WO1999054575A2

WO1999054575A2 - Security devices

Info

Publication number: WO1999054575A2
Application number: PCT/ZA1999/000019
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benedicte Valerie Roumega
Original assignee: Bacon Brian
Priority date: 1998-04-22
Filing date: 1999-04-22
Publication date: 1999-10-28
Also published as: WO1999054575A3; AU4871799A; WO1999054575A8

Abstract

A security device is disclosed which inhibits opening of a door or window. In one form the device (10) comprises an element (14) which fits in a floor at a place over which the door or window must pass when opening. A stop element (12) has a spigot (16) which fits in the sleeve (20) of the element (14). The stop element (12) when fitted into the sleeve (20) protrudes above floor level and lies in the path of travel of the door or window to prevent it being opened. In another form the security device is remotely operable. In still further forms the device includes audible alarm means to warn of attempted door or window opening.

Description

SECURITY DEVICES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

THIS INVENTION relates to security devices for preventing

unauthorized access to premises.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Increasing crime rates make it desirable to secure premises against

unauthorized entry. Conventionally this is done by closing and locking all doors and

windows. However, burglars are adept at picking locks and even if they do not have

the skills necessary to enter premises in this way, brute force to break locks or

window panes ensures unauthorized entry.

Many premises are protected by an alarm system which is triggered

upon a window or door being opened. However, by the time the alarm system has

been activated, access has been gained to the premises and the burglar will

normally delay his escape for long enough to grab whatever valuables or saleable

goods are to hand.

The present invention seeks to provide a security device which will

inhibit unauthorized entry to premises. It also seeks to provide a security installation

which will establish an alarm condition before entry is gained to the premises and

which will continue to inhibit entry after establishing an alarm condition. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a

security device for preventing opening of a door or window of premises comprising a

hollow sleeve of circular cross section for insertion into a socket in a surface over

which the door or window passes during opening and which socket is inaccessible

from outside the premises, and a stop element having a spigot of circular cross

section for insertion into said sleeve, the stop element further having a head of

circular cross section which is of greater diameter than the spigot, the stop element,

once in the sleeve, protruding from the sleeve and lying in the path of travel of said

door or window and inhibiting movement thereof.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is

provided a security device for preventing opening of a door or window of premises

comprising a sleeve for insertion into a socket in a surface over which the door or

window passes during opening, a stop element for insertion into said sleeve, the

stop element, once in the sleeve, protruding from the sleeve and lying in the path of

travel of said door or window and preventing movement thereof, and means

operable from a location remote from said device for locking said stop element to

said sleeve and for releasing said stop element from the sleeve.

In one form the device includes an infrared receiver for receiving lock

and unlock signals. In another form the device includes a radio receiver for receiving

lock and unlock signals. In the preferred form said sleeve is cylindrical and open at least at one

end, and said element includes a spigot which fits into said sleeve and a head at

one end of the spigot, the transverse dimensions of the head being greater than

those of the spigot.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided,

in combination;

a security device comprising a sleeve and a stop element, the sleeve being

for mounting in a socket in a surface over which the door or window passes during

opening and which socket is inaccessible from outside the premises and the stop

element being for insertion into said sleeve, the stop element, once in the sleeve,

protruding from the sleeve and lying in the path of travel of said door or window and

preventing movement thereof;

a switch for mounting on said door or window so that it encounters said

element upon the door or window being moved in the opening direction;

and an audible and/or visual alarm means which is activated upon said switch

being operated by said element during attempted door or window opening.

In one form said switch and said alarm means form part of a unit which

can be mounted on said door or window. In another form said switch and a signal

transmitter form part of a first unit which can be mounted on the door or window,

said alarm means and a signal receiver being contained within a housing forming a

second unit that can be mounted at a location remote from said first unit. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided

a security installation comprising a sleeve mounted in a socket in a surface over

which the door or window passes during opening and which socket is inaccessible

from outside the premises, a stop element for insertion into said sleeve, the stop

element, once in the sleeve, protruding from the sleeve and lying in the path of travel

of said door or window and preventing movement thereof, a switch mounted on said

door or window so that it encounters said element upon the door or window being

moved in the opening direction, and an audible and/or visual alarm means which is

activated upon said switch being operated by said element during attempted door or

window opening.

Said switch can be a mechanical switch operated by pressure exerted

thereon when the door or window is forced against said element. Alternatively said

switch can be a proximity sensor.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a

security device for preventing opening of a door or window, the device comprising a

first component in the form of a casing for mounting in a socket in a surface over

which a door or window moves during opening, the casing containing a battery and

a sounder for providing an audible alarm and a second component including a spigot

which can be inserted into the first component, the second component, once in the

first component, protruding from the first component and lying in the path of travel of

said door or window and inhibiting movement thereof, the device including switch means operable upon the door or window being moved in the opening direction to

activate said sounder.

This device preferably includes locking means operable from a location

remote from said device for locking said first and second components to one another

to prevent removal of said second component from said first component and for

releasing said components from one another to permit removal of said second

component from first component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how

the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example,

to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Figure 1 is a pictorial view of a first form of security device in accordance with

the present invention;

Figure 2 is a section showing the security device of Figure 1 in use;

Figure 3 is a pictorial view illustrating a security system which includes an

audible or visual alarm;

Figure 4 is a section through a further security device which incorporates an

audible alarm;

Figure 5 is a section through a further security device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The security device 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises first and second

components 12 and 14.

The component 12 has a solid spigot 16 of circular cross section and a

solid head 18 which is also of circular cross section and of greater diameter than the

spigot 16. The spigot 16 and head 18 are coaxial.

The component 14 is in the form of a hollow sleeve 20 with a circular

flange 22 at one end. The inside diameter of the sleeve 20 is such that the spigot

16 can be inserted, with an amount of free play to make insertion effortless, into the

sleeve 20 from the end at which the flange 22 is located. Once the spigot is inserted

into the sleeve, the underside of the head 18 rests on the flange 22.

The security device 10 is used by mounting the component 14 in a

socket 24 provided therefor in a floor F. The socket can have an epoxy based

adhesive therein to hold the component in place. The flange 22 can lie on the

surface of the floor as shown or in a circular depression (not shown) which

surrounds the socket 24. In this form the top face of the flange 22 lies flush with the

floor. The socket 24 is provided in a position such that door D (or window) being

swung or slid towards its open position as shown by arrow A in Figure 2 passes

freely over the socket 24 and over the component 14 which is in the socket. The socket 24 can be drilled in the floor in retrofit situations or the

component 14 can be embedded in the wet concrete of the floor if fitted during

construction.

When the spigot 16 of the component 12 is inserted into the sleeve 20

from above, the head 18 protrudes above floor level. Hence, as the door or window

is swung or slid open as shown by arrow A, it encounters the head 18 and further

movement thereof is prevented.

The socket can be close to the door or window when the door or

window is closed whereby the head 18 prevents any movement whatsoever of the

door or window. Alternatively it can be spaced from the closed door or window so

that a small amount of movement is permitted before the door or window impacts on

the head 18.

The security system of Figure 3 comprises a security device 10 as

shown in Figures 1 and 2 and a unit 26 which is secured to a door D. The door D

(the lower part of which is shown) is secured by hinges H to a post P. In its simplest

form the unit 26 comprises a casing 28 in which there is housed a battery 30 and a

audible alarm 32. The alarm 32 is preferably a piezo electric sounder. Externally of

the casing 28 there is a switch 34. The switch 34 is preferably a mechanical switch

embedded in rubber or a similar compound so that substantial pressure has to be

exerted on the switch 34 before it activates. The switch 34 could, however, be a proximity switch as described in more detail hereinafter. The switch 34 is positioned

so that it encounters the head 18 as the door or window is opened as shown by

arrow B. Upon sufficient pressure being exerted on the switch 34 by the door as the

person trying to enter the premises in an unauthorized manner pushes on it, the

switch 34 closes and the alarm 32 is activated.

There can be a holding circuit for maintaining the alarm 32 activated

even if pressure on the switch 34 ceases when the door is released. The holding

circuit in a simple form comprises a small solenoid which is itself energised when the

switch 34 closes. This closes a set of solenoid contacts which are in parallel with

the switch 34 and in series with the sounder 32. Thus even when the switch 34

opens there is a closed circuit through the solenoid's contacts and the sounder. The

set of solenoid contacts can either be opened manually to shut-off the alarm or

alternatively a manually operable normally closed switch, in series with both the

switch 34 and the solenoid's set of contacts, can be provided. A reset button 36 for

temporarily opening this switch to de-energize the solenoid and deactivate the alarm

is shown protruding from the casing 28.

In another form the alarm 32 is not in the casing 28 but at a remote

location. It can be, for example, the alarm of a burglar alarm system fitted to the

premises. The unit 26 in this form includes a radio transmitter. The corresponding

radio receiver is mounted on a wall or ceiling and connected into the burglar alarm

system so that the burglar alarm system is activated upon the receiver receiving a radio signal from the unit 26. Provided the unit 26 and receiver can be mounted in a

line of sight relationship, an infrared link can be used instead of a radio link.

Turning now to Figure 4, the security device illustrated is designated

38 and again comprises two components 40 and 42 similar to, but larger than, the

components 12 and 14.

The component 40 includes a cylindrical casing 44 which forms a

housing for a battery 46 and a sounder 48. Two circular contacts 50 enable the

circuitry in the component 40 to be connected to a switch 52 of the component 42.

The housing 40 is closed at its upper end by an end plate 54. A

central hollow sleeve 56 extends downwards from the end plate 54 and, in use,

receives a spigot 58 of the component 42. The end plate 54 and sleeve 56 are

removable to permit access to the battery 46. The component 42 has a head 60

which is larger than the spigot 58, the switch 52 being mounted in a recess in the

periphery of the head 60.

The switch 52 can be a proximity sensor such as a Hall effect switch

or a reed switch, or can be a mechanical switch similar to the switch 34. Leads 62

extend from the switch 52 to two circular contacts 64 at the lower end of the spigot

56. The component 40 of the security device 38 is mounted in a floor

socket in the same way as the component 12 of the security device 10. When the

spigot 58 of the component 42 is dropped into the sleeve 56, the contacts 64 come

to rest on the contacts 50.

The security device 40 includes a holding circuit (not shown) for the

sounder 48. This circuit is preferably electronic rather than electromechanical

because of the space constraints but operates in the same way as the holding circuit

described above in relation to Figure 3.

The door or window carries a magnet or a metal plate if the switch 52

is a reed switch or a Hall effect switch. If the switch 52 is of the same mechanical

type as the switch 34, then nothing need be attached to the door or window.

When the switch 52 closes upon pressure being exerted upon it, or

upon the magnet or metal plate on the door or window coming into close proximity to

it, the sounder 48 is activated and remains activated until manually switched off by

means of the reset button. In this form the reset button can protrude from the top

face of the head 60.

It will be understood that the security devices described thus far must

all be used inside the premises being protected as they are rendered inoperative by

removing the component 12 or 42 from the component 14 or 40. If the device is to be used on, for example, a sliding door where the

moving door is outside the fixed door when the sliding door is open, or on a swinging

door which opens outwardly, a device with locking means is required. The locking

means, until released, secures the components 12 and 14 or 40 and 42 together. In

the preferred form the device with locking means includes a radio frequency or

infrared receiver. The corresponding transmitter is carried by an authorized person.

When the transmitter is activated the device is locked and when the transmitter is

next activated the device is unlocked.

Turning now to Figure 5 this illustrates a form of security device that

can be used on the outside of premises. The securing device illustrated is generally

designated 66 and comprises a stop 68 which is hinged at 70 to the upper edge of

an open topped housing 72. The housing is embedded in a floor 74. The stop 68

includes a depending wall 76 and a top plate 78 which forms a closure for the

housing 72 when the stop 68 is depressed.

A battery 80 and a radio receiver 82 are provided in the housing 72. A

first solenoid 84 has its core connected by a rod 86 to the underside of the plate 78.

A spring 88 acts between the body of the solenoid 84 and the underside of the plate

78.

A second solenoid 90 is provided for operating a latch 92 which moves

in guides 94. The core of the solenoid 90 is connected by a rod 96 to the latch 92. A return spring 98 is provided for urging the latch 92 to its forward position.

The wall 76 has a hole 100 in it which co-operates with the latch 92.

The device 66 is shown in its operative condition in Figure 5 and

prevents the door D from moving to the right, that is, towards its open position. The

plate 78 cannot be depressed because the stop 76 is prevented from moving

downwardly by the latch 92.

When the device is to be deactivated, the solenoids 84 and 90 are

activated. The solenoid 90 withdraws the latch 92 and the solenoid 84 pulls the

plate 78 down against the action of the spring 88. When the solenoid 90 de-

energizes, the latch 92 is pushed back by the spring 86 into the hole 100 thereby

holding the plate 78 in its lowered position.

To activate the device, the solenoid 90 is energized whilst the solenoid

84 remains de-energized. The spring 88 thus pushes the plate 78 upwards to the

illustrated position. De-energization of the solenoid 90 allows the spring 96 to push

the latch 92 below the lower edge of the wall 76 thereby preventing the plate from

being pushed down.

A switch (not shown) of any of the forms described above can be

provided on the wall 76 and a sounder (not shown) can be provided in the housing 72. The circuitry of the switch and sounder can be as described above.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A security device for preventing opening of a door or window of

premises comprising a hollow sleeve of circular cross section for insertion into a

socket in a surface over which the door or window passes during opening and which

socket is inaccessible from outside the premises, and a stop element having a

spigot of circular cross section for insertion into said sleeve, the stop element further

having a head of circular cross section which is of greater diameter than the spigot,

the stop element, once in the sleeve, protruding from the sleeve and lying in the path

of travel of said door or window and inhibiting movement thereof.

2. A security device for preventing opening of a door or window of

premises comprising a sleeve for insertion into a socket in a surface over which the

door or window passes during opening, a stop element for insertion into said sleeve,

of travel of said door or window and preventing movement thereof, and means

said sleeve and for releasing said stop element from the sleeve.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, and including an infrared receiver for

receiving lock and unlock signals.

4. A device as claimed in claim 2, and including a radio receiver for receiving lock and unlock signals.

5. A security device as claimed in claim 2, 3 or 4 wherein said sleeve is

cylindrical and open at least at one end, and said element includes a spigot which

fits into said sleeve and a head at one end of the spigot, the transverse dimensions

of the head being greater than those of the spigot.

6. In combination;

a security device comprising a sleeve and a stop element, the sleeve being

opening and which socket is inaccessible from outside the premises and the stop

preventing movement thereof;

a switch for mounting on said door or window so that it encounters said

element upon the door or window being moved in the opening direction;

and an audible and/or visual alarm means which is activated upon said switch

being operated by said element during attempted door or window opening.

7. The combination claimed in claim 6, wherein said switch and said

alarm means form part of a unit which can be mounted on said door or window.

8. The combination claimed in claim 6, wherein said switch and a signal transmitter form part of a first unit which can be mounted on the door or window,

second unit that can be mounted at a location remote from said first unit.

9. A security installation comprising a sleeve mounted in a socket in a

surface over which the door or window passes during opening and which socket is

inaccessible from outside the premises, a stop element for insertion into said sleeve,

the stop element, once in the sleeve, protruding from the socket and lying in the path

of travel of said door or window and preventing movement thereof, a switch mounted

on said door or window so that it encounters said element upon the door or window

being moved in the opening direction, and an audible and/or visual alarm means

which is activated upon said switch being operated by said element during

attempted door or window opening.

10. A security device for preventing opening of a door or window, the

device comprising a first component in the form of a casing for mounting in a socket

in a surface over which a door or window moves during opening, the casing

containing a battery and a sounder for providing an audible alarm, and a second

component including a spigot which can be inserted into the first component, the

second component, once in the first component, protruding from the first component

and lying in the path of travel of said door or window and inhibiting movement

thereof, the device including switch means operable upon the door or window being

moved in the opening direction to activate said sounder.

11. A security device as claimed in claim 10, and which includes locking

means operable from a location remote from said device for locking said first and

second components to one another to prevent removal of said second component

from said first component and for releasing said components from one another to

permit removal of said second component from first component.

12. An installation as claimed in claim 9, wherein said switch is

mechanically operated by pressure exerted thereon when the door or window is

forced against said element.

13. An installation as claimed in claim 9, wherein said switch is a proximity

sensor.

14. A security device comprising a component having a first operative

position in which it lies in the path of movement of a door or window which is being

opened and a second, inoperative, retracted position, in which it does not lie in said

path of movement, means for displacing said component between said positions,

and receiver means for receiving a signal from a remote location and operating the

component displacing means.

15. A security device as claimed in claim 14 and including audible and/or

visual alarm means and a switch which lies in the path of travel of said door or

window and which activates said alarm means upon opening of said door or window when the component is in its operative position.