NL2028184B1

NL2028184B1 - Housing for an emergency unlocking device, and method of using the same

Info

Publication number: NL2028184B1
Application number: NL2028184A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Zijlstra Erik; Jacobus Adrianus Smits Johannes
Original assignee: Zijlstra Erik; Jacobus Adrianus Smits Johannes
Priority date: 2021-05-11
Filing date: 2021-05-11
Publication date: 2022-11-24

Abstract

There is provided a housing for an emergency unlocking device, the housing being formed by at least an intermediate member and a cover, wherein the cover is connected to an engaging element for an emergency unlocking device and wherein the housing has an interior space arranged to hold the engaging element for the emergency unlocking device, wherein a releasable connection system is arranged to attach the cover to the intermediate member, the cover comprising a grip for a user, wherein the intermediate member is arranged to be attached to a surface, wherein the releasable connection system and grip are arranged to allow a user to grab the grip and release the cover with engaging element, from the intermediate member.

Description

HOUSING FOR AN EMERGENCY UNLOCKING DEVICE, AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates generally to a housing for an emergency unlocking device, to an assembly of a housing with a door lock and unlocking device, and to a method of using the housing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There is a general and ongoing need to improve emergency exit systems. In case of an emergency, quickly identifying and opening an emergency exit is imperative. During the outbreak of a fire, smoke will develop. Victims of fires are often killed close to the emergency exit by inhaling smoke. Because of smoke development and panic, finding keys to unlock the emergency exit, such as the front door of a building, takes too much time. Also an emergency unlocking device can be missing or displaced.

[0003] In addition, to prevent burglary, home-owners are often advised not to leave (emergency) keys in locks. This would make it too easy for burglars to retrieve the keys through e.g. a window or a letterbox. A key to unlock the door can be positioned next to the dooron e.g. a hook. This too increases chances of burglary since the key can be retrieved with a relatively simple elongated rod or hook through a letterbox or a window. It is desired to keep the emergency unlocking device within a box, container or housing. In the below housing will refer to any such device that at least partially can cover and/or can contain the key.

[0004] A further disadvantage of leaving keys in the emergency exit or on a hook close to the emergency exit is that the key is easily taken by the user. For example, if a user is going for a walk, going to the post-office, or to the shops, taking the emergency key is simple. Unless the user places back the emergency key, the emergency kev may not be there in case of an emergency situation, leading to increased risks.

[0005] Various attempts have been made to address this need for improved emergency exit systems. Such attempts include a storage box with a glass cover. In case of an emergency. the glass of the cover must be broken to retrieve the emergency key disposed therein. Breaking a glass cover, prior to retrieving the emergency key adds valuable time to the process of exiting the house or building. Especially with ensuing panic, such an extra action adds significant risks to the user. A further problem with such a system is that the action required during the emergency cannot be practiced without destroying the emergency exit system. As a result, the emergency will most likely be the first time a user has to break the glass.

[0006] Other attempts to improve emergency exit systems include storage boxes where a code must be entered to retrieve the key, or where a key is required to enter the box. These known systems all require actions performed by the user which add time. The addition of time in an emergency situation adds risks. As a result, the existing attempts to improve emergency exit systems do not sufficiently address the associated problems.

[0007] There thus is a need for improved emergency exit systems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In one aspect of the invention, there is provide a housing for an emergency unlocking device. In this application an emergency unlocking device can be any unit that can be used to unlock and/or open an exit such as a door. In an embodiment, said emergency unlocking device may be e.g. a key, a keycard, an RFID chip, or the like.

[0009] The housing is formed by at least an intermediate member and a cover. The one or more intermediate members are arranged to be attached to a surface, e.g. a wall of a house in the vicinity of the door that is to be opened/unlocked

[0010] A releasable connection system is arranged to attach the cover to the intermediate member. By connecting the cover to the intermediate member, the interior can be at least partially closed off to hold the emergency unlocking device. The releasable connection system allows accessing the emergency unlocking device held in the interior. The releasable connection system allows removing the cover completely from the intermediate housing part that is e.g. connected to the wall of the house. The cover is a housing part that can be disconnected from the housing. A releasable connection system allows releasing the cover.

[0011] In embodiments, the cover is connected to an engaging element. The engaging element can engage the emergency unlocking device. Accordingly, removing the cover will also result in removing the engaging element and the key that is connected thereto. By removing the cover, the user will have access to and will in fact indirectly engage the emergency unlocking device. The engaging element can be connected to the emergency unlocking device without being able to release the emergency unlocking device. In use, removing the cover also removes the emergency unlocking device from the interior. The engaging element connected to the cover thus ensures that the user will in a single action both engage/grab the cover and release the cover from the intermediate member. This single action allows the user to access the emergency unlocking device, such as a key, and use the unlocking device to open a door or the like. This reduces the time needed to retrieve the unlocking device in emergency situations. This system thus allows to safely store an unlocking device in close proximity to an emergency exit, while ensuring that the unlocking device may be quickly retrieved.

[0012] In an embodiment, the engaging element is formed by one of a ring, a looped wire, a weld, a composite material, a polymer material. In an embodiment, a cable connects the cover to the engaging element. Preferably a roll-up system for a cable is present, the roll-up system being biased to decrease the distance between cover and the engaging element and wherein the roll-up svstem allows for increasing the distance between the cover and the engaging element. In an embodiment, the cable is at least 5 cm long, preferably at least 10 cm long, more preferably at least 20 cm long, still more preferably at least 30 cm long. In an embodiment, the cable has a minimum ultimate tensile load of about 200 N, preferably of about 250 N, more preferably of about 450 N, still more preferably of about 750 N. The cable may be a rope. a string, a chain, or the like. In an embodiment, the cable comprises a polymer, preferably comprising one or more of polyolefin, polyethylene, polyamide, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyether ether ketone. In another embodiment, the cable comprises a thermoset polymer material, preferably one or more of polyester, epoxy, dicyclopentadiene, polyurethane, phenolic polymers, bismaleimide resin, and/or phthalonitrile. In still further embodiments additives of nano silica and/or core shell rubber may be used. In another embodiment, the cable may comprise a metal, preferably one or more of iron, steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, bronze, brass. magnesium, Inconel, chrome, nickel, titanium and/or alloys thereof.

[0013] In embodiments, the housing has an interior, that can be partially closed off, that can hold the emergency unlocking device. Also, the housing can be partially transparent to see in the interior and preferably to see the emergency unlocking device. The interior of the housing, is surrounded by one or more housing parts. such as the cover and the intermediate member. By holding the key in the interior, the user is by instinct urged to open and remove the cover to access the key. This results in less loss of time.

[0014] In embodiments, the cover comprises a grip for a user. The releasable connection system and grip are arranged to allow a user to grab the grip and release the cover with engaging element, from the intermediate member. The cover is shaped to be engaged by the user, preferably by a human hand. The grip is arranged to allow the user to release the cover from the housing

[0015] In embodiment the release connection system is arranged to be released by a single or combined action, e.g. by squeezing, turning and/or breaking, preferably in combination with the grip. In embodiments the releasable connection system comprises a two-step release system arranged to require a user to perform two different actions, e.g. turn and squeeze, before releasing the cover from the intermediate member

[0016] In an embodiment, the cover is hollow for forming a volume to receive the emergency unlocking device. In embodiments, the cover defines a volume of at least 50 cm3, preferably of at least 80 cm3, more preferably of at least 100 cm3, still more preferably of at least 150 cm3. By providing a cover with a minimum volume, removal of the cover with the emergency unlocking device from the intermediate member is limited. The problem of a user taking the emergency unlocking device, such as a key, in a non-emergency situation is mitigated by making the cover difficult to fit in e.g. a pocket or a jacket. The hollow shape of the cover also allows positioning auxiliary units, such as a light source, battery, alarm, sensors.

[0017] In an embodiment, the cover has a minimum dimension of at least 5 cm, preferably of at least 8 cm, more preferably of at least 10 cm. Similarly, providing the cover with a minimum dimension, a cover having a minimum predetermined size is difficult to put in a pocket, resulting in a threshold for the user to take away the cover and key. This helps ensure that the unlocking device is there in case of emergency.

[0018] In an embodiment, the releasable connection system comprises a button. positioned on the cover, and wherein depressing the button detaches the cover from the intermediate member. In an embodiment, the releasable connection system comprises two buttons, preferably positioned on opposing sides of the cover such that engaging the grip of the cover results in depressing the buttons and releasing the cover from the intermediate member. The provision of two buttons further limits the risk of retrieval of the emergency unlocking device by a burglar.

Froma distance, e.g. with a stick, the removal of the cover from the intermediate member is difficult. However. the removal of the cover is simple for a user in close proximity of the cover. The two buttons are preferably positioned in such a way that simply engaging the grip of the cover depresses the buttons, allowing the cover to be released from the intermediate member.

[0019] In an embodiment, the intermediate member is a plate-shaped frame, comprising at least one opening. The opening in the plate-shaped frame allows a connecting unit to be provided through the plate-shaped frame and into a wall or an emergency exit, such as a door. Such a connecting unit can for example be a screw, plug, nail, hook, or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the plate-shaped frame comprises at least two openings to prevent unwanted rotation of the plate-shaped frame with respect to the wall or the emergency exit. In an alternative embodiment, the intermediate member is an adhesive, a hook, a two-sided adhesive strip, or the like. In embodiments, the intermediate member is glue that temporarily affixes the cover part to the wall.

5 [0020] In an embodiment, the intermediate member comprises a base plate and a peripheral flange, said peripheral flange extending away from the base plate. In embodiments the intermediate member can be a part of wall of the house or can be arranged in the wall. In an embodiment, the surface to which the intermediate member may be attached, is a wall, preferably a wall close to an emergency exit. In another embodiment, the surface is a wall segment of an emergency exit, preferably a door.

[0021] In embodiments, the cover comprises aluminum and/or wherein the intermediate member comprises aluminum, and/or wherein the releasable connection system comprises aluminum. In a preferred embodiment, the releasable connection system and/or the buttons of the releasable connection system comprises anodized aluminum. The use of anodized aluminum increases resistance to corrosion and wear, and provides better adhesion for paint primers. As a result, the chance of jamming of the releasable connection system is reduced. Also, since adhesion of paint primers is improved, the color of the releasable connection system may be chosen in such a way that it clearly contrasts with the rest of the cover, making it easier to identify in case of emergency. In an embodiment. the cover and/or the intermediate member may also comprise anodized aluminum. In another embodiment, any of the cover and/or the intermediate member and/or the releasable connection system may comprise a metal, preferably one or more of iron, steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, bronze, brass, magnesium, Inconel, chrome, nickel, titanium and/or alloys thereof.

[0022] In an embodiment, the releasable connection system comprises a first interlocking member arranged on the intermediate member, and a second interlocking member, arranged in the cover, wherein the first interlocking member is arranged to interlock with the second interlocking member.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first interlocking member comprises a slot, and wherein the second interlocking member comprises a projection, such that the first and second interlocking members form a bayonet interlocking mechanism, wherein the rotation of the cover in relation to the intermediate member allows for unlocking. The bayonet interlocking system is an example of a two-step release mechanism.

[0024] In an embodiment, the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member may be unlocked from one another simply by moving, preferably rotating, the cover with respect to the intermediate member. In a preferred embodiment, the cover and the intermediate member are round. In a preferred embodiment, rotating the cover is rotated counter-clockwise to unlock the cover from the intermediate member, such as with a bayonet interlocking mechanism. In an embodiment, the cover may only be rotated with respect to the intermediate member upon activation of one or more buttons of the releasable connection system. To release the cover from the intermediate member in this embodiment, the one or more buttons must be depressed. after which the cover must be rotated with respect to the intermediate member to release the cover.

Other known release mechanisms may also be applied.

[0025] By providing first and second interlocking members. arranged to be unlocked by the releasable connection system, a manipulation of the releasable connection system is required. This arrangement reduces the risk of releasing the cover from the intermediate member from a distance. It will be more difficult for a person to open the housing with e.g. an elongated rod through the letterbox. This ensures that the housing may be disposed in close vicinity of the emergency exit, without increasing the risk of burglary.

[0026] In an embodiment, the intermediate member comprises a base plate and a peripheral flange, said peripheral flange extending away from the base plate, and wherein said slot extends along an outer surface of the peripheral flange. and wherein said projection is provided on an inner surface of the cover.

[0027] In an embodiment, the housing further comprises an electronic system that is activated by a signal from an emergency sensor. In an embodiment, the electronic system comprises a light source and/or a sound system. By providing a sound system in the housing, a user may be alerted of an emergency situation by a sound from the sound system. In an embodiment, the electronic system, e.g. the sound produced by the sound system, may be stopped by removal of the cover from the intermediate member, to reduce stress or distraction on the user. The provision of a light in the housing may aid in identifying the location of the housing, in particular if view is obstructed. The light source may be coupled to e.g. regular light switches, a fire-alarm in the building, or a smoke detector in the housing. Alternatively, the light could be activated indefinitely. In a preferred embodiment, said light emits light with a wavelength of between about 550 nm and 650 nm, preferably of between about 560 nm and 620 nm, more preferably of between about 570 nm and 590 nm. Light of these wavelengths is substantially yellow, which has been shown to provide better visibility in case of smoke. Providing the housing with light of these wavelengths may aid in finding the device in case of smoke development. In a preferred embodiment, the cover comprises a section of transparent material, allowing the light to be placed in the interior, e.g. on the intermediate member, while still being visible from outside the cover.

[0028] In an embodiment, the electronic device is one or more LED lights in the housing. which are able to adapt the transmission wavelength to yellow light, as discussed hereinbefore. In an embodiment, the electronic device may be a sound system, which may be arranged to alert users of an emergency situation. The sound system may be comprised in the housing in an embodiment. Alternatively, the sound system may be a home sound system, such as normal 19 home sound systems and/or Sonos systems. In another embodiment, the electronic device may be a home system such as Google Home. In still further embodiments, the electronic signal may notify emergency response services, such as the fire department. In an embodiment, the electronic signal may activate a light directed at the emergency exit, preferably at a keyhole or a card-reader. This aids the user in identifving the emergency exit, after having retrieved the unlocking device, such as a key.

[0029] In an embodiment, the emergency sensor is one of a fire alarm, a smoke detector, a sprinkler system, a detachment sensor. In embodiments an external emergency sensor provides a signal to the electronic system for triggering, e.g. an existing alarm system at the location where the housing is installed.

[0030] In embodiments the emergency sensor is on the housing. In an embodiment, the housing further comprises a smoke detector, wherein activation of the smoke detector sends an electronic signal to an electronic device, preferably wherein said electronic device is one or more of a light, a fire alarm, a sound system. By providing a smoke detector in the housing, it may activate an electronic system in case of an emergency. For example, the detection of smoke by the smoke detector may lead to the activation of a light in the housing, helping a user identify its location. It may further be linked to lights in the building. the light may aid in identifving the exit upon removal of the cover from the intermediate member. In case of smoke development, a light may aid a user in locating e.g. a kevhole and/or a path to safety.

[0031] In embodiments the electronic system on the cover or on the intermediate system comprises a sensor that is triggered bv detaching the cover. In an embodiment, the emergency sensor is a release or detachment sensor, wherein the detachment sensor is arranged to provide a signal when the cover is removed from the intermediate member. As a result, the electronic system is activated upon detachment of the cover from the housing. leading to e.g. a light source and/or sound upon detachment. The light may e.g. aid the user in identifying the emergency exit. As a result, the removal of the cover may trigger a sound. This further inhibits the removal of the cover in non-emergency situations. In an embodiment, the housing, preferably the cover, comprises a battery, arranged to provide power to the light and/or to other electrical components. In a preferred embodiment, the battery is a lithium battery. In a preferred embodiment, the battery is a non-replaceable battery. The provision of a non-replaceable battery ensures that a user cannot remove the battery. As a result, the users cannot use batteries of a bad quality to replace a depleted battery. In another embodiment, the batteries are regular replaceable batteries.

[0032] According to an aspect an assembly or kit of parts comprising an emergency unlocking 19 device such as a key and a housing therefore are provided. the housing comprising a cover that can be connected to the key. The assembly can also comprise a lock that can be arranged in a door. Accordingly, the parts are provided to install a locking system in a door, the corresponding unlocking device, such a key and a housing to be mounted in the vicinity of the door that allows to hold the kev. By providing the key connected via a wire to the cover, the cover can be disconnected from the housing and used to open the door. Any of the features mentioned in this application can be part of the housing of the assembly.

[0033] In an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of using the housing described hereinbefore, comprising: providing an housing as described hereinbefore, wherein the intermediate member is attached to a surface, wherein the cover is attached to the intermediate member, and wherein an emergency unlocking device is attached to the engaging element; detaching the cover from the intermediate member, wherein detaching the cover results in removing the emergency unlocking device from the surface.

[0034] In an embodiment, the surface is a wall, preferably a wall close to an emergency exit. In another embodiment, the surface is a wall segment of an emergency exit, preferably a door. In an embodiment, the step of detaching the cover from the intermediate member activates a flashlight attached to the cover.

[0035] In an embodiment, the step of detaching the cover from the intermediate member activates emergency lighting, preferably wherein said emergency lighting is of yellow light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The features and advantages of the invention will be appreciated upon reference to the following drawings, in which: FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a housing according to the invention

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a housing with key according to the invention

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0037] The following is a description of certain embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only and with reference to the drawings. The invention has been described by reference to certain embodiments discussed above. It will be recognized that these embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms well known to those of skill in the art.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, a housing comprising an intermediate part 20 and a cover 21 are shown. In the embodiment shown, two disc shaped housing parts are shown having peripheral flanges 23 and 27. Many different shapes, especially different shapes for intermediate part 20 and cover 21 are possible. Preferably the cover has a grip that is shaped to provide the user with information that is processed by instinct to correctly grab the cover for removal from the intermediate member 20.

[0039] The intermediate part 20 is embodied as housing part to be mounted on a wall of a house, in the vicinity of a door or emergency exit that can be locked. The intermediate part 20 has holes or openings for mounting the part 20 to a wall using screws.

[0040] For unlocking the door or exit an emergency unlocking device, such as a key or keycard is available. In between the intermediate part 20 and cover 21 an interior volume is formed that allows receiving the emergency unlocking device. In the shown embodiments both bodies 20 and 21 are hollow. However this is not necessary. In the shown embodiment, the interior space will be completely surrounded by housing parts 20 and 21, but this is not required. In embodiments parts of the housing parts 20 and 21 are partially open or see-through.

[0041] In the shown embodiment, cover 21 fits over intermediate part 20, wherein an interlocking system formed on flanges 23 and 27 form a releasable connection system. The release connection system is not shown in detail, but can be formed on the flanges, e.g.

embodied by guiding grooves or slits. For example, a bayonet connection can be provided. By pushing and rotating the cover. the cover can be removed from the intermediate part. Although plastic materials can be used for the intermediate member and cover, use of a metal such as aluminum is preferred to form (parts of) releasable connection system in particular the sliding parts thereof.

[0042] In the shown embodiment, two buttons are slidingly provided on the cover 21. They can have a different color from the rest of cover 21. The buttons are positioned on opposite sides of the cover to be engaged between thumb and pointing finger for squeezing. The buttons can be part of the releasable connection system. In order to release the cover 21 from the intermediate housing part 20, the two buttons are to be grabbed by the user and pushed together indicated by arrow 25 against a spring bias. In the pushed together state, the cover 21 can be rotated, indicated by the arrow 26 to the user, to release the cover 21 from the intermediate housing. The cover 21 that is connected to the key for unlocking a door can then be taken along by the user to the door.

[0043] By providing a voluminous cover, the cover is not taken along by the user since the cover would not readily fit in e.g. a trouser pocket.

[0044] Figure 2 shows a exploded view of a housing for an emergency unlocking device formed by cover 2 and intermediate housing part 1. In the shown embodiment. the emergency unlocking device is akey 10. The key 10 is connected via a wire 9 to a hook 11 on the inside of the cover

2. The connection between key and cover 2 can be embodied in many different ways. For engaging the key 10. preferably a non-releasable engagement unit is used, which prevents (easy) removal of the key 10. This prevents undesired use of the key. A known problem is that the emergency key 10 is taken along and not returned. The sturdy connection of key to the cover prevents removal of the key. The cover is of a size that reduces the risk of it being taken along.

[0045] The hook 11 with the key 10 allows to place key 10 in the interior of the housing.

[0046] Cover 2 of the embodiment shown in figure 2 has an electronic system. The electronic system comprises a light source 4, a Zigbee communication unit 5, a buzzer 6 and a battery 7. Now shown, but part of the electronic svstem can be a release sensor or smoke detector that can trigger an alarm signal, provided on the housing. By providing on the housing a release sensor that is triggered by use of the releasable connection system or by removal of the cover from the housing, the electronic system of the housing for the emergency unlocking device can be put in operation. The alarm signal can also be provided via an external source and can be received via the Zigbee communication unit 5. The alarm signal can trigger the electronic system to tum on the light source 4 and/or the buzzer 6, provided with energy from the battery. The Zigbee unit is an example of a transceiver and communication protocol that allows the housing of the invention to communicate with external systems that can provide an alarm signal to trigger the electronic system.

[0047] The buzzer can be triggered by an alarm. This aids a user to find the housing 1.2. The light source can be triggered by an alarm and/or by a release sensor that senses removal of cover 2 from the intermediate member 1. The lighting can help in finding the housing with emergency key.

[0048] Not shown in Fig.2 is the releasable connection system. Cover 2 can be grabbed by the user and removed from the intermediate member 1. Preferably a two-stepped disconnection system is provided. In case of an emergency, the cover and the key connected thereto can be easily found. Undesired removal is prevented. The cover and key can both be taken along to the door for unlocking. The cover having a light increases the visibility.

[0049] Further modifications in addition to those described above may be made to the structures and techniques described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Accordingly, although specific embodiments have been described, these are examples only and are not limiting upon the scope of the invention. The below lists clauses of embodiments of the invention.

1. Housing for an emergency unlocking device, the housing comprising at least an intermediate member and a cover, wherein the intermediate member is arranged to be attached to a surface, wherein the housing has a releasable connection system arranged to attach the cover to the intermediate member, wherein the cover is connected to an engaging element for engaging an emergency unlocking device.

2. The housing of Clause 1, wherein the housing has an interior space arranged to hold the engaging element.

wherein preferably the cover comprising a grip for a user, wherein the releasable connection system and grip are arranged to allow a user to grab the grip and to release the cover with engaging unit from the intermediate member.

3. The housing of Clauses 1 or 2, wherein the cover - defines a volume of at least 50 cm’, preferably of at least 80 cm’, more preferably of at least 100 cm’, still more preferably of at least 150 cm’: and/or - has a minimum dimension of at least 5 cm, preferably of at least 8 cm, more preferably of at least 10 cm.

4. The housing of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the releasable connection system comprises a first interlocking member arranged on the intermediate member. and a second interlocking member, arranged in the cover, wherein the first interlocking member is arranged to interlock with the second interlocking member wherein preferably the releasable connection system comprises a two-step release system arranged to require a user to perform two different actions, e.g. turn and squeeze, before releasing the cover from the intermediate member.

5. The housing of Clause 4, wherein the first interlocking member comprises a slot, and wherein the second interlocking member comprises a projection, such that the first and second interlocking members form a bayonet interlocking mechanism, wherein the rotation of the cover in relation to the intermediate member allows for unlocking wherein preferably the intermediate member comprises a base plate and a peripheral flange, said peripheral flange extending away from the base plate, and wherein said slot extends along an outer surface of the peripheral flange, and wherein said projection is provided on an inner surface of the cover.

6. The housing of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the engaging element is connected to the cover by a cable, wherein preferably a roll-up system for a cable is present, the roll-up system being biased to decrease the distance between cover and the engaging element and wherein the roll-up system allows for increasing the distance between the cover and the engaging element, wherein preferably the engaging element is formed by one of a ring, a looped wire, a weld, a composite material, a polymer material.

7. The housing of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the releasable connection system comprises a button, positioned on the cover, and wherein depressing the button detaches the cover from the intermediate member. wherein preferably the releasable connection svstem comprises two buttons, preferably positioned on opposing sides of the cover such that engaging the grip of the cover results in depressing the buttons and releasing the cover from the intermediate member.

8. The housing of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the intermediate member is a plate- shaped frame, comprising at least one opening wherein the intermediate member comprises a base plate and a peripheral flange, said peripheral flange extending away from the base plate.

9. The housing of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the cover comprises aluminum and/or wherein the intermediate member comprises aluminum, and/or wherein the releasable connection system comprises aluminum.

10. The housing of any of the preceding Clauses. further comprising an electronic svstem, wherein electronic system is arranged to be activated by a signal, e.g. from an emergency sensor, such as a fire alarm, wherein preferably the electronic system comprises a light source and/or a sound system, wherein preferably the electronic system comprises a release sensor that is arranged to provide the signal to activate the electronic system when the cover is released from the intermediate member, wherein preferably the electronic system is mounted on the cover.

11. Assembly of housing, door lock and emergency unlocking device, wherein the door lock is to be fitted into a door, wherein the emergency unlocking device is arranged to unlock the door lock and wherein the housing is arranged to be connected to a surface and comprises a cover connected to an engaging element for engaging the emergency unlocking device.

12. Assembly according to Clause 11, further comprising a smoke detector, wherein activation of the smoke detector sends an electronic signal to an electronic device of the housing, preferably wherein said electronic device comprises a light source and/or a sound system.

13. Method of using the housing of any of the preceding Clauses, comprising: providing an housing of any of the preceding claims, attaching the intermediate member to a surface, connecting an emergency unlocking device to the cover attaching the cover to the intermediate member thereby receiving the emergency unlocking device in an interior of the housing.

14. The method of Clause 13, wherein the step of detaching the cover from the intermediate member activates a flashlight attached to the cover.

15. The method of Clauses 13 or 14, wherein the step of detaching the cover from the intermediate member activates emergency lighting, preferably wherein said emergency lighting is of yellow light.

Claims

Conclusions

A housing for an emergency release unit, the housing comprising at least an intermediate element and a cover part, the intermediate element being adapted to be connected to a surface, the housing having a releasable connection system adapted to connect the cover part to the intermediate element wherein the cover part is connected to an engagement means for engaging the emergency release unit.

A housing according to claim 1, wherein the housing has an interior space adapted to receive the gripping means. preferably wherein the cover part has a grip for a user. wherein the releasable connection system and the grip are adapted to allow a user to grasp the grip and to release the cover part with engagement means from the intermediate element.

A house according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover part has a volume of at least 50 cm', preferably of at least 150 cm'; and/or has a minimum dimension of at least 5 cm, preferably at least 8 cm and more preferably of at least 10 cm.

A house according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the releasable connection system has a first connecting means mounted on the intermediate member and a second connecting means mounted on the cover means. wherein the first connector is arranged to engage the second connector, preferably wherein the releasable connection system has a two-step release system arranged to allow a user to perform actions in two directions, e.g. twisting and squeezing, before the cover member detaches from the intermediate element.

A housing according to claim 4, wherein the first connecting means comprises a slot and wherein the second connecting means comprises a cam, such that the first and second connecting means form a bayonet mechanism, rotation of the cover part relative to the intermediate element permitting the loosening of the connecting means. makes,

preferably wherein the intermediate element has a base plate and a raised edge, the raised edge extending along the edge of the base plate and wherein the cam is arranged on an inner surface of the cover element.

6. House according to one of the preceding claims, in which the gripping element is connected to the cover part via a cable. wherein preferably a roll-up system for a cable is present, wherein the roll-up system is biased to reduce the length between cover element and gripping element and wherein the roll-up system is adapted to increase the distance between cover element and gripping element. wherein preferably the gripping element is formed by a ring, a weld, a composite material or a polymer material.

7. A house according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the releasable connection system comprises a push button positioned on the cover part, and wherein pressing the push button results in the cover part becoming detached from the intermediate element, wherein the releasable connection system preferably comprises two push buttons , preferably positioned on opposite sides of the cover part such that engaging the grip of the cover part results in the depressing of the push buttons and the release of the cover part from the intermediate element.

8. House as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the intermediate element is a plate-shaped frame part, comprising at least one opening, wherein the intermediate element comprises a base plate and a raised edge, the raised edge of the base plate protruding.

9. A house according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover part comprises aluminum and/or wherein the intermediate element comprises aluminium, and/or wherein the releasable connection system comprises aluminium.

10. House according to one of the preceding claims. further comprising an electronic system, wherein the electronic system is adapted to be activated by a signal, for instance from an emergency sensor, such as a fire alarm, wherein the electronic system preferably comprises a light source and/or a sound system,

preferably wherein the electronic system has a measuring sensor arranged to generate a signal to activate the electronic system when the cover part is detached from the intermediate element, preferably wherein the electronic system is arranged on the cover part.

11. Assembly of housing, door lock and emergency release unit. wherein the door lock is mountable on or in a door, wherein the emergency release unit is adapted to unlock the door lock and wherein the housing is adapted to be fixed to a surface and comprises a cover member connected to the emergency release unit via a cable.

An assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a smoke detector, wherein activation of the smoke detector sends a signal to an electronic system on the house, preferably said electronic system comprising a light source and/or a sound system.

Method for using the house according to any of the preceding claims, comprising: - providing a house according to any of the preceding claims.

- placing the intermediate element on a surface, - connecting an emergency unlocking unit to the cover element, - arranging the cover element on the intermediate element, wherein the emergency unlocking unit is accommodated in an interior space of the house.

The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of detaching the cover member from the intermediate member resulting in activation of a light source.

The method of claim 14, wherein the step of detaching the cover portion from the intermediate element turns on emergency lighting. preferably turning on yellow lighting.