WO2011054591A1

WO2011054591A1 - Security apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2011054591A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/063928
Authority: WO
Inventors: Itshak Allen
Original assignee: Itshak Allen
Priority date: 2009-11-05
Filing date: 2010-09-21
Publication date: 2011-05-12
Also published as: GB2477002A; GB2473679A; GB201010087D0; GB0919412D0; GB201017285D0; WO2011054590A1; GB2475133B; GB2473679B; GB2475133A

Abstract

Security apparatus for alarming an aperture having a closure member that is pivotably or slidably moveable therein. The apparatus comprises an alarm signalling device and, to actuate said alarm signalling device, a plurality of alarm tripping arrangements of which a first is responsive to the closure member opening and/or closing of the aperture, and a second is responsive to a movement through the open aperture. The apparatus further comprises switching means operable, e.g. with a predetermined "no alarm" delay, during a transition of the closure member between closed and open positions to switch between the two tripping arrangements.

Description

SECURITY APPARATUS

DESCRIPTION

Technical Field

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

Background

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

With a view to ameliorating this problem, my co-pending UK Patent Application No. 0919412.7 and International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2010/063889 proposes security apparatus for alarming an aperture having a movable closure member therein, said apparatus including a first unit for location to one side of the aperture and the closure member, a second unit for location to another side of the aperture and the closure member, a radiation emitter in association with the first unit, a radiation sensor in association with the first or the second unit, and reflector means to reflect radiation from the emitter towards the sensor and across the aperture, said apparatus being characterized in that the closure member has one or more bounding elements that are apertured to permit passage therethrough of the radiation en route from the emitter to the sensor and such that an alarming function can be provided whether or not the aperture is closed by said closure member. Such an arrangement requires the closure member to have one or more bounding elements that are apertured to permit passage therethrough of the radiation en route from the emitter to the sensor, and it is deemed desirable to provide security apparatus that can function without such apertured bounding elements.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of this invention there is provided security apparatus for alarming an aperture having a movable closure member therein, said apparatus comprising an alarm signalling device and, to actuate said alarm signalling device, a plurality of alarm tripping arrangements of which a first is responsive to the closure member opening and/or closing of the aperture, and a second is responsive to a movement through the open aperture.

It is accordingly considered that suitable embodiments of the invention can provide security protection for a property both when the windows and doors are open and when they are closed .

In one embodiment the apparatus further comprises switching means operable during a transition of the closure member between closed and open positions to switch between the two tripping arrangements.

Conveniently said switching means may be operable to provide a predetermined delay during which no alarm signal is generated, e.g . neither tripping arrangement is operable.

The switching means may comprise a room-mounted PIR arrangement, or a pair of mutually inter-reactive members associated with the closure member and a frame therefore (e.g. a physically-tripped switch or a magnet-operated switch or an optical switch) .

In one embodiment of said apparatus the second alarm tripping arrangement comprises a first unit for location to one side boundary of the aperture and the closure member, a second unit for location to another side boundary of the aperture and the closure member, a radiation emitter in association with the first unit, a radiation sensor in association with the first or the second unit, and reflector means to reflect radiation in a path from the emitter towards the sensor and across the aperture when that path is not obstructed by the closure member.

The term 'side boundary' as used herein includes 'top' and 'bottom' .

With advantage the switching means is operable between the two switch conditions by movement of the closure member, and the apparatus includes an alarm control unit controlling operation of the alarm signalling device and responsive to operation of the switching means such that in one switch condition the control unit provides an ALARMED state when the aperture is closed by said closure member and in the other switch condition provides an ALARMED state when the aperture is not closed by the closure member.

The alarm control unit may be actuated by said switching means to provide for a short interval of non-activation (i.e. Un-Alarmed) for the duration that the closure member is being moved between aperture-closed to aperture-open conditions.

Each of said first and second units may comprise a framing element for the aperture.

In one arrangement the reflector means of said second alarm tripping arrangement may be associated with each said framing element such that the radiation can traverse the space between the first and second framing elements a plurality of times en route from the emitter to the sensor.

In another arrangement the reflector means of said second alarm tripping arrangement may be associated with each said framing element such that the radiation can traverse the space between the two framing elements a multiplicity of times in a zig-zag manner en route from the emitter to the sensor. The closure member may be a slidable door or window. Alternatively the closure member may be a door or window mounted pivotably in the aperture, e. g. to the first or the second said framing element or to another framing element for the aperture (in which case that other framing element may extend at right angles to said first and second elongate framing elements) .

Brief Description of the Drawings

By way of example embodiments of this invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings of which :

Figure 1 is a cut-away perspective view of security apparatus in an embodiment of this invention applied to a door in a doorway opening;

Figure 2 shows schematically a partial cut-away elevation of a portion of the embodiment of Fig. 1 ;

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of security apparatus in a second embodiment of this invention as applied to either a pivoted window or door (shown in closed condition) ;

Figure 4 is a similar view to that of Fig. 3 with the pivoted window or door in open condition,

Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of security apparatus in a third embodiment of this invention as applied to a pivoted door (shown in open condition); and

Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of security apparatus in a fourth embodiment of this invention as applied to a pivoted door (shown in open condition) .

Detailed Description of Example(s) of the Invention

The security apparatus 10 of Figs 1 and 2 is for a building opening 212 provided with a pivotal closure member 215 comprising a glazed door (Figs 1 and 2) or a sol id opaque door within a doorframe 214. The apparatus 1 0 includes a pair of elongate elements 216, 218 for location one to each side of the opening 212. The elongate elements 216, 218 are on the bounding edge to the opening 2 12. An alarm tripping arrangement associated with the aperture and door 215 comprises a radiation emitter 225 that is associated with, e. g. is incorporated in or on, one elongate member 216 and a radiation sensor 230 that is associated with, e.g. incorporated in or on, one or other of the elongate elements 216, 218 - preferably the same element 216 at a location remote from emitter 225. In addition, reflector means 236 are associated with at least one of the elongate elements 216 , 218 to reflect radiation from the emitter 225 towards the sensor 230.

In the embodiment of Figs 1 and 2, the emitter 225 is located towards the top of the vertical elongate element 216, and the sensor 230 is located towards the bottom of the same vertical elongate element 216. The sensor 230 could, in an alternative arrangement, be located towards the bottom of the opposite vertical elongate element 218. The reflector means may comprise a continuous elongate mirror-like strip extending longitudinally of one or both elements 216 and 218 , or, as shown, may comprise discrete reflective, e.g. mirror-like, elements 236 mounted on the opposed inwardly facing surfaces of the elongate elements 2 16, 218 that are lateral boundary walls for the aperture 212. In each case the arrangement is such that, when the opening 212 is open and not obstructed by the door 215 , the radiation from emitter 225 can traverse the space between the two elongate elements 216, 218 a plurality of times across the opening 212 as a beam 232 en route from the emitter 225 to the sensor 230, e.g. in a zig-zag manner, along the path 232 illustrated. The radiation may be a beam of electromagnetic radiation, e.g. of passive or active infra-red radiation or of visible light, preferably laser light. The beam 232 traverses its (zig-zag) path in a plane that extends in the plane of the door 215.

It will be appreciated that in this illustrated embodiment of the invention, the two elongate elements 216, 218 constitute a pair of mutually opposite framing elements of a fully-fitted doorframe in which the door 215 is mounted for pivoted motion about hinge 210. Where the door 215 is solid or is not provided with the apertures 213 shown in Fig 2, the door obstructs the beam 232 when the door is closed. In this case, the hinge 210 (Fig 2) may actuate a mechanical switch to effect electrical switching between, on the one hand, the emitter-reflector-sensor alarm tripping arrangement associated with parts 225 ,236,230 and, on the other hand, a second alarm tripping arrangement associated with the hinge-actuated mechanical switch .

For this the emitter 225 and the sensor 230 are electrically connected to an alarm control panel that, for example, is mounted on the elongate member 218 or on the same elongate member 216 which the emitter 225 and sensor 230 are mounted . This alarm control panel controls operation of an alarm signalling device of the security apparatus 10 such as to provide an alarm signal (a) in the event that the beam 232 is interrupted whilst the door is open and the apparatus is ARMED or ON , or (b) in the event that the door 215 is moved from its closed position whilst the apparatus is ARMED or ON . The alarm signal generated may be an audible and/or visual indication and/or a triggering signal to a camera, audio/visual recorder or to an electro-mechanical lock device on the same or another door .

As mentioned above, a separate alarm tripping arrangement is associated with the same aperture 212 and door 215 , this arrangement providing, when armed , a similar alarm signal in the event that the door 215 (having no boundary wall openings 2 13) is opened from its closed condition. The two arrangements are interconnected by the mechanical switch associated with the hinge 210 so as to provide, in one hinge position with the door open, for the alarm control unit, and the alarm signal l ing device controlled thereby, to be responsive, when ARMED, to the beam path being interrupted , and in the other hinge position - corresponding to the door being closed for the alarm control unit, and the alarm signalling device controlled thereby, to be responsive, when ARMED, to the door being opened from a closed position. The control unit controls both tripping arrangements and can provide for a predetermined short interval of non-activation (alarm disarmed) for the duration that the closure member moves between aperture open to aperture closed conditions . This short interval is preferably no more than of a few seconds duration and , for example, is commensurate with the time interval allowed on a conventional domestic alarm system between arming the system and exiting the premises.

As an alternative to a hinge-operated mechanical switch providing a suitable signal of a door's positional status to the alarm control unit or panel , a non-direct elecirical switching can be provided by a room-mounted PIR (passive infra-red) arrangement. Alternatively, the mechanical switch can comprise a pair of mutually inter -reactive members associated with the door and the door-frame. Other examples of potentially suitable switching means may include an electric physically-tripped switch or a magnet-operated switch or an optical switch, in each case this being tripped by movement of the door past a critical point of interruption of the beam by the closing door . Any of such arrangements can be operable automatically by a transition of the door between closed and open positions to switch between the two alarm tripping arrangements - preferably with a predetermined delay during which neither tripping arrangement is operable, this delay being initiated by movement of the door away from either its fully open or its fully closed position . This short interval is preferably no more than of a few seconds duration and, for example, is commensurate with the time interval allowed on a conventional domestic alarm system between arming the system and exiting the premises.

It will be thus appreciated that the embodiment of Figs 1 and 2 can provide alarmed security for a property both when the door 215 is open and when it is closed .

In the embodiment of Figs 3 and 4, the emitter 325 is instead located towards one (left hand) end of the upper elongate element 317 , and the sensor 330 is instead located towards an opposite (right hand) end of the same upper elongate element 317 or of the opposite bottom elongate element 319 positioned at or adjacent ground level . A plurality of individual reflectors 336 are provided along the upper surface of the bottom elongate element 319 and along the underneath surface of the upper elongate element 317 (not visible) to reflect radiation from the emitter 325 towards the sensor 330 when the door is open (see Fig 4) . An alarm control panel 338 controls operation of an alarm signalling device of the security apparatus of Figs 3 and 4 such as to provide an alarm signal, in the event that the beam 332 is interrupted whilst the door 3 15 is open and the apparatus is ARMED or ON . The alarm signal generated may be an audible and/or visual indication and/or a triggering signal to a camera, audio/visual recorder or to an electro mechanical lock device on the same or another door .

As with the embodiment of Figs 1 and 2, a separate alarm tripping arrangement is associated with the same aperture 3 12 and door 315 , this alarm tripping arrangement providing, when armed, a similar alarm signal from the same alarm signalling device in the event that the door 315 is opened from its closed condition of Fig 3. The two tripping arrangements are selectively rendered operable by the switch position of a mechanical switch 313 associated with the hinge 3 10 so as to provide, in one hinge position with the door open (Fig 4) , for the alarm control unit and signalling device to be responsive, when ARMED, to the beam path being interrupted , and in the other hinge position - corresponding to the door being closed - for the alarm control unit and signalling device to be responsive, when ARMED, to the door being opened from a closed position. The alarm control unit 338 controls both tripping arrangements and can provide for a predetermined short interval of non-activation for the duration that the closure member moves between aperture open to aperture closed conditions and/or for the duration that the closure member moves between aperture closed to aperture open conditions . This short interval is preferably momentary, i.e. no more than of a few seconds duration and, for example, is commensurate with the time interval allowed on a conventional domestic alarm system between arming the system and exiting the premises.

When the opening 312 is open and not obstructed by the door 315 , the radiation from emitter 325 can traverse the space between the two elongate elements 317 ,3 19 a plurality of times across the opening 312 as a beam 332 en route from the emitter 325 to the sensor 330, e.g . in a zig-zag manner, along the path 332 illustrated IN It will be noted that alarming of the apparatus can be effected successfully whether the door is closed or is open.

Such an arrangement, where the beam path traverses the opening from an elongate top element to an elongate bottom element and where alarming of the apparatus can be effected successfully whether the door is closed or is open, is also adopted in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5. In this embodiment, an emitter 425 is instead located towards one (left hand) end of the upper elongate element 417, and the sensor 430 is instead located towards an opposite (right hand) end of the opposite bottom elongate element 419 positioned at or adjacent ground level. A plurality of individual reflectors 436 are provided along the upper surface of the bottom elongate element 419, and (not visible) along the underside of the upper elongate framing element 317, to reflect radiation from the emitter 425 towards the sensor 430 when the door is open (see Fig 5). An alarm control panel (such as 338 of Fig 3) controls operation of the alarm signalling device of the security apparatus of Fig 5 such as to provide an alarm signal (a) in the event that the beam from emitter 425 to sensor 430 is interrupted whilst the door 415 is open and the apparatus is ARMED or ON, and (b) in the event that the door is moved in an opening direction from its closed position whilst the apparatus is ARMED or ON. The alarm signal generated may be an audible and/or visual indication and/or a triggering signal to a camera, audio/visual recorder or to an electro-mechanical lock device on the same or another door.

As with the above-described and illustrated embodiments alarm signal generation (b) is provided by a separate alarm tripping arrangement associated with the same aperture 412 and door 415, this tripping arrangement providing , when armed, a similar alarm signal in the event that the door 415 is opened from its closed condition.. The two tripping arrangements are rendered selectively operable by a mechanical switch associated either with the hinge 410 or with the door -stay 41 1 so as to provide, in one door position with the door open (Fig 5), for the alarm system to be responsive, when ARMED, to the beam path being interrupted, and in the other hinge position - corresponding to the door being closed - for the alarm system to be responsive, when ARMED, to the door being opened from its closed position. The alarm control unit (such 338 of Fig 3) controls both alarm tripping arrangements and can provide for a predetermined short interval of non-activation for the duration that the closure member moves between aperture open to aperture closed conditions and/or for the duration that the closure member moves between aperture closed to aperture open conditions. This short interval is preferably no more than of a few seconds duration and, for example, is commensurate with the time interval allowed on a conventional domestic alarm system between arming the system and exiting the premises.

When the opening 412 is open and not obstructed by the door 415, the rad iation from emitter 425 can traverse the space between the two elongate elements 417,419 a plurality of times across the opening 412 a multiplicity of times as a beam en route from the emitter 425 to the sensor 430, e. g. in a zig-zag manner .

It will thus be noted that alarming of the apparatus can be effected successfully whether the window is closed or is open.

The embodiment of Fig 6 is similar to that of Fig 5 except that, in place of the mechanical switch associated either with the hinge 510 or with a door-stay , a sensor 530 is provided on the top edge of the door 515 for co-operation, when the door 15 is closed , with the emitter 525. As with the embodiment of Fig 5, when the door 5 15 is open, and due to the reflector means 536, the radiation from emitter 525 can also traverse the space between the two elongate elements 517, 519 a plurality of times as a beam, e.g. in a zig-zag manner, in the plane of the doorway 5 12 (and the closed door 515) en route from the emitter 525 to the sensor 531 provided in Fig 6, at the right-hand and of the bottom elongate frame member 519. By connection in an alarm system such as that described above, a suitable alarm signal can be generated (a) if and when that beam across the open doorway is interrupted and (b) when the door is closed and, in consequence, the cooperation between the sensor 530 and the emitter 525 closes a circuit to a second alarm tripping arrangement that is controlled via the same control panel as that controlling and setting the first alarm tripping arrangement. In this way the opening 5 12 can be alarmed both when it is open and when it is closed by the door 515.

It wil l be appreciated that in the embodiment of Fig 6 the emitter 525 is common to both alarm tripping arrangements and that these two tripping arrangements are governed or controlled by the control panel or unit to provide for neither tripping arrangement to be active for a short period during which the closure member 515 is being moved between aperture-closed to aperture-open conditions . This short interval is preferably no more than of a few seconds duration and , for example, is commensurate with the time interval allowed on a conventional domestic alarm system between arming the system and exiting the premises.

The embodiment of Fig 6 can be readily modified to suit a door that is mounted slidably in a frame. For this an emitter such as 525 on the door frame is common

(a) to a door-mounted sensor such as 530 to provide switching between the two alarm tripping arrangements in consequence of the door sliding open or close, and

(b) to a frame-mounted sensor such as 531 to provide tripping of the alarm in consequence of interruption of the zig-zag beam (due to frame-mounted reflectors such as 536) from the emitter 530 to the sensor 531.

In a further modification the features as last described for a sliding door may be applied to a sliding window.

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

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

Claims

1 . Security apparatus for alarming an aperture having a movable closure member therein, said apparatus comprising an alarm signalling device and , to actuate said alarm signalling device, a plurality of alarm tripping arrangements of which a first is responsive to the closure member opening and/or closing of the aperture, and a second is responsive to a movement through the open aperture.

2. Security apparatus according to Claim 1 and further comprising switching means operable during a transition of the closure member between closed and open positions to switch between the two tripping arrangements .

3. Security apparatus according to Claim 2 wherein said switch ing means is operable to provide a predetermined delay during which no alarm signal is generated.

4. Security apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said switching means is operable to provide a predetermined delay during which neither tripping arrangement is operable.

5. Security apparatus according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the switching means comprises a room-mounted P1R arrangement, or a pair of mutually inter-reactive members associated with the closure member and a frame therefor.

6. Security apparatus according to any any one of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the switching means comprises a physically-tripped switch or a magnet-operated switch or an optical switch.

7. Security apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein the second alarm tripping arrangement comprises a first unit for location to one side boundary of the aperture and the closure member, a second unit for location to another side boundary of the aperture and the closure member, a radiation emitter in association with the first unit, a radiation sensor in association with the first or the second unit, and reflector means to reflect radiation in a path from the emitter towards the sensor and across the aperture when that path is not obstructed by the closure member.

8. Security apparatus according to Claim 2 or any one of Claims 3 to 7 when dependent therefrom, wherein the switching means is operable between the two switch conditions by movement of the closure member, and the apparatus includes an alarm control unit controlling operation of the alarm signalling device and responsive to operation of the switching means such that in one switch condition the control unit provides an ALARMED state when the aperture is closed by said closure member and in the other switch condition provides an ALARMED state when the aperture is not closed by the closure member .

9. Security apparatus according to Claim 8 , wherein the alarm control unit is actuable by said switching means to provide for a short interval of non-activaiion (i .e. Un-Alarmed) for the duration that the closure member is being moved between aperture-closed to aperture-open conditions.

10. Security apparatus according to Claim 8 or Claim 9 when dependent from Claim 7 , wherein each of said first and second units comprises a framing element for the aperture.

1 1 . Security apparatus according to Claim 10, wherein the reflector means of said second alarm tripping arrangement is associated with each said framing element such that the rad iation can traverse the space between the first and second framing elements a plurality of times en route from the emitter to the sensor.

12. Security apparatus according to Claim 10 or Claim 1 1 , wherein the reflector means of said second alarm tripping arrangement is associated with each said framing element such that the radiation can traverse the space between the two framing elements a multiplicity of times in a zig-zag manner en route from the emitter to the sensor.

13 Security apparatus according to Claim 7 or to any one of Cairns 8 to 12 when dependant therefrom, wherein the radiation is a beam of electromagnetic radiation.

14. Security apparatus according to Claim 7 or to any one of Claims 8 to 12 when dependant therefrom, wherein the radiation is a beam of passive or active infra-red radiation or of visible light or of laser light.

15. Security apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein the closure member is a slidable door or window.

16. Security apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 14 , wherein the the closure member is a door or window mounted pivotably in the aperture.