to transmit, using the RF transmitter, alerts in respect of detected shocks, the method further configuring the controller of the security monitoring system to respond to alerts from the shock sensor.